The most beautiful religious buildings Malaysia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Built in 1781 on land donated by the Dutch, this temple is one of the first Hindu temples built in Malaysia. It is dedicated to the divinity Vinayagar, better known as Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. There is also an altar dedicated to Muruga, Ganesh's younger brother, much revered by the Tamil Nadu Indians. Note the Dutch influence in the architecture, including the entrance, walls and roof, which make this Hindu temple a unique example.

Standing on stilts, the magnificent Strait of Malacca Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world to have been built directly on water. It was inaugurated on November 24, 2006 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the supreme ruler of Malaysia. At the time, he was Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, King of Perlis. The mosque's highly original design blends Middle Eastern and Malay architectural elements, modern and ancient. At high tide, it seems to float on the water, offering a superb spectacle.

With its red bricks, large white cross at the top and multitude of multicolored trishaws waiting for the tourist right in front, you can't miss this pretty Dutch-inspired church. The foundation stone was laid in 1741 to commemorate the centenary of the capture of Malacca by the Dutch and to replace the aging St. Paul's Church. Construction took 12 years and the church was consecrated in 1753, making it the first Reformed church in the city. In 1838, the church was rededicated according to the rites of the Anglican Church and renamed Christ Church. It is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, and Sunday services are still held here in three languages. Mass in English takes place at 8.30am, in Mandarin at 10.30am and a final mass in Malay at 4.30pm. Visits to the church are forbidden during services.

Access to the church is via the side and adjoining store. The bare interior can seem a little austere. The central aisle is lined with ancient tombstones, recounting a part of Malacca's history. Some tombs bear inscriptions in Armenian, Portuguese, English and Dutch. Modern stained glass adorns the windows. Note the lovely solid-wood benches with wicker seats.

The church bell predates construction and must have been salvaged from another building, as no one knows where it came from. But it is dated 1698. The treasure cannot be visited.

Don't be put off by the steep steps to the top of Bukit St Paul. The view of the city from the peak is superb. The church was originally a chapel built in 1521 by a Portuguese captain. It was enlarged in 1556 and named Church of the Mother of God(Igreja de Madre de Deus). St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor, and is said to have performed several miracles here. All that remains today are the walls, pierced by windows, and the tombstones that paved the nave are now leaning against the walls.

Passed the ark on which its name is written, entering a red courtyard. The temple houses a beautiful altar with four statues of Killed Péh Kong, easily recognisable to its happy air and pilgrim's stick. Above the statues is a covered parchment parchment.

To go to the most famous Georgetown building, Dr Kongsi, you have to take Cannon Street, between the Yap Temple and the Chinese bistro, with, on the right, beautiful restored Chinese houses. We turn left under a vault named Cannon Square, which is the place where Dr Kongsi rises. On the left, facing the temple, a narrow lane overlooks Lebuh Armenian. The holes, visible in the walls, dates fighting between secret societies, around 1860. The windows were bouchées, because we were pulled from one window to the other, and, as the ruelle is not 2 m wide, you could not miss it! In order to restore order, the English were forced to bring the Singapore Sepoys to the barrel of the belligerents. Hence the name of Cannon Square.

This snow-white, Moorish-style mosque rises above a lagoon. Built on the water, it is reflected in the placid waters and literally seems to float, hence its nickname of floating mosque. Two footbridges connect it to the mainland. At night, the lighting from the dome and minaret literally sets it ablaze. The place exudes serenity. If you wish to visit the mosque, proper attire is imperative.

This pretty temple incorporates the classic Chinese elements of the Buddhist temple. Set beside the river, you can see the ships cruising offshore. Zhang Li, a sailor from China, landed on Penang in 1746. Much appreciated by the island's 50 inhabitants, he became a teacher. After his death, the islanders built a temple in his memory, dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, an incarnation of the god Fu, the god of prosperity. From then on, worship of Tua Pek Kong began to spread to Malaysia, Singapore and several Indonesian islands.

Built in 1748, this mosque is striking for its unique architectural blend of different influences. The minaret is inspired by Hindu temples, the ceramic tiles are British and Portuguese, Corinthian columns and arches cohabit with Malay, Chinese and Hindu decorative elements. The street on which it stands is also known as Harmony Street, due to the presence of a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple.

Dating back to 1728, this mosque, the oldest in Malacca, is still in use. It was built on the initiative of a Malay representative to the Dutch government, taking advantage of a new policy in favor of religious pluralism introduced by the colonists. Largely inspired by the Javanese architectural style, it also features Chinese ornaments and decorative elements such as floor tiles and a ceramic roof.

Perched atop a small hill, just opposite the Waterfront and the Museum of Chinese History, this impressive temple is the oldest in Kuching. It dates back to 1770, but its history is only really documented from 1843 and the accession of the White Rajahs. It was one of the few buildings to survive the great fire of 1884 and the Japanese bombardment during the Second World War. It is said to have the best location in the whole city according to the principles of feng shui, and this is what has kept it intact.

This is the Chan clan kongsi, built in 1906. Originally, it was a clan house where members met in semi-clandestinity. The temple inside provided a religious façade for a secret society. The first thing you'll notice is the façade, richly decorated with glazed ceramic bas-reliefs. Scenes from daily life and Chinese legends are depicted. At the entrance, numerous ancestral tablets can be seen on the right, and photos of the Chan are to be found everywhere.

This temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Goodness. It's Georgetown's oldest Chinese temple, built in 1728. The entrance is through a large granite-paved courtyard, overrun with pigeons that let themselves be fatally fed by devotees. At the center of the courtyard stand two green lions and two enormous cauldrons for the most serious cases. Barren women, or those unfortunate enough to have only daughters, throw incense sticks(joss sticks) into the cauldrons in whole bundles. The first temple, with walls and ceilings blackened by incense smoke, is dedicated to Kuan Yin. On the roof stand the traditional dragons, also carved on the entrance pillars. At the far end, in a glass cage, the goddess appears, crowned and dressed in a red or white gown, depending on the festival. The temple is not very large, and the worshippers, mostly women, must not be disturbed. More rarely mentioned, behind the temple, a building is preceded by a courtyard. Against its wall, a hilarious Buddha holds in his hands the blue bag from which all happiness will flow when he returns to Earth. Two other Kuan Yin statues can also be seen here. In the background, facing the Buddha, Kuan Yu, god of learning and war (Kuan Kong, see "Nin Yong Temple" below), appears surrounded by mandarins who have brilliantly obtained their parchment donkey skins. This god is particularly revered by students. The place is peaceful and the incense smoke more bearable in the open air.

This hillside Buddhist temple overlooking Sandakan Bay is the city's largest and most impressive. Built in 1987, the modernity of the building is clearly visible. Set in a well-kept garden, you'll notice the swastika carved into the bushes, a Buddhist good-luck charm. A long row of statues of Buddha standing in karana position, with forefinger and little finger pointing skywards, is believed to ward off demons and ward off evil. The site offers beautiful views and a soothing setting.