2025 Ayer Itam Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Penang, Malaysia’s “Pearl of the Orient,” is a must-visit destination where history and cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Step into George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover its colonial-era charm. Wander through Armenian Street, where murals and heritage buildings bring the past to life. Explore the ornate Pinang Peranakan Mansion, and marvel at the stunning Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Peranakan cuisine. Don’t forget to dive into Penang’s legendary street food scene from the smoky flavors of Char Kway Teow to the richness of Asam Laksa. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or both, Penang promises an experience like no other. Book your trip now and let the island’s charm captivate you! #newyearnewtrip #travel #localfood #history #penang #malaysia #travelanywhere

Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Its architecture is a mix of important Buddha statues and a large pagoda reflecting the faith in Buddhism. The temple also offers a beautiful view of Penang city from the temple grounds. Highlights - Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda: A 7-storey pagoda adorned with thousands of Buddha statues - Guan Yin Buddha: A 30.2-meter-high statue, a symbol of compassion - Colorful lanterns: During Chinese New Year, the temple is decorated with colorful lanterns all over the area - Penang City View: A viewpoint where you can see the beautiful city and nature around you Coordinates Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Opening Hours Open daily from 08:30 - 17:30 Entrance Fee Free How to Get There - Bus: Take bus 204 or 203 from Georgetown - Private car: Drive from the heart of Georgetown along Jalan Air Itam #tripพาบินเที่ยวจีน

A 5-day trip to Malaysia, Little Mammoth has carefully planned it for you~ Whether it’s a lively city or natural scenery, this guide will cover it all! First time setting foot? Don’t worry, keep this travel tip handy! / Malaysia, located in southeastern Asia, is a country full of tropical style. Walking here is like finding a treasure of the South Seas🥥🌴. The history carries the blending of diverse cultures, and it is also known as a green mineral deposit due to its abundant natural resources. That strong exotic atmosphere will definitely leave a deep impression on you! 🌄🕌🏝 / 🎉Travel route: Day 1: Kuala Lumpur Enter Kuala Lumpur, the gateway to Malaysia, start your vacation mode and enjoy one-on-one butler service! This is an exotic city waiting to be discovered. Day 2: Straits of Malacca Browse the picturesque Straits of Malacca and experience the local maritime culture. The rich natural and cultural landscapes will make you linger. Day 3: Kuala Lumpur – Penang Take a flight to Penang, make hotel arrangements and then go for free time! You are sure to find your own fun in this exotic city. Day 4: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Visit Penang's famous tourist attraction - Kek Lok Si Temple, a solemn and sacred Buddhist temple that will fill you with tranquility deep in your heart. Day 5: Penang – Kuala Lumpur – Home Leave beautiful Penang and return home. The journey was full of happiness. Once you get home safely, look forward to your next trip. Goodbye Malaysia, we will see you again! / Some tips: 🌦️Malaysia is experiencing the rainy season in November. Although there may be heavy rains in the morning and evening, it is still as hot as summer during the day. Remember to prepare sun protection and rain gear. 🕒There is no time difference between Malaysia and China, so feel free to plan your trip! 🔮Local magical specialties, such as chocolate, dried durian, and ironwood bracelets, are relatively cheap and suitable for taking home as gifts. 💱A little tip, the local currency of Malaysia is the ringgit. Currently, 1 yuan is equal to about 0.6 ringgit. It is also very convenient to calculate the consumption. / Don’t forget to like and bookmark it, more Malaysia travel tips are waiting for you~ 😉 Let’s explore together!

🛕 Wat Kek Lok Si or Wat Khao Tao or better known as the Temple of the Highest Happiness is the largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. Located in Penang, Malaysia, it was built in 1893 and completed in 1905. Its architecture is a mix of Thai, Chinese and Burmese. ✨️ Inside the temple, there are many interesting things such as the prayer hall, bell tower, turtle pond and the Phra Ram 6 Pagoda, which is a 7-storey pagoda decorated with 10,000 bronze and white stone Buddha statues. 💁♀️ There is also a 30.2-meter bronze statue of Guan Yin surrounded by more than 100 deities. There is also a shady garden, turtle pond and a spacious parking lot. 🎯: Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia ⏰️: Open daily from 08.30-17.30 hrs. #tripพาบินเที่ยวจีน #100TravelTips #tripmoments #trip #PenangMalaysia #Penang #Malaysia #TemplesInPenang #KeklokSiTemple

