Wesak Day which commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death is fast approaching on 5 May, and is celebrated by millions of Buddhists around the world. On this day, Buddhists meditate on the precepts of Buddhism, pray, and make donations at the temple.
Whether you’re a Buddhist devotee looking to join in on the celebrations, or whether you want to visit the temples to get a glimpse of their traditions, here’s a list of must-visit temples in our country. Do remember to wear modest clothing and to remove your shoes wherever necessary.
Kek Lok Si, Penang
One of the outstanding landmarks of the Pearl of the Orient, this is the largest temple in Malaysia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. You need at least half a day to properly explore its sprawling grounds and there is even a cable car to take you to the peak. Its highlights include the pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas with 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha and a 120 ft tall bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy which can be seen from afar. This stunning temple is best visited during Chinese New Year season, when the entire place is lit with tens of thousands of colourful lights.
Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands, Pahang
While Genting Highlands may be known for its casinos and theme parks, its temple is worth the trip up on its own. Located 4,600 feet above sea level, it actually offers panoramic and scenic views of the green slopes that are superior to those from most spots on the peak. It has affiliations to both Buddhism and Taoism and was constructed by the late founder of Resorts World Genting, Lim Goh Tong. Its key landmarks include the iconic nine-storey lamp-lit pagoda, 10 chambers of hell, and a 15-metre tall statue of Buddha.It can be accessed by car or cable car.
Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, Perak
The oldest and main cave temple in Ipoh is uniquely situated within a raw limestone cave. Inside the big cavern is a reclining Buddha and the niches are also lined with images of Buddha. The front of the temple has a charming landscaped garden with a fish pond and there are also many turtles living within the grounds. Also within walking distance are the Nam Thean Tong Temple and the Ling Sen Tong Temple.
Enlightened Heart Buddhist Temple, Ipoh, Perak
The architectural structure here is truly unique as it is a sprawling Tibetan temple complex which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the country. Located in a hidden valley, it features a towering 13-storey pagoda that can be seen from afar. The gold-painted statue of the Enlightened Heart Medicine Buddha Bhaishaya Guru Pagoda is one of the tallest in the world at 72 metres high. The interior atrium is decked out in striking shades of green, blue and red with small-scale octagon platforms that go all the way to the roof.
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
Also one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia, it was completed in 1987 at the cost of approximately RM7 million. It has elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism with a design that features imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings, and intricate embellishments. Located along Old Klang Road, bright red lanterns stretch out from the rooftops across the temple grounds and columns with dragon motifs make it an eye-catching location and a hotspot for wedding photography. There is also a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a tortoise pond, a Wishing Well, and large statues in the compound that represent the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Wat Tham Kisap, Langkawi Island, Kedah
This hidden gem is also located in a quiet backroad on this tropical paradise island. A towering Buddha statue painted in gold and the brightly coloured temple are built into a limestone cliff. Ornate statues of animals such as cows, cobras, and elephants and mythical creatures such as dragons are scattered throughout the grounds of this Thai Buddhist Temple. Inside, keep an eye out for the lifelike statue of a Thai monk.
Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
Better known as the Wat Chaiya, it is one of the country’s most popular Thai Buddhist Temples. Founded in 1845 by a Thai Buddhist monk, it has gone through refurbishments and seen multiple additions through the years. Flanking the entrance of the main building are a pair of mythical creatures covered in appear to glitter in the sunlight. What takes up most of the main hall is the 108 feet long statue of the Reclining Buddha. Behind these are urns of the deceased. It is also located directly opposite the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple.
Wat Uttamaram, Pasir Mas, Kelantan
What makes this temple stand out is its ornate roof with pointed carvings that point towards the sky. The abbot of the temple in 1925, Tok Raja was believed to have magical powers and amulets sold here featuring his image are believed to give the wearer good luck. The compound includes around twenty structures including pavilions, halls, pagodas and the residence of the chief monk.
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