Attraction Category: Temples

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is a popular landmark of Shah Alam. It was named after the late Sultan of Selangor who commissioned it in 1982. The architectural design of the mosque displays a unique blend of Malay, Modernist, and Middle Eastern styles. The magnificent main dome is 51.2 metres in diameter and 106.7 metres in height. Four soaring minarets were constructed at every corner of the mosque, each standing at 142.3 metres above ground level. They are still the tallest group of minarets today according to the Guinness World Records.

 

Location

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is situated about 30 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur and 50 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. KTM Komuter train and Rapid KL bus services are available from Kuala Lumpur to Shah Alam.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Friday: Only open for Muslims
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00, and 17:00 to 18:30

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission is free. A volunteer tourist guide service is also available.

 

How to Get There

Located in Shah Alam, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is about 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur via Federal Highway and 40 minutes drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Visitors can take a car or taxi. Alternatively, visitors can also take the KTM Komuter train service, which runs every 30 minutes, from Kuala Lumpur and disembark at Shah Alam station. A taxi from the station to the mosque will take approximately 10 minutes and RM 20 (USD 4.86). Visitors taking Rapid KL bus number 63 or 338 from Kuala Lumpur will have to get off at Maybank Section 14 Shah Alam station. A walk to the mosque from the bus station will take about 10 minutes.

 


Suggested For

The mosque is suitable for visitors of all ages interested in admiring the history and architecture of a Malaysian Islamic mosque and its surrounding serene landscape.

 

Time to Spend

A half a day visit is sufficient to enjoy a good walk inside the mosque campus.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Non-Muslims should avoid entering the mosque during prayer times so the best time to visit is in the morning, or after 14:00.

 

Food

Restaurants and cafés are easily located in the city centre of Shah Alam, which is only about 1.5 kilometres from the mosque. There are a good variety of food to opt for, from budget local food to expensive cuisines.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Garden of Islamic Arts (0.6 kilometres)
  • Sultan Alam Shah Museum (0.84 kilometres)
  • Tun Uda Library (5.5 kilometres)
  • Shah Alam Botanical Park (6.5 kilometres)
  • Shah Alam Lake Gardens (1.2 kilometres)
  • Sultan of Selangor’s Palace (13 kilometres)
  • I-City of Shah Alam (7.6 kilometres)

 

Stay

Finding a place to stay in is not an issue as there are many hotels in and around Shah Alam. Most of them are also within a short distant of the mosque. Visitors will have accommodation choices from budget, mid-range to luxurious hotels.

 

Good to Know

You are required to put on modest clothing and remove your shoes when you enter the mosque. Blue robes will be provided to visitors to cover any exposed arms and legs. Female visitors will also be requested to cover their heads with scarves.

Founded in 1873, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple rises 23 metres above China Town. The temple’s five-tiered tower is adorned with colourful tiles, precious stones, and hundreds of carvings of Hindu deities. It is named after the Hindu deity, Mariamman, who is believed to protect devotees against sickness and demonic incidents.

 

Location

The temple is situated at the edge of Chinatown. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about 60 kilometres away and KL Sentral transportation hub is about 3 kilometres away.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open daily from 06:00, and closes every 20:30 on Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays, 21:30 on Fridays, and 21:00 on Saturdays.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

Major bus routes in Kuala Lumpur operate through this area. You can take the buses heading to “Kotaraya” or “Pasar Seni”, such as Metrobus No. 30 or 99, CityLiner No. 710 or 730, and RapidKL B115 or U22 or U26. Alternatively, you can also take the LRT to Pasar Seni or Plaza Rakyat station, KTM Komuter to Kuala Lumpur station, or Monorail to Maharajalela station, then walk to the temple.

 


Suggested for

The temple is suitable for travelers of all ages especially those who are interested in the Hindu culture, religion, and architecture.

 

Time to Spend

Visitors usually spend around 15 to 30 minutes in the temple.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The temple is busy and crowded during Hindu festivals such as the Thaipusam and Deepavali. You may opt to visit the temple during Pooja times to witness the ceremony. The daily Pooja times are at 07:30, 12:15, and 17:30.

