Penang - Kek Lok Si

Also known as 'the temple of supreme bliss', is one of Penang's most tourist attractions so it was the first spot on my short break away from Cambodia over Khmer New Year.
This temple is located within the village of Ayer Itam, on the west side of the island and is built into the hillslope and is meant to be the largest Buddhist temple in this area of Asia. It was built in 1893 and it consists of a maze of gardens, courts and passages, a seven tier pagoda, including a giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin.

It is so colourful with all the paintings, tiles and statues.

View across into Georgetown

It is also known as the 'Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas' - here are some of them...

Wishing ribbons around the temple bring such a bright splash of colour - you can choose ribbons with wishes on and place them on the wishing trees.

I choose the above two - 'wishes come true' & 'being coupled and paired'

Ali doing an impression of a statue.

The extremely large bronze statue.

Here are all the choices of ribbons that you can get...

I was born in the year of the Rat - apparently the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person! It is deemed an honor to be born in the Year of the Rat and it is considered a privilege to be associated with a Rat. Rats know exactly where to find solutions and can take care of themselves and others without problems. They use their instinctive sense of observation to help others in times of need and are among the most fit of all the Animal signs to survive most any situation. Some of the Rats characteristics are: Smart, Magnetic, Well-liked, Affable, Quick-witted, Surreptitious, Selfish, Protective, Calculating!!
THE WATER RAT - 1972
Being guided by the Water element means these Rats have a knack for influencing people. With their strong intellectual powers and great insight, they are also great puzzle solvers. They are quick to understand others and are incredibly practical people. Rats apply their talents to their everyday lives, making them obliging, generous and compassionate to other people. Generally, they are liked and respected by everyone. Like all Rats, however, they can be determined to seek their own gain, and will not mind using these talents to achieve it - though generally without losing anyone's respect in doing so.
Believe what you will.....
So I had to have a photo taken with my statue...

Ali was born in the year of the Pig - The Pig is a fun and enlightening personality blessed with patience and understanding. People born under the sign of the Pig enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They are honest and thoughtful and expect the same of other people.