Buddha Light Vihara

Buddha Light Vihara, Viaduct Road, Penang Hill (4 November 2023)

Buddha Light Vihara (GPS: 5.41663, 100.26705) is a Buddhist retreat centre on Penang Hill. It occupies a two-storey bungalow that offers splendid views of the George Town and its surroundings. It has been in use as a vihara since 1965, and in recent times, the grounds have been converted into an orchard known as Nature Green Farm.

Located at Viaduct Road, the building was erected by a business owner, Mr Lim Choy Tin, in 1923. After the demise of Mr Lim, the property passed to his son Mr Lim Peng Tor, who served as trustee of the bungalow. Under Lim Peng Tor, the Lim family welcomed visiting Buddhist monks to stay at the house, which is a sanctuary for those seeking inner peace.

After Lim Peng Tor's demise, the property was sold to a devoted monk, the Venerable Siew Chin in 1986 and he converted it into Buddha Light Vihara in 1986. From then on, the bungalow served as a place of quiet contemplation and devotion.

Over the subsequent decades, Buddha Light Vihara was maintained by a succession of Buddhist monks, with the present one being the Venerable Dr. Chuan Chao, under whose stewardship the property continues to serve as a sanctuary for those seeking inner peace on Penang Hill.

Buddha Light Vihara is reached from Viaduct Road by a driveway that leads to its front garden. Converted from the living room of the former private residence is the prayer hall, where a large Buddha image is installed. The servant quarters on the rear side of the bungalow is now expanded to be an extensive kitchen area for food preparation during festive times. On the upper floor of the bungalow are living quarters for the monks as well as lodging for overnight guests.