10 Places to Check Out During Deepavali in Malaysia
With friendly open houses, vibrant decorations, amazing food and unique cultural practices, it’s no wonder Deepavali is one of the most awaited festivals in Malaysia. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, which is why one of the locals’ cultural practices is the lighting of lamps.
The question is, where can you go in Malaysia during Deepavali? Yes, it’s celebrated nationally but some places do it better than others and we’re here to tell you all about them!
This way, your trip to the country will be as immersive as possible! Or if you’re a local, you can use this list as an itinerary if you’re tired of staying at home during this festive time.
Batu Caves, Selangor
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Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Contact details: +60 3-6189 6284
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entrance fee/s:
- Temple/Cathedral Cave: Free
- Ramayana Cave: RM5
- Cave Villa: RM15 (non-Malaysians), RM7 (Malaysians)
Batu Caves is already a marvellous sight in itself but it manages to outdo itself during Deepavali. For instance, when you enter its main temple, you’ll find a collection of beautifully carved statues of different gods and deities lit up with vibrant hues.
Furthermore, your ears will be treated to non-stop traditional music that adds more festivity into the air. Aside from these songs, prayers will also be played to commemorate the gods depicted in the caves’ temples and the triumph of light over darkness.
Speaking of light, it’s customary to set up vibrant oil lamps in Batu Caves during Deepavali. This is why you’ll find tons of vibrant lights and lamps set up from the caves down to the massive colourful staircase.
Pro tip:
Get to Batu Caves as early as possible to avoid crowds, especially during Deepavali weekend. Also, be careful around the monkeys roaming the area as they’re notorious for being handsy!
Little India, Brickfields
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Address: 229, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 3-2274 4145
Operating hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Entrance fee/s: Free
If you don’t want to veer away from Kuala Lumpur during Deepavali, then Little India should be on your itinerary. It offers the most vibrant and festive vibes in the city, featuring beautiful firework shows, streetside decorations, colourful lights and more!
Speaking of lights, this is also where you can find people lighting up paper lanterns and releasing them into the sky. If you know that one seen in Tangled, this is one of the closest things you can get to that experience.
This small district also comes alive with various street bazaars that offer Deepavali decorations, iconic Indian and Malaysian street foods, clothing and flowers. There are even stalls that offer henna tattoos at cheap prices!
Pro tip:
Since there’s no entrance fee in Little India, you can use your saved-up money for tours instead! This way, you can pack your day with various destinations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor!
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur
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Address: 167, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 3-2078 3467
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entrance fee/s: Free
Website
Sri Mahamariamman is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Malaysia and it becomes more alive during Deepavali season. For instance, one of the things we’ve noticed about this and other Hindu temples is that they’ll be decked out with vibrant floral decorations!
Furthermore, the festive energy is at an all-time high during Deepavali in this temple, as you’ll find countless oil lamps and rangoli art everywhere you look. You’ll also be immersed in the soothing traditional music they’ll have on a loop as you explore the temple.
Speaking of exploring, we recommend going into the prayer room and witnessing the beautiful designs and peaceful ambience. Just be sure to wear the right clothing and take off your shoes to respect the temple as well as its devotees!
Pro tip:
Stop by the temple shop before leaving to score good deals on devotional items and clothing. Outside, there are also various stalls that offer festive snacks as well as garlands that you can wear to get into the spirit.
Penang’s Little India, George Town
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Address: Lebuh Pasar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact details: +60 3-2078 3467
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM
Entrance fee/s: Free
Penang has its own Little India too, and it becomes just as festive as its KL counterpart come Deepavali weekend. For starters, this little district will immediately captivate you with its charming old-timey buildings and traditional Indian shops.
The festivities are visible on the streets as well, as various stalls will start opening shops to offer Indian clothes, jewellery, textiles with kolam patterns, etc. Of course, there will also be Indian snacks, which is why you’ll get a whiff of various tantalising dishes while you’re here.
The best thing about spending your Deepavali weekend here, however, is the free cultural performances. There are tons to watch from instrument-playing to classic Indian dances but our favourite ones are the Bollywood routines.
