12 Best Hindu Temples in Malaysia to Put in Your Itinerary
Malaysia is home to several awe-inspiring attractions, whether it be hiking spots, ecological parks and impressive feats of architecture. One thing that usually goes under tourists’ radar is the country’s amazing selection of Hindu temples—which we’re here to change!
Join us here as we take an in-depth look at some of Malaysia’s most majestic Hindu temples and see why they’re worth visiting. We’ve also included some insider tips that you can find useful so make sure to stick by until the end!
Batu Caves
Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6189 6284
Operating hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
When creating a list like this, you can’t leave out Batu Caves, as visiting it is one of the most iconic things to do in KL or Malaysia as a whole.
It’s a unique cave temple that contains several chambers, but before you can enter them, you must first climb the massive 272-step staircase.
This massive cave temple also houses multiple shrines dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Lord Murugan.
If you’re unfamiliar with this deity, don’t worry, as you’ll immediately be greeted by him in the form of his 140-foot golden statue outside the caves–make sure to take a picture!
Pro tips:
- Don’t forget to pack a water bottle with you, as the trek up the cave can be extremely tiring. While you’re at it, make sure to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes so that you can lessen the fatigue that you’ll feel on your feet during your visit.
- The best time to visit the caves is either early in the morning or in the evening. This is because the temple can be a bit too crowded during the day and the heat can be overwhelming during the afternoon.
- Hold onto your snacks while you’re here, as there are monkeys (long-tailed macaques) roaming around the area. These animals are known to steal food and other personal belongings from the caves’ visitors.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Address: Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6189 6284
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Monday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is hands down one of the most beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur, and you don’t have to enter it to see why! The first thing that will greet you when you visit this temple is its multi-coloured Raja Gopuram Tower, which is also a photo op waiting.
Aside from aesthetics, however, the temple also boasts rich historical significance, as it’s the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. It’s dedicated to the goddess of weather, Mariamman, who’s looked at as a protector in an unknown land by the Tamils.
Pro tips:
- The temple is located within Chinatown so after exploring it, make sure to stop by the restaurants outside. This way, you can re-energize your body for the rest of your journey and treat your tastebuds to delicious and authentic Chinese dishes.
- You won’t be allowed to enter the temple with your shoes on so you have to pay a small amount to make sure that they’re stored in a safe place.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 7-224 5152
Operating hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman is one of the most unique and special Hindu temples in the country, mainly because of how it was built.
If you don’t know, it’s also known as the “Glass Temple”, as this place of worship is mostly made out of colourful glass, 90% of it to be exact–cool, right?
Upon entering through its doors, you’ll be greeted by glimmers of light that bounce off the different coloured glass, whether it be the floor, the walls, etc. Not only that but also the murals and sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses here are engraved in glass!
Pro tips:
- It’s normal to give offerings to the gods and goddesses depicted inside the temple to attract good luck. If you’re planning on doing this, some of the most common offerings you can opt for are fruits, sweets, clothes and flowers.
- Keep in mind that even though this place is mostly known as an attraction today, it’s still indeed a place of worship. This being said, we’d advise talking at a low tone and wearing decent clothes to avoid disturbing the peace inside the temple.
Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil Temple
Address: 17, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
If you want to be in awe of stunning sights on your temple-hopping we recommend stopping by Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani. This is because this beautiful place of worship is surrounded by equally gorgeous natural landscapes, most notably, the waterfall hill.
That’s not to say that the temple itself is lacklustre though; in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Some of the most notable features of this place of worship are the free-standing temple bell and the seven-storey Raja Gopuram, which features 38 carvings of Hindu deities.
Pro tips:
- As much as possible, don’t bring food during your visit. This is because monkeys are residing in the area and they’re known to be quick with their hands, so be careful!
- Just like with the Batu Caves, you have to reach a massive flight of stairs to reach this temple–513 steps to be exact. Wear comfortable shoes so that you won’t get tired too fast when making your way up the temple.
Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple
Address: No. 80, Jalan Mastika Off Psn Raja Muda Musa, Selangor, 41100 Klang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-3371 1763
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
If you ever find yourself in Little India in Selangor, we advise you to stop by Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple. This place of worship is dedicated to praising Lord Vishnu in the form of Perumal and it’s one of the largest Vaishnavite Hindu temples in the country.
Aside from that, the temple also houses mini shrines dedicated to other deities including Lords Shiva, Ganesha, Parvathy, and Navagrahas.
Also, it’s worth stopping by when you’re in the area because of its beautiful and intricate architectural style, which is best showcased on its facade.
Pro tips:
- If you want to fully immerse yourselves in the culture of India, we recommend stopping by the Little India district, as it’s only a stone’s throw away. Here, you can find shops that sell local products as well as restaurants that serve authentic Indian dishes!
- A great time to visit would be on the weekdays at around 10:00 AM, as this is when you’ll find the least amount of devotees.
Kallumalai Arulmigu Sri Subramaniyar Temple
Address: 140, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily, from 4:30 AM to 12:00 PM. 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Kallumalai Arulmigu Sri Subramaniyar Temple is another Hindu temple that’s surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Among these landscapes are luscious greenery, amazing limestone cliffs and the famous Kinta River, which brings a cool breeze into the area.
As for the temple itself, it’s worth admiring as well, with its marvellous seven-tiered gopuram, which features over 500 colourful statues of various idols. The main deity it’s dedicated to, however, is Lord Murugan, which is why you’ll find numerous depictions of him in the temple.
Did you know?
- The temple you see today was a result of a relocation back in 1930. It was originally built inside a limestone cave back in 1889 but unfortunately, a rock fell from the roof of the temple hitting a priest leading to his untimely death.
- You can find various animals roaming around the area so be sure to keep your eyes peeled so that you can meet them! Some of the most common species you’ll find here include peacocks and monkeys.
Sri Shakti Devasthanam Temple
Website: https://srishaktitemple.com.my
Address: Jalan Kuala Selangor, Bukit Rotan, 45700 Bukit Rotan, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-293 2574
Operating hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sri Shakti Devasthanam Temple is hands down one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the country, and it’s not hard to see why! It’s a fairly newcomer on the scene, as it was only built in 2013, nonetheless, it’s still a temple worth including in your itinerary.
Its elegant monochromatic exterior is easy to fall in love with, partly because it’s a breath of fresh air from all the colourful facades of other temples.
Upon entering its impressive five-storey Raja Gopuram, you’ll be in awe of the 96 carved pillars and 51 Shakti statues inside the temple.
Pro tips:
- Make sure to explore every crevice of this temple so that you don’t miss out on its other attractions. Aside from the architecture itself, the beautiful attractions you can find inside include the gorgeous and elaborate steps and the realistic granite sculptures of lions and baby elephants.
- You can hit two birds with one stone and visit the nearby Firefly Park to make the most out of your time in the area.
- Keep in mind that photography isn’t allowed inside the place of worship. Don’t worry though, as you’ll have plenty of subjects to snap photos of outside where photography is allowed.
Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple
Address: No: 5 to 11, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 6-281 0693
Operating hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple may look plain as opposed to other colourful temples, but what it lacks in design is made up for by its rich history. This is because it’s renowned as one of the oldest operational Hindu temples in the country and that alone makes it a must-visit attraction.
Its year of construction can be traced back to as early as 1781 when it was originally built by Tha Vinayagar Chitty. Since then, devotees of the deity it’s dedicated to (Hindu God Lord Ganesha) visit this place of worship every day to give praise.
Pro tips:
- While you’re in the area, stop by one of Melaka’s most iconic attractions, Jonker Walk, where you can purchase souvenirs to commemorate your trip. This district is lined with various stalls and stores that sell high-quality local products.
- This is also the best place to immerse yourself in the state’s delicious local dishes and satisfy your inner foodie! Some of the local dishes we recommend the most include chicken rice balls, gula Melaka cendol, Nyonya assam laksa and one bite durian puff.
