Every Lunar New Year, the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang comes alive, its sprawling grounds bathed in a sea of lights. This annual spectacle has grown into a cherished tradition, transforming the hilltop temple into a glowing beacon of celebration. Over the years, the "Kek Lok Si Light Show" has earned a reputation for its breathtaking displays, drawing crowds eager to bask in its brilliance.

For many years, I admired this luminous marvel from afar. From the valley floor in Air Itam, the temple appeared like a constellation on the hillside, its buildings outlined in delicate strings of light, the perfect blend of serenity and splendor. Up close, however, was a different story—one I rarely ventured to experience firsthand.

This year was different. After a break of several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to return to the temple during the Lunar New Year festivities. The thought of navigating the crowd and weaving through the maze of new entrances and altered pathways made me hesitant. But something stirred within me—a desire to reconnect with a place that had always been a part of my hometown’s soul.

As I joined the throng of visitors, the scene unfolded in front of me. The temple was awash in gold and red, the traditional colors of Buddhist celebrations. Lanterns of all sizes hung overhead, casting a warm glow that seemed to envelop everything in its path. At first, the abundance of light felt magical, but as I continued my walk, it started to feel overwhelming. The brilliance of the yellow hue dominated every corner, its monotony only broken by the occasional flicker of crimson.

The crowd moved slowly, each visitor mesmerized by the spectacle. Cameras clicked incessantly, eager to capture the moment. As I walked, I couldn’t help but wonder about the effort behind this grand display. How many lanterns adorned the temple? Hundreds? Thousands? Perhaps, as the Chinese saying goes, “10,000 lanterns flooded the place.”

This was more than just a light show; it was an extravagant offering to tradition. Every evening, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, the lights burned brightly, a testament to the dedication of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The cost of running such a display must have been enormous, yet the temple continues to deliver this wonder year after year.

Walking deeper into the temple, I found myself both awed and reflective. The close-up view, with lanterns towering above me, was a stark contrast to the panoramic vista I had always cherished. Yet, in its own way, it was equally captivating.

By the time I reached the end of my visit, I realized something profound. This year wasn’t just about witnessing the lights—it was about rediscovering a piece of my past, one I thought I knew so well. The temple, with all its changes and grandeur, still held its charm.

 1. This was the new entrance from the car park

 2 - Compared with the old granite steps, this one was foyer

  3- Upon entering there would be a right turn and a short slope up

#  4  - Into the next landing.

#  5 - Another level up -all these were seperated to make the ascend not so dramatic

#  6 - The Third landing also with an access from the main road

#  7 - Those who are familiar would park here, But space usually a bit tight

#8- Sorry - Not there yet another ascend

#  9 - A flight of stair would be the short cut

#  10 - Scene of the main road going to the dam

# 11 - The old or existing upper Car Park

#  12 - Walk way between Hall 1 & 2

#  13 - The lower in door garden

# 14 - Standing in the garden and looking up tpwards landing in front of Pagoda

# 15 - The original steps to reach the Pagoda direct -Now blocked

#  16 - Looking backwards and down wards, the rear side of Hall 2

# 19 - Already up the ong step into Level 3

Entrance to the garden of 11,000 buhddas

# 20 - The garden itself

#  24- A view of some of the Buddha's

# 25 - Going round the square perimeters More Buddha's

#  26 - Looking across the sunken void-Indoor garden

# 27 - Passed by Hall 3 and on the out exit a souvenir stall

#28- First and only collection point to enter the area o the Pagoda

#  29 -  In front of Pagoda Hall 4

#  30 - A small Garden and passage way

# 31 - And  Up two steps into the compound of the Pagoda

# 32 - A Striking the Gigantic Bell

#  33 - This time looking downards towards the In door garden

# 34 - A More view of the rear of Hall 2 -background the Balik Pulau Riad

# 35 - Aisle beside the Pagoda

#  36 - Making the way to the Tramcar

#37 -  And first must walk pass the souvenir shop this tiume

#  38 - A Queue for the Lift

#  39 -  In the compound of the Guang Yin

#  40 - The statue housed under a pavilion

# 41 - A tower of miniature Buddha

#  42 - From the compound on level up to the main hall

# 43 - Wandering in the compound

# 44 - Looking up towards the ststue

# 45 - For comparison of teh statue size and also the size of crowd

#  46 - Coin donation bowls all around the foot of Quang Yin

#  47 - Rows of small Quang Yin statues in the compound

#  48 - Another view of the same display

#49 - Overlooking the edge of compound - Roof top rows of light and a normal sized exposed stattue

# 50 - That look at the rows of lighting plus glimpse of the LED lights from a small corner

# 51 - First time for me - LED Lightings in Kek Loke Si

# 52 - A tour of the LED lighted garden

# 53 - LED light garden in a sea of traditional Lantern lightings

# 54 -  The new lights as against of the traditional lights

# 55 - A night view of the Farlim Housing are in the Air Itam valley

# 56 - A little to the left, the old Jalan Balik Pulau Road snaked in the dark

# 57- A last look at the miniatures statuettes

# 60 - A bird's view of the temple complex

A Conclusion Worth Remembering
Despite my initial reservations, I’m grateful I chose to dive into the heart of the celebration this year. The Kek Lok Si Temple, with its glowing lanterns and vibrant atmosphere, remains a symbol of Penang’s rich culture and enduring traditions. For years, I had stayed at a distance, capturing the light show from afar. But this time, I embraced the experience up close.

It was more than just a visit—it was a story. A story of light, tradition, and a rediscovery of a beloved landmark that continues to shine as brightly as ever. 

With  Will  Will  Wander