 

Food

The only food related problem you have here is the limit of your stomach! Some must-try local food at China Town are Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee, Yong Tau Fu at the China Town wet market, Sze Ngan Chye’s Roasted Duck, Koon Kee Wan Tan Mee, Portuguese Grilled Fish, Kim Soya Bean, Madam Tang Mua Chi stall, and Air Mata Kucing stall. If you prefer to eat in more comfortable restaurants, you might want to consider the award-winning Café Café, CHOCHA Foodstore, and Old China Café.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Petaling Street (China Town) – 1 minute walk
  • Central Market – 4 minute’s walk
  • Merdeka Square – 8 minute’s walk
  • Sultan Abdul Samad Building – 8 minute’s walk

 

Stay

Visitors can easily find accommodation in the city of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation, to luxury hotels. Some accommodations within walking distance to China Town are Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur, Alamanda Hotel, and Ancasa Hotel. Budget stays such as The Explorers Guesthouse, Mingle Hostel, and Backhome KL are also within walking distance of the temple.

 

Good to Know

Shoes are not allowed in the temple. You have to leave them at the counter and pay a small fee.

The Snake Temple Penang is more than your ordinary Buddhist temple. It is said that the monk who built the temple gave shelter to snakes and after the completion of the temple, many snakes move in on their own to the temple grounds. The locals believe this to be a sign of prosperity and good luck.

 

Location

The temple is located in the area of Sungai Kluang, Bayan Lepas, about 12 kilometres away from Georgetown.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The snake temple is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Although entrance to the temple is free, a visit to the exhibitions will entail a small fee:

  • Small Snake Exhibition: Adults: RM 5 (USD 1.22), Child RM 3 (USD 0.73); Malaysians get a RM 2 (USD 0.49) discount

 

How to Get There

It is very easy to get to the temple from Georgetown. You can take buses 302, 401 or 401E to Bayan Lepas, or simply hop on a taxi or book an Uber.

 


Suggested For

Visiting the temple is especially great for reptiles lovers and people who are interested in Buddhist temples and its architecture. The temple is very tranquil and safe, suitable for travelers of all types and ages.

 

Time to Spend

You can explore the temple in 1 hour.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

If the main purpose of your visit is to see the snakes, you should avoid going to the temple during the Chinese New Year, as the snakes are removed when it gets very crowded.

 

Food

Food is not allowed and not sold within the temple grounds.

 

Safety and Fraud

Although the venom has been removed from the snakes, you are still advised to keep a safe distance from them.

 

Stay

There are many accommodation options in Georgetown that you can opt for, from budget hostels to mid-range accommodation to luxury hotels.

 

Good to Know

There is a small snake exhibition in the temple that is educational and allows visitors to touch some of the snakes

With the capacity to accommodate 15,000 people, the National Mosque is surrounded by lush greenery that then expands to a 13-acre land. Its uniquely designed 18-point umbrella-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam.

 

Location

The mosque is situated in the centre of the city, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Kuala Lumpur Railway station.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The mosque is open daily from 06:30 to 13:00, 14:30 to 16:00, and 17:30 to 19:00.
Only Muslims are allowed in the main prayer hall. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the mosque is free.

 

How to Get There

You can get to the National Mosque via the KTM Komuter – disembark at the Kuala Lumpur railway station and take a short walk to the mosque. You can also take the RapidKL bus B101 and B112 and alight at the Dayabumi Complex. The easiest way to reach the site, however, is by taxi or Uber.

 


Suggested For

The mosque is suitable for travelers of all ages, especially those who are interested in the Islamic religion.

 

Time to Spend

You can spend about an hour exploring the mosque.

