From ornately-designed mosque to Buddhist temples; Malaysia is not short of impressive architectures which has traditional and modern architectural techniques combined. The various picturesque Hindu temples with intricately adorned portico of deities, decorated with gold and precious stones, depicting stories from the early Hindu history, places of worship in Malaysia has become a hit with tourists to experience the true essence of the diversity of religion in Malaysia.
With the multi-racial background the country has, each race has brought in their own religious beliefs, making culture richer than anywhere else in the world. Festivals are being celebrated here in these places of worship and the events that take place in these divine spots have drawn visitors from various walks of life, to savour the beauty of culture. Step into the divine Buddhist shrines like the Kek Lok Si temple, to the gracious Catholic Churches of St Anne's and All saints Church in Taiping, to top it all off with the contemporary-designed National Mosque and the exoticism of Hinduism in the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, the oldest of its kind in Malaysia.
Where to go
Acheen Street Mosque, Penang
The Acheh Street Mosque (Masjid Melayu) is a historical landmark built in the early 1800's in the Muslim settlement area in Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Batu Caves, Selangor
Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's most famous tourist destinations. Every year hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees congregate here for the colourful Thaipusam festival.
Benggali Mosque, Penang
The Benggali Mosque, believed to have been founded in 1803, was built on a site granted by the East India Company during George Leith's term as the Lieutenant-Governor of Penang.
Cathedral of the Assumption, Penang
One of the earliest religious landmarks in Penang, the Cathedral got its name from the day the first group of Roman Catholic Eurasians from Kedah landed in Penang in 1786, which was the eve of the Feast of the Assumption.
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang
This is a famous Burmese temple in Georgetown City in Penang. Upon entering the temple, one will find a pair of large stone elephants at the entrance, on guard.
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang
Penang's most popular attraction, the Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest and most beautiful Buddhist temple complex in Malaysia. It is also one of the first being built in the South East Asia region.
