
Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour worth booking?
Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour is a 5-hour experience in Penang, Malaysia, from $92 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $92 per person
Two of Penang's most iconic landmarks await on this half-day private tour, combining one of Southeast Asia's grandest Buddhist temples with sweeping hilltop views over the island and the Malaysian Peninsula. Begin at Kek Lok Si Temple in the village of Air Itam, a breathtaking complex blending Burmese, Chinese, and Thai architecture. The seven-tiered pagoda, known as the Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddha Images and dating to the reign of Thai King Rama VI, houses 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues. A chairlift ride to the 30-metre bronze statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, is included. The panoramic views from the hilltop are remarkable. The tour continues to Penang Hill, where an express funicular train glides up to a former British hill station with sweeping views across Georgetown and the peninsula beyond. Note: this tour is operated with a driver only, without a dedicated guide. Both the chairlift and funicular express tickets are included.
What you get
About this experience
Two of Penang's most iconic landmarks await on this half-day private tour, combining one of Southeast Asia's grandest Buddhist temples with sweeping hilltop views over the island and the Malaysian Peninsula. Begin at Kek Lok Si Temple in the village of Air Itam, a breathtaking complex blending Burmese, Chinese, and Thai architecture. The seven-tiered pagoda, known as the Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddha Images and dating to the reign of Thai King Rama VI, houses 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues. A chairlift ride to the 30-metre bronze statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, is included. The panoramic views from the hilltop are remarkable. The tour continues to Penang Hill, where an express funicular train glides up to a former British hill station with sweeping views across Georgetown and the peninsula beyond. Note: this tour is operated with a driver only, without a dedicated guide. Both the chairlift and funicular express tickets are included.
What's included
Included
- Transfers with English-speaking driver; Tour is WITHOUT a guide
- Kek Lok Si Temple Chairlift Ride ticket to Bronze Statue
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- Funicular Train Ticket (Express Lane)
Not included
- Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
- Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
- Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
- Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
- Surcharges during Malaysia Public Holiday
- Supplement for cruise port fees
What you'll see and do
Kek Lok Si Temple
Your English speaking guide will be ready for a tour of two landmarks of Penang. We commence our excursion by heading towards the village of Air Hitam (Black Water) and the biggest Buddhist temple of the region. Known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy (related to the 30 – meter tall statue of Kuan Yin), the architects behind the Kek Lok Si Temple have taken elements from various architectonic styles to come to a striking example for worship for pilgrims around the country. The main attraction of the temple it is a striking pagoda; a seven-tiered marvel dating back to the reign of the Thai King Rama VI. It is also known as the "Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddha Images" as it is home to 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of the Lord Buddha, depicting the harmony between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. The climb up to the highest point may be an arduous one, but it is all worth it...in case you want to give it a try!
120 minutes here · Admission included
Penang Hills
Our final stop for the afternoon is a mere funicular train ride up to panoramic views of extraordinary quality. Once a British hill station, Penang Hill boasts superb views over the island’s capital and parts of the Malaysian Peninsula. The funicular train system was introduced during the colonial days and has seen many upgrades over the years to comply with modern standards. We are taking the train back from the hilltop down to the parking area, from where you will be comfortably brought back to your Penang Hotel, just in time for a relaxing afternoon under the Malaysian sun.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Private Half-day Tour
Pickup included
Private Tour
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Asian Trails LTD
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying on Penang Island. Transfers outside these areas (inclusive of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and Ferringhi Beach), including any accommodation on Penang mainland and from/to Penang International airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- Tours and transfers are commonly operated by an English-speaking guide cum driver for smaller individual travellers. A minimum number of guests are required on tours to have a separate guide and driver confirmed for privately-booked tour options.
- Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Guests are advised that some walking and stair climbing is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
- We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
- Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
- It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyable Penang
The tour didn't start well as there was confusion over where we were going to be met. Penang port is very busy with taxi drivers touting for business, so detailed instructions would have been helpful. Once we met our driver, everything was great. We headed for the temple first at the top level where we were given time to wander around and take in the sights. We then moved to the lower level before heading to the station. Ricky asked us to wait in the car whilst he went to buy the express lane tickets to go up Penang Hill. The train journey was interesting and incredibly steep. It took about half an hour to reach the top. We could have enjoyed more time at the top although it was quite hazy obscuring the views. We were collected promptly at the bottom of the hill and returned in plenty of time to get back on the ship. We enjoyed our trip and I would be happy to book with Asian Trails again.
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you for this detailed feedback! We note your comments about the meeting instructions at Penang port, that's an important point for us to improve. Glad Ricky took great care of you afterwards and that the Kek Lok Si temple and Penang Hill visit was enjoyable despite the haze. Thanks for trusting us for future travels!
via Tripadvisor
Great Location to visit
Beautiful views from Penang Hill. Highly recommend doing the Habitat walk. There is an additional cost to get in but well worth it. Our driver walked us around the temple. He was very nice to do that. Would recommend a tour guide or something because it is easy to get turned around and miss things if you do it on your own.
Response from the operator: Hello Patricia! Thank you! Those views from Penang Hill are indeed spectacular! Good recommendation for the Habitat walk, it's definitely worth the small extra cost. Nice of our driver to walk you around the temple! You're right about the importance of having a guide, these sites have so much to tell. Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
via Viator
Penang Hill
Penang Hill was amazing. Definitely worth paying the extra money to see the Habitat. Law, our driver was punctual, informative & considerate. Thank you so much for a wonderful day.
Response from the operator: Hello Nadia! Thank you! Law will be delighted to read your compliments! Penang Hill with that Habitat is truly spectacular! Law knows these sites well and shares his passion beautifully. Glad this day was so successful thanks to him! Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
via Viator
Walking through Malaysia
We had a great and comfortable trip with Thomas, driver of Asian Trail, with great kindness and expertise. He has a big and beautiful car in which he took us from Malaka to Kuala Lumpur, picked us up in Taman Negara and took us to Cameron Highlands and then to Penang (2 days) taking us to all the necessary places, with friendliness and professionalism despite not speaking Spanish, striving to fulfill all our wishes. Polite treatment and with a smile towards meals with us A 10 for Thomas
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $92 to $169
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Asian Trails LTD, who run 116 experiences we rank across 24 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.1.
See everything Asian Trails LTD runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Penang.
How much does Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $92 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Penang usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour take?
+
Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Penang is not rushed.
Is Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Penang, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Penang can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Penang and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Penang within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Penang?
+
On Outty we rank every Penang experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Penang: Flexible 6-Hours Highlights. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Penang?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Penang?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
Included: Transfers with English-speaking driver; Tour is WITHOUT a guide; Kek Lok Si Temple Chairlift Ride ticket to Bronze Statue; All applicable taxes and service charges; and Funicular Train Ticket (Express Lane). Not included: Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour descrip; Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and o; Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts; and Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 100 listed pickup locations in and around Penang. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitabl. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Penang. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
Across 4 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Half-day Tour, Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Majestic Half Day Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour.
Pick your date




