The Famous Kek Lok Si Temple @ Penang

This dated June when we were there for a short trip. We didn't been to Kek Lok Si for a while so going there was a dejavu... There's few things you can do around Kek Lok Si, shopping, eating and the Penang Hill cable car. I did blog about the famous assam laksa around the area, read more about it HERE. We didn't manage to go up the famous Penang Hill as the tickets were sold out!



Unfortunately, we were late and they were closing. Yet, they were nice enough for us to sneak in for a while.











*Pictures are taken using Canon 20D with a combinations of Sigma 24-70mm and Canon 50mm and also Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ 15

A short history of Kek Lok Si as below from Wikipedia:

The construction of the temple began in 1890 and was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Emperor Guangxu, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

The primary benefactor of the Kek Lok Si Temple in 1906 was none other than Kapitan Chung Keng Quee.

In 1930, the seven storey main pagoda of the temple or the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown; reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

In 2002, a 30.2m bronze statue of the Kuan Yin was completed and opened to public. The statue is located on the hillside above the pagoda. - Wikipedia

The time we there, they were constructing a building surrounding the bronze statue of Kuan Yin. My first visit was in 1980s. The temple did multiple renovations and its much nicer now than it used to be. A must go place if you visit Penang.

Malaysia Truly Asia...

Famous Air Hitam Assam Laksa @ Jalan Pasar, Penang

I would stop and have a bowl of assam laksa even though I couldn't fill my tummy anymore.

Last Saturday, me, Rachel, Steph and Khai made a quick visit to Penang. People has been telling me about this assam laksa stall near Kek Lok Si temple. After passing by the stall on our way back from Kek Lok Si temple, seriously I couldn't resist the temptation. We stopped and shared a few bowls of assam laksa (even though we had a very heavy lunch).




This was where it begins. Penang branded assam laksa as laksa, I'm not sure about the reason.



If you see a stall like this with an old man non-stop serving assam laksa, how could you ask me not to stop? This was my first time eating at this stall after my few visits to Penang in my life.



I couldn't believe this was only for RM 2.70! It was RM 2.40 few years ago. Very reasonable price.

The place was packed even though its late afternoon. We manage to get a table. In minutes, the assam laksa came. The assam laksa came in a decent bowl and it never lacked off ingredients. The portion was not too bad, lots of shrimp paste (loved it!), mackerel (not sure), onions, cucumbers, red hot chilis and slices of tamarind fruit. Surprisingly there was no pineapple. Like the ingredients, the assam laksa was never lacked of taste. The generous amount of shrimp paste blends very well with the spiciness and the slightly thick assam paste with hints of mackerel. It was good.



In general, the assam laksa was good. Unbeatable price of RM 2.70 and the serving time was fast. Location is at the roadside so it could be dirty. There's parking nearby and there's quite a number of shops around there (to walk or to shop).

This place is recommendable!

Address:
Jalan Pasar, Penang