🇲🇾 Hello... Today, Gammy traveled from Hat Yai to Penang, Malaysia. We traveled by train and stayed in Penang for 1 night. 🍃 Today, I took my friends to take a bus from Comtar Building to Kek Lok Si Temple, a large Chinese temple located on a mountain. The bus fare is about 30 baht. The interior of the temple is very beautifully decorated. There is a turtle feeding area downstairs. 🇲🇾 When you go upstairs, you can see the view of Penang. There is an entrance fee. We can see the free entrance and pray. #PenangTravel #TravelAbroad #TravelAbroadByYourself #BackpackTravel #gmmsdiary #TravelWithoutTour #Malaysia #Penang #malaysia #penang

#penangtrip #100waysoftravel Kek Lok Si Temple is one of my favorite places to visit in Penang. As budget travelers, we took a bus from town; Rapid Penang bus number 203 is a convenient option, providing an affordable and scenic ride. Known as the oldest and largest temple in Malaysia, it’s a must-see destination. The temple's main attractions include the Buddha Pavilion, Avalokiteshvara Hall, the towering Kuan Yin statue, the iconic Pagoda, and the Liberation Pond. Though it was very hot during our visit, a brief 30-minute rain shower brought the temperature down, making the experience even more enjoyable. 💰Average Price per Person:No entrance fee but visit to some areas of the the temple is chargeable 📌RM2 entrance fee to visit pagoda 📌Rm16 for a return trip for the inclined lift

Many people are familiar with Kek Lok Si Temple as an important religious tourist attraction in Penang, Malaysia. It has exquisite architecture, perfectly blending Chinese art. There are many beautiful photo spots. The atmosphere is shady, peaceful, suitable for meditation, worshiping Buddha, and enhancing good fortune. There is also a viewpoint where you can see the view of Penang. You can travel by bus: No. 204 or 306 from Komtar #templetour #100waystotravel #Penang

Georgetown, Penang The city of colours, food and street art. The Penang Hill Railway One station funicular railway which climb the Penang Hill. Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Pagoda area mainhall- most instagrammable place to click your pictures Enjoy the architural mix of Chinese, Thailand & Burmese culture Put in your wishing ribbon for good luck Penang isn't just about beautiful scenery and island, its also about vibrant culture, unique local shops and delicious foods. Immerse yourself in the legacy of a community that has shaped the heart and soul of this historic city. #penang #penangart #penangisland #penangcity

#tripxplorproject As I climbed the steps of Kek Lok Si Temple, I was immediately struck by its majestic presence. The intricate architecture and vibrant colors drew me in, regardless of my background. The sight of the towering statue of Kuan Yin and the tranquil ponds surrounded by lush greenery filled me with a sense of wonder and admiration. Walking through the temple's corridors, I couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and the atmosphere of reverence that permeated the air. The scent of incense and the flickering of candles added to the ambiance, creating a serene environment for introspection and contemplation. Standing at the hilltop, overlooking the breathtaking view of Penang, I felt a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of this sacred place, regardless of my personal beliefs. Business Hours: 8:30 am _ 5:30 pm Address: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang Average Price per Person: Free #couplestrip #awesomepic #trip #malaysia #penang #travel #temple #kekluksi #onedaytrip #kekloksi #kekloksitemple

#winhkflight Assam laksa soup with a tangy fish broth flavored with tamarind, lemongrass, and chili giving it a sour and savory taste. It's served with rice noodles and topped with herbs and vegetables. would recommend to add prawn paste which adds depth and umami richness to the soup 😋 Rojak with generous portion of sauce and it interesting to see it comes with dried shrimps with adds a salty kick to the sweet sauce. But sadly the fried dough is really hard would prefer it to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Chendol with ice cream a must order for such a hot weather. 📍Jia Wei 33 Cafe 家味 613-F, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Hope to win flight to Hong Kong to visit The Victoria Peak

#malaysia Getting There - the location of Kek Lok Si Temple is at Jalan Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. You can take a taxi or Grab a car to get to here. Attractions - this temple was built in year 1891, is one of the largest and finest Chinese Temple in South East Asia. The temple is significant to the visitors with it’s marvellous architectural, and well design for the convenience for the worshippers who perform their religious ceremony here.

