Day 2 in Penang!

Sunday March 27, 2011

I heard hard rain falling outside on and off all night so was not surprised to wake up to a overcast weather like yesterday. By the time I got outside I realized that it was not actually raining yet, and there were some rays of sunlight trying to peek out. So I decided to get on the bus and head to the Kek Lok Si Temple which was about 45 minutes on a bus away from where I was staying.

The temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and stands on a hilltop that appealingly winds through a little Chinatown on the way there. I felt like I actually was in China this morning as I got off the bus and headed up the stairs to the seven tiered pagoda that overlooks the city. The temple and morning was probably one of my favorites in the trip so far. The blue sky came out for some fabulous photos of the colorful and creative architecture and landscaping of the temple area. It was the first pagoda that I could actually climb up to and see at each level of the 30 meter, seven tiers which was really neat. Each level had a central Buddha and different unique Buddhist tiles lined on the wall which I tried to photograph to see the contrasts.

The main prayer hall was also stunning with its individually carved poles and individually lined Buddhist statues. I then got on “Malaysia’s first cable lift” to get to see the 36.5 meter bronze statue of “Kuan Yin” goddess of mercy. Many local (mainly Chinese) Buddhists were there since it was a Sunday to worship. Like I said earlier, I think the entire temple and surroundings was the most stunning for me so far.

I walked through the busy Chinatown market to have my first Penang signature dish of “Laksa”, a spicy fish broth soup served with noodles and an array of sauces that give it a hot and sour taste. I sat down at the shop that soooo many people were at and thought that would be a good bet.

On the way back to where I was staying, I stopped at their local shopping mall. It was five levels and seemed to be busy with the Sunday locals. I walked home from the mall and booked my bus ticket to the Cameron Highlands at 11:30am tomorrow. The 7:30am bus was full so I figured I will try and see a few more temples in the morning before checking out and heading out.

For now, blue skies continue to shine and I hope they stay here. I think I’ll travel to India tonight for some dinner (down the roadJ!). My lack of photo taking yesterday was definitely made up for today…