To celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia in 2014, a stunning Chinese-style garden was constructed in Putrajaya. The China-Malaysia Friendship Garden is located in Anjung Floria, adjacent to the Seri Saujana Bridge, and serves as a symbol of the strong bond between the two nations.
This picturesque garden draws inspiration from Lingnan architecture and the neighboring provinces of China, resulting in a striking resemblance to the Keyuan Garden and several other gardens in Guangdong. As you enter, you will be greeted by a pair of 200-year-old Qilin (lion-like mythical creature) artifacts that were brought all the way from China and can be found on either side of the main entrance. Above and behind them are two wooden plaques inscribed with Chinese couplets, '知己存海内, 园林叙友谊', which speak to the enduring quality of strong friendships.
This enchanting garden is home to a variety of plants commonly found in traditional Chinese-style gardens, including the iconic weeping willow, bonsai, and many others. In addition to the stunning flora, the garden boasts several Chinese architectural structures and walkways that provide perfect photohoot venue to showcase on your 🤳Instagram. Best of all, admission is free, making it a fantastic and budget-friendly destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and natural beauty. Come and discover this hidden gem in Putrajaya today!
Pro-tip: Wear some traditional Chinese costumes like hanfu and boom! You are in ancient China!
⏰ Hours: 6.30 am - 7.00 pm
📍 Address: Lebuh Sentosa, Presint 4, 62250 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
This 125-meter long curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge was built at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang in Langkawi, Kedah, and was completed in 2015. People like to come over to the Langkawi Skybridge to catch a 360-degree view of the island. Instead of having the glass panels close to each other, like China's Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Langkawi Skybridge's glass panels are smaller and are installed sparsely throughout the bridge.
The operation hours of the skybridge depend on the weather. If the day is rainy or too windy, the bridge will be closed to the public for safety purposes. Besides the bridge, you can also ride 🚡cable cars to get a panoramic view of Gunung Mat Chinchang.
⏰ Hours: 9.30 am - 7.00 pm
This temple took a whopping 18 years to build, and here's the reason. In 1986, the late Lim Goh Tong decided to construct a temple and dedicate it to Master Qingshu, a Buddhist monk worshipped as a deity in Fujian Province, China. However, the steep and rocky terrain made it very dangerous for heavy construction machines to be used for any foundation digging. So, the late Lim Goh Tong resorted to manual labour and instructed his team to dig 80 to 100 ft deep holes. Finally, after 18 years, the Chin Swee Caves Temple was completed.
The Chinese-style pagoda built next to this Taoist temple can be easily spotted from far. If you observe the shape of this pagoda, you'll see that it's built on an octagonal base. This nine-storey structure is also fitted with images of Buddha, intricate Chinese architecture and thousands of blessing lamps. To reach the top, you'll have to climb 285 steps. From the top, on a good day when it's not covered by clouds, you'll get to see a beautiful 🌄panoramic view of Genting Highlands and the surrounding mountains of the Titiwangsa range. To reach this temple, you hop on the Awana SkyWay Gondola (Genting Highlands cable car).
⏰ Hours: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
📍 Address: Exit 68, Genting Sempah, Pahang, 28750 Bentong
The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si, is also home to a 30.2m tall bronze statue of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy). The Kek Lok Si's Guanyin statue is depicted in a poised demeanour, standing tall on a cliff with one hand holding a small and slim vase pointing downwards.
It's also located on an island, like the Nanhai Guanyin of Mount Putuo in China. This statue was actually inaugurated in 2002 to replace the white plaster Guanyin which was damaged in a 🔥fire. In 2009, a three-tiered roof pavilion with 16 bronze columns at the height of 60.9m that shelters the statue was completed
⏰ Hours: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm
📍 Address: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang
Take a 45-minute river tour boat ride down the Melaka river with centuries-old Peranakan houses and colonial buildings lining the riverbank. This view will remind you of the tea houses that line the riverbank of Puhui river in China. The Melaka river cruise will take you on a route that passes under the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge that used to be concrete until major renovations in 1963 led to its current steel facade. According to the locals, Japanese soldiers during World War II used to place the severed heads of their victims at the foot of the bridge😱 .
Set aside the gruesome fact, this river cruise will give you the feel of that is roughly similar to that of the ancient water town of Qibao in Shanghai especially at night. Ticket for the Melaka Cruise can be booked here.
⏰ Hours: 9.00 am - 11.00 pm
📍 Address: Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka
New York KL ~ concrete jungle where dreams are made of ~... Tamarind Square in Putrajaya is the epitome of a concrete jungle because of its combination of concrete and trees. A hidden gem in the heart of the Klang Valley, this insta-worthy place is surrounded by lots of concrete staircases and walls, and you might end up getting lost in the concrete maze. This place is similar to another hidden gem in Shanghai, the 1933 Old Millfun, which was a 🔪slaughterhouse in the past.
Another difference is that Tamarind Square is new and surrounded by greenery, whereas the 1933 Old Millfun was well... built in 1933 and is a complex of 5 pale and dull-looking concrete buildings. As for the function of both places, they are now mainly hangout hubs for youngsters; there are cafes, restaurants, small shops and offices in both buildings. People also like to come here to do photoshoots for 🤳social media!
⏰ Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm
📍 Address: B-02-03, Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Thean Hou Temple was built in 1981 and is one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia. One of the most prominent features of this temple is the dragon sculpture that lies between the two flights of stairs. This feature will remind you of another similar one near the entrance of A-Ma Cultural Village's Tin Hau Temple in Macau. Both temples are similarly located on the hilltop for Feng Shui purposes and dedicated to the Chinese (Hainanese) sea goddess, Mazu.
And there you have it folks! 7 places in Malaysia that will have you feeling like you've hopped on a ✈️plane to China. From ancient temples to scenic gardens, these hidden gems will have you experiencing culture shock in the best way possible. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, why not try to check-in all these 7 places? We dare you! So, go forth and explore these hidden treasures and flex your new found knowledge on 🤳Instagram. If you like this blog post, why not check out our other posts of the places in Malaysia that look like foreign countries.
