What tourists said about the St John’s Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur
“Magnificent in its simpliciy”
Masses are all in English with many times to choose from. Definitely worth the visit, even if you are not attending mass.
Visited April 2014
“A Lovely Cathedral”
A very peaceful place to visit from the bustle and heat from the city. A lovely church in a beautiful setting. Walk around and read the plaques that tell a small story of the history and parishioners who attended this church, including Queen Elizabeth.
“Historical and beautiful!”
What makes the building important is that’s it the throne for the regional bishop and hence it’s importance as an Anglican cathedral and here there is some interesting history associated to the building. The pleasant staff when available will be more then happy to tell interested visiting guests.
Visited October 2014
“Amazing architecture!”
Enter the cool, gracious confines of the cathedral and the altar with its stained glass windows makes for a marvelous sight. Hanging from the angled wood covered ceiling, the two simple chandeliers just in front of the altar add a classic touch.
The walls are studded with brass plates, dedicated by friends and family to the memory of several illustrious British citizens who contributed to the growth and progress of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.
The wooden pews have the sheen of well-looked-after fine wood. Light radiates into the silence of the cathedral from large arched doors and windows. The white ceiling fans look as fresh as the day when they were first put in.
Visited October 2014
Come and attend its service, you’ll not regret”
Amazing little church, I was surprised by the balance between the religious communities in Malaysia.
This church is not big, but very historic. building is the Anglican building. on the front yard , there is a schedule of worship services and on the Sunday schedule is very full.
We will be very welcome to come and we are allowed to take pictures and also attend its services. that’s just amazing to me is the most well preserved pipe organ, altar in the church is very cool and great.
About the Saint John’s Cathedral
St John’s Cathedral was opened in 1883, making it the oldest church in Kuala Lumpur. The St John’s Cathedral is also one of the few pre-war churches that has been well taken care and preserved until today.
The historic value of the St John’s Cathedral, therefore, is invaluable. Aside from being the most visited church in Kuala Lumpur, the St. John Cathedral is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia.
People come not only to pray and ask for forgiveness but also to admire the uniqueness and beauty of this magnificent building.
The historic St John’s Cathedral
Attractions of the cathedral
The attractions of the St John Cathedral lie in its whitewashed building with the striking twin spires. The St John Cathedral is definitely one of its kinds in Malaysia.
Even though the cathedral is located in the midst of the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur, it can be easily noticed from a distance due to the height of its two spires.
Moreover, the St John Cathedral belongs to the Roman Catholic Church which is the world’s largest Christian church and is aligned to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.
Saint John’s Cathedral location
St John’s Cathedral is located next to St. John’s Institution, which is known for its Grecian-Spanish architecture.
The school derives its name from the cathedral and was set up by the Lasallian Brothers.
Due to its location ascending Bukit Nanas, it is also in close contact to Convent Bukit Nanas, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and Kuala Lumpur Tower.
It is accessible from the Masjid Jamek LRT station and the Bukit Nanas Monorail station.
St John’s Cathedral Interior
What to see at the Saint John’s Cathedral
All in all, the St John Cathedral is very famous for its architecture that has immense local and national significance, both artistically and historically.
Because of the fact that it took centuries to build and decorate, the cathedral constitutes a major artistic investment for Kuala Lumpur in which it is standing.
Not only is the building itself be architecturally significant, the cathedral also houses treasures such as stained glass, stone and wood statues as well as richly carved furniture and objects of both artistic and religious significance such as reliquaries.
The St John Cathedral is definitely the place to visit and take photograph if historic cathedrals are of your great interest.
Promotional rates for KL hotels that you can’t resist!
Nearby attractions that you might be interested
- Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) – The KLCC is a must go tourist destination. You visit to Malaysia won’t be complete if you missed the KLCC. You would not be bored. In fact you will be busy visiting some of the most famous attractions in Malaysia because this place is made up of multiple attractions including the Suria KLCC, KLCC Park and of course the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers.
- Chinatown – The Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is the largest in Malaysia. Visit this place to get a feel of the Chinese culture within this unique enclave. One of the most famous would be the Petaling Street Market. You can find many other attractions within the Chinatown enclave such as the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, Sze Ya Temple, a Sikh temple, a Gospel church as well as the famous Islamic mosque, Masjid Jamek.
- Holy Rosary Church – From funds raised by the Chinese Catholic congregation, Fr Terrien and his architectural assistant Fr JL Lambert completed the church in 1904 and the consecration Mass was held by Bishop Barillon.
- Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (Blue Mosque) – Have you seen a blue mosque before? I bet you haven’t. If you would like to see one, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is the best place to go. Featuring a large hall that can accommodate a few thousands of devotees, the blue mosque is one of the best tourist attractions to visit.
- Masjid India – Masjid India was originally built as a modest wooden structure in 1863 as the main place of worship for Indian Muslim. The attractive part of the building is its southern Indian style with onion-domed cupolas and elegant arched windows.
- Most significant buildings in Kuala Lumpur – Sultan Abdul Samad Buildings, Kuala Lumpur Railway Stations, Badan Warisan, Coliseum Cinema, Coliseum Café and Hotel, Carcosa Seri Negara, National History Museum, Royal Selangor Club.