Pro tip:
Before or after celebrating Deepavali on this street, you can walk a couple of blocks and visit the Wonderfood Museum. It’s among Penang’s most famous museums, as it offers lifelike exhibits of famous local and international dishes.
Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh
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Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak
Contact details: +60 5-542 8888
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entrance fee/s:
- Entrance ticket rates:
- Adult: RM145
- Senior: RM135
- Kids: RM132
- Hot springs rates:
- Adult: RM100
- Senior: RM90
- Kids: RM90
Since Deepavali’s theme revolves around the victory of light over darkness, what better place to celebrate it than the Luminous Forest in the Lost World of Tambun? Nestled within the theme park rides and relaxing hot springs is this peaceful spot that’s illuminated by glowing plants.
There are also giant creatures that emit vibrant colours, which are great for taking photos, especially if you have kids! Speaking of, since Deepavali is a holiday, The Lost World of Tambun is a great place to take your family, as it can cater to adults, kids and even elders!
For instance, adults can enjoy the thrilling theme park rides while kids can enjoy the milder ones like the carousel and Ferris wheel. Meanwhile, elders can relax their joints and enjoy a relaxing day at the theme park’s hot springs.
Pro tip:
If one day isn’t enough for you to enjoy the theme park, you can spend your entire Deepavali weekend here by booking a stay at the Sunway Lost World Hotel! It offers world-class rooms and amenities and best of all, it’s located in the theme park itself!
Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple
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Address: 139A, Jalan Yam Tuan, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Contact details: +60 6-763 8011
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entrance fee/s: Free
Sri Balathandayuthapani is another breathtaking temple that you need to add to your itinerary regardless of whether it’s Deepavali season or not. This is mainly because of its beautiful South Indian architecture that features some of the most detailed and intricate details we’ve seen.
The temple was created to commemorate Lord Murugan and his likeness can be found everywhere in the temple. During Deepavali, you can join in on the rituals including the lighting of the oil lamps, which is done to symbolise the triumph of lightness.
Furthermore, the temple becomes more alive with festive decorations like garlands, textiles with kolam patterns and the aforementioned oil lamps. If those aren’t enough to get you into the festive spirit, the joyful devotional music will set you just right.
Pro tip:
After spending a couple of hours in the temple, you can head next door to the Seremban Prima Mall to cool down and spend the rest of the day with your family!
Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Klang
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Address: No. 80, Jalan Mastika Off Psn Raja Muda Musa, Selangor
Contact details: +60 3-3371 1763
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entrance fee/s: Free
Website
Speaking of breathtaking temples, Sri Sundararajah is one of Klang Valley’s most beautiful and treasured ones. However, it becomes more majestic come Deepavali season when colourful garlands, bright lights and vibrant textiles flood the area.
Do expect crowds when visiting this place during the Festival of Lights though, as devotees will gather to offer prayers and light oil lamps. When this happens, don’t be shy to join in and back in the joyful atmosphere.
Pro tip:
If you want to commute on the way here, we recommend taking the bus and departing at Opp SM Hin Hua. From there, you only have to walk a couple of minutes to reach the temple.
Honourable Mention: Take the KL City of Lights Tour
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Rates:
- Locals: RM35
- Foreigners: RM65
We wouldn’t feel right making a list of the best places to go to during the Festival of Lights and leaving out the famous KL City of Lights Tour. Here, you’ll get to ride a double-decker bus that’s specifically made for sightseeing!
Instead of a single destination, you’ll get to witness some of KL’s iconic structures lit up in all their glory at night. Some of the highlights of this trip include the KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, Chinatown, Istana Budaya and more.
Plus, with all the festivities going on, it’s impossible not to see a fireworks show or too during your tour. Furthermore, you’ll get to stop by other attractions like the Central Market where you can buy souvenirs to commemorate your trip to KL!
Pro tip:
Before booking a ticket from the official Hop-on, Hop-off website, check out Klook first! They’ll sometimes offer special rates that you won’t find anywhere else.