Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur

National Mosque

Located near the Old KL Railway Station, the National Mosque or Masjid Negara is probably the most outstanding modern mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Standing out from the rest, with its unique star-shaped dome, representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. The mosque, with the capacity to hold 10,000 people, is seated proudly among 13 acres of beautifully landscaped ground, with gardens and fountains. Visitors are allowed into the mosque – but they must be dressed in an appropriate manner as a matter of respect in this special place of worship. Robes and headscarves can be borrowed at the entrance; there is a separate entrance for women.

Jalan Hishamuddin
09:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 15:30 and 17:00 to 18:30 (for tourists)
Take the KTM Komuter train to the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. The museum is 10 minutes walking distance from the station, overlooking the Islamic Arts Museum.

Masjid Jamek

Built in 1909, Masjid Jamek Mosque is the oldest mosque in the city. The mosque rests at the meeting point between the Klang and Gombak rivers, the historical birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. The area is also one of the very first places where the early settlers built their homes.

Inspired by Mogul architecture from northern India, this mosque was the city’s main mosque until the opening of the National mosque in 1965. Still open to the public, today the Mosque stands as a reminder of the very beginnings of Kuala Lumpur.

Off Jalan Tun Perak
Take the Putra LRT or the STAR LRT, getting down at Masjid Jamek Station. Follow the signs to Masjid Jamek Mosque, just a short walk away.

Thean Hou Temple

Located on a hilltop, this impressive Chinese temple is actually relatively new, only being built in 1989. The temple is dedicated to three deities, including the goddess Thean Hou. Although being a modern temple, this did not affect the temple’s architecture. Thean Hou temple displays both classical and modern features, with its red pillars at the entrance offering prosperity and good fortune for those who walk through it. Complete with the statues of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and delicately decorated with lanterns and dragons, as the Chinese symbol of life, it’s no wonder that many Chinese choose to have their wedding at this temple. Worshippers can also have their fortune told through a fortune-telling service here

65 Persiaran Indah, Off Jalan Syed Putra
+603-2274 7088
09:00 to 18:30 daily
Taxis are the easiest way to get to this temple

Batu Caves

Located approximately 11km to the north of the city, Batu Caves were discovered in 1881 by an American explorer. Over time, the place was used as a picnic spot for the colonials, and later as a hideout for the Communists. The caves are now an important site of worship for the Hindus. Inside the caves, the Subramaniam Swamy Temple is the centre of worship for the Hindu god, Murugan. The caves become very busy when Hindu devotees and visitors from all around the world come to Batu Caves during the Hindu festival, Thaipusam. Visitors to the festival will be amazed by the thousands of Hindu devotees who after putting themselves into a trance like state, have their bodies pierced with hooks, needles and metal skewers. Visitors can also climb the magnificent 272-step staircase that leads up to the temple. Visitors interested in viewing paintings depicting scenes from Hindu folklore and the statues of deities, should check out the Art Gallery Cave.

Gombak
Batu Caves Art Gallery and the Subramaniam Swamy Temple are open from 08:30 to 19:00
RM 1.00 for Batu Caves Art Gallery; Free admission for the Subramaniam Swamy Temple.
Take a bus directly to Batu Caves from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. The bus terminal can be accessed using the STAR LRT, exiting at the Plaza Rakyat LRT Station. The exit will lead you directly to the bus terminal, on your right. Alternatively, take a Rapid KL bus (No. 11 or 69) from Central Market. These buses will take you directly to the Batu Caves.

Masjid India

Masjid India is also located just a short distance away from Masjid Jamek LRT Station. The mosque designed in a distinctly Indian-Muslim style, was originally built as a wooden hut in 1863. Over the years this beautiful old mosque has gone through many changes in its appearance to look like the Mosque visitors see today. The present structure was opened by the Sultan of Selangor in 1966 and has the capacity to hold 3,500 worshippers. However, this mosque is not open to non-Muslim visitors, and its beauty can only be admired from the outside.

Jalan Masjid India
Take the Putra LRT to Masjid Jamek LRT Station. From there, turn right and head towards Masjid India. The Mosque is located approximately 100 metres away on your right.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

This temple, built in the 1870s, is one of the most spectacular-looking temples in the Chinatown area. The building is richly decorated with fine detailing and finely carved images of Hindu deities, along with hand-painted motifs and gold embellishments.

One of the most elaborate temples in the country, its stunning 22-metre high gate tower or gopuram is beautifully decorated in the typically south Indian style. The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple also houses a golden chariot that is used each year to carry the figure of the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan during the Thaipusam festival pilgrimage to Batu Caves. Visitors must leave their shoes at the entrance, in observance of the temple as a place of worship.

163, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
Take the Putra LRT to Pasar Seni LRT Station and walk towards the UDA Ocean shopping complex. Turn left and walk along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, the temple is just a few minutes walk away.

Cathedral of Saint Mary The Virgin (St. Mary’s Church)

Built in 1894, the first brick Anglican Church in the country, is located just around the corner from Merdeka Square. Designed on the grounds of simplicity with beautiful stained glass windows, similar to an old English country house, the church has the capacity for approx 200 people. One of its most interesting features includes a pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Willis, considered as one of the greatest organ builders of his time.

Jalan Raja
+603-2692 8614 / +603-2692 8672 The church provides various mass services between 07:00 and 22:30, 18:00 on Sundays, and 19:30 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Take the Putra LRT or STAR LRT to the Masjid Jamek Station (Putra underground) or (Star overhead). After exiting from the LRT station at street level, walk north along Jalan Tun Perak approx 200 metres – keeping the old high court buildings on your left. When you reach the end of the buildings – turn left and walk for approx 50 metres along Jalan Raja Laut – Merdeka Square will be visible across the road on your right. The church will be visible shortly after 10-minutes of walk, just next to the Royal Selangor Club.

Sze Ya Temple

The oldest Taoist temple in the city, going all the way back to 1864. Built by one of the founders of Kuala Lumpur, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the temple features a magnificent display of elaborate decorations. The temple, located in the Chinatown area of KL – pays tribute to the patron deities, Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya, in which it was believed that the prophecy of the deity, Sze Ya had guided the Kapitan Cina during the Selangor Civil War. The temple is unique in that the two main deities worshipped were not traditional deities originating from China; instead, they were two local people who were elevated to the status of deities based on their merit. Hence, the two deities are considered to be patron deities of locals in Kuala Lumpur.

Junction of Lebuh Pudu and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
Take the Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni Station or, alternatively you can take the KL Monorail to the Maharajalela Monorail Station. The temple is approximately a 10-minute walk; you can also walk to the temple from Chinatown.

Tatt Khalsa Diwan

One of the oldest Sikh institutions in Malaysia, the Tatt Khalsa Diwan was founded in the early 19th century by Sikh immigrants from the Malwa region of the Punjab. Located in the middle of Kampung Baru, the temple is used for daily prayers, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and activities during the festival of Vasakhi, and other occasions. Adjoining the temple is Wisma Tatt Khalsa Diwan which houses administrative offices for the temple, as well as a school, printing press and library.

No. 24, Jalan Raja Alang
+603-2922215 +603-2930735
Take the Putra LRT, getting down at Kampung Baru Station. Walk across Jalan Sungai Baru and follow Lorong Raja Muda Musa 1, until you reach the T-junction. Cross over to Jalan Raja Alang and follow the road until you come to the temple.