Being home to several communities and religions, Malaysia has become a destination for many for it embraces all religions and cultures all together. The depiction of this cultural diversity can be seen through the numerous holy shrines present in its sacred spaces. So if you are seeking some serenity out of the cacophonic noises around your city life or are roaming around the country with your Malaysia Visa, it is time to explore some temples and mosques around the country to seek some tranquillity and peace of mind.
Here are some top mosques and temples in Malaysia we have brought to you to consider visiting and offering your prayers to:
Best Temples In Malaysia
1.Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
Batu Caves is a series of caves and a Hindu temple, is a significant site with religious importance and geological allure. Promoted by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, it’s adorned with a vel-shaped entrance and a statue of Sri Murugan Swami. The annual Thaipusam festival has drawn devotees since 1892. Climbing 330 stairs rewards you with a stunning view. The caves host diverse flora and fauna, while the Dark Cave below features intricate formations, accessible through restricted access to preserve its ecology. Malaysian Nature Society offers educational trips to explore this unique blend of spirituality and natural wonders.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2.Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur
Established in 1873, by the Pillai family, Sri Maha Mariamman temple opened to the public in the 1920s. Worshipping Goddess Mahamariamman, the manifestation of Parvathi, it’s a stunning symbol of divine power with beautiful architecture and a tall Raja Gopuram Tower. Built by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, it started as a private shrine but opened to the public in the late 1920s and is now managed by a board of trustees. This cultural gem attracts crowds during Diwali and Thaipusam, standing as an essential heritage site.
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass temple, Johor
Situated in Johor, this temple is also known as the Glass Temple, which is decorated with more than 3,00,000 colorful glass pieces depicting Hindu deities and figures speaking about history. As recognized in the Malaysian Book of Records, this special temple invites you to a spiritual journey, offering a unique experience of architectural beauty. Don’t miss the walls covered in 300,000 Rudraksha beads from Nepal. So come and explore the mix of history, culture, and spirituality at this extraordinary Glass Temple in Malaysia.
Timings: 7 AM – 10 AM, 1 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: RM 10 for Foreign tourists, Free for Malaysians
4. Kek Lok Si Temple
Known as the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, this pilgrimage site is located in the hills of Ayer Itam at George Town, Penang, Malaysia depicting an amalgamation of Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and traditional Chinese rituals. Worshippers pray by counting beads, burning incense, or offering cash. Famous for its decoration with hundreds of lanterns during the festival seasons, it illuminates the hill and the island. The seven-story pagods, sculptures, and numerous Buddha images attract a huge chunk of travelers.
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Penang
Formerly known as Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple, the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is one of Malaysia’s oldest gems. It’s famous for a huge marble Buddha and an ancient well that’s been around for 200 years! The temple tells the story of Burmese history through beautiful paintings. The place peacefully resonates with a Bodhi tree, Buddha statues, and monk homes. Check out statues showing the “three realms” and the Guardian Protectors of the World. Remember to take off your shoes and enjoy the breathtaking view of Penang from the Golden Bell Tower’s 3rd floor.
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil Temple
The Balathandayuthapani Kovil Temple became the largest Lord Murugan Temple outside India in 2012 and serves its devotees in its waterfall hill-top temple. One has to climb a whopping 500 steps to reach the temple and offer their prayers, abhishegam, or archanai while undertaking a pilgrimage from Lorong Kuilt to offer milk pots or Vel Kavadis to the deity. Festivals like Thaipusam and Chithirapuram bring a huge influx of devotees and tourists to this significant religious treasure in George Town, Penang.
Timings: 6:45 AM – 9 PM
Entry fee: Free
7. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh
Located in Gunung Rapat, Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is an enchanting mix of nature and culture of Ipoh, Malaysia. You need to climb 246 steps and get this amazing city view around this ancient cave temple, rooted in Mahāyāna Buddhism, which holds a grand reclining Buddha and a distinctive 4-story blue apartment-like columbarium. The serene garden with a fish pond adds to its charm. Discover the biggest cave temple in Malaysia, where history speaks through cave paintings. It invites you on a simple yet enchanting journey of spirituality, art, and breathtaking views.
