Kek Lok Si - Extra Happy Temples of Penang highlands - Island of thousands of temples

Penang Hill hosts an Indian Temple. The other side of the hill is the more well-known Buddhist Chinese temples. Kek Lok Si has expanded from its humble beginnings to upmarket designed fittings with huge awe inspiring golden Buddha statues.

                                                     Thousand hands Bodisattva

Many shrine halls provide devotees serene environment to pray, make offerings or meditate.

Yet another temple, and to get in, you need to climb, symbolic of reaching for the heavens.

Smooth, shiny and cool granite flooring

Beautifully painted murals of divine beings, patterns and a chandelier centrepiece.

The tortoise pond with hundreds of long-life creatures. Though not overcrowded, the environment is not exactly comfortable and natural.

Most tourists would be encouraged to pass through thousands of stalls have been set up on the steps leading to the peak. Otherwise, you need to take a family car, a four wheel drive, van or mini-bus to bypass the crowded market. Coaches, however, have trouble negotiating the steep and narrow roads uphill.

There's really nothing much to excite an avid shopper. Except for religious gifts and charms, most of these goods can be bought from shops in town or night markets that line the streets in Penang. You do need to bargain hard.

Besides Buddhist and Taoist influenced temples, there are many Hindu temples on Penang Island which is steeped in religious rituals, culture, history and arts.

Penang Hill - on a warm and cloudy day

Navigating the maze of narrow lanes and small shops up the slope, we reached the foot of Penang Hill station. Expect crowds and long queues. 

On the tram which has been refurbished and modernised. It can run at higher speed and less creaky than the previous generation models. 

The roast nuts stall is doing a brisk business. They are traditionally typically Indian managed - micro sole proprietorship or family business.

As good as it gets ... this is quite a nice view despite being a cloudy day. Nothing spectacular.
It was warm up here despite at 735 m (2,450 ft) above sea level.

Time to leave Flagstaff Hill (the lesser known British name) and move to the next sight-seeing destination.

Hotel's Complimentary Welcome Dinner - Penang Greetings and Hospitality

There are two hotels fronting Batu Ferringhi beach that are owned by Shangri-la Group. If you like ethnic and traditional local idlyllic Malay village decor, go for Rasa Sayang. 

Just next to it is the modern and posh Golden Sands Resort, where the rates are apparently slightly cheaper. Both deservedly belong to the upmarket 41/2 star league.

This 3-course dinner which is marked at $40 per person is nice for a set meal.  It is thoughtful and convenient for the tour booking agent and hotel to include this deal.  

Arriving in the evening and braving the after-office hours traffic, you would like to rest and check out the surroundings after an quiet and easy dinner by the pool.

Choices for entree : battered calamari or mushroom soup
Main : Chicken or Salmon
Dessert : chocolate cake with ice-cream