The Most Spectacular Temples in Malaysia

Hindu devotees frequently visited the Batu Caves Temple to make their prayers. They also celebrate Thaipusam together at the holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is located within the Gombak’s limestone hills (40 minutes train ride from Kuala Lumpur). The golden statue of Lord Murugan stands tall at the temple’s entrance with a flight of 272 steep stairs to climb up to the caves. This holy place consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones including the biggest one, Temple Cave. Each cave consists of ornate Hindu shrines, statues and paintings that tell the stories about how Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapadan.

Kek Lok Si Temple is an ornate 19th century Buddhist temple located at the top of the hills of Penang Island. The interior and exterior of the temple halls, pagodas and archways are decorated with millions of beautiful images of Buddha and hundreds of outstanding detailed carvings, sculptures and murals. The detailed architectural designs tell significant meanings of Chinese culture and Buddhist teachings. There is an outdoor temple garden in which one can take walks while admiring the beautiful temple, including the three-tiered Kek Lok Si Pagoda with each tier having its own architectural style relating to Buddhism.

Along the Jalan Tun HS Lee lies the Sri Mahamarianmman temple, a holy shrine visited by Hindu devotees. The five-tiered temple entrance is decorated with 228 sculpted Hindu deities relating to the scenes of Ramayana. The temple is adorned with Hindu motifs narrated stories of early Hinduism. The main prayer hall has its decorated ceiling and three main shrines. Four small shrines are located surrounding the main prayer hall. These shrines are the house of Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and other deities. You will notice The Silver Chariot, with 240 bells and a pair of horses dedicated to Lord Murugan, at the top right side of the main prayer hall.

Thean Hou Temple, a six-tiered Buddhist temple, is known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. It is also a shrine for worshippers to pray for Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple has detailed elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism along with contemporary architectural details and traditional ornate carvings. Admire the majestic entrance with red pillars and the temple’s dragon-inspired columns and pagoda rooftops. Explore the modern Buddhist pagoda and the octagonal hall enshrined with images of Buddha. Walk around the Chinese medicinal herbs garden and relax by the tortoise pond.

Khoo Kongsi Temple is one of Penang’s iconic heritages that represent the Hakka community. The temple was built in the 19th century, decorated with stone carvings and murals of divine guardians, deities, immortals, carps and dragons. It is a gathering place for Chinese families with the surname to come to worship their ancestors. The temple maintains its unique history including an association house, a traditional theatre and rowhouses for the clan members gathered at a granite-paved square. The temple is located at the Canon Square in the heart of old Georgetown.

Built in 1950, the Snake Temple honors a Buddhist priest and healer Choo Soo Kong. According to a legend, the priest provided shelter for the jungle snakes which are believed to have become the priest’s disciples. After he passed away, these snakes made the temple their own home. Walk through the temple entrance and you will see a big incense burner in the middle of the temple hall with sculpted statues and carvings. Toward the back of the temple is a snake pool with fruit trees coiled with snakes.

The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple is known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or Hill Top Murugan Temple located in Georgetown, Penang. Based on an old belief, a holy man chose the spot near the waterfall for the shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. Visitors need to climb up 513 stairs to reach to the temple. It is also one of the holy shrines, gathered with Hindu devotees to do their daily prayers and celebrate Thaipusam. The hilltop temple has a seven storey gopuram, embellished with statues of deities. Public rituals are normally performed at the pillared outer hall.

Sam Poh Tong Temple is located within a limestone hill of Gunung Rapat, Ipoh. It is a magnificent temple of art and faith, with various Buddhist statues among natural stalactites and stalagmites. Walk around the beautifully decorated pavilion and a mesmerising landscape garden with a fish pond. In 1993, this tranquil area was celebrated as Malaysia’s ‘Best Landscape Gaden’. Climb the 246-step staircase and be amazed with the views of Ipoh and the temple surroundings. Feed the turtles at the pond and wish for great fortune at the wishing well.

Ling Sen Tong Temple is a Taoist cave temple at the foot of a limestone hill in Ipoh, Perak. Its name is literally translated as ‘rock of heavenly spirits’. It is right next to the Sam Poh Tong Temple along Jalan Gopeng. The temple consists of many designs, such as animals, deities and other characters of Chinese folklore. You will find colourful statues of Chinese mythology, including the legendary Monkey King from the popular classic tale Journey to the West.

Chin Swee Cave Temple is at a rocky slope near to the peak of Genting Highlands Resort. The temple is a sacred place for devotees to pray to Buddha and the Goddess of Mercy. Discover the essence of Chinese traditions and beliefs within this religious temple. Explore the iconic nine-storey pagoda, lit with 10,000 blessing lamps placed by the devotees and figurines of Buddha. Sink in the wondrous panoramic views of Genting Highlands and enjoy the gentle cool breeze at the observation deck.