Penang Hill & Kek Lok Si Chinese Temple Half-Day Tour

A day of spirituality and the mountains!

Head out for a half-day tour of the magnificent Kek Lok Si temple and the cold and inviting Penang Hill. Learn everything there is to know about the temple and the quaint hillside with your expert tour guide cum driver who will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back.

Your first pitstop will be the Kek Lok Si temple. See if you can count all the ten thousand Buddhas on the 7-tiered Pagoda as soon as you see the temple! A mixture of Burmese, Chinese, and Thai architecture, the temple will offer you a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Do not forget to check out the 99-foot-tall bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, the Guanyin, and the Pond of Longevity, inhabited by hundreds of turtles.

After visiting the temple, the guide will take you to Georgetown where you will be boarding The Penang Hill Funicular Train (at your own expense). As you ascend to one of Malaysia’s oldest hill stations, you’ll be greeted by rare flora, fascinating wildlife, and sweeping panoramic views of Georgetown below. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, snap some memorable photos, and simply relish the tranquility of the hilltop with your loved ones.

Penang Hill & Kek Lok Si Chinese Temple Half-Day Tour

Discover Penang's iconic landmarks and scenic vistas on this half-day guided tour that includes convenient hotel pick-up, drop-off, a funicular ride to the top of Penang Hill, and a visit to Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, Kek Lok Si. Explore these must-see attractions in just four hours, with English-speaking guides providing insightful commentary throughout. The tour covers Georgetown's skyline views from Penang Hill and the cultural significance of Kek Lok Si Temple, offering visitors an immersive experience into Penang's rich history and spiritual heritage. With stops at 10,000 Buddha statues and a panoramic view point on Penang Hill, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking to explore key landmarks in a short amount of time.

Explore Kek Lok Si Temple

Your tour stops at Kek Lok Si Temple where guests can marvel at the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, built by Chinese immigrant Ng Teck Choon in 1890. Covering over 27 acres and featuring a seven-story white-and-gold pagoda known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, this temple is home to thousands of golden statues and intricate carvings. Visitors spend approximately one hour exploring its vast grounds, taking part in blessings and offerings at various shrines dedicated to Guan Yin, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and other Buddhist deities. Unlike other temples, Kek Lok Si integrates traditional Chinese architecture with Southeast Asian influences, making it a unique blend of cultural elements. This temple matters not only for its architectural beauty but also for its spiritual significance to the local community.

Ascend Penang Hill by Funicular

Your tour continues at Penang Hill where guests can enjoy a bird's eye view of Georgetown and segments of the mainland from the top during your funicular train experience. The journey up Penang Hill takes about 25 minutes, reaching an elevation of approximately 830 meters above sea level. From the summit, visitors have panoramic views stretching for miles, encompassing both urban landscapes and lush greenery below. At the peak, there are numerous walking trails, cafes, and souvenir shops to explore, providing a relaxing atmosphere amidst nature's beauty. Unlike other hill stations in Southeast Asia, Penang Hill offers a unique blend of colonial history and natural scenery, making it an essential stop for any traveler visiting Penang.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Kek Lok Si Temple with 10,000 Buddha statues
• Funicular ride to top of Penang Hill in 25 minutes
• Guided tour in English language only
• Panoramic view from Penang Hill summit at 830 meters
• Visit seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas
• Explore walking trails and cafes on Penang Hill peak
• Access to Georgetown skyline views throughout the day
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service included

Perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers, this half-day guided tour provides an immersive experience of Penang's cultural landmarks. The four-hour format allows you to explore Kek Lok Si Temple, ascend Penang Hill via funicular train, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Penang's rich heritage while enjoying its scenic beauty.