Places Of Worship With Historical Value In Johor Bahru
As a multicultural city, Johor Bahru boasts of many places of worship of different religion. We've decided to rounded up a few of it that has historical value and is open to visitors. Take a look below.
1. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque was completed in the year of 1900 under the direction of Sultan Abu Bakar. The architecture of the mosque is a mix of two distinguishable styles. They are Victorian and Moorish styles with a little influence of Malay style. Non - muslims are allowed to enter the mosque. However, decent and modest clothing must be worn as a sign of respect.
2. The Church of the Immaculate Conception
This historic and the oldest of Church of Johor Bahru was built in the year or 1927 by the late Rev. Fr. C. Saleilles, M. AP. The Original Church was built in the year 1883 and was named as the “Our Lady of Lourdes”. The late Sultan Ibrahim donated the big statue of Our Lady to the church. It how stands in front of the Church.
3. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
This temple is one of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru. The temple is a place of worship and a symbol of unity among Five Chinese Dialect Groups which are "Teochew", "Hoklo (Hokkien)", "Cantonese", "Hakka" and "Hainan". The temple was built during the 19th Century by then Head of Ngee Heng Company led by Tan Hiok Nee and various Chinese community leaders. Every year in the first lunar month of 20-23rd, the Temple organizes its annual Chingay known as the Parade of Deities.
4. Gurdwara Sahib
The Gurdwara Sahib was built by Sikhs who were brought to Johor in the late 19th century to keep order. They worked in the police force and were also employed as in the personal army of the Sultan of Johor.
On 5 April, 1916, the Sikh community requested for a piece of land from the Johor Police Commissioner, in order to build a place of worship. This request was granted, and a plot which was previously undeveloped swamp land was gazetted for the purpose. The land had to be strengthened with stones before the temple could be built. It was completed in 1921.
5. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
The temple, one of Johor Bahru’s oldest Hindu temples, is situated next to the railway tracks between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Mohd Taib (or close to the Tebrau Highway). It started in 1922 as a simple shelter on land presented by the Sultan of Johor. Between 2008 and 2009, the temple was fitted with glass surfaces and ornaments. Some 90 percent of the temple's surfaces are covered in clear and colored glass.
If you haven't been to any of them, maybe it's time to pay some of them a visit to understand more about Johor Bahru. And please make sure that these places continue to stand for the next 100 years and more.
Images: Instagram