Recommended but with some negatives. Pros: still plenty of beauty in the buildings and grounds. Nice viewpoints. Staff are friendly and helpful. Cons: It's chaotic. The lower tram isn't working so they put you in a mini van to get to the next level up, then a golf cart to the upper tram. There's no map or guide to help you, and signage is confusing. There's a walk up and through gardens that would have been better than the golf cart. There's no way for first time visitors to understand the layout. They want you to go through the stores and you'll miss the best parts on the middle levels if you aren't careful. Take your time to explore all the directions. It's quite commercialized. Selling stuff I the Temples seems a little weird.

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the most breathtaking attractions in George Town and a must-visit for travelers seeking culture, history, and stunning views. Built on a hillside, this Buddhist temple complex is famous for its colorful architecture, intricate carvings, and the impressive 30-meter tall Goddess of Mercy statue. Walking through the temple grounds, you’ll discover beautiful pagodas, prayer halls, and thousands of Buddha statues. During Chinese New Year, the temple lights up with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photos. Accessible by car or Grab, it’s a peaceful escape where you can enjoy panoramic views of Penang Island. Whether you’re here for spirituality, photography, or sightseeing, Kek Lok Si Temple is truly one of the top things to do in Penang and an unforgettable highlight of any trip.

Kek Lok Si Temple is a beautiful and iconic place to visit in Penang. The architecture, statues, and view from the top are absolutely worth the trip! If you’re able to walk up the temple, I’d highly recommend doing so — it’s a nice experience and you’ll get to explore the surroundings at your own pace. Be aware there are quite a few drivers touting their service (around RM33) to bring visitors up to the Guan Yin temple level. Personally, I find it not necessary unless you have mobility issues. The tram service stop also isn’t really worth it. Walking up is definitely the better way to enjoy the place!

Amazing vast site on many levels, sometimes a bit difficult to work out which way to go but there are always kind people there to ask and they are very willing to help. So much to see and take pictures of I’d advise 3-4 hours if you take lots of beautiful pictures. 2-3 hours if you don’t. I took a taxi there but found via google the local bus 204 took me to 200 yds of my hotel and cost just 2 R, didn’t take much longer than a taxi and was A/C ….LOVE A BARGAIN

Well... If you really have a time then visit it, otherwise don't fomo. The architecture of buildings are pretty impressive, Big Buddha statue is pretty big, there is a nice city view, but all the buildings are not sacred but... gift shops :( As for the cable car, there is no priority lane for disabled or infants, so you have to wait in the warm gift shop in a close proximity to other people. To be honest, skip the cable car/cab option and take a walk from the parking to the top. It's very easy and short. If you have a baby trolley like me, you can go around the stairs.

Kek Lok Si feels much more like a large religious supermarket than a place of reflection. Everywhere you turn there are Buddhist statues, trinkets, incense, and endless items for sale. To reach the upper levels you need to buy a fairly pricey shuttle ticket. On the first ride a Buddhist monk actually drives, which already sets a confusing tone. Then, to get to the inclined elevator, you walk through a long corridor lined with shelves of Buddha themed merchandise, gadget after gadget. At the top there is yet another shop before you finally reach the terrace and the huge bronze Guan Yin statue. The base of the statue is not open to the public, which adds to the feeling of anticlimax. The garden above is pleasant, with benches, a pond, and a pavilion, and clearly cared for. However, the temple area itself feels strangely hollow. One entire side of the main hall is filled with porcelain vases for sale. Inside, only a few sticks of incense burn. There is no real sense of devotion or spiritual atmosphere. I understand that a complex of this size requires funding, but the commercialisation here feels excessive and overwhelms any sense of sacredness. Overall, Kek Lok Si is visually impressive from a distance, but the experience on site is disappointing.

Majestic and Peaceful Temple Complex Kek Lok Si Temple is absolutely breathtaking — a true symbol of Penang’s spiritual and cultural beauty. The intricate architecture, towering pagoda, and giant Goddess of Mercy statue make this one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The atmosphere is calm and serene, with stunning panoramic views of Penang from the top. It’s best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the beautiful lighting for photos. Don’t miss the turtle pond and the peaceful prayer halls. A must-visit landmark for anyone coming to Penang!

Been famous for it's duck rice, which it's duck meat is cooked well and render, just a little salty. Doesn't like the arrogant attitude of the 2nd generation owner which reluctantly answered all my questions asked. The surroundings would also need some cleanup and better hygiene for dining as Michelin Gourmet Bib winner.

