Kuala Lampur

CultureLocale

Thean Hou Temple: Experience Chinese culture like a local

Thean Hou TempleA young women paying visit to Thean Hou Temple during the Chinese New Year

Thean Hou Temple seated along Jalan Klang Lama forms one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Termed as a notable religious landmark in Kuala Lumpur because of the large number of visitors it attracts every year.

About Thean Hou Temple

The Thean Hou Temple, locally known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven themes an elaborate six tired Pagoda. Dedicated to Tian Hou, the protector of the fishermen community the temple sits atop a hill. The Hainanese community of Kuala Lumpur established the temple in 1894. The mix of red and gold designs give a visual treat to the eyes.

Thean Hou Temple
Outside the Thean Hou Temple

The multi-arch gateway and red pillars at the main entrance symbolize prosperity and good luck. A modern Buddhist temple, it features images and art depicting Buddha all around the main hall.

Statues of Guan Di, the god of war and Wei Tuo, a divine protector are present in the temple. With elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, the grand structure showcases influences from all these schools of thought. 

Things to do

A walk around the temple complex leads you to a tortoise pond and a herb garden filled with Chinese medicinal plants. A sanctified Boddhi tree also graces the compound and creates an aura of mysticism!

The Thean Hou temple marks as one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Create a customised itinerary with Locaguide so that you do not miss out on this beautiful temple. With the local travel expert, you can not only visit the temple but experience the prayer ceremonies like a local. He/ She can also help you get your fortune read at the temple if it makes you keen.

The Thean Hou temple makes up for more than just a place of worship. An architectural marvel in itself which brings the local Chinese community together. So, do pay a visit and experience it for yourself.

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Locale

A Slice of China in Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street

Petaling streetPetaling street Kuala Lumpur entrance

Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once? Head to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur and you will find yourself teleported to China! Popularly known as the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street lies between Jalan Pudu and Jalan Sultan. It is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. Petaling Street maintains its traditional atmosphere — more so at night when vendors display their wares along the street bringing the entire area alive.

Petaling Street

At first glance, Petaling street is an explosion of colour and noise, a street thronged by locals and tourists. The stalls that cover the main street remain filled with merchandise and you can buy everything, ranging from clothes to women’s accessories or even decorative pieces and souvenirs. If you are a seasoned shopper and know how to spot the hidden gems among the huge volume of merchandise, you should make your way to the walkways on this street. You never know where you get the best deals and bargains!

Petaling street
Petaling street

Bargaining and haggling have almost become a norm here. Thus Petaling Street is the best place to put your skills to a test and get the best rates possible for your purchase. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a skilful bargainer or feel that you may get cheated, opt for a local guide. A local travel expert from Locaguide may help you get a good deal. Perhaps, bargaining is best left to the locals, don’t you think?

The food lovers pit stop

Once done with shopping, it’s time to enjoy some delicious local street food on Petaling street. With dozens of stalls and restaurants selling a variety of food, its definite to be spoilt for choices. The hawkers here offer many of the local favourite foods as well as traditional Chinese food; one of the many reasons why this street features in every list of places to explore in Kuala Lumpur.

A street vendor selling colourful Dim sums
A street vendor selling colourful Dim sums

The energy on the street feels infectious! Upon shopping and eating to your heart’s content, take a moment to just observe the chaos of the street as it unfolds itself for miles ahead in front of you.

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Food

Take a food-walk through Jalan Alor

article 25 - food walk - 1

If food is an integral part of your perfect holiday, if you are curious about local cuisines or if you love exploring a culture through its food, then multiple visits to Jalan Alor is what you have to include in your tour of Kuala Lumpur.

The food lovers paradise

Jalan Alor is a one of a kind food destination located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As you step onto the busy street, you can sense the change of smell in the air. The modern shopping malls are replaced with hundreds of stalls and small food carts selling all kinds of local dishes. The splash of colors, vendors calling for your attention, music playing from buskers, light smoke and wok-clunking melody coming from stir-frying, barbecue and meat-grilling actions all create an atmosphere completely different from any other part of the city.

A street that starts off calmly during the day transforms into a bustling hub of activity as the sun goes down. It has become a food haven for tourists and locals alike. Offering some of the best culinary delights of Malaysia, the street is filled with dining tables arranged at the centre and rows of hawker stalls on either side of the road. Frequented not only by tourists but locals as well, the stalls offer unique dishes from across the country. A food walk through this vibrant street is one of the top activities in Kuala Lumpur and a travel guide from Locaguide will be a perfect company to help you swim through this sensory overload! Ask your guide for food and restaurant recommendations depending on what you like to eat and he will be able to point you in the right direction.

Bring your appetite on your visit to Jalan Alor. Be it the succulent dumplings, dozens of varieties of noodles, grilled meats or even the local favourite, chicken satay, it’s hard to run out of options at Jalan Alor! Offering not just food but the culture of Malaysia for everyone to experience, this street shows you that diversity does not exist in just the people of Malaysia but in its food culture as well.

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