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.