Malaysia Monuments: 15 Must-See Old and New Landmarks That Define This Asian City

Across the Malaysian archipelago, there lies an impressive collection of landmarks. From modern architecture in Kuala Lumpur and colonial buildings of Malacca to beautiful and intricate temples in Penang, Malaysia’s monuments speak of the nation’s rich history, diverse cultures, and architectural ingenuity.

In this guide, we will explore 15 iconic Malaysian monuments, each telling a unique story of the country’s past and present.

15 Top Monuments to Visit in Malaysia

1. Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline, standing tall at 451.9 meters. This famous monument in Malaysia held the title of the world’s tallest twin towers for 8 years, from 1996 to 2004.

Highlights

• Each tower has a total of 88 floors.

• A double-decker Skybridge connects the 41st and 42nd floors of the two towers, allowing movement between the buildings and a bird’s-eye view of the city.

• There is also an observation deck on the 86th floor.

Location: Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Closed on Mondays (except 2nd and 4th Monday of the month).

Time Required: Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for a visit.

Entry Fee: Visitors can access the Skybridge and observation deck with tickets.

• Infant (below 2 years old): Free

• Child (2 – 12 years old) and Senior Citizen (61 and above): RM50 (Rs. 980)

• Adult (13 – 60 years old): RM98 (Rs. 1922)

Suggested Read: 13 Reasons to Visit Malaysia

2. Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)

Source: wikipedia

The Kuala Lumpur Tower, often abbreviated as KL Tower, is a prominent telecommunications tower offering panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. Completed in 1995, it remains one of the tallest freestanding structures in Southeast Asia.

Highlights

• It features a revolving restaurant, ARAS, offering a sky-high dining experience.

• The observation deck at 276 meters and the Sky Deck at 300 meters provide stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline.

• Adventure activities, like the Sky Box and Tower Walk 100, are available for thrill-seekers, making it one of the most visited monuments in Malaysia.

Location: 2 Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 1-2 hours for a visit.

Entry Fee: Tickets are required to access the observation deck and other attractions.

• Observation Deck: RM34 (Rs. 670)

• Sky Deck and Sky Box: RM77 (Rs. 1517)

• Tower Walk 100: RM21 (Rs. 413)

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3. Thean Hou Temple

The Thean Hou Temple is a six-tiered Chinese temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. The ornate temple is a significant religious and cultural center for the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur.

Highlights

• Its architectural designs are intricate, with imposing red pillars, ornate roofs with hanging lanterns, and elaborate carvings.

• The main prayer hall houses three altars, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, the Goddess of the Waterfront, and the Goddess of the Sea.

• In addition to the temple, its Chinese garden with pools and a walkway surrounded by sculptures of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs also attracts many visitors.

Location: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 1-1.5 hours for a visit.

Entry Fee: Free admission.

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4. National Monument (Tugu Negara)

Source: wikipedia

The National Monument, or Tugu Negara, is a sculpture commemorating the soldiers who died in Malaysia’s fight for freedom, primarily during World War II and the Malayan Emergency.

Highlights

• The bronze monument, surrounded by a pool with fountains, depicts a group of soldiers holding the Malaysian flag.

• The crescent-shaped Central Pavilion with three golden domes bears inscriptions of the names of those who sacrificed their lives.

Location: Perdana Botanical Garden, Jln Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 30-45 minutes for a visit.

Entry Fee: Free admission.

5. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a historical monument in Malaysia, characterized by its Moorish architecture. Completed in 1897, it once housed the offices of the British colonial administration and is now home to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia.

Highlights

• Its facade features elegant arches, a prominent clock tower, and copper domes.

• The building overlooks the historic Merdeka Square of Kuala Lumpur, where Malaysia declared its independence.

• It serves as a backdrop for national parades and celebrations.

Location: Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: The exterior can be viewed at any time.

Time Required: 15-30 minutes for exterior viewing and photography.

Entry Fee: Only exterior viewing is allowed free of cost.

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6. Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill, 13 km from Kuala Lumpur, comprising a series of caves and cave temples. This traditional monument in Malaysia, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India.

Highlights

• The entrance features a 43-meter-high golden statue of Lord Murugan.