 

Food

Only bottled water is available at the mosque. You can grab a bite at its nearby attractions that are accessible by foot. The Central Market and Petaling Street (China Town) offer great options to satisfy your hunger. Some must-try local foods at China Town are Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee, Yong Tau Fu at the China Town wet market, Kim Soya Bean, Madam Tang Mua Chi stall, and Air Mata Kucing stall.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Islamic Arts Museum – 5 minutes walk
  • National Planetarium – 13 minutes walk
  • National Museum of Malaysia – 13 minutes walk
  • Perdana Botanical Garden, Butterfly Park, Bird Park – 16 minutes walk
  • Central Market – 16 minutes walk
  • Petaling Street (China Town) – 19 minutes walk

 

Stay

Visitors can easily find accommodations in the city of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation, to luxury hotels.

 

Good to Know

You are required to put on coloured robes to cover any bare skin and take off your shoes to enter the mosque. Volunteers inside the mosque will offer free guided tours or answer any questions you may have about the mosque.

Kek Lok Si features a stairway going upwards to the temple, a Liberation Pond that follows the Buddhist tradition of merit-making, and an impressive architecture. Monks and nuns operate the temple.

 

Location

The temple is located at Ayer Itam in the centre of Penang Island.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Kek Lok Si is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Most parts of the temple are freely accessible to visitors, although the elevator list costs RM 3 (USD 0.73) per person, and the pagoda costs RM 2 (USD 0.49) per person.

 

How to Get There

The site is easily accessible by road. As long as you are on Penang Island, you can get there by bus, on foot, taxi, or Uber.

 


Suggested For

The temple is a great place to visit for Buddhists or people with an interest in Buddhism and architecture. However, it may not be suitable for young children or seniors as guest would have to walk a lot to explore the temple grounds.

 

Time to Spend

You can spend 3 hours exploring the temple including the pagoda.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to go is on a weekday as it can be a bit packed during the holidays and weekends.

 

Activities

Most activities involve hiking. You can also choose to swim if part of your itinerary involves visiting the beach.

 

Food

Tourists are not allowed to eat within the temple grounds but you can find food stalls offering delicious local delicacies everywhere in Ayer Itam.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Penang Hill

 

Stay

You can opt to stay in any of Penang Island’s luxury, budget, and mid-range hotels, and hostels.

 

Good to Know

Visit the temple during the early morning to avoid the tourist crowds. Chinese New Year would also be a great time to visit, as the temple would be especially festive and filled with beautiful decorations.

The limestone cave temples of Batu Caves are famous for the celebration of Hindu festivals, including Deepavali and Thaipusam, which attract thousands of visitors every year. A giant golden Murugan statue guards its main entrance. Be ready to climb a steep flight of 272 steps before entering the fascinating caves with multiple temples to make offerings of lights to the Hindu gods.

 

Location

The Batu Caves is located along the Highway MRR2, approximately 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur and 75 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Batu Caves is open daily from 06:00 to 21:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to parts of the Batu Caves is free, albeit educational tours are also available:

  • Dark Cave Guided Tour: Available daily; RM 35 (USD 8.51) for adults, and RM 25 (USD 6.08) for children.
  • Adventure Tour: Available during weekends with a minimum of 1 week advanced booking; Open for visitors 12 years old and above; RM 80 (USD 19.44) for foreigners and RM 55 (USD 13.37) for Malaysians (excluding a 6% tax for a minimum of 10 people in a group)

 

How to Get There

Batu Caves is accessible by cars or taxis, with about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or 30 minutes drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. A parking area is available. KTM Komuter train service leaves every 15 to 30 minutes from KL Sentral station to Batu Caves station.

 


Suggested For

Batu Caves is a good place to visit for families with kids, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers. Although do note that senior travelers or small children may find climbing up the 272 steps a challenge.

 

Time to Spend

Half a day visit is sufficient to explore the shrine. More time should be allocated if you intend to join the guided tour. The Educational Tour will take about 45 minutes, while the Adventure Tour lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

As a pilgrimage site, Batu Caves draw thousands of worshippers and visitors from all over the world during the annual festival of Thaipusam, which usually falls on January or February. Visitors who prefer fewer crowds would best avoid visiting during Hindu festivals.

