Temples in Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur where a set of caverns holds Hindu shrines, the main one reached by 272 painted steps beneath a gold statue of Lord Murugan over 40 metres tall. Macaques work the stairway. It is the focus of Thaipusam each year, when hundreds of thousands walk out from the city, which nothing else here draws.

Sri Maha Mariamman on Jalan Tun H S Lee is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, founded in 1873, and its tiered gopuram over the entrance is crowded with painted figures. A silver chariot kept here carries Lord Murugan out to Batu Caves at Thaipusam. It stands in Chinatown within a few steps of Chinese and Taoist temples, which is the sort of street this list keeps returning to.

Located in Johor, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is a noteworthy Hindu temple modeled and constructed of glass. Counted amongst one of the state's significant tourist destination, the temple is worth a visit for architectural enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

This is Georgetown's Hindu temple and is visited by plenty of tourists. This temple is Georgetown's oldest Hindu temple, built back in 1883. You will find a lot of South Indians (locals at that), inside this temple. There is a typical gopuram above the entrance that adds to its charm.

Kek Lok Si climbs the hillside at Air Itam below Penang Hill and is among the largest Buddhist complexes in South East Asia, begun in 1891. Its seven-storey pagoda puts Chinese, Thai and Burmese styles on successive tiers, and a bronze Kuan Yin stands above it, reached by an inclined lift. For a month after Chinese New Year the whole hillside is lit with lanterns.

Formerly known as Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple, the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple stands shining on the lands of Georgetown, Penang. Crowned amongst one of the oldest Burmese Buddhist Temple in Malaysia, it is famed for housing the huge marble Buddha statue and a 200 years old well.

The Kuan Yin Temple, or the Kuan Yin Teng in Georgetown, Penang is devoted to the Goddess of Mercy and is one of the main centers of worship for the Chinese Taoists in the city. The temple is also home to the worship of Ma Chor Ooh, the patron saint of seafarers who was deeply regarded by early Chinese settlers.

Thean Hou sits on Robson Heights above Kuala Lumpur, a six-tiered temple built by the city's Hainanese community in the 1980s and dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian halls share the one building. It is modern where most of this list is old, and its terrace gives the best view over the city of any temple here.

Khoo Kongsi, also known as Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the largest clan temple-cum-house of the Hokkien clan. It’s located in Georgetown, which is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. Khoo Kongsi, also known as Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the largest clan temple-cum-house of the Hokkien clan.

The Penang Snake Temple, earlier known as Temple of the Azure Cloud, is a Chinese temple built in remembrance of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist prist and healer. Located in Bayan Lepas in the Southwest Penang, this magical temple is one of the few places where one can get close to the venomous snakes and live to tell the tale.

The splendid limestone cave temple with a number of natural and manmade artistic works, Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is situated in Gunung Rapat, just 5 kilometres to the south of Ipoh. Providing a view with an array of Buddha statues, it is translated as the Cave of Triple Gems. The Sam Poh Tong Cave TempleSam Poh Tong Cave Temple has a long-standing history making it an important tourist attraction.

Located at Gunung Rapat, Ling Sen Tong Temple is a charming Taoist temple located next door to Nam Thean Tong and Sam Poh Tong. The temple comprises of several attractive statues of different characters and deities from the Chinese folklore and Chinese mythology. Ling Sen Tong translates into rocks of heavenly spirits and presents a combination of Taoist and Buddhist culture.

Located in Genting Highlands, Chin Swee Caves Temple is a temple in Malaysia constructed to pay respects to the Reverend Chin Swee who is believed to muster rain and protect his devotees from evil spirits. Sitting 4600 feet above sea level, the structure of Chin Swee Cave Temple puts to display an extraordinary handiwork.