Kek Lok Si Temple

The Temple of Supreme Bliss that sits majestically at the hills of Ayer Itams is
perhaps one of the remarkable gifts that Penang possesses today.

The symbolic and unique characteristic of Kek Lok Si is made well known not only to
locals but also to the mass population of Malaysia. It is like a name that closely
related to history of Penang as a whole. Right now, it has becomes one of the top
tourist attractions in Penang that is frequent by travelers all around the world.

Founded more than 100 years ago by benevolence Beow Lean, a devout Buddhist from Fujian province, the temple was once given the name of "Huock San" (Crane hill) due to the hills resemblance of crane spreading its wings.

The main attraction of the Kek Lok Si Temple is of course the impressive and striking
Pagoda of Rama VI which was completed in the year 1930. It is known to be laid by
the Thai Monarch himself. Widely known as Wan Fo Pau Ta or "The Pagoda of 10
000 Buddhas", The Pagoda displays a collection of Alabaster and Bronze Buddha and
it also contains a Chinese octagonal base with middle tiers of the Thai architecture
and is tapped with a Burmese Temple crown. And towering over one hundred feet
and seven storeys high, The Pagoda is currently the largest of its kind in Malaysia.

The latest additions to the temple complex include the reconstruction / refurbishment of the huge 30.2 m bronze statue of the Greatly Compassionate & Sagely Kuan Yin Avalokitesvara, the completion of the Guan Tong Great Hall, the Aghast Hall and the installation of an Incline Lift to the statue of kuan Yin.

The Kuan Yin statue was completed and opened to the public end of 2002. If you want
to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, look for the signs of the "Incline Lift" that can brings you there. It is an elevated box sized lift mounted on rails. The cost for using the "Inline Lift" will be RM2 each way.

Penang War Museum

This fortress is located at Batu Maung Hill, south east of Penang Island. It was built in the 1930's by the British to protect the island from the invasion of enemies. This 20 acres site is located on a hill and you will be able to see the Straits of Melaka as well as the surrounding areas from here. The construction of this fortress was done by The British Royal Engineers and local labourers. This complicated fort has all the features of a typical defence facilities with underground military tunnels and ammunition bunkers. The ammunition storage is located 9 metres underground with thick stonewall to enable it to withstand enemy's fire. Canon firing bays, cook houses, well, logistic centre, hall, offices, sleeping quarters and medical infirmary are also preserved for your journey of discovery here. There are even underground tunnels that go all the way to the Straits of Melaka for access to submarines.

Once completed, this fort was manned by the British, Sikh and Malay soldiers. During World War II, this fortress came under attacked and fell to the Japanese. It was then used as a Japanese army base where interrogation and torture of prisoners for information were conducted here. Being labelled as a place of horror due to the cruelty of war, this hill was deserted after the War in 1945. It was abandoned for years until it was being cleared off and turned into War Museum by Johari Shafie 30 years later. As the area is quite big, plan to spend about 2 hours here as you will be walking and climbing the stairs that abound on this hill. Proper signages and information about the artifacts are clearly displayed here. As it can be quite humid and hot during the day, remember to bring along a cap to protect your head from the heat of the day. Wear a comfortable shoes and have insect repellant ready to ward off the mosquitoes as you move deeper into the hill.

Walking along this historical site is a learning experience about the history, culture, millitary gadgets and the way of life for those living in this fort. Students and those interested in the history of Malaysia should take time to explore this place.

Operation Hours:

7 days a week (including public holidays) from 9:00am to 7:00pm.

Admission Fees:

Malaysian & Foreigners with PR/working permit = RM15/adult & RM7.50/child. Other visitors are charged RM30/adult and RM15/child.

Penang Hill – Bukit Bendera

Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang, Malaysia. It is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the city centre of George Town, and stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak. Because Penang Hill has a cooler environment, it has been a popular holiday retreat. A number of bungalows were built around Flagstaff Hill. The northern part of the Hills is not well developed. Government Hill, Bukit Timah and others are designated water catchment areas and no development is permitted. Some recreational potential exists at the upper reaches of the river where the water is relatively clean. In a number of cases, sudden changes in ground level have resulted in a series of small waterfalls and rapids; where bathing, dipping and picnicking are popular. The lower terrain of the Hills is used mainly for agricultural and residential purposes. The most important feature of Penang Hill is the cooler climate. The core summit area has an average temperature ranging from 20° to 27°C. The mean minimum temperature is consistently below 21°C. The hottest months are between December and April while the coolest months are between June and October. The most common forest type found on Penang Hill is the hill dipterocarp forest. Growing at higher altitudes are some of the submontane oak-laurel as well as coniferous trees. The Tree fern which is normally associated with higher elevations is also found growing here. Large mammals are not found in Penang Hills. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be sighted. Penang Hills have a rich bird fauna. Over 100 species or about 80% of the birds found on Penang Island have been recorded here. They range from the common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants.

