Sitting serenely atop a quiet hilltop in the center of Phuket - its presence a stark contrast to the unrelenting hustle and bustle of the hectic resort island surrounding it - is a towering and partially completed giant Buddha.
Measuring in at 150 feet (45 metres high) and 80 feet (25 metres) across its base, this cross-legged colossus, its body layered with Burmese marble tiles, can be seen gazing down benevolently from many vantage points across the island’s west coast. Known to locals as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, it seems to glow with an almost ethereal brightness whenever the sun emerges from behind its dense tropical cloud cover.
This monumental statue is being built to attract both tourists and devout Buddhists alike, plus of course as a constant reminder to locals of the supreme divinity of the enlightened one.
Thailand's Big Buddha will cost over $4 million to build
The idea was hatched ten years ago, after which a foundation was formed to co-ordinate its construction. Building of the big Buddha commenced in 2005, with the completion date dependant on fund-raising efforts. So far 80 million baht (US $2.4 million) has been generated for the project, with another 70 million baht (US $2.1 million) envisaged as being needed to see it through to completion.
Revenue is raised via donations from the local community and from curious tourists who make the trek up the winding roads of the Nakkerd Hills. It is estimated approximately one thousand people visit the site each day. Many donate money for building materials, earning themselves the write to scrawl their name or a message on a brick or marble tile to be used in the statue’s construction.
Despite still being years from completion, the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha is already one of the most revered landmarks in Phuket. Surrounded by lush rainforest, and with sweeping vistas of Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Chalong Bay this gargantuan deity has the best views on the island – offering the visitor photo opportunities in both directions.
The Biggest Buddha on Earth
But is it the biggest Buddha in the world? This is an issue both contentious and confusing. Apparently that hor currently belongs to the 400 foot (120 metre) tall Ushiku Buddha of Japan. But this is a standing Buddha, not a seated Buddha. And anyway, it’s about to lose its title to an almost completed reclining Buddha in the Guifeng National Park in China - which will be over 1300 feet (400 metres) long! When finished, the Guifeng Buddha will be not only the largest Buddha on the planet but the largest statue on the planet – leaving even South Dakota’s Crazy Horse monument (whenever it reaches completion) behind in the dust.
However, the giant Buddha of Phuket may well be the world’s largest cross-legged seated Buddha. Although the Leshan Buddha of Sizchuan Province in China, at 230 feet (70 metres) in height, is considered the largest seated Buddha, it is perched on a chair. Currently the world’s biggest cross-legged Buddha is found on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. It is 110 feet (34 metres) tall. When Pucket’s monolithic idol is complete, it will be more than 30 feet (10 metres) taller.
Of course bigger is not always better in the realm of Buddhism. Boasting is anathema to the religion; humility paramount. The importance of the Phuket Buddha really lies in its significance as a symbol of hope and peace. But it also a monument to the tenacity, commitment and optimism of the people of Phuket – the very qualities which saw them bounce back so unequivocally from the tragic tsunami of 2004.
Giant Buddha, Phuket, Thailand
Opening Hours
8:00am to 7:30pm most days.
How to get there
An approximately four mile (six kilometre) hike up the access road off Chao Fa Road East outside of Chalong. If this sounds too ambitious in the tropical heat, hire a tuk-tuk in Chalong. Tours are also available.
What to wear
Conservative clothing - avoid skimpy beachwear which may be offensive to the Buddhist faith.
Cost
Free of charge but donations are appreciated.
Grant Osborn - Author of 'Ghost Hunt' (2005), 'Unexplained New Zealand' (2007) and 'Something is Out There' (2010). Producer of television show 'Ghost ...