If you are looking for a few hours trip in Penang, I would recommend you to consider visit the incredible Kek Lok Si Temple. The temple located at the hillside overlooking Penang Island. I am not a buddhist but I came to admire its unique style of architecture, explore the mystique surrounding and learn a little about the history. Ofcourse taking photos is a must! The view from every angles are beautiful and breathtaking. It was a nice experience and fun here. #penang #kekloksitemple #malaysia #travel

#VisitMalaysia #Penang #VisitPenang2023 #ScenicViewpoint #MalaysiaTrip #ASEANTravel #Worship 📍 Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia Kek Lok Si Temple means the Temple of Heaven or the Chinese-Thai people in the past called it the Turtle Hill Temple, Penang. It was built on a hill and there were many turtles in the pond. It was built in 1890. This temple is the largest Mahayana Chinese Buddhist temple in Malaysia and has a long history since the Chinese Emperor of the Manchu period gave the inscriptions and Tripitaka and donations to build this temple. Including the Thai King Rama VI who gave his personal funds to build a 7-storey pagoda and King Rama IX gave a large Buddha statue to this temple. This temple is considered the center of the minds of Buddhists from all over Asia who come to worship and ask for blessings here. The temple is beautiful, shady and peaceful on a hill. You will also see the Penang city view. Transportation: Take bus number 203 or 204 from the bus stop at Komtar building. Or if there are more than 2 people, it is more worthwhile to call Grab. The fare is not expensive.

Penang is one of my favorite city in Malaysia. The food, culture, places, and also friendly people have special place in my heart. I visited the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple. It opens from 8:30 to 17:30. I got there by bus from Penang Street in Georgetown. The bus fare is about RM 2. The journey took about 30 – 40 minutes. I got off at Air Itam bus station and take a walk to Kek Lok Si. The temple is up on the hill, but no need to worry as they provided a funicular train services and you can enjoy the beautiful view of Penang Island from up there. There's a magnificent Kwan Im statue at the peak level of the temple and at the second level there's also a pagoda. A lot of visitors were taking photo here, but please keep in mind that this is a religious place, so we still have to be respectful to those who were coming for pray. #awesomepic #mytripvlog #malaysia #penang #kekloksi

Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple that located in Air Itam Penang Island. This temple consists of several part like the hill gateway, the garden pavilion, the main prayer hall, and at the highest of this temple you can see the Kuan Yin Bodhimandala Statue. To go this temple you can ride Rapid Penang Bus 201/203/204 from Komtar Terminal and pay 2 RM. Actually there are not fee for the entrance, but if you want to ride the sky lift to the highest point of this temple you have to pay 16 RM.#kekloksitemple #penang #temple

#wecreate Apart of the 36.57metres tall bronze statue of Guanyin(Goddess of Mercy), Kek Lok Si Temple also featuring an iconic 7 levels, 30-metre-high Pagoda(Ban Pho Tar) with thousands buddha and the gorgeous 360⁰ views. There also has beautiful hilltop gardens which make it icing on the cakes! While enjoying the serenity and scenic landscape, lots of visitors love to selfie or taking nice pictures here. Besides that, visitor could step up to the top level of pagoda, the view from the top put Georgetown into perspective. Open daily from 8.30am - 5.30pm. Entrance fee : RM3 only. Highly recommended! #awesomepic#mytripvlog#tripblazers#summervacation

#wecreate With its breathtaking beauty and rich history, Kek Lok Si Temple stands as a symbol of Malaysia's multicultural society and the harmony between different religious beliefs. One remarkable feature of Kek Lok Si Temple is the giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Standing tall at a height of 36.5 meters, this majestic statue is an embodiment of compassion and grace. It is said to be one of the tallest Kuan Yin statues in the world, and its presence exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity, attracting countless visitors seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout the year, the temple hosts various festivals and religious ceremonies, the most notable being the Chinese New Year celebrations. With its awe-inspiring architecture, serene ambiance, and vibrant festivals, the temple attracts visitors from all over the world. Address: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang Ambiance/Facilities: 8/10 Rating: 4/5

Address ：Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang. Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily) Ambiance/Facilities ：100-feet-high (30-metre) pagoda, hundreds of little tortoises in the pond. Highlights ：The Kek Lok Si Temple is located in Air Itam, Penang. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The buildings here have a history of 132 years since they were built. Avg. Price per Person ：FREE Rating ：4.5/5.0 #本地遊 #temple #penang #experience