Interesting Places:

• Get up to Penang Hill using the old funicular railway, known as Penang Hill Railway. Alight at Upper Station after about 30 minutes ride. Begins at 6.30am and ends at 9.30pm.

• Go hiking at one of these trails: Botanic Gardens, Hye Keat Estate, Tiger Hill or Moon Gate at Waterfall Road.

• Visit the bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds.

• Go sightseeing along Summit Road

• Try the Canopy Walk.

• Visit the Indian Temple and Mosque which is situated on a hillock, and built side by side.

• Finally, relax at the Railway Bungalow on Penang Hill.

Opening Hours: Opens 7 days a week

Bukit Mertajam @ BM

Bukit Mertajam is the capital of Central Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia. It is commonly known as BM among its locals.

What to see?

1. St. Anne Church (Pilgrims from around the world flock to this church celebrating St. Anne's Day)
2. Pek Kong Cheng (Historical Chinese temple where localist are very believe. In front of the temple, there is food stall which you can find food 24 hours a day)
3. Cherok Tokun (A hill for hiking & you can notice insects like Millipede and colorful butterflies)
4. Mengkuang Dam (The biggest dam in Penang, and a recreational activities venue)
5. Bukit Berapit (A hill full of fruit trees such as durian, mangosteen, and nutmeg, with two buddist temples and scenic views)
6. Auto City (Newly developed area which is one stop for food & auto)
7. Seberang Prai City Perdana Mall (Shopping Mall)
8. The railway station (Once won the most beautiful station in Malaysia award)

What to eat?

• Black Man's Rojak (Olang rojak in Hokkien)

• Duck Egg Fried Kueyteow (One in front of the railway station, another beside the taxi station, and the latest one in Jalan Kulim)

• Soya Milk (nearby Pek Kong Cheng temple along Jalan Pasar)

• Roast Duck & Pork rice (Roadside stall beside Pek Kong Cheng temple)

• Chendol (BM Best Chendol, in the market, beside KFC)

• Yam Rice (Taman Sentosa)

• Dim Sum ("Wong Chow" or "Soon Hong" restaurant)

• Nasi Kandar Pelita (Famous and the largest nasi kandar restaurant chain in M'sia)

• Konlo Mee (a.k.a tok tok mee)
  
• White Wantan Mee (Pek Kong Cheng temple)
  

Penang Bird Park

The first & largest bird park of its kind in Malaysia. Established since 1988, the 5-acre park on the mainland portion of Penang State, has a collection of more that 300 species of birds from all over the world, of which more than 150 species are of Malaysian Species. More than 3,000 birds in this park are carefully and scientifically housed in more than 150 cages for the breeding and conservation purpose. While the Geodesic Domes and 2 giant sized Walk-in-Aviaries, keep hundreds of tamed birds which offers priceless memory and exciting moment for visitors, after hand-feeding them. Exotic birds ranging from tiny Sunbirds to huge, gigantic 8-foot tall Ostriches frolic in an environment that imitates their natural habitat. Penang Bird Park is particularly proud of its hornbills, sunbirds, and pheasants collection. Penang Bird Park is the bird-park loved by the expert ornithologists as well as for the people of all ages who love birds.

How to go there?
Situated on the mainland along the North-South Highways, reachable in 10 mins from the Ferry terminals by bus, or 5 minutes drive from the Penang Bridge toll plaza. Driving along the North-South Highways - turn off at Seberang Jaya interjuntions, following the road signs to Butterworth. Or take special bus from Komtar direct to Seberang Jaya. Free parking for all cars and coaches. Add: Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang,
Malaysia.

Entrance Fees:
Adult - RM 10
Children (below 12 year-old) - RM 5
School Children (with school uniform) - RM 2
Camera - RM 1
Physically and/or mentally handicapped & under privileged persons are allowed free entrance

Open Daily: 9.00am - 7.00pm including weekends & all Public Holidays.
Tel : 604-399 1899
Fax : 604-399 1899

Beaches & Islands In Penang

Batu Feringgi

• Popular beach destination for tourists and locals. This long stretch of sandy beach is home to a wide range of resorts, shopping opportunities and water sports

Tanjung Bungah

• Lush greenery and rocky landscapes. Some claim that the views of the horizon from the beach are simply the best in Penang!

Teluk Bahang

• A peaceful environment and breezy wind, Teluk Bahang is perfect for a weekend retreat

Pantai Teluk Kampi

• The longest stretch of beach in the Penang National Park

Aman Island

• Here you can go fishing, engage in water sports or trek in the rich forest of the island
  

Jerejak Island

• Rich in flora and fauna. Has an amazing sights here include tropical trees, lingering lianas and exotic orchids

Must Visit Places In Penang

• Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emperor’s Temple) (Air Itam)

• Penang Hill

• Kek Lok Si Temple

• Reclining Buddha

• National Park (Muka Head)

• Toy Museum

• Tropical Spice Garden (it’s the only spice garden in South East Asia)

• Butterfly Farm

• War Museum