• The 272 colorful steps lead to the largest cave in the complex, housing the Subramanian Swamy temple.

• The temple complex hosts the annual Thaipusam festival.

• The Batu Caves are home to numerous plant and animal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit, including climbing the steps and exploring the caves.

Entry Fee: Free admission to the caves and temples. Modest attire is recommended.

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7. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)

Source: wikipedia

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or The Blue Mansion, is a well-preserved indigo-blue heritage building in George Town. This iconic mansion showcases the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th-century Chinese tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze.

Highlights

• Its distinctive blue facade, colored with dye from the indigo plant, and intricate Chinese architectural details have won it a UNESCO Conservation & Heritage award.

• The mansion offers two guided tours that delve into its history and architectural significance.

• It also operates as a boutique hotel, allowing guests to experience its unique ambiance.

Location: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Timings: Guided tours are offered daily at 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM.

Time Required: Allow 1 hour for a guided tour.

Entry Fee: Guided tours are available for visitors for RM 25 (Rs. 493). It also functions as a hotel.

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8. Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi is a Chinese clan temple and museum in George Town, renowned for its architecture and intricacy. A well-preserved Chinese temple in Malaysia, this cultural monument in Malaysia reflects the Khoo clan’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Highlights

• The temple complex includes the main clanhouse (Leong San Tong), an administrative building, an opera theatre, and other Chinese-style terrace houses.

• It features Southern Fujian-style architecture, like wood and stone carvings, murals, and ornate roof decorations.

• The ancestral hall, Ee Kok Tong, also houses ancestral tablets.

Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 1-1.5 hours for a visit.

Entry Fee: RM 15 (Rs. 295).

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9. Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)

Source: wikipedia

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, also known as Kuan Yin Teng, is a Mahayana Buddhist temple in George Town, Penang. Its historical significance dates back to the early 18th century.

Highlights

• Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, this Malaysian monument holds historical and religious importance for the local Chinese community.

• The temple features traditional Chinese architectural elements like dragon pillars and houses various Chinese deities.

• It also hosts Chinese festivals like the Jade Emperor’s Birthday and the yearly feast days for Guan Yin.

Location: 30, Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Time Required: Allow 30-45 minutes for a visit.

Entry Fee: Free admission. Respectful attire is advised.

10. Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple, about 8 km from George Town in Air Itam, is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple. Sitting atop a hill, it blends various architectural styles and Buddhist traditions.

Highlights

• The seven-storey Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas combines Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural influences.

• The temple also features a towering bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

• You can walk or ride the funicular to reach the temple at the top of the hill.

Location: Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Time Required: Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for a comprehensive visit.

Entry Fee: Admission is free, except entry into the pagoda, which costs RM2 (Rs. 39). Respectful attire is advised.

11. Christ Church & Dutch Square

Source: wikipedia

Christ Church is an Anglican church in Malacca, characterized by its distinctive red facade. Built by the Dutch in the 18th century, it reminds one of the colonial presence and is a central landmark within the historically significant Dutch Square (Red Square).

Highlights

• Its red bricks were reportedly shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands.

• The interior features memorial plaques and a brass altar Bible.

• Dutch Square, surrounding the church, has other historical buildings like the Stadthuys (Dutch City Hall) and the Malacca Clock Tower.

• Dutch Square is also called the Red Square, due to its red buildings, making it a must-see monument in Malaysia due to its distinctive appearance.

Location: Gereja Christ, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Dutch Square is accessible at all times.

Time Required: Allow 30-45 minutes for the church and the square.

Entry Fee: Free admission to the church and square.

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12. A Famosa

Source: wikipedia

A Famosa is a Portuguese fortress built in Malacca in 1511. Today, only the Porta de Santiago gateway and the reconstructed Middelburg Bastion remain, a reminder of the Portuguese colonial era and subsequent battles to gain control of the strategic port city.

Highlights

• The Porta de Santiago is a well-preserved stone gatehouse, built in Portuguese military architecture.

• The restored Middelburg bastion, one of the nine bastions of A Famosa, overlooks the Malacca River.

Location: Jln Parameswara, Banda Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia

Timings: Accessible at any time.