Address: 274 Hadapan 465 MK4, Pulau Pinang, Jalan Ayer Puteh, 11000 Balik Pulau, Malaysia. Ambiance/Facilities: Upon entering Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat, you'll be greeted with a spacious, open-aired and comfortable dining area. The seating is cozy and well-lit, making it perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family. The restaurant's ventilation is excellent, ensuring that the steamboat aroma doesn't stick to your clothes. Highlights: The highlight of Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is undoubtedly the fresh and high-quality seafood. The restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood, from prawns to fish and crab. All the seafood served is fresh and delicious, making it the perfect dining spot for seafood lovers. The steamed wine prawn at Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is also noteworthy. It's flavorful and perfectly seasoned, making the seafood taste even better. Whether you prefer a spicy or mild broth, there's an option for everyone. The friendly service at Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is also worth mentioning. The staff is attentive to customers' needs, providing excellent recommendations for those who are new to the steamboat experience. Avg. Price per Person: The average price per person at Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is around RM 50-80, which is reasonable for the quality of seafood and service provided. The portion sizes are also generous, so you won't leave feeling hungry. Rating: Overall, Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is a fantastic restaurant that is definitely worth a visit. With its delicious seafood, friendly service, and comfortable ambiance, it's no wonder it's become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. I'd give it a 4.5/5 stars rating for its excellent food and service. If you're looking for a delicious and healthy dining experience, Yeh Lin Seafood Steamboat is the perfect spot for you. #malaysia #bucketlistreboot #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie #本地遊 #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #summervacation #celebratewithtrip #passionpassport

#penang Penang holds special memories because it was one of the few family overseas trip when my late father was still around. During our visit to Penang, we went to Kek Lok Si Temple as my parents love to visit temples. The most eye catching landmark must be the statue of Guan Yin standing at a height of 30.2 m. We also got to see the Penang City view from the top of the temple. There were also Chinese zodiac statues whereby each of us took photo with our each respective zodiac.

Getting There - -By car or grab -By public transportation: You can take Rapid Penang buses 201, 203, 204, 206, or 502 to Kek Lok Si. These buses stop at the foothill of the temple. Attractions - Getting to know different style of god - Relax your mind and purifier your energy - Make wish in temple -The Main Pagoda: The Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, also known as the Rama VI Pagoda, is the main attraction of Kek Lok Si. It is a seven-story pagoda, standing at a height of 30 meters, which houses a large number of Buddha statues and relics. -The Bronze Statue of Kuan Yin: This is the world's tallest bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. It stands at a height of 36.5 meters and is located at the entrance of the temple. -The Liberation Pond: This is a pond filled with turtles, which is believed to bring good luck to those who release them back into the water. -The Pagoda of Rama V: This pagoda is dedicated to King Rama V of Thailand, who donated funds for its construction. It is a five-story pagoda and houses a large number of Buddha statues. -The Bell Tower: The bell tower houses a giant bell, which is rung to signal the start and end of daily prayers. -The Bodhisattva Hall: The Bodhisattva Hall is a hall dedicated to the Bodhisattva, who is believed to have achieved enlightenment but has chosen to remain in the world to help others achieve enlightenment. -The Garden: The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the sea. Hotels - -The Habitat Penang Hill: This eco-tourism destination is located on Penang Hill, just a short drive away from Kek Lok Si Temple. It offers comfortable lodgings surrounded by nature and stunning views of the island. -Jen Shangri-La is a hotel located in George Town, Penang. The distance from Jen Shangri-La to Kek Lok Si Temple is approximately 10 kilometers, which is around a 20-minute drive depending on traffic conditions Food & Restaurants -lots of street food on the way to kek loh si temple such as saobao, yam cake, fried tofu.... -Siang Pin Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant is located within the temple complex and serves a variety of seafood dishes, including steamed fish, fried squid, and chili crab. It offers indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of the temple and the surrounding area. -Kek Lok Si Vegetarian Restaurant: This restaurant is located on the ground floor of the temple complex and serves a variety of vegetarian dishes, including noodle soups, stir-fries, and rice dishes. It is popular among visitors looking for meat-free options. -Lok Lok Stall: This stall is located near the entrance of the temple complex and serves Lok Lok, a popular Malaysian street food dish. It consists of various skewered items such as vegetables, meat, and seafood that are boiled in a pot of broth and served with dipping sauces. Shopping -there have souvenir shop in temple -lots of local cookies shop outside the temple

