Discover Malaysia’s Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples: Malaysia is home to a variety of beautiful and culturally significant Buddhist temples, reflecting the diverse heritage of Chinese, Thai, Burmese, and Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions. Here’s a list of some notable Buddhist temples across Malaysia:
Buddhist temples stand out for their spiritual aura, intricate architecture, and cultural significance. From the hilltop grandeur of Kek Lok Si in Penang to the serene Thai temples of Kelantan, Buddhist temples across Malaysia reflect a blend of Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions.
| State & City | Buddhist Temples |
|---|---|
| Penang – Air Itam | Kek Lok Si Temple |
| Penang – Pulau Tikus | Dhammikarama Burmese Temple |
| Penang – Pulau Tikus | Wat Chaiyamangalaram |
| Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur | Thean Hou Temple |
| Kuala Lumpur – Brickfields | Buddhist Maha Vihara |
| Kuala Lumpur – Petaling Jaya | Wat Chetawan |
| Kedah – Alor Setar | Wat Nikrodharam |
| Langkawi – Langkawi | Wat Tham Kisap |
| Melaka – Melaka | Cheng Hoon Teng Temple |
| Kelantan – Tumpat | Wat Phothivihan |
| Kelantan – Kelantan | Wat Machimmaram |
| Terengganu – Jenang | Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple |
| Sabah – Sandakan | Puu Jih Shih Temple |
| Johor – Kota Tinggi | Sak Dato Temple (Santi Forest Monastery) |
| Johor – Johor Bahru | Ching Giap See Temple |
| Pahang – Genting Highlands | Chin Swee Caves Temple |
| Pahang – Kuantan | Wan Fo Tien Temple |
| Perak – Ipoh | Kek Look Tong Temple |
| Perak – Ipoh | Perak Cave Temple (Perak Tong) |
| Perak – Ipoh | Sam Poh Tong Temple |
🏯Sabah
Puu Jih Shih Temple, Sandakan
- Perched on a hilltop overlooking Sandakan Bay, this Chinese-style Buddhist temple offers sweeping views and serene surroundings.
- Built in 1987, it’s one of the most important temples in East Malaysia and features vibrant dragons, golden Buddhas, and incense-filled prayer halls.
- It also gained fame after being featured in an episode of The Amazing Race Asia.
🏯 Penang
- Kek Lok Si Temple (极乐寺), Air Itam
- Largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.
- Features a giant statue of Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) and a beautiful seven-tier pagoda.
- Popular pilgrimage site, especially during Chinese New Year.
- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Pulau Tikus
- Oldest Burmese Buddhist temple in Malaysia (est. 1803).
- Known for its golden pagoda and intricate Burmese architecture.
- Wat Chaiyamangalaram, Pulau Tikus
- Thai Buddhist temple located opposite the Burmese temple.
- Home to a 33-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
🏯 Kuala Lumpur / Selangor
- Thean Hou Temple
- Though primarily a Taoist temple, it includes Buddhist elements and is popular with devotees of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess.
- Located on Robson Hill with panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.
- Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields
- A Sri Lankan Theravāda temple established in 1894.
- Important spiritual and cultural center for KL’s Sinhalese community.
- Wat Chetawan, Petaling Jaya
- A Thai Buddhist temple with royal patronage from the Thai King.
- Vibrant architecture and regular celebrations during Thai festivals.
🏯 Langkawi
- Wat Tham Kisap, Langkawi
- A Thai-style temple located in a cave area with a serene environment.
- Wat Nikrodharam, Alor Setar, Kedah
- A beautiful Thai Buddhist temple often visited for blessings.
🏯 Malacca (Melaka)
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
- Malaysia’s oldest functioning temple (est. 1646).
- While it’s mainly a Chinese temple, it incorporates Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist elements.
🏯 Kelantan / Terengganu
- Wat Phothivihan, Tumpat, Kelantan
- Home to one of Southeast Asia’s longest reclining Buddha statues (40 meters).
- Reflects strong Thai Buddhist influences from the northern Malaysian border.
- Wat Machimmaram, Kelantan
- Features a large sitting Buddha statue and peaceful surroundings.
🏯 Johor
Sak Dato Temple (also known as Santi Forest Monastery), Kota Tinggi
- A peaceful Buddhist monastery surrounded by lush greenery in Johor’s countryside.
- Popular for meditation retreats and practicing Theravāda Buddhism.
- Open to visitors seeking spiritual reflection and cultural learning.
Ching Giap See Temple, Johor Bahru
- A prominent Chinese Mahāyāna Buddhist temple in the city.
- Known for its intricate roof carvings, traditional architecture, and vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations.
🏯 Pahang
Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands
- One of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Malaysia, located on a rocky slope in Genting Highlands.
- Known for its towering 9-story pagoda, giant Buddha statues, and panoramic views of the Titiwangsa Mountains.
- Built by the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, founder of Genting Group, and dedicated to Reverend Chin Swee, a revered Buddhist monk.
Wan Fo Tien Temple, Kuantan
- Also known as the “Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.”
- A large Mahāyāna Buddhist temple with striking golden Buddha statues and peaceful surroundings.
- A local landmark and spiritual center in Kuantan.
🏯 Perak
Kek Look Tong Temple, Ipoh
- Set within a limestone cave in the Gunung Rapat area, this temple features tranquil gardens, bronze Buddha statues, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Known for its natural cave formations and well-maintained grounds with lotus ponds.
Perak Cave Temple (Perak Tong), Ipoh
- One of the most famous cave temples in Malaysia, established in 1926.
- Features a massive sitting Buddha statue, mural-covered walls, and a climb to a panoramic hilltop view behind the temple.
Sam Poh Tong Temple, Ipoh
- The oldest and most well-known cave temple in Ipoh.
- Houses a reclining Buddha, turtle pond, and impressive limestone formations.
- A popular spot during Chinese festivals and religious events.
Exploring Malaysia’s Buddhist temples is not just a journey through places of worship — it’s an immersion into centuries-old traditions, regional artistry, and the peaceful rhythm of spiritual life.
