Kuala Lumpur offers places of worship that represent the vast array of religious minorities that call the city home. Mosques, churches, and temples are dotted across the city, with many of the grandest venues playing host to annual festivals and celebrations that bring out visitors from all religious backgrounds. While a relatively young city, Kuala Lumpur still offers unique venues that are of religious and historical significance.
National Mosque of Malaysia
The National Mosque of Malaysia covers 13 miles of land with room for a 15,000-strong prayer. Completed in 1965, the neo-style structure is covered by 16-sides of a star – symbolic in Islam – while a minaret reaches for the sky. The mosque is located a short walk from the Kuala Lumpur railway station where visitors will follow an underground passage directly to their desired destination. The structure includes various works of art, calligraphy, and ornamentation. It is also located near to the Makam Pahlawan (Heroes’ Mausoleum) which serves as the burial ground for several of Malaysia’s Muslim leaders.
Address: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2107 3100
Operating Hours:
– Saturday – Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00, 15:00 – 16:00, 17:30 – 18:30
– Friday: 15:00 – 16:00, 17:30 – 18:30
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Thean Hou Temple
Constructed between 1981 and 1987, the Thean Hou Temple is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous Chinese structures. Originally built by the local Hainanese community, it was designed to honor the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The interior is adorned with elaborate ceiling art, while the exterior features tall, bright-red pillars complete with Chinese art and characters. The venue is one of the most popular temples for celebration of various Chinese holidays including the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is also home to various fortune-telling and marriage registration services, as well as classes on traditional Chinese exercises and martial arts.
Address: No. 65, Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, 50460, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2274 7088
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 08:00 – 22:00
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Batu Caves
Just outside of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves is an ancient limestone hill and series of caves where Hindu worshipers are regulars. Its shrine, meant for the sacred Lord Murugan, is the location of the Tamil festival of Thaipusam. In addition, the caves are home to many native plants and animals due to the unique limestone environment. At least 21 species of native bats are known to inhabit the caves, as are long-tailed macaques (monkeys). Visitors can also participate in more than 160 rock-scaling routes—for the bravehearted—that exist throughout the cave complex. And for the utterly fearless, various adventure tours descend into some of the lesser-known areas in over two-kilometers of underground networks.
Address: Gombak, 68100, Batu Caves, Selangor
Phone: +603 – 6189 6284
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 07:00 – 21:00
Admission Cost:
Cave Villa;
– Malaysians: RM7
– Non-Local: RM15
Ramayana Cave:
– RM5
Website