Brimming with history, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Penang’s most visited Buddhist temples on the islands. Built in 1891, this century year old temple is home to a 120ft Goddess of Mercy statue. People from all over the world flock to this temple for its beautiful surroundings as well as to pay their respects. You can visit this temple by using car/taxi or even by bus. #newyearadventure

Kek Lok Si is a nice and impressive temple that is definitely worth a visit. The temple consists of several layers and is very easy to reach with small elevators (paid). There are men who drive back and forth with electric vans. In the high season I wonder if it is worth visiting the temple, we were there outside the main season and it was already a long wait for the elevators. Once at the top you have a beautiful view of the city and there are ponds with dozens (perhaps hundreds) of turtles to see. #mytripvlog #2023travelwish #tripblazers

#2023travelwish This is my favourite traditional bakery in Penang. I like their bread and old school cakes, so soft and tasty, especially butter sugar bread, cheese bread, cream puff, egg tart, Kaya jam, and Pandan Chiffon Cake. They also have grab to go sandwiches, a great choice for breakfast if you are rushing. There are a variety of cookies and snacks too. They all look yummy. It is located at Ayer Itam Market, just beside the bus station. The road is always very busy. Please be careful while crossing the road. Next year I wish to travel to Norway to see the Northern Lights. Address: 606-M, Jln Paya Terubung, Kampung Pisang, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang Opening Hours: 6am to 9pm Ambiance/Facilities: 8/10 Avg Price Per Person: RM2-10 Rating: 4/5

a weekend staycation at the historic beachfront hotel of Lone Pine Hotel established in 1948, the oldest hotel along the famous tourist belt on the island's north coast of #batuferringhi .. There's still several vintage buildings from the heyday years when the hotel operating it's business is one of the unique selling points compared to other modern style hotels along the beach strips.. This evokes certain kinda of memories and nostalgia when i was in my primary years, i fondly remember my dad used to bring me to the fishing spot behind the hotel...apart from the amazing beach access, another signature features of the hotel are the casuarina trees on the expanse of green lawn, complete with hammocks... this is rather cute 'mistaken identity' where the hotel got it's names from pine trees which still remain until today. [if only the trees could talk] @lonepinehotel #hammock #islandlife #tripblazers

Nice place for Instagramable. 📷 The ambience and view is great. The price of the food is reasonable for the amount that you get. Preferably make reservations before you head over, there's two different regions in the cafe, the indoors and the dome tent is mostly for hotpot, the small tea tables are just for snacking. Note that the dome tent dining requires a minimal spending of RM600, a tent can cater to a max of 12 people in one sitting. If you already had dinner and looking for a place to for gathering and for a drink, you can come here too. The wind and ambience so nice. Address - 18, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang Operating hours - 6pm-1am daily Highlights - Enjoy steamboat with Kek Lok Si view Avg. Price per Person - RM80 Rating - 3.6/5.0 #foodtrip #foodie

It was a short yet fulfilling trip to Penang! It started with a visit to the Traditional Kopitiam - Joo Leong cafe where they serve eggs in cute green little cups and toasts with margarine. It was crowded early in the morning so pay a visit there early. Next, we went to the famous tourist spot, Kek Lok Si temple where they housed a huge Guanyin statue. It’s fun to walk around and feel the peacefulness. Do try out the short cable car trip to the second or third station of the temple to reach the Guanyin statue. The popular Ayer Itam Asam laksa is just a stone away from the base of the temple. The service was fast and the soup was flavourful. Not to forget the famous Penang Road chendol that everyone has to try! It has a super rich taste of coconut sugar with coconut milk topped with green smooth jelly ! Perfect choice as a dessert under the hot sun! Do check out the Sunday market - Hin Bus Depot if you happened to visit Penang on weekend. It’s the latest hipster spot where various art and craft creators gather and show their work. Live band performance is pretty cool too. Eating is never ending in Penang, a few others food that you must check out are prawn noodle and oyster omelette at Lebuh Presgrave, char kway teow, parse bye and curry noodle at Cecil street market. Wait no more ! #penangtrip #penangfood #penangfoodie

We chose to stay at Lone Pine in Batu Ferringghi as it had a different vibe. The location and the picnic by the garden was a pleasant experience. Staff were pleasant and they do try their best in making our experience memorable stay. #mytripvlog #summervacation #staycation