360° shot of Kek Lok Si
This year’s Chinese New Year might not bring the usual shebang it does every year with the MCO still in place, but some meaningful traditions are still carried out, like the lighting up of Penang’s sacred Kek Lok Si to usher in the auspicious festive season. Though people aren’t allowed to flock to the temple to admire the lights, one netizen’s next-level 360° shot may just transport them to the spot virtually.
Netizen’s incredible picture wows Malaysians
Christopher Matthew Montano shared his masterpiece in the PenangToday Community Facebook group two days ago on 8th February, leaving 6,600 members in the group mesmerised. His post has since amassed over 2,000 shares at the time of writing.
Image credit: Christopher Matthew Montano
Montano captured a 360° aerial view of Kek Lok Si beautifully lit up, together with the surrounding skyline and buildings in George Town illuminated by the city night lights.
Image credit: Christopher Matthew Montano
Kek Lok Si lights up every CNY
The lighting up of Kek Lok Si is an annual affair that Penangites look forward to every Chinese New Year. This year’s event may not have the usual crowd physically present, but the ceremony was still witnessed by hundreds as it was streamed live via various social media platforms last Sunday on 7th February. The ceremony also included a prayer session and ended with fireworks.
The lights will be in place until 11th March, so we might just be able to head over to the temple in Penang to catch a glimpse of it if the COVID-19 situation stabilises by then.
Netizen took a 360° drone shot of Penang’s Kek Lok Si all lit up
We’re sure that there are many Penangites stuck in KL or in other parts of Malaysia feeling dejected that they can’t travel back to their hometown this year and spend CNY with their families. And Montano’s snap of Kek Lok Si may just have ended up comforting thousands of Penangites who are glad to still be able to witness their hometown in all its glory, albeit from a distance.
Malaysians are a talented bunch. Check out more of their impressive stories here:
- Photographer creates impressive Merdeka-themed photo using lights
- Malaysian artist, Cloakwork, designs mural for cruise ship
- Malaysian creates AR (augmented reality) LRT map
- Legendary roti uncle honoured with Penang mural
Cover image adapted from: Christopher Matthew Montano
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