The Reclining Buddha in Georgetown, Penang is a “must see” if you are visiting Penang. It is situated in Lorong Burma (Lorong means Road) and it is usually possible to park either in the Temple grounds or in the road. Bus 101 goes the closest but you can also catch buses 10, 103 and 104 which go within walking distance. It is free to enter but there are boxes where donations can be made.
The temple is a Thai Buddhist one, was built in 1845 with other main parts being added in 1900, it is very well kept with clean bright paint. Outside the temple are various colourful statues of dragons etc. After taking off our shoes we went into the main building and were very impressed by the gold plated Buddha, reclining and over 100 feet long. In front of it were various offerings of fruit, flowers and candles. Walking around and behind the Buddha we saw paintings and niches where devotees’ ashes were kept.
Across the road from this temple is a Burmese Temple complex which is also well worth a visit and is currently undergoing expansion. This was originally founded in 1801. There is a interesting statue of a globe supported by winged dragons in the grounds as well as several other statues.
