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Temples in Malaysia are very popular among tourists. These temples reflect multicultural traits and religious heritage. These stunning temples of Malaysia are an important part of the country’s diverse culture and attract both locals and visitors. This country is home to a multi-ethnic population which holds varied beliefs and belongs to significant religious communities comprising Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. These temples belonging to different sects are not only supreme places of visit but also important sites for conducting several social and cultural activities.
Top 10 Devoted Temples In Malaysia
These 10 landmarks are true symbols of Malaysia’s multicultural identity and are highly recommended for tourism:
1. Batu Caves Temple
Photo: Sam Hidayat / Wikimedia Commons
Batu Caves is both a temple and a shrine in Gombak Malaysia. The caves are entirely built of limestone and have a complex that is home to multiple Hindu temples. One of the most prominently visited temples in Batu Caves Temple Complex is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Besides being a prominent place for worship, Batu Caves is also an important centre for the celebration of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The complex is home to a 43 ft high Murugan Statue, golden yellow in colour.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Nearest Airport: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport
2. Thean Hou Temple
Photo: Dimas H / Wikimedia Commons
Thean Hou Temple is a Chinese Temple dedicated to the Chinese Sea Goddess Mazu. This temple is a six-tiered temple and is located in Kuala Lumpur. Thean Hou Temple has elements of both Taoism and Buddhism and is built with authentic traditional designs and ornate carvings. The pillars of the temple are painted with rich red colour, a symbol of prosperity. The second level has a multipurpose hall designed for community gatherings. The third level has temple offices and the fourth floor houses a magnificent prayer hall.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Nearest Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
3. Kek Lok Si Temple
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote. / Wikimedia Commons
Kek Lok Si Temple is among the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia. This place has become an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist pilgrims as they travel from Hong Kong and nearby countries of Singapore and the Philippines. Kek Lok Si Temple is a seven-storey temple complex and is beautifully located between hills. The temple’s name when translated gives the meaning ‘heavenly temple’, ‘pure land temple’ and ‘temple of paradise’. The temple houses a large statue of Buddha and is built in three different architectural styles, Chinese, Burmese and Thai.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearest Airport: Penang International Airport
4. Shri Maha Mariamman Temple
Photo: Two hundred percent. / Wikimedia Commons
Shri Maha Mariamman Temple, located in Kuala Lumpur, is among the oldest temples in Malaysia and is quite famous among tourists in the country. One of the most attractive features of Shri Maha Mariamman Temple is the ‘Raja Gopuram’ built in the style of Dravidian Architecture. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple’s structure resembles the form of a human body lying on its back and the gopuram corresponds to the feet of the body.
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Nearest Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
5. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Photo: Georgia National Guard / Wikimedia Commons
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is a Hindu temple located in Johor, a state in Malaysia. The temple’s top features include the alluring glass artwork and multiple marble statues on the premises. There are crystal chandeliers on the ceilings, Rudraksha beads embedded on the walls and a cafe which serves pure vegetarian food during special occasions. The statues belong to Guru Nanak Dev, Gautam Buddha, Mother Teresa, Sai Baba and more.
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM; 7 PM – 10 PM
Nearest Airport: Johor Bahru Senai International Airport
6. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is a typical Theravada Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. This sacred site is the most prominent place for the Water Festival, Thingyan and Mid-Autumn Festivals. The temple houses a huge Buddha statue standing in the middle of the shrine hall and is regarded as the best temple in Malaysia visited during December. The temple grounds are home to quarters for monks, a library for pilgrims and a stupa. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple also has an art demonstration about how Buddhism originated.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearest Airport: Penang International Airport
7. Penang Snake Temple
Photo: shankar s. / Wikimedia Commons
Penang Snake Temple, also known as the Temple of the Azure Clouds, is a Chinese Temple located in George Town. The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist monk Master Qingshui and the snakes are believed to be their disciples. One of the attractive features of the temple is that it is filled with smoke of burning incense and a variety of pit vipers. The temple also has two significant brick wells, called Dragon Eye Well and Dragon Pure Water Well.
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearest Airport: Penang International Airport
8. Sri Marathandavar Aalayam Maran
Photo: color clouds / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sri Marathandavar Aalayam Maran, also known as the Maran Temple, is one of the best temples in Malaysia visited in October. This place is a prominent site for celebrating several Hindu festivals, including the famous Panguni Uthiram. Sri Marathandavar Aalayam Maran is utterly colourful and is an isolated place, perfect for prayers and meditation. This holy abode attracts both locals and tourists of Malaysia.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
Nearest Airport: Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport
9. Sam Poh Tong Temple
Photo: Miss Prema Darshini / Wikimedia Commons
Sam Poh Tong Temple is locally known as the Three Buddhas Cave. This is a Chinese temple built in a limestone cave in Perak, Malaysia. The temple follows Mahayana Buddhism and is a top place to worship among residents. Sam Poh Tong Temple has several multicultural cave paintings which reflect the era of three major ethnic groups, mainly Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. Sam Poh Tong Temple has a beautiful garden with small water ponds.
Timings: 8 AM to 2 PM
Nearest Airport: Penang International Airport / Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport
10. Sri Varatharajah Perumal Temple
Photo: Alex P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sri Varatharajah Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Perumal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This spectacular temple is largely visited by Hindu residents and tourists and is located in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. The temple is an important place for worship and prayers. Sri Varatharajah Perumal Temple has many idols of Lord Perumal and multiple frames on its premises. This sacred site being one of the few Vishnu temples in Malaysia is also visited during festivals like Diwali.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM; 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Nearest Airport: Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport/ Kuala Lumpur Airport
Indeed, temples in Malaysia reflect the rich culture of the country, something that it has been preserving for ages. These temples belonging to Hinduism, Taoism or Buddhism are primary places of worship and centres for meditation and community gathering. Book a trip with TripXL to Malaysia, visit the above-mentioned temples and learn about how these sacred sites have been preserved throughout.
Cover Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
