Kek Lok Si Temple.

Perched on the hills of Ayer Itam, Kek Lok Si is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple and one of Southeast Asia’s most striking pilgrimage sites. Built between 1890 and 1930, this sprawling, multi-tiered complex blends Mahayana Buddhism with traditional Chinese rituals across a landscape of prayer halls, fish ponds, and manicured gardens. Its defining landmark is the 30-meter Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, famous for stacking a Chinese base, Thai midsection, and Burmese crown into a single spire. Nearby, a colossal 36.57-meter bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, stands sheltered by dragon-carved pillars. Visiting is an active journey through ornate archways and lantern-lit paths, which famously erupt into a sea of color during Chinese New Year celebrations.