Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Our World - Penang Kek Lok Si Temple

Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations are in full swing at Penang Kek Lok Si Temple to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Kek Lok Si is also popularly known as Temple of Supreme Bliss and it is apparently the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia.

We made our way to the temple on the 4th day of CNY again after our last visit in 2009.


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Red and yellow lanterns are among the many decorations at the temple.


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A circular pond with seven-tier ornamental pagoda and a statue of the Buddha inside a gazebo graciously greets visitors who passed by.


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This is the Ordination Hall and the Water Pavilion can be seen from a distance complete with shimmering lanterns and colourful lights.


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One of the main attractions of the temple is the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. There are four dragons that are being assembled at the temple to usher in the Year of the Dragon. Here is one of them, the green-coloured dragon measuring at about 36.5m (120ft) in length, standing guard over the temple’s famous pagoda.


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Like other enthusiastic shutterbugs, I took tons of pictures of the imposing pagoda from all different angles. The pagoda’s architecture combines a unique mix of culture - a Chinese octagonal base, Siamese middle and a Burmese roof.


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From another perspective, I also love the ornate rooftops which are dazzled in multi-coloured lights signifying happiness, hope, and prosperity to the people.


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At any given day, the place is full of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings for prosperity.


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Even though I'm not a devout Buddhist, I've been captivated by the glowing Buddha statue since I was small. The details and beauty of the Buddha's peaceful face was truly inspiring.

During normal days, the visiting hours of the temple are from 8.30am to 5.30pm. However, the opening hours are extended until 12.00 midnight during the CNY festival. Many locals, tourists and community leaders turned up to watch the spectacular sight during this period where the temple is illuminated with a beautiful array of lights for 30 days following CNY.

I don't go around with a tripod so most of my night shots are hand held. Thanks to my trusty Nikon D90 camera, I'm quite pleased with the results. :) I hope you enjoy my photos too.

Our World

31 comments:

  1. Beautiful. Well taken photos of the Buddhism.

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  2. Great photos, amazing decorations.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Hey hand held? Those are great night shots. Mine are all blurred if I try it that way. Love the lanterns and all the designs. Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. No tripod? Your hand must be very steady! : )

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  5. Your photos and the temple are spectacular i've never seen anything like it, its so colourful and serene :-).

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  6. Good morning sweetie, miss you!!! :):):)

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  7. I am sorry for my tardiness but here's wishing you and your family a wonderful CNY! :)

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  8. Yes, I did enjoy the photos very much, esp the temple by night, lovely! :)

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  9. My night shots are usually so blah! :(

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  10. Thanks for sharing sweetie and happy Monday! :)

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  11. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be going through your older posts he he... ;)

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  12. You know i've always appreciated your shots, and you almost read my thoughts in the beginning of the post. At the end you answered it, that you didn't use a tripod. I envy the steadiness of your hands because most of them are vivid! I cannot use handheld at night like you. splendid shots!

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  13. Your night photos are amazingly clear and crisp, especially considering that they were hand-held. The lights and colors of the temple are gorgeous.

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  14. Love this temple but must say it looks better at night than during the day.

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  15. Your photos are incredible, especially as they were hand held! Well done. I love the bright colours and festivities of CNY.

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  16. Wonderful photos, Life Ramblings! The Buddha's images are beautiful, and I like the illumination too.

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  17. Great visit!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  18. Yes, lovely photos, I never tire of enjoying the beauty that transmit these images that illuminate the night. The colors are excellent.

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  19. Wow, these are fantastic photos. The temple, lights and colors are just gorgeous. Thank for sharing this festive world. Have a great week!

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  20. What fantastic captures, so colorful and beautiful! Great celebration it would be such fun to be a part of! Thanks for sharing! Have a lovely week!

    Sylvia

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  21. amazing night shots! i love the vibrant colors.

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  22. Those lights are lovely! Looks like a big celebration at the temple!

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  23. What wonderfully festive images! Thanks for sharing these.

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  24. beautiful lights! what an amazing place this is, so many colours!

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  25. Wow, the pictures turned out great. It looks so festive here and I really like the bright lanterns in your first photo. I can't imagine how long it would have taken to decorate so much area.

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  26. Thanks for visiting my travel-i-tales. Looks like we've been on the same trail in our country. After Ipoh, we went to Penang. My kek lok si pictures were daytime photos. Then I also went to Cameron Highlands, Your header is great.
    Rosie

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