Activities

  • Rock climbing with more than 160 climbing routes
  • Visit to limestone caves

 

Food

A number of restaurants and cafés are just a short drive away from the Batu Caves. These serve different varieties of food ranging from western cuisine to local delights. A café located near the temple’s parking area serves Indian vegetarian food.

 

Safety and Fraud

Beware of the monkeys found everywhere in Batu Caves because they can get rather territorial and aggressive. Small children should avoid feeding or getting close to the monkeys as they could be bitten.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Muzium Orang Asli (Indigenous Peoples Museum), the city of Kuala Lumpur

 

Stay

Because of the short travel distance away from the city, visitors can find lodgings at the Kuala Lumpur city centre. There are a variety of options available in Kuala Lumpur from backpackers accommodations, budget, and luxury hotels.

 

Good to Know

The temple is a sacred site, so visitors should dress modestly. Visitors with shorts or skirts above the knees might be denied entry and will be advised to cover their legs with towels, jackets, or sarongs.

The Church of St. Francis Xavier is a twin-spired neo-gothic structure built in 1856, in honour of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent 16th-century Catholic missionary. The Church was, at one time, the largest Church built by the Paris Foreign Missionary in the Malay Peninsula. To this day, it still serves its function as a Catholic Church, with regular mass services held regularly.

 

Location

The Church is about is 5.5 kilometres away from Melaka Sentral. It is also 250 metres away from The Stadthuys, and 350 metres away from the famous Jonker Street.

 

How to Get There

You can rent a bicycle and explore the many wonders of this UNESCO-listed city. If you are driving, you can also park your car in the parking area which is just opposite the Church.

 


Suggested For

The Church is suggested for couples, solo travelers, and backpackers who are interested in the Catholic religion or who would just like to take a break in the middle of the city.

 

Time to Spend

15 minutes is sufficient to see the Church if you are not attending Mass.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

If you are interested in attending a Catholic Mass in the Church, Mass schedules are as follows:

  • Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday): 13:00, Novena at 17:00, 18:00
  • Sundays: English: 07:30, 10:45; Tamil: 09:00; Mandarin: 17:30

Otherwise, you can visit the Church at any time.

 

Food

Atmosphere 360 is located nearby, although it is a fine-dining restaurant and prices are quite high. For more budget options, you may choose to visit many of the eateries and foodcourts in the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • The Stadthuys – 250 metres
  • Christ Church – 250 metres
  • Jonker Street – 350 metres
  • Hard Rock Café Melaka – 350 metres
  • Paul’s Church – 500 metres
  • Baba And Nyonya Heritage Museum – 550 metres
  • A’Famosa Fort – 600 metres
  • Melaka River Cruise – 600 metres
  • Masjid Kampung Kling – 600 metres
  • Menara Taming Sari – 850 metres

 

Stay

There are a number of hotels and guest houses near the area, from backpacker accommodations to luxury boutique hotels. In addition, there are also a number of homestays located nearby Jonker Street, the main attraction of the area, which is within walking distance.

 

Good to Know

The Church has two towers, both holding two large brass bells, which cannot be seen from the outside. When you enter the Church, you can see some stained glass adornments, and the Church’s ground is shaped into a cross. There is also a Catholic gift store just in front of the Church.

The Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh, also known as Wat Preah Chedey Borapaut is significant, as it is the origin of Phnom Penh city. The four Buddha statues that were said to be found by Lady Penh by the Mekong River are housed in one of the pagodas here. This place attributes to the name Phnom Penh, which means hills of Penh. A museum also houses many artifacts and antiques.

 

Location

The Wat Phnom is located at northern part of Norodom Boulevard, about 15 minutes walk from Central Market.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple opens daily from 07:00 to 18:30, whereas the museum opens daily from 07:00 to 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to Wat Phnom is USD 1, while entrance to the museum costs USD 2 per person.

 

How to Get There

Most visitors get here by either tuk-tuks or taxis. Walking is viable for visitors staying nearby.

 

Suggested For

Wat Phnom makes a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors seeking for a spiritual experience. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers.

