Situated in Air Itam, Penang, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the country and in Southeast Asia, an iconic landmark of Chinese culture and Buddhist heritage in Malaysia.

Here, verdant gardens surround towering pagodas and sacred monasteries housing ancient relics, one of which is a handwritten script from Emperor Kuang Xi of China's Ching Dynasty. 

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Also known as the Sinhalese Buddhist Temple, Buddhist Maha Vihara in Jalan Berhala, Brickfields was founded by the Sinhalese community in 1894, specifically by the Sasanabhi Wurdhi Wardhana Society, one of the oldest registered Buddhist societies in the Klang Valley, according to Badan Warisan Malaysia. Devotees of various races gather here to practise the Theravada Buddhist tradition from Sri Lanka.

Fun fact: Jalan Berhala was formerly named Temple Road because of Buddhist Maha Vihara.

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Hidden away in Gunung Rapat, a limestone hill about 5km outside of Ipoh city, this awe-inspiring Buddhist temple is said to be the largest temple cave in Malaysia. Extravagant gardens with Japanese ponds filled with carp fish and tortoises form part of an ethereal backdrop to a massive red pavilion. It's no wonder that Sam Poh Tong Temple is considered a must-see attraction in Perak. 

Legend has it that the cave was first discovered by a Chinese monk passing through Ipoh in 1890, who supposedly ended up living there till his death 20 years later.

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While it might not date as far back as some of the other places of worship on this list, the Kechara Forest Retreat is nevertheless a noteworthy contender for its scenic grounds, sculptures and shrines. It is known as Malaysia's largest Tibetan Buddhist Temple, home to the world's largest statue of Tibetan deity Dorje Shugden located in a minimalist and contemporary 11,000sf meditation hall.

A self-guided tour over the lush and beautiful temple grounds will cover 10 holy sites, including the Tibetan-style Buddha sculptures and a 15-foot stupa monument constructed by Himalayan artisans. 

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This Thai Buddhist temple in Bukit Putih boats eight gold and white Tibetan stupas in a manicured garden and a massive marble statue of Kuan Yin overlooking this area. Large and small sculptures of Buddha are scattered throughout the temple complex, some with a glittering gold overlay and some in white stone. According to reviews from travellers, Wat Koh Wanararm Temple is rarely crowded, which makes for a more peaceful exploring in mild weather.         

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