Malaysia, Our Beautiful Melting Pot Of Culture
Our beautiful country of Malaysia is known for many things, from the delicious food to lush rainforests, but one of the things we're most proud of is our unity in diversity. Malaysia is so rich in cultures and traditions, and the best way to experience all of that is to visit beautiful religious sites across the country.
From magnificent mosques and churches, to stunningly colourful temples, the country is home to many must-visit prayers of worship. Whether you'd like to pay a visit for some time of prayer, or simply to take IG-worthy shots in appreciation of their intricate architecture, check out this list we've compiled of the top religious sites to check out in Malaysia.
Top 17 Must-Visit Religious Sites In Malaysia
1. Masjid Wilayah
At the top of our list is the stunning Masjid Wilayah or Federal Territory Mosque, also nicknamed as The Mosque In The Garden due to its location in the heart of a beautiful garden, surrounded by a moat. The design of the building is heavily influenced by Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque, leading to its blend of Malay and 16th century Ottoman architectural styles. Both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors are welcomed here; volunteers on-site will gladly offer you guided tours and interesting nuggets of information!
- Address: Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
2. Batu Caves Temple
A visit here is a must-do for any tourist who comes to Kuala Lumpur, so it's no surprise that Batu Caves made it to this list. Outside of the caves stands the largest gold-painted statue of Murugan, a Hindu god, next to 272 colourful steps leading the way to the cave entrance of one of the most important Hindu religious sites! It can be a tough climb, but it’s fun to stop and take pictures on the rainbow stairs, and interact with the cheeky monkeys that often hang out there.
- Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
3. Kek Lok Si Temple
When in Penang, take a hike up the famous Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Home to a bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, as well as a seven-storey pagoda or 10,000 Buddhas, it’s no wonder many go out of their way to visit this famous temple. This national icon was built in 1890 and is known as one of the finest temple complexes in Southeast Asia!
- Address: 1000L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Air Hitam, Pulau Pinang
4. Masjid Putra
Affectionately known as the Pink Mosque of Malaysia, the Putra Mosque or Masjid Putra is the most distinctive landmark in Putrajaya. It is located on the banks of the scenic Putrajaya Lake and can accommodate more than 15,000 people at once. Constructed in rose-tinted granite, the mosque has a desert-pink hue and looks absolutely beautiful against the sunset.
- Address: Persiaran Persekutuan, Presint 1, 62502 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
5. Chin Swee Caves Temple
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the majestic Chin Swee Caves Temple is a tranquil place to rest your mind and take a break after a day of travelling. Visitors are granted with stunning panoramic hillside views and soothing, chilly atmosphere up here as the temple is surrounded by mountains and often shrouded in mist. We also recommend going through the Journey to Enlightenment exhibit that chronicles the journey through hell via exquisite art.
- Address: Exit 68, Genting Sempah, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
6. Christ Church
A visit to the historical city of Melaka wouldn't be complete without dropping by the iconic Dutch Square. The area is distinguished by a collection of picturesque, red colonial Dutch buildings and the Christ Church stands out among them all. The 18th-century Anglican church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in the whole country and is home to several unusual objects such as Portuguese tombstones on the floor.
- Address: Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
7. Thean Hou Temple
Known as one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia, the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur was built by the city's Hainanese community back in 1894. The gorgeous six-tiered Buddhist temple still stands strong until today with its beautiful red pillars, extravagant prayer halls, and pagoda rooftops. Many visitors come to this vibrant establishment for prayers and marriage registrations, and with its hilltop location, it also offers great views of the city.
- Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
8. St Michael's & All Angels Church
Located in the heart of Sandakan, St. Michael and All Angels' Church is the oldest stone building in Sabah and is a must-visit if you're in the area. The church withstood major damage during World War II and still stands strong on Elton Hill until today as one of the very few stone structures in the whole state. Our favourite part of the building is a set of beautiful stained glass windows, known as the Window of Remembrance.
