The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple was constructed by 1905 and remains one of the largest temple complexes in South East Asia. Sitting on the hilltop with commanding views across the island, the complex is divided into three sections:

• Lower section – This is the main entrance. Look for the turtle liberation pool, along with the food stalls.

• Mid-section – Here you’ll find temples dedicated to different gods, gardens, the main Ban Po Thar (10,000 Buddhas) pagoda (see below) and the Four Heavenly Kings pavilion.

• Top section – The 30m bronze statue of Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) sits within a massive 60m three-tier roof pavilion.

The Ban Po Thar pagoda (entrance RM 2) was constructed in 1930, and combines three distinct Buddhist styles, Chinese (the base), Thai (mid-tier), and Burmese (the dome). This blend of styles is consistent with the weaving of Theravada (most common across South East Asia) and Mahayana (most common across China) Buddhism.