Time Required: Allow 30-45 minutes for exploring the ruins.

Entry Fee: Free admission.

13. Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum

Source: wikipedia

The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum is a reconstructed replica of the palace of the Malacca Sultanate, which ruled the region during its golden age in the 15th century. The museum offers insights into the rich history, culture, and customs of the Malay Sultanate.

Highlights

• The wooden palace is built based on historical accounts and architectural styles of the period.

• The museum provides a glimpse into the regional history, housing exhibits like artifacts, costumes, weaponry, and traditions of the Malacca Sultanate.

Location: Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Time Required: Allow 1-1.5 hours for a comprehensive visit.

Entry Fee: RM20 (Rs. 394) for adults and RM10 (Rs. 197) for children.

14. Langkawi Sky Bridge

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125-meter curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge, perched at the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang in Langkawi. Suspended approximately 660 meters above sea level, it offers unparalleled vistas of the Langkawi archipelago and the Andaman Sea.

Highlights

• Its innovative curved design provides visitors with constantly shifting perspectives of the lush rainforest canopy, the scattering of islands, and the turquoise waters.

• Access to the Sky Bridge requires a scenic ride on the Langkawi Cable Car (SkyCab).

• From the top station of SkyCab, you can ride the inclined elevator called SkyGlide or take a 10-minute walk through a jungle trail to access the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

• This is one of the best monuments in Malaysia for tourists interested in photography.

Location: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Time Required: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the cable car ride and the Sky Bridge.

Entry Fee: Separate charges for the Langkawi Cable Car, SkyGlide, and Sky Bridge apply:

• SkyCab (Standard): RM55 (Rs. 1085) for adults and RM40 (Rs. 789) for children.

• SkyCab (Glass Bottom): RM105 (Rs. 2072) for adults and RM80 (Rs. 1578) for children.

• SkyBridge: RM6 (Rs. 118) for adults and RM4 (Rs. 79) for children.

• SkyGlide (Return Trip): RM16 (Rs. 315) for adults and RM11 (Rs. 217) for children.

15. Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal)

Source: wikimedia

The Crystal Mosque, or Masjid Kristal, is an architecturally unique mosque on Wan Man Island in Kuala Terengganu. Its sleek, futuristic design presents a contrast to traditional Islamic architecture.

Highlights

• Its contemporary design incorporates gleaming steel, reflective glass, and crystals, lending it a dazzling appearance, particularly when illuminated at night.

• Located by the scenic Terengganu River, the mosque is part of the Islamic Heritage Park.

Location: Pulau Wan Man, Losong Panglima P’erang, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

Timings: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is respectful to ascertain prayer times in advance.

Time Required: Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for a visit to appreciate the architecture and surroundings.

Entry Fee: Open to the public for visits free of cost outside of prayer times. Modest attire is mandatory, and women need to cover their heads.

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FAQs

What is the famous monument of Malaysia?

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur are arguably the most famous monuments of Malaysia. These iconic skyscrapers were once the tallest twin towers in the world.

Are there any historical monuments in Malaysia?

Yes, Malaysia boasts numerous historical monuments, from colonial-era structures like A Famosa and Christ Church in Malacca to historical buildings like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur.

Which modern monuments in Malaysia should I visit?

For modern monuments with impressive architecture, visit the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, and the Langkawi Sky Bridge. The Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu also stands out with its contemporary design.

Are there any free monuments in Malaysia that you can visit?

Historical sites, like the A Famosa in Malacca and the National Monument in Kuala Lumpur, and temples like Thean Hou Temple and Batu Caves can be visited for free.

Can tourists visit mosques in Malaysia as monuments?

Yes, tourists can often visit mosques in Malaysia as cultural and architectural monuments outside of prayer times. The Crystal Mosque is a notable example that welcomes visitors.

Do I need tickets to visit Malaysian monuments?

Ticket requirements vary depending on the monument. Popular Malaysian monuments like the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and museums like the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum typically charge an entrance fee.

Which Malaysian monuments are best for photography?

The Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower provide stunning cityscapes, while the Langkawi Sky Bridge offers breathtaking natural panoramas of the island.