- Address: Jalan St Michael, Kampung Tawas, 30010 Ipoh, Perak
9. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Tucked away at the edge of Kuala Lumpur's very own Chinatown, the elaborate Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the city. The temple was built in 1873 for South Indian immigrants who first came to Malaya as contract labourers, but now serve as a place of solace and worship for Hindu visitors from all over the world. The impressive building features a colourful myriad of precious stones, gold, Spanish and Italian tiles, intricate carvings of Hindu deities as well as hand-painted motifs and frescos.
- Address: Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
10. Masjid Kristal
The city of Kuala Terengganu is home to many beautiful mosques including the majestic Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal. Situated within the Islamic Heritage Park of Pulau Wan Man, the grand building stands tall and gleaming, with its entire structure made out of steel, glass and crystal. The mosque is also known as the first 'smart mosque' in the country as it is the first to use solar-run energy and have a built-in IT infrastructure, as well as WiFi for visitors to read the Quran electronically.
- Address: Pulau Wan Man, Losong Panglima P'erang, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
11. Church Of The Holy Rosary
The Church Of Holy Rosary is a Gothic-inspired Catholic church built in 1903, nestled in the city of Kuala Lumpur. The church has a beautiful all-white exterior and a landscaped garden where you can snap some pretty photos at. The beautiful building is also a popular pick for many.newly-weds to flock here for wedding shoots.
- Address: Holy Rosary Church, 10, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
12. Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu
The majestic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, also known as Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, is the largest mosque in the city of Kota Kinabalu and personally, we also think it is the most stunning one. The building features four minarets as well as a blue and gold dome, designed to resemble the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. Surrounded by a man-made lagoon, the 'floating' mosque also casts a picturesque reflection on the water surface, giving it the most enchanting look especially during sunsets.
- Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
13. Sam Poh Tong Temple
Built within a limestone cave and surrounded by lush greenery, the Sam Poh Tong Temple is a unique Buddhist temple you must visit while in Ipoh. A trip here will make you feel like you are transported to a completely different world, thanks to its enchanting garden and circling cliff surroundings. Here's a fun fact: the temple was originally founded by a monk from China while walking through Ipoh, who then apparently made it his home and meditated there for 20 years until his death!
- Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
14. St. George’s Anglican Church
The 19th-century St. George's Anglican Church is one of the oldest buildings located in the historical city of George Town, Penang. The beautiful historic building is in fact also the oldest purpose-built Anglican church in the entire Southeast Asia. Its elegant and stark white structure stands out amidst a manicured lawn, complete with swaying palm trees and a round pavilion dedicated to Captain Francis Light.
- Address: 1, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
15. Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam is the largest in Malaysia and second largest in Southeast Asia. The mosque is also fondly known as the Blue Mosque of Malaysia and got its name because of the mosque's blue stained glass and beautiful blue dome - in fact, it's the largest dome of a religious building in the world!
- Address: Persiaran Masjid St., Sekysen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
16. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, more known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or Thaneer Malai by locals, is a Hindu temple located in Penang. The 7-storey temple is perched on top of a hill and its elaborate cream-coloured structure can be easily spotted from far away. Visitors will need to climb over 500 steps to reach it, but the hike is totally worth it as you'll be blessed with beautiful views over George Town.
- Address: 17, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
17. Masjid Lapan Kubuh
Located in a village in Terengganu, the Lapan Kubah Mosque or Masjid Lapan Kubah is a lesser known gem in Malaysia, but one that we felt deserved to be in this list. The impressive mosque is dubbed as Masjid Russia due to its architectural resemblance to Russia's St. Basil's Cathedral. It was built to replace a century-old wooden mosque and now stands tall amidst the village greenery, complete with its bright and colourful domes.
- Address: 1315, Jalan Masjid, Kg. Jalan Lapan Kotak, 22000 Jerteh, Terengganu
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