 

Time to Spend

Spend around 1 to 2 hours visiting the temple and the museum.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Wat Phnom is more crowded in the morning and evening, and most crowded during the Chaul Chnam Thmey or Cambodian New Year, which falls from April 13 to 15. It is advisable to not visit during the said time in order to avoid the crowd.

 

Activities

The Wat Phnom is perfect for those hoping to capture a little bit of good luck. Most visitors come to pray for success in business or other ventures.

 

Food

Food stall are located nearby. You may also want to head over to the markets nearby for more options.

 

Safety and Fraud

Monkeys live within the temple grounds and you should always keep a safe distance from them.

 

Nearby Attractions

The Wat Phnom is within walking distance to the Central Market (15 minutes). The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace of Phnom Penh are both located about 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk.

 

Stay

Phnom Penh offers various accommodation options in different price points.

 

Good to Know

It is important to take note of the dress code, which is similar to visiting any religious site. You are also required to remove your shoes prior to entering the main worshipping area.

The Wat Ounalom is one of Phnom Penh’s significant temples. It is also home to the monks from the Mohanikay order and library. One of the key highlights of this temple is the carefully conserved ounalom, which is believed to be a hair from Buddha’s eyebrow.

 

Location

The Wat Ounalom is located at Sisowath Quay, about a 10-minute drive from the city center.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Wat Ounalom temple opens daily from 06:00 to 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to Wat Ounalom is free.

 

How to Get There

Most visitors get to the temple by either tuk-tuks or taxi. Walking and cycling are also good options to get there.

 

Suggested For

The Wat Ounalom is a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors seeking a spiritual experience. It suits visitors consisting of seniors, solo travelers, family with kids, and backpackers.

 

Time to Spend

Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at the temple.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Wat Ounalom is less crowded than Wat Phnom. You may want to visit the temple in the early morning or evening if you want to be there when it is the least crowded.

 

Activities

The Wat Ounalom is perfect for learning and appreciating Cambodian Buddhism. It is also a nice spot for photography during the sunrise and sunset time.

 

Food

You may grab a meal at one of the cafes and bistros nearby.

 

Nearby Attractions

The Daughters of Cambodia Visitors Center (5 minutes drive) and National Museum (10 minutes drive) are some of the attractions that you can head to after visiting Wat Ounalom. You may also be interested to go for the river cruise along Sisowath Quay (Riverside).

 

Stay

Phnom Penh offers various accommodation options for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.

 

Good to Know

It is important to take note of the dress code, which is similar to visiting any religious site. You are also required to remove your shoes prior to entering the main worshipping area.

The Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is famous for its rich Khmer artisanship. It also features detailed murals of the Ramayana on its walls.

 

Location

The Silver Pagoda is located at Samdach Sothearos Boulevard in Phnom Penh, a 25-minute walk from the city centre.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Silver Pagoda opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. However, it’s closed for lunch break from 11:00 to 14:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to the Silver Pagoda is USD 10, which is inclusive of admission to the Royal Palace as well. An additional fee applies to hire tour guides.

 

How to Get There

Most visitors get here via tuk-tuks or taxis.

 

Suggested For

The Silver Pagoda is a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors seeking a cultural experience. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers.

 

Time to Spend

You can spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the attraction.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The Silve Pagoda is a very popular site for visitors to Phnom Penh. It is usually more crowded during opening hours and right after lunch break. Sundays are usually busier than other days.

 

Food

A few food stalls offering good, authentic, local cuisine are within walking distance of the site. You may also grab a meal at one of the cafes and bistros nearby.

 

Safety and Fraud

Always keep an eye on your belongings as pick-pockets are very common in crowded places.

 

Nearby Attractions

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh, which is adjacent to the Silver Pagoda is about a 10-minute walk away. For another 5-minute walk, you can reach the National Museum. You may also be interested to go on a river cruise along Sisowath Quay (Riverside), which is about 15 minutes away via tuk-tuk.

 

Stay

Phnom Penh offers various accommodation options for travelers, with prices ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury.

 

Good to Know

It is important to take note of the dress code, which is similar to visiting religious sites. You are also required to remove your shoes to enter the Silver Pagoda.