How to Explore the Spiritual Wonders of South East Asia: A Guide for Travelers
Published on June 30th 2023
Last updated on June 27th 2024
Last updated on June 27th 2024
Discover the main types of religions in South-East Asia, the different places for worshipping in the region, and the top 10 most unique religious sites for tourists. Learn more about the history, culture and beauty of this diverse and fascinating region.
South East Asia is a diverse and fascinating region that offers a rich variety of cultures, landscapes and experiences for travellers. One of the most prominent aspects of South-East Asian culture is religion, which has shaped the history, art and architecture of many countries in the region. In this article, we will explore the main types of religions in South-East Asia, the different places for worshipping in the region, and the top 10 most unique religious sites for tourists.
Main Types of Religions in South-East Asia
- Islam, the largest and most widely practised religion in the region, with majorities in Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Islam arrived in South East Asia through trade and missionary activities from the 13th century onwards, and has influenced the politics, law and culture of many countries.
- Buddhism, the second largest religion in the region, with many followers in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Buddhism was established in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha or “the awakened one”. Buddhism spread to South-East Asia through trade and royal patronage from India, Sri Lanka and China, and has inspired many artistic and architectural masterpieces.
- Hinduism, a minority religion with a long history in the region, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, based on a complex system of beliefs, rituals and gods. Hinduism influenced the early kingdoms and civilizations of South-East Asia, such as Funan, Srivijaya and Majapahit, and left behind many temples and monuments.
- Christianity, another minority religion with a significant presence in the Philippines, East Timor and parts of Indonesia. Christianity was introduced to South-East Asia by European colonists and missionaries from the 16th century onwards, and has played a role in the independence movements and social development of some countries.
Animism, Confucianism and Taoism, indigenous and Chinese religions that coexist with other faiths in the region. Animism is the belief that natural objects and phenomena have spirits or souls, and is practised by many ethnic minorities and indigenous groups. Confucianism and Taoism are philosophical and ethical systems that originated in China and emphasise harmony, morality and balance.
Places for Worshipping in South East Asia
South East Asia has a diverse range of places for worshipping, reflecting the different religious traditions and cultures of the region. Some of the most common types of places for worshipping are:
- Mosques, which are places of prayer and worship for Muslims. Mosques usually have a dome, a minaret (a tower for calling to prayer), a mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca), a minbar (a pulpit for preaching) and a prayer hall. Mosques also serve as community centres, schools and social hubs for Muslims.
- Temples, which are places of worship for Buddhists and Hindus. Temples vary in size, style and design depending on the sect, region and era. Temples usually have statues or images of deities or enlightened beings, altars for offerings, stupas or pagodas (structures containing relics or scriptures), shrines for meditation or devotion, and gardens or courtyards for ceremonies or festivals.
- Churches, which are places of worship for Christians. Churches usually have a cross, a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, a nave (a central aisle for congregants), an altar (a table for communion), a pulpit (a platform for preaching), a choir (a group of singers) and stained glass windows (decorative panels depicting biblical scenes or saints). Churches also serve as educational institutions, charitable organisations and cultural venues for Christians.
- Spirit houses, which are miniature shrines for animists. Spirit houses are usually made of wood or metal, decorated with colourful fabrics or flowers, and placed near homes or businesses to appease or honour the spirits of ancestors, nature or local deities. Spirit houses often contain offerings such as food, drinks or incense to attract good luck or protection from evil.
Top 10 Most Unique Religious Sites in South East Asia
South East Asia is home to some of the most unique religious sites in the world, ranging from ancient ruins to modern marvels. Here are our top 10 picks for tourists who want to experience the spiritual diversity and beauty of the region:
| Site | Location | Religion | Description |
| Angkor Wat | Cambodia | Hinduism/Buddhism | The largest and most famous temple complex in South East Asia, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later converted to a Buddhist monastery. Angkor Wat is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings and majestic towers. |
| Borobudur | Indonesia | Buddhism | The largest and most impressive Buddhist monument in the world, built in the 9th century by the Sailendra dynasty as a mandala (a symbolic representation of the universe) and a pilgrimage site. Borobudur consists of nine levels of terraces, adorned with over 2,000 relief panels and over 500 Buddha statues. |
| Ha Long Bay | Vietnam | Taoism | A natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Ha Long Bay is considered a sacred place by the local people, who believe that it was created by a dragon descending from heaven. Ha Long Bay also features caves, arches and floating villages. |
| Taktsang Monastery | Bhutan | Buddhism | A spectacular monastery perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above a valley in the Himalayas, also known as “Tiger’s Nest”. Taktshang Monastery was founded in the 17th century by Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress. Taktshang Monastery is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. |
| Bagan | Myanmar | Buddhism | An ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing over 2,000 temples, pagodas and stupas dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Bagan is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia, showcasing the artistic and architectural achievements of the Burmese civilization. |
| Batu Caves | Malaysia | Hinduism | A series of limestone caves and temples located about 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. Batu Caves is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, attracting millions of devotees and tourists every year. Batu Caves is also home to a colony of macaque monkeys. |
| San Agustin Church | Philippines | Christianity | The oldest stone church in the Philippines, built in the 16th century by Spanish colonists in the Baroque style. San Agustin Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic City of Manila, and features a richly decorated interior, a museum and a crypt. San Agustin Church is also the burial place of several historical figures. |
| Shwedagon Pagoda | Myanmar | Buddhism | The most sacred and revered pagoda in Myanmar, located on a hilltop in Yangon. Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha. Shwedagon Pagoda is covered with gold plates and encrusted with thousands of diamonds and gems. |
| Prambanan | Indonesia | Hinduism | The largest and most magnificent Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, built in the 9th century by the Sanjaya dynasty as a tribute to the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). Prambanan consists of over 200 temples, arranged in concentric squares, with elaborate sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana epic. |
| Wat Phra Kaew | Thailand | Buddhism | The most sacred and important temple in Thailand, located within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue of Buddha carved from a single block of jade. Wat Phra Kaew also features exquisite architecture, murals and gardens. |
South East Asia is a region that offers endless opportunities for spiritual exploration and discovery. Whether you are interested in learning more about different religions, admiring stunning art and architecture or experiencing awe-inspiring natural wonders, you will find something to inspire you in this amazing part of the world.