Sights and landmarks in Air Itam

Sights and landmarks in Air Itam

1. See

   Air Itam Dam

   This was the first dam to be built on the island and is popular with locals as a picnic spot and jogging. The views of George Town at the crest of the dam are spectacular and rival Penang Hill. To reach the Dam you will require your own form of transport. Many locals walk or cycle up to the dam, taking around 40 minutes on foot from the Air Itam town centre.

2. See

   Jade Emperor's Pavilion

   Thni Kong Tnua

   A Taoist temple located near the foot of Penang Hill dedicated to the Jade Emperor, one of the most important figures in Taoism. The current temple dates back to 1905, with a former temple existing on the grounds since 1869. The temple underwent restoration in 2002. During the Jade Emperor's Birthday, the 9th day of Chinese New Year, throngs of pilgrims come to visit and pray here.

   Free, donations welcome

3. See

   Kek Lok Si Temple

   An impressive and expansive hillside temple complex, reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-east Asia. Much of the temple is free and you could easily spend a few hours exploring the halls and shrines. Within the temple complex is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, or Ban Po Thar, which is part of a separate paid area. The pagoda, completed in 1930, is styled with Khmer, Thai and Chinese influence and is one of the main attractions of the temple. A mini funicular train can take visitors to the summit of the complex where there is a giant, one hundred foot high, bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, unveiled in 2002. The world's largest pavilion (two hundred foot high) was completed in 2009 to shelter it from the sun. There is a Koi carp pond and well manicured gardens, along with a few more temples. Views from the summit are impressive and are worth the trip up. One unfortunate side of the temple is that it reeks of commercialism with stalls scattered throughout, including in prayer halls, selling trinkets and junk. The temple is popular with pilgrims during the weekend. During the fifteen days of Chinese New Year the temple is colourfully lit with thousands of lanterns and remains open until late. If you are in Penang at this time the temple is worthy of a night visit after 19:20. Chinese history buffs should look out for the 大雄寶殿 plaque in the temple's main prayer hall, which was presented to it by Emperor Guangxu of China, and the 海天佛地 plaque in the archway in front of the pagoda, which was presented by Empress Dowager Cixi. There is also a 勿忘故國 carving on a rock in the handwriting of Kang Youwei, who had personally visited the temple.

   Daily 07:00-21:00, Chinese New Year 09:00-23:00, funicular 09:00-18:00·Free, Entry to Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas: RM6, Funicular train charge: RM6

4. See

   Penang Hill Mosque

   Masjid Bukit Bendera

   A simple but ornate mosque located at the top of Penang Hill.

5. See

   Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple

   A small Hindu temple that is also one of the oldest in Penang.

6. See

   War Memorial Park

   A small park that is dedicated to the fallen of World War II.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Air Itam (CC BY-SA 4.0).