Historical Religious Buildings (Self Guided), Kuala Lumpur

Just as the whole of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a culturally diverse and tolerant city where all of the world’s major religions coexist in perfect harmony. Back in the 1800s-early 1900s, along with the large influx of laborers and merchants of different backgrounds, brought in by the British colonization, came the unique sets of faiths and religious systems: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and others.

Despite the predominance of Islamic religion, it is quite common nowadays to find in Kuala Lumpur places of worship of different denominations in a close proximity to each other. Most of these religious sites are more than 100-years-old, featuring intricate Persian, Chinese, Indian, and Victorian-style architecture.

Whilst strolling around the Malay capital, you get a chance to experience the country's multi-religious identity first-hand. A place like Christian St Mary's Cathedral – the traditional English Gothic edifice built in the late 19th century – that once served as the central point for all the Anglicans around the area to gather and offer their prayers is found withing a walking distance from another landmark – Jamek Mosque, formerly the main mosque of Kuala Lumpur, designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in the early 20th century, inspired by the architectural blend that had swept the Indian sub-continent at that time.

From there you can make way to the fascinating Taoist temples, such as the Sze Ya Temple commemorating one of the founding fathers of Kuala Lumpur, and the oldest functioning in Malaysia Hindu Temple of Sri Mahamariamman, built in 1873, and more.

Hailed as iconic locations, these sacred sights serve not only religious purposes, but also have become popular haunts for tourists fascinated with Kuala Lumpur's colorful religious tapestry. To explore these and other places of worship in the capital city of Malaysia, take this self-guided walking tour!