- If this religious place left you wanting more, don’t worry! You can also stop by Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Kling Mosque, which are just minutes away from Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.
Sri Marathandavar Bala Dhandayuthapani Alayam
Address: KM 100, JALAN KUANTAN – JERANTUT, 26500 Maran, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 19-812 8050
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Monday: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Sri Marathandavar Bala Dhandayuthapani Alayam is another temple dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Lord Murugan. It’s a beautiful place of worship that’s secluded from nearby establishments, making it the perfect temple for meditation.
What’s interesting about this temple, however, is the mysticism that surrounds it, as many people believe that it has witnessed several miracles over the years. One thing that people allude to when it comes to these miracles is the sacred tree located on the temple’s premises.
Pro tips:
- As tempting as it may be, refrain from feeding the pigeons that flock to the temple as much as possible. This is so that they would stop visiting the sacred place of worship, and lessen their droppings in the area to maintain cleanliness.
- Make sure to eat before you visit this temple, as there are no restaurants and stores nearby. Alternatively, you can also pack a snack with you so that you can re-energize yourself and temporarily fill your stomach before reaching a nearby eatery.
Sri Mariamman Temple, Penang
Address: Hindu Temple, Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 4-263 8916
Operating hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:05 PM
Aside from the one found in Kuala Lumpur, there’s another Sri Mariamman Temple that’s worth visiting in Penang. One of the reasons we say this is because this place of worship has been around since 1883, making it the oldest intact Hindu Temple on the island.
Its aesthetics aren’t too shabby as well, as it’s a beautiful sacred place that consists of colourful designs and amazing prayer rooms. One of the most notable design features of this temple is the entrance tower (gopuram), where you’ll find carvings of various gods and goddesses.
Pro tips:
- A great time to visit the temple is during the Thaipusam festival, one of the most awaited annual festivals in Malaysia. During this time, you’ll see the parade of devotees carrying jugs of milk to the Batu Caves.
- You can also time your visit in October during the Vijayadasami festivities. During this time, you’ll see the temple’s deity being taken around the neighbourhood in a wooden chariot.
Sri Ayyanar Temple
Address: A7, Kampong Ulu Sepetang, Perak, 34010 Taiping, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-493 4454
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and re-opens from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and re-opens from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
When you visit Taiping, you can’t leave without visiting Sri Ayyanar Temple, which is sort of a hidden gem among temple hunters. This is because it’s secluded from other establishments and is nestled among rubber and oil palm estates in the city.
As you may have gleaned from its name, this temple is dedicated to worshipping Sri Ayyannar, the guardian deity of Tamil Nadu. This is why you’ll find a well-preserved idol of the figure inside the temple, which is also its main attraction.
Pro tips:
- As much as possible, fill your tummies before visiting this temple, as there are no restaurants and stores available nearby. Alternatively, you can also bring a snack to refuel your energy during your journey, just make sure not to eat inside the temple.
- If you want to enjoy the utmost peace during your visit, try to avoid the Vaikunta Ekadashi Festival. This is because the temple will be crowded with devotees who will engage in chanting (Japa) and meditation (Dhyana)
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil
Website: https://srikandaswamykovil.org
Address: Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2274 2987
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and re-opens from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM and re-opens from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is another must-visit temple that you can enjoy without leaving the capital. Located in the neighbourhood of Brickfields, this century-old temple is a famous attraction among devotees and tourists alike, which is why you may want to get there early.
It’s not hard to understand why it garners tons of attention though, as it features a beautiful facade and an equally gorgeous interior. Our favourite thing about it, however, is its magnificent tower entrance, which consists of different coloured engravings of gods and goddesses.
Pro tips:
- Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is one of those rare cases where we would recommend using public transport as opposed to renting a car. This is because the parking there is quite limited and you’re better off riding the monorail, as there’s a nearby station.
- If you don’t want to encounter crowds during your visit, you only have to avoid one day, and that is the Thaipusam Festival. But if you’re into festivities then by all means, visit during this festival to witness striking parades and passionate devotees.