Tourist Attractions & Monuments Malaysia

Galerie Ilham is one of the capital's most renowned art institutions in terms of modern and contemporary art, and offers a great opportunity to discover both local and international artists. The programming is of undeniable originality and quality, not hesitating to venture into Malaysia's sometimes thorny social issues - a much-needed breath of freedom. Located in an ultra-modern tower, the space is very pleasant and also boasts an arts and crafts boutique with a fine selection of objects.

This magnificent long house is typical of the homes of wealthy Peranakan families in the late ^19th century. Built in 1896, four generations lived here until 1985, when the house was converted into a museum. The architecture and decoration bear witness to Malacca's diverse influences. From grand furnishings to small everyday objects, it's a plunge into the intimacy of another era. The museum provides explanatory booklets in French.

The iconic 88-storey Petronas Towers rise to a height of 452 m. Inaugurated in 1998 after 6 years of construction, they house the offices of Malaysian oil giant PETRONAS. They were the world's tallest towers until 2004, when they were dethroned by the Taipei 101 Tower. Among other things, they contain stores, a concert hall and a mosque, and have been used as the backdrop for a number of films, including Haute Voltige. They can be visited, but only 1,400 admissions are allowed per day. We recommend reserving your ticket in advance on the Internet, or arriving early in the morning to wait in line: in the afternoon, there's virtually no chance of getting in. You can stop at two different levels: the skybridge and the top. The skybridge is located on the ^41st floorandconnects the two towers, at a height of 146 m. The ascent to the ^86th floor in one of the 78 elevators takes 90 seconds. The whole tour takes just over 45 minutes. The best view, however, is from the towers themselves, not from them! We therefore recommend that you go to the top of the KL Tower, from where you'll have a magnificent view of the Twin Towers. The shopping center, Suria KLCC, at the foot of the towers is magnificent and well worth a visit, as are the gardens just beyond. On the^4th and^5th floors, you can visit Petrosains, an interesting and entertaining museum dedicated to science (daily 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., 6.30 p.m. at weekends).

It is not only an office but a vast and beautiful white colonial villa with a red tile roof. In 1989, the Malaysian government installed the MaTiC there. You will find brochures, a café and batik workshops on site. You can also get tickets for MaTiC tours, buy bus tickets, use the computers, rent bicycles, withdraw or change money. In case of problems, a Tourist Police Counter is available.

Built around 1646, this Buddhist temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Also known as the "Temple of the Green Cloud", it is a place where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are equally practiced. Built according to the principles of feng shui, its architecture is strongly inspired by that of southern China. You'll discover fine porcelain sculptures of golden dragons and phoenixes, murals depicting the history of ancient China and engravings of mythological creatures.

Nicknamed the "Friday Mosque" by the faithful, Masjid Jamek was opened in 1909 on the initiative of the Sultan of Selangor. Designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback, it blends Moorish, Mughal and English styles. The architect designed many other buildings in Kuala Lumpur, including the railway station and the former town hall, leaving a mark that gave Kuala Lumpur its colonial identity. The mosque is built at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers on a former Muslim cemetery. It remained the city's main mosque until the Masjid Negara was built in 1965. You enter the compound through a beautiful garden planted with palm trees. A large courtyard with an ablution basin precedes the prayer hall. The prayer hall is crowned by three bulbous domes, typical of the Anglo-Indian style. The main dome, in the center, reaches a height of 21 meters. Two minarets frame the prayer hall and dominate the brick and plaster ensemble. The mosque has undergone a number of transformations over the decades. The most important was the covering of the rectangular courtyard. As you can see, the bricks are a different shade from the original pinkish building to the more recent brick-red one. One of the domes collapsed in 1993, following torrential rains, and has since been rebuilt. This little haven of peace, surrounded by lawns and palm trees, stands in stark contrast to the modern buildings and urban bustle, and is an invitation to meditation.

To be able to observe nasal monkeys in the best conditions, this private sanctuary was opened by the owner of an eco-responsible plantation. These red and debonair primates, known as monyet belanda in Malay, are particularly photogenic and endearing. There are about 300 within the boundaries of this 600-hectare park. The times for attending their feedings are at 9:30 and 14:30 in Platform A and at 11:30 and 16:30 in Platform B.

The kongsi has a dual function. It enables members of the same family clan to gather together, and it serves as a temple dedicated to a family's ancestors. Penang has many kongsi, but the Khoo's is by far the finest. The Khoo, a powerful family from Fujian, built their kongsi in 1851 and added a temple in 1894. On the eve of its inauguration, after many years of work, the temple was destroyed by fire. Only the image of Tua Sai Yeah was spared. The fire was attributed to the anger of the gods at such a pretentious construction. The temple was rebuilt more modestly and completed in 1906. A major renovation was completed in 2017.

As you emerge from Cannon Square, it's a shock to discover this indescribable, glittering mass. In addition to its superb bas-reliefs, the courtyard features two lions, two imposing granite Sikh guardians and two even larger Chinese guardians. The main hall houses statues of Tua Sai Yeah and Ong Son Tai Sai, Yar Yar. To the left opens the ancestor worship hall, and in the third hall reigns Tua Peh Kong, ruddy and happy. Plaques on the walls bear the names of Khoo who have succeeded in their studies or careers. Black ebony furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl is everywhere. Opposite, the festival hall: this is where the bonzes gather for religious ceremonies and where wayangs are performed.

Opened in 2022, this vast museum houses an impressive collection of arts and crafts from Borneo's various communities. In a highly successful scenography and flamboyant architectural setting, traditional costumes, weapons, ceramics and musical instruments bear witness to the rich traditions of the region. The museum also features interactive exhibits on farming practices, handicrafts, dance and local ceremonies. An essential starting point for discovering local culture.

To make the most of the island's natural beauty, don't hesitate to call on the services of this agency, which offers a variety of environmentally-friendly activities. Our expert and attentive guides will take you on a discovery tour of the mangroves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sports enthusiasts can opt for kayaking or jungle trekking. Tours of varying lengths take you to discover the birdlife in the rice paddies, mangrove swamps and rainforest. A must!

The must-see Batu Caves are the highest Hindu site in Malaysia, and indeed in the world outside India. Both a natural and religious site, this group of caves nestled in a limestone cliff was converted into a temple over 100 years ago. It comprises one main cave and three smaller ones. A pilgrimage destination for Malaysia's Hindu community, but also for devotees from India and Singapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war and son of Shiva and Parvati. To reach the cathedral grotto, perched 100 metres above sea level, you'll have to climb 272 seemingly endless steps. Perhaps to brighten up this tedious moment, the steps have been freshly painted in bright colors. Thieving macaques enjoying peanuts offered by climbers will greet you along the way, but keep a close eye on your belongings. Don't leave your glasses, camera or phone lying around. On arrival at the site, you'll be greeted by the imposing 42-metre-high golden statue of Murugan. It stands proudly to the right of the staircase. Inside the grotto, fervor is at its peak. Incense smoke billows, statues of gods from the Indian pantheon stand guard, traditional music bangs against the rock walls and devotees perform puja (prayers) at the foot of their idol. Two shafts of natural light cast their rays over the stage, accentuating the atmosphere of fervor and strangeness that floats here.

The fervor reaches its peak during the Thaipusam festival, which takes place in January or February. This is one of the most impressive Hindu festivals. Over a million Hindus embark on a 24-hour procession from the Sri Mahamariamman temple in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown to the Batu caves. Pilgrims follow the silver chariot carrying Murugan and his two acolytes, Valli and Teivayanni, for an incredible and emotional tribute to Murugan. Offerings, shouts, bhajan (chants), mystical dances and mortifications make up this striking tableau. The most fervent perform a trance that culminates in some pretty violent scarification. They pierce various parts of their bodies with needles, assegais or spears. The most devout wear kavadi, wooden structures attached to their backs with hooks as extreme signs of devotion.

Founded in 1891 by rajah Charles Brooke and renowned as one of the finest exhibitions in Southeast Asia, this museum boasts an exceptional ethnographic collection. At the rajah's invitation, anthropologist Alfred Wallace, a contemporary of Charles Darwin, worked for two years to open the museum. Following Sarawak's independence in 1963, naturalist and archaeologist Tom Harrison, then on secondment to the museum, contributed to its renown when he discovered a 39,000-year-old skull in the Niah cave in the center of the region.

On the second floor, photographs dating from the late ^19th and early ^20th centuries show the various Dayak tribes in traditional dress. Primitive arts and crafts from the longhouses are also represented: trophy skulls from the days of the headhunters, masks worn for harvest festivals, fertility rites, spiritual dances and funeral ceremonies. Those with a sinister appearance, revolting eyes and oversized ears are reserved for macabre dances.