You are most likely familiar with roasted duck rice. This is NOT roasted duck. This is braised duck. If you are imagining crispy skin, oily juicy meat, then you are in the wrong place. Eating braised duck is a whole different taste experience and unless you have eaten braised duck before, you will need to reset your taste and flavour expectation. You can order only duck or add on pork, egg and pig intestine to increase your dining experience. In my case I only chose the duck and egg as it was my first time and I wanted to taste their signature dish. I was partially disappointed with the cool rice. But I must say that the meat is unique. It's tender but doesn't have the juicy oily taste that you associate with roasted duck. However, it's chewy, soft and has the unmistakable soy and herb / spice used to braise it. When eaten with the fried garlic and cilantro, drizzled sambal, I think it's a delicious flavour combination that will surprise you. I may be wrong but some reviewers are disappointed because they are comparing it with roasted duck. Braised meat flavour is a whole different ballgame. I suggest you try and not be discouraged by some of the reviews. As for the dining environment, well, it's coffee shop and hawker stalls so I think you know what kind of environment you will be eating at. Haha.

After wandering around Kek Lok Si Temple and the nearby pagoda, we treated ourselves to the famous Air Itam Duck Rice - and it did not disappoint! 😋 Featured in the Michelin Guide, this humble street-side spot is known for its tender braised duck, flavorful soy-based gravy, and perfectly paired rice. I’m so glad we made the stop - it's the kind of comforting local dish that hits the spot after a long day of exploring. A true Penang gem! 🌟🇲🇾

Found this famous and nice duck rice while resting in the food court. Need to queue a little bit as the stall was just opened. Duck rice yummy 😋 and chilli was spicy too.

One of the best braised duck meat 🍖 in town. It's located opposite the air itam market. You won't be able to miss it as this food market is at the junction of the road. Long queue (depends on what time), the service is quite fast. You just have to say how many people are eating... which dish you would like. It's RM11 per person for the duck meat with rice. I added the preserved vegetables (mui Choi): RM5. Really worth trying..

Simple hawker selling duck rice. Everything is straightforward, the price stated clearly and the service was all fast. Environment was not very comfortable to eat, but overall it was a decent experience. Might go again for take aways. Btw, price as per Apr 2023 has now increased to RM7.50 per plate. We got a platter for 2 person and added eggs, total about RM24.

Nice duck in savory sauce, chopped with all the bones removed, served on rice with soy-sauce egg and garlic crunchies. Pork, Cilantro optional. $8myr.

Would have given 5 stars but the receptionist is not friendly at all. No smiles and does not seem interested in promoting the place or the service. The receptionist at the front desk is the first impression a client gets regarding the place. Could be business is good so no need to smile or promote the place. However, both the male and female masseurs were really good. We enjoyed the massage.For us the price charged for a 2 hours massage is worth the money and reasonable. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

Have 2 floor for foot massage. But the strength not so kuat.. 1 hour RM53.

Called up for an appointment a day before flying over. Opt for 90mins Thai massage, pressure good and prices reasonable. Started at 6pm in a quiet atmosphere, many people talking towards the end of session when more customers came.

I came here for a full body massage & it was so good! Definitely worth it too. It cost me rm69 for 1 hour, and I can definitely recommend! Will return for sure ☺️🤩

Nice massage but there’s some place need to be improve ,the pillow is not comfortable and kept slip away,aircon are too cold during whole body massage ,the siting place massage are just nice

The best massage in Penang. Reasonable price. Friendly, good skills massuese and keep concerning about our comfort. Relaxing environment. Will definitely go again and again. Highly recommended👍🏻

Thai masseue with good skills I must say. Reasonably priced too. 1hr foot and 30 mins shoulder at MYR70. Cosy ambience where you can have a good rest and.enjoy.the massage. Worth the visit.

I use to to there only start few months cos near my house actually Equipment alot but the only thing's not so hygiene the stuff should everytime clean the excersice equipment satilazer coz i still can see the seat is somebody sweating....

Very well equipped gym & Enjoy our workout

Members are not educated after done the workout pls clean ur own sweat! Disgusting 🤮 This is worse then not putting back ur weight OK! And gym is very dirty..when u take the weight ur hand 🤚🏿 become all black! Mostly the cardio machines or treadmills is old and break down but still putting there for what!?

Best gym in Penang, a lot of equipment. You can train as you want.

Not a good experience for me today. Only 2 out of 4 exhaust fan were switched on. Besides, all 3 big blower were not switched on! Moreover, I went there after office hours (between 6p.m. - 8p.m., and this is when most people visit the gym. Those equipments as mentioned are crucial in enabling good ventilation inside the gym especially during these critical times, and they are not working!

Well equipped gym. Not too packed. Free car park. Only problem is that car park is a little dark and quiet

Worst gym ever. Please do yourself a favor and refrain from joining at all means. Once you signed up, there is no turning back. Charge my CC even though i specifically told them that i am still in overseas and they agreed to ccancel.