Religion

All of the world's major religions have substantial representation in Malaysia, the main adherents of each largely reflecting the multi-ethnic character of the population. The variety of religions found in Malaysia is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. Although Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, freedom of religion is guaranteed. The Malays are almost all Muslims. The Chinese embrace an eclectic brew of Taoism, Buddhism and ancestor worship, though some are Christians. Although Christianity has made no great inroads into Peninsular Malaysia it has had a much greater impact upon East Malaysia, where many indigenous people have converted to Christianity , although others still follow their animist traditions.

With so many cultures co-existing in harmony within its shores, Malaysia naturally boasts a myriad of festivals celebrated throughout the year. The major festivals are Aidilfitri (Eid-ur-Fitr), Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Vasakhi, Gawai Dayak and Tadau Ka’amatan.During these festivals, Malaysians practice a concept called ‘open house’, an occasion to receive well-wishers. There will be feasting and merry-making as everyone partakes in the gaiety of the occasion. Malaysians of all races and religions join in the festivities.

BATU CAVES, SELANGOR.

Batu Caves is one of the significant Hindu religious sites with the largest gold-painted Murugan statue, a Hindu god, and 272 colourful steps leading to the cave entrance!

Location:Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

FEDERAL TERRITORY MOSQUE, KUALA LUMPUR.

Known as The Mosque in the Garden because of its setting in the centre of a lush garden with a moat around it with a fusion of Malay and Ottoman architectural styles from the 16th century.

Location: Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

KEK LOK SI TEMPLE, PULAU PINANG.

Built in 1890, this is the biggest temple for Buddhism in Malaysia with a seven-storey pagoda as well as a bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Location: 1000L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Air Hitam, Pulau Pinang

CHIN SWEE CAVES TEMPLE, PAHANG.

The temple is surrounded by mountains and frequently shrouded in mist, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic hillside views and a tranquil, cool environment.

Location: Exit 68, Genting Sempah, 28750 Bentong, Pahang

CHRIST CHURCH, MELAKA.

The oldest operating Protestant church in the nation, an 18th-century Anglican church is home to various interesting items, including Portuguese tombstones on the floor.

Location: Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka

ST MICHAEL’S & ALL ANGELS CHURCH, SABAH.

St. Michael and All Angels' Church is the oldest stone structure in Sabah that has survived significant damage from World War II, and it is situated in the centre of Sandakan.

Location: Jalan St Michael, Kampung Tawas, 30010 Sandakan, Sabah

SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE, KUALA LUMPUR.

The temple, which was initially constructed in 1873 for South Indian immigrants who arrived to Malaya as contract labourers, now serves as a haven for Hindu tourists.

Location:Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

SAM POH TONG TEMPLE, PERAK.

The Sam Poh Tong Temple, built within a limestone cave and surrounded by lush greenery, is a one-of-a-kind Buddhist temple that you must see while in Ipoh.

Location:Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

CRYSTAL MOSQUE, TERENGGANU.

The grand building stands tall and gleaming within the Islamic Heritage Park of Pulau Wan Man, with its entire structure made of steel, glass, and crystal.

Location:Pulau Wan Man, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

PUTRA MOSQUE, PUTRAJAYA.

Located in Putrajaya, the mosque with built in rose-tinted granite, has a desert-pink hue and looks stunning against the sunset.

Location: Persiaran Persekutuan, Presint 1, 62502 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya