Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The basics

Thanks to the structure’s cultural significance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Kuala Lumpur sightseeing tour that doesn’t feature the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Visiting the temple alongside KL’s other sights—which include the National Mosque of Malaysia and Chinatown—gives you a good sense of the coexistence of religions and cultures within the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. The Batu Caves are the city’s most iconic Hindu landmark, and plenty of tours combine a stop there with a visit to the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

Things to know before you go

• Sri Mahamariamman Temple is an active place of worship, so you’ll likely encounter people in prayer—be sure to dress and act respectfully during your visit.

• You’ll need to remove your shoes before you go inside the temple—there’s a place to store your footwear for a small fee.

• Admission to the temple is free of charge.

• While some of the temple buildings have raised entryways, the grounds of the temple are accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is part of Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, just off of Petaling Street. The closest LRT and MRT station is the Pasar Seni station, a few minutes’ walk away.

When to get there

The temple is open every day from early morning until evening, and stays open up to an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. During the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in January, the statue of Lord Murugan is taken to the UNESCO-listed Batu Caves on an extravagant silver chariot—an impressive sight to behold.

Top attractions surrounding the temple

Neighboring Sri Mahamariamman Temple, you’ll find a wealth of Kuala Lumpur landmarks. Topping the list and fitting with the Chinatown location is the red Guan Di Temple, from which fragrant incense billows, and the Central Market, where street-food stalls offer the best of Malaysia’s lively cooking—be sure to sample a steaming bowl of laksa, one of the country’s signature dishes.