The three-style pagoda
A Chinese base, Thai middle and Burmese crown in one tower.
Arne Müseler — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Balon Greyjoy — CC0 · Balon Greyjoy — CC0 · Balon Greyjoy — CC0
The largest Buddhist temple complex in Malaysia climbs a hillside at Air Itam, crowned by a seven-storey pagoda that mixes three styles: a Chinese base, a Thai middle and a Burmese crown. Building began in the 1890s and the complex is still growing today. Its showpiece is a bronze statue of the Chinese goddess of mercy more than thirty metres tall, under a vast pavilion at the top of the complex, reached by a small inclined lift for a token fee. On the way are turtle ponds, gardens and ornate halls, and the view from the top runs out over George Town. Entry to the complex is free; climbing the pagoda and taking the inclined lift to the statue cost small fees of two or three ringgit. At Chinese New Year, in January or February, the temple is lit with thousands of lanterns at night in an extraordinary sight, though it is extremely crowded. It stands next to the lower station of the Penang Hill funicular, so the two fit into half a day. There are many stairs and slopes, which makes it tiring for anyone who struggles with walking, and mornings are kinder than midday.
A Chinese base, Thai middle and Burmese crown in one tower.
Over thirty metres tall under a vast pavilion at the top.
Thousands of lights at night in January or February.
Air Itam, Penang
Yes, they are neighbours. Do the temple in the morning before the heat, then go up the hill in the afternoon and stay for sunset and the city lights.