Timings: 7 AM – 2:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8.Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
Set in the crest of Robson Heights in Kuala Lumpur, the Thean Hou Temple is a magnificent Chinese Temple built by the Hainanese community. Built as a tribute to Chinese Sea Goddesses, the temple looks grandiose and capacious. Fusing traditional and modern architecture with Chinese influences, the temple offers an impressive way to experience Chinese spirituality at its finest forms. The temple arena is beautifully decorated with paper lanterns, the walls are covered with intricate allegories and murals in typical oriental colour palettes. A trip to Thean Hou Temple promises a beautiful time spent in calm, serene surrounds with amazing views of Kuala Lumpur city.
Best Mosques in Malaysia
1. Jamek Mosque
Also known as Sultan Abdul Samak Jamek Mosque, it is Kuala Lumpr’s oldest Islamic worshipping site. Often called the Friday Mosque, British architect Arthur Benison Hubback designed it, and has held its significance until the unveiling of Masjid Negara in 1965. It has rightfully reflected the mixture of Mughal, Islamic, and Moorish architecture through the beautiful design of the site.
Timing: 10 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM – 4 PM.
Entry Fee: Free
2. Putra mosque
Putra Mosque, located in Putrajaya, is a modern landmark with Arabic-Islamic designs. Its distinctive pink dome and rose-tinted granite construction create an out-of-the-world ambiance. You can explore the intricate prayer hall, courtyard, and other learning facilities open to non-Muslim visitors during specific hours. Visit and don’t forget to award yourself the architectural beauty of this peaceful mosque by Putrajaya Lake shining in elegance.
Timing: Sat-Thurs: 9 AM – 12:30 AM, 2 PM – 4 PM & 5:30 – 6 PM; Fri: 3 PM – 4 PM. 5:30 M – 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Free
3. Kota Kinabalu Mosque
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is Malaysia’s second-largest and is gracefully floating on a man-made lagoon. Built for 34 million Malaysian ringgits, it echoes the design of the Mosque Of Nabawi Al-Munawwara. You will surely admire its blue and gold dome, around the Arabic architecture and get a visual treat if you are a photographer or a tourist. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer hours, just remember to dress modestly. Dive into the beauty of Islamic architecture amid Kota Kinabalu City’s breathtaking surroundings
Timing: 8 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: RM 5 for Foreign tourists, Free for Malaysians
4. National Mosque of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Discover Masjid Negara, the grand National Mosque of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, resembling Mecca’s Grand Mosque. It welcomes 15,000 worshippers and features a unique blue-tile roof, representing Malaysia’s states and Islam’s pillars. It’s a serene cultural gem with a 73-meter minaret and a 16-pointed star roof, set in 13 acres of gardens. Dress modestly, and borrow a purple headscarf at the entrance. Non-Muslims, explore outside prayer times for a peaceful visit to this remarkable site!
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9 AM – 11 AM, Fri: 2:45 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Step into history at Kapitan Keling Mosque, George Town’s biggest mosque, built in the 19th century. Marvel at its stunning Islamic architecture, a gem in the World Heritage Site since 1801. Join free guided tours by the Islamic Propagation Society, and don modest clothing covering arms and legs. Immerse yourself in the cultural soul of George Town at this magnificent place of worship!
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5: 30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Conclusion
Malaysia therefore stands as a testament to unity in diversity with various communities and religions staying harmoniously together with their rich cultural heritage. The history and establishment of all of these temples and mosques in Malaysia show the portrayal of solace, spirituality, and architectural beauty. So whether you are a traveler, a resident, or just a believer, come and visit their holy shrines and feel the world of natural power and religious perspectives anew!
Malaysia happens to be a country with vast and diverse ethnic communities. The country beautifully balances and fuses this ethnicity amicably into its way of life. A few days of leisure time in Malaysia is a great way to experience this unique amalgamation of diverse cultures. Add a Malaysia temple tour to your travel plan and you get an amazing insight into the cultural side of Malaysia. If you seek for an enhanced soul-stirring, invigorating experience, club your holiday with some of the best spas in Malaysia for truly awesome Malaysian experience.