A gallery features kramen, precious wooden totems carved and erected by the Orang Ulu at the entrance to their homes to protect them from evil spirits. Some of these traditions still survive today, such as basket-making and certain animist beliefs. So, before staying in a longhouse with a tribe, a visit to the Sarawak Museum is essential for a better understanding of these precious cultures.

A miniature rainforest has been recreated in the Taman Rama Rama Park(rama means "butterfly"), with all the necessary moisture produced by a network of streams and waterfalls. There are 6,000 butterflies of 150 different species, some impressive in size and color, which happily stamp their feet, drunk on the juices of the 15,000 plants available to them. An enchanting experience, although the permanent exhibition area that follows the garden, with vivariums and information panels, could use a little refresher.

The Monastery of Supreme Bliss, inhabited by monks and nuns, is considered the largest in Southeast Asia. The huge statue of Kuan Yin that dominates it from the top of the hill makes it easy to spot. The construction, completed in 1890, was the brainchild of a native Chinese monk who drew inspiration from the monasteries of his native region, while adding Burmese and Thai elements. The project took over twenty years to complete. Past the inevitable souvenir stores, you come to a disappointing courtyard with a miniature pagoda and a papier-mâché Buddha. Further on stands a sanctuary with, at its center, a large Buddha statue in the Chieng Sen style (^13th century), from northern Thailand.

The Hall of the Bodhisattvas: these are Buddhas who have renounced nirvana to remain close to humans, helping them by answering their prayers. They are considered saints. The swastika they wear on their chests is an ancient symbol from India. It represents depth of faith, longevity and strength.

The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings: on either side of the room, these kings flank the laughing Buddha Maitreya, known here as Bee Lay Hood. The Four Kings are supposed to guard the winds and the gates of paradise at the four cardinal points. They crush under their feet the drunkard, the drug addict, the gambler and the prostitute to whom paradise is forbidden. The most astonishing is the celestial king who plays the lute while trampling his victim.

The Buddha Hall: surrounded by his two favorite disciples and others who were among his earliest pupils (known as the Lohans). There's also Kuan Yin on the left. The decor, dominated mainly by sober yellows, greens and reds, is extremely rich. The sanctuary is also very well maintained.

The Pagoda of a Million Precious Buddhas: its name is inscribed on the building's frontispiece. 30 m high, its seven storeys alternate between Chinese, Burmese and, at the top, Thai styles. A hundred-year-old cerberus nun guards the entrance and makes sure you pay the right amount. Then it's an exhausting climb to the top of the hill... where the view of the village of Ayer Itam and the hills is unremarkable.

Once back down, you can sample the vegetarian cuisine of the restaurant under the shopping arcade at the entrance. This long visit, which is generally much appreciated, takes some time, and requires a comforting break.

Welcome to the largest aviary in the world! It reproduces the natural habitat of birds in a huge park. More than 3,000 birds, including 200 endemic species, live here in a space of 85,000 m². Two shows are performed every day at 12:30 and 15:30. Among the birds in semi-liberty, the rhinoceros toucan, one of the largest toucans in the world, is honored. The photo-souvenir with parakeets, eagles or multicolored macaws is part of the visit. And for the romantics, don't miss the Love aviary and its inseparable birds.

From the centre, the walk lasts from 20 to 30 minutes to the mosque located at the exit of the city. We cross a pretty garden, the Perak River and pass in front of beautiful colonial houses. The mosque is impressive and majestic, although ultimately quite small. It is commensurate with the wealth of the sultan, with a quantity of gold and marble. Its onion bulb-shaped domes are reminiscent of an Orthodox church. It is possible to walk around the main dome, but access to the mosque is restricted to Muslims only.

Tourism Branch Malaysia.

Information about the history of Penang and the various monuments of the city, to discover following the Heritage Trail. Unfortunately closed on weekends.

This temple was founded 100 years ago by a meditative and serene Chinese monk who lived there withdrawn for 20 years. The temple, still in operation, welcomes Buddhist monks and nuns. After climbing 246 steps, you reach the main cave where many statues are found. These cohabit with stalactites and stalagmites formed by limestone deposits. In a basin, turtles and carps sleep, symbols of longevity. A Taoist vegetarian restaurant is located at the foot of the temple and allows you to gain strength before the ascent.