Sarawak’s spiritual wonderment
Sarawak’s places of worship are among the major draws for the region, especially those that are steeped in history. That being said, here are some of Sarawak’s iconic places of worship you should visit.
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Churches
Christianity found its way to the shores of Sarawak in the early 1800s, with St. Thomas’s Cathedral Kuching being the place of worship for Kuching’s Anglicans since 1848. The church is characterised by its high vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows, overlooking Padang Merdeka.
The new St. Peter’s Church in Kuching, completed in 2024, represents an impressive architectural evolution of the original church from the 1800s. Located on a prominent site in the city, this new building serves as both a place of worship and a cultural symbol for the Catholic community in Kuching. The design of the new church incorporates contemporary elements while honouring the historical significance of the original Gothic structure. It features a spacious interior with modern facilities, providing a welcoming environment for the growing congregation. The church’s architectural style blends traditional and modern aesthetics, with stained glass windows and a focus on openness and inclusivity. The new St. Peter’s Church represents the ongoing commitment to preserving the legacy of the Catholic faith in Sarawak, while adapting to the needs of a modern congregation.
Sri Aman’s unique Mount Hosanna Chapel sits on a picturesque hill, flanked by lush trees. Its three towers at the entrance resemble three white candles and you need to climb 185 steps to get to the chapel.
Mosques
The Kuching Floating Mosque, officially known as Masjid India Kuching, is a stunning landmark on the banks of the Sarawak River. Opened in 2019, it beautifully blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern design, creating a peaceful and welcoming space for worshippers and visitors alike. With a capacity of around 1,600 people, the mosque is an important place for community gatherings. In the evening, it becomes even more breathtaking as multi-colour LED lights illuminate the elegant structure of this must-see sight in Kuching.
The Masjid Bahagian Kuching, once known as Masjid Besar, is one of Sarawak’s most important religious landmarks. In 1967, a new mosque was built on the same site to replace the old one, after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, saw the need for a bigger and more modern place of worship. The new mosque features a beautiful golden dome and a striking design that blends tradition with modern architecture. Today, it remains a key place for worship and community gatherings, standing proudly in the heart of Kuching as a symbol of faith and unity.
Temples
The Jade Dragon Temple, also known as Yu Lung San Tien En Si, is a stunning Chinese temple located along the Sibu-Bintulu Road in Sarawak. It is a unique place of worship that brings together Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The temple complex is not only the largest in Malaysia but is also believed to be the biggest in Southeast Asia.
Inside, the temple features grand halls with statues of Gautama Buddha, the Smiling Buddha, Dashizi Bodhisattva, and the four-faced Goddess, along with many other Chinese deities. The complex also includes a cultural and resource center, bell and drum towers, a theatre, a sutra hall, a beautiful Chinese zodiac garden, and the 7 Heavenly Sisters. Visitors can also find a lodging house and a restaurant, making it a peaceful and welcoming place for both worshippers and tourists.
The Hiang Thian Siang Ti (Deity of the North) Temple in Kuching, first built over one and a half centuries ago by Teochew immigrants from China, is one of Carpenter Street’s most prominent features. Major renovations were done in 1968 and the statues of Deities in the temple were covered in gold foil. A grand procession is held annually since, on the 4th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar to commemorate this momentous occasion.