Johor Bahru Glass Temple: Visiting Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman (Hours, Etiquette, Getting There)

The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is a Hindu temple in Johor Bahru whose interior is covered in roughly 300,000 pieces of coloured glass — the first glass temple in Malaysia, and an easy, short Grab ride from KSL City Mall. Visitors are welcome in the afternoon window, barefoot and modestly dressed.

Most people come to JB for food, malls and massage, and walk straight past one of the city’s most unusual sights. Step inside this temple off Jalan Tebrau and nearly every surface — pillars, ceilings, walls — glitters with mirror and glass mosaic. Here is what to know before you go.

What makes the Glass Temple special?

The temple began in 1922 as a simple shelter on land granted by the Sultan of Johor, and was rebuilt in the 1990s. Between 2008 and 2009 its interior was transformed with a mosaic of about 300,000 pieces of red, blue, yellow, green, purple and white glass. In 2010 the Malaysian Book of Records listed it as the country’s first glass temple. It is dedicated to the goddess Rajakaliamman, and it is a working place of worship, not a museum — prayers and offerings carry on around visitors.

When can visitors go in?

The temple is open to devotees from morning to night, but tourists have generally been welcomed in an afternoon window, commonly listed as about 1pm to 5pm. A small entrance fee for non-devotees has been reported. Hours and fees can change, especially around festivals, so treat these as a guide and check on arrival. Afternoon light coming through the glass is part of the show, so a later slot inside that window is a nice choice.

What is the temple etiquette?

• Shoes off: leave them at the shoe area and walk in barefoot.
• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf or sarong just in case.
• Keep it quiet: devotees are praying, so lower your voice and do not walk in front of anyone at an altar.
• Photos: ask or follow the signs, and never photograph people praying up close.

How do you get there from KSL?

The temple sits near Jalan Tebrau, a short Grab ride from KSL City Mall — usually around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Plan 45 minutes to an hour inside. It pairs well with a heritage afternoon in the old town; see our famous buildings of Johor Bahru guide, and our getting around JB guide for transport options.

Is it busy at Deepavali?

Very likely. Deepavali falls on 8 November in 2026, and Hindu temples across JB get busy with worshippers around the festival. Visitors who want a calm look are better off on an ordinary weekday; if you are in town for the long weekend, our Deepavali 2026 JB long-weekend guide covers the crowds and the Causeway.

Our serviced Studio and 2-Bedroom units at KSL D’Esplanade 📍 Map sit right above KSL City Mall in the city centre, so the Glass Temple is a quick hop away. See our units, then WhatsApp us at +60 12-708 8789 to check availability for your dates.