Religious Places in Kuala Lumpur - Top Spiritual Attractions in Malay Capital

Located near Jalan Syed Putra, the Thean Hou Temple is one of the biggest and most ancient temples in all of Southeast Asia. The six-tiered Buddhist religious hotspot is dedicated to the sea goddess of Tian Hou who is known to protect fisher folk in rough seas. Also referred to as the Goddess of Mercy, the temple whose name means the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven was built as early as 1894. The traditional design elements mixed with modern architectural features sets this temple apart from others in KL although the Chinese herb hardens, Bodhi tree and tortoise pond are similar to those found in most temples in the city.

Also known as the National Mosque, Masjid Negara is situated within the exquisite Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens and is considered the country's most iconic Islamic place of worship. The building which is almost entirely blue was constructed back in 1965 and contains 73m high minarets as well as forty-eight small domes. The conventional Islamic calligraphy, art and abstract shapes decorate every corner of the mosque which is also revered for its spectacular ironworks and grand roof. Visitors should dress modestly when touring the premises as it is one of the country's holiest sites.

Dating back to 1902, the Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple is also among Kuala Lumpur's oldest religious hotspots. Located in Brickfields, Little India, the stronghold of the capital's Indian community, this Hindu temple is devoted to Lord Murugan. Home to a spacious pavilion and a breathtaking lotus pond, the large number of peacocks occupying the temple ground is another popular draw for non-Hindu visitors. As an orthodox Hindu shrine, the Gopuram of the temple is a stunning carved figure which features a pantheon of Hindu deities.

Located in Putrajaya, the Putra Mosque is located less than an hour away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As the area's most recognizable landmark, the contemporary style mosque also showcases Persian Islamic architectural features. With the Putrajaya Lake bordering the edifice on one side, the granite building's most noteworthy element is its mammoth 116m high minaret. With five tiers denoting the Five Pillars of Islam, the minaret can be seen from miles around.

Ideally situated in Petaling Street, this Chinatown temple is perhaps the city's best known Taoist place of worship. Accessible to those based at Travelodge City Centre or any similar KL Sentral hotel, the temple is devoted to the worship of the Taoist deity of War and Literature named Guan Di. The orange-hued structure is easily recognizable by not only its bright colour but the many replicas of the deity's arsenal of weapons contained within. Devotees of Guan Di believe that caressing the copper Guan Dao at the temple brings great luck and fortune. Other captivating features of the temple include its pillars which feature life-like dragon motifs.