Tag: ayer itam

Chinese New Year in Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple at Night

Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, is a stunning hilltop sanctuary in Penang, blending Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. Famous for its multi-tiered Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the towering Kuan Yin statue, the temple offers breathtaking views of George Town and beyond. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to admire its intricate carvings, vibrant prayer halls, and serene gardens, making it both a spiritual haven and a photographer’s dream.

During Chinese New Year, the temple transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights at night, adding to its enchanting charm.

A Cloudy Morning at Ayer Itam

Ayer Itam is a bustling town located on Penang Island in Malaysia, known for its vibrant local culture and historical significance. It’s home to popular attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple (as seen at the background of the picture), one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples, and the Ayer Itam Dam, a serene spot offering scenic views and recreational activities. The town’s lively markets and diverse food scene, featuring local favorites like Ayer Itam Asam Laksa, draw both locals and tourists, making it a vibrant hub of activity in Penang.

Penang’s Kek Lok Si CNY Lightings in 2024

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly renowned for its striking architecture, blending elements of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. The temple complex also houses a towering seven-story pagoda, known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Kek Lok Si is home to a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, standing at a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.

2024 Chinese New Year Lights at Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si Temple illuminated in a dazzling array of lights during Chinese New Year. As one of Penang’s most iconic landmarks, Kek Lok Si Temple comes alive with vibrant decorations and thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical ambiance that captures the essence of the festive season.

Penang Street Art (Various Murals in Farlim)

Various art murals found in Farlim, a town in Ayer Itam area which is officially called Bandar Baru Air Itam.

Farlim (as mostly known locally here) is a town consists mainly of residential neighbourhood and was established in the 1980s by the Farlim Group on a land belonging to the Khoo Kongsi. It was said that the name Farlim meant “beautiful forest”.

These murals are located mainly within the Medan Angsana neighbourhood in Farlim.

Penang Street Art (Disco Fresh Milk Seller Mural @ Ayer Itam)

This fresh milk seller who called himself Disco has been operating his ‘Disco Corner Cafe’ or ‘Disco Fresh Milk’ stall by the side of Ayer Itam’s main road for many years. The stall is a favorite among the locals here and only starts operating during late evenings to late nights.