Meditation retreats are a great way to unwind after the stress and chaos of daily life. They help you connect with your inner-self and contemplate life. By signing up for a meditation retreat, you get an opportunity to take the edge off daily life and dive deep into yourself. Meditation retreats also give you the space to ponder and cultivate values of compassion, humanity, and deep love of life. The guidance of experienced practitioners at retreats can help you heal, nurture, and develop your body and soul. Reinvent yourself as a person who takes on everyday life with a balanced clarity and say bye-bye to stress and anxiety. Read this article to see our list of meditation retreats in Malaysia to begin your journey inwards.
If you’re looking for accommodations in Malaysia, the country has a vast range of options ranging from farm stays to Muslim-friendly hotels. Take your pick!
Spiritual places to visit in Malaysia
Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam: This beautiful Buddhist temple is perched on the hillside and is an excellent place to get yourself acquainted with the rituals of Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese customs.
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur: Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, this beautiful temple is a must-visit place in Kuala Lumpur. According to Free Malaysia Today, the temple is particularly lively during Chinese New Year’s celebrations. If you’d like to enjoy the temple’s peaceful ambiance, I’d suggest visiting on a non-festival day, though the festival is a great way to indulge in the culture that birthed the unique sense of spirituality!
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Malaysia Vipassana Meditation; Gambang
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Experience inner transformation at Malaysia Vipassana Meditation, also known as Dhamma Malaya. This center, situated three hours from Kuala Lumpur, follows S.N. Goenka’s Vipassana meditation tradition. Rooted in self-observation, this ancient technique aims to alleviate suffering and foster peace. Nestled in a breezy plantation, the center offers two halls, 104 air-conditioned cells, and multi-language facilities. Non-center courses are held in Johor’s Saleng Eco Farm and Kuala Ketil’s cozy houses.
Courses welcome all backgrounds to learn this technique, emphasizing adherence to discipline and teacher guidance. Embark on a profound journey towards harmony, regardless of beliefs, and embrace the path of self-discovery.
Malaysia Vipassana Meditation
Address: No. Lot 49658, Jalan Industri MEC, Kawasan Industri MEC, 25150 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
2. World Yoga Association; Subang Jaya
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
"VEERABHADRA ASANA - EAST & WEST DEFENCE" (वीरभद्र आसन: पूर्व और पश्चिम - युद्ध / आत्मरक्षा अभ्यास) EXERCISE TO MAKE...
Posted by World Yoga Association on Saturday, September 25, 2021
The World Yoga Association is dedicated to upholding the age-old traditions of Indian yoga, encompassing various disciplines including Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Mantra Yoga, and Tantra Yoga. The federation extends opportunities for yoga events, instructor training, and both certification and accreditation for those desiring to learn and propagate genuine yoga methodologies.
Their retreat focuses on rekindling the timeless essence of yoga, guiding attendees toward achieving equilibrium, serenity, and contentment in their daily lives. It incorporates classes on asanas, pranayama, mantras, and tantra, complemented by insightful talks on yoga’s rich philosophy and history. This retreat welcomes all, from novices to seasoned practitioners, who aspire to enrich their comprehension and mastery of classical yoga.
World Yoga Association
Address: Yoga Training (Outdoor) @ Taman Rekreasi, Jalan USJ 11/2g, UEP Subang Jaya, 47620 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
3. Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Center; Jelutong
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Successful Ceremony on 16.01.2020
Posted by Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Centre on Monday, February 3, 2020
Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Center is ideally located in Jalan Masjid Negeri, Penang. Adhering to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, this Buddhist retreat in Malaysia offers Vipassana meditation programs. Vipassana means “insight” in Pali and this meditation method aids in achieving serenity of mind with the ultimate goal being liberation. A day at this Vipassana retreat involves 14 hours of meditation interspersed with chanting, resting, and dhamma talks. Participants must observe silence and follow the eight precepts.
The retreat is open to everybody and is available throughout the year. Accommodation for men is in a shared dormitory room, while women stay in a “kuti”. You will be served nutritious and delicious home-cooked Malaysian dishes.
Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Center
Address: 355, Jln Masjid Negeri, Taman Green Lane, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Center
Price: From 4 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Kechara Forest Retreat; Bentong
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kechara Forest Retreat nestles within a sprawling forest area in Bentong and is a sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism. It offers age-old teachings and practices of Buddhism in a pragmatic method. Open to all, it provides several programs for spiritual exploration, mindful existence, and sustainable living. Its special initiatives include animal rescue.
The center also has a dedicated area for a bird aviary and a koi fish pond. Its programs are customized and range from a day to a month. Accommodation is available in two types of guesthouses with scenic views of the surroundings.
Kechara Forest Retreat
Address: Lot 3189, Jalan Chamang, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Website: Kechara Forest Retreat
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 20 USD
5. The Golden Space Malaysia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Golden Space Malaysia is a new meditation and life transformation center located within The Strand Mall in Petaling Jaya. Open to people from all walks of life, its programs have high relevance to self-discovery and everyday life.
It has a variety pack of programs designed to improve specific aspects of life. Courses are offered by acclaimed teachers who also share their real-life stories, thus creating an honest and inspiring start towards your personal development. You can even get personal consultations!
The Golden Space Malaysia
Address: 27-2, Jalan PJU 5/20, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: The Golden Space Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
6. Isha Yoga Center; Petaling Jaya
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Isha Foundation on Thursday, January 20, 2022
Isha Yoga Center, a part of Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation, is located in Petaling Jaya at Selangor. Essentially a yoga retreat center in Malaysia, it offers a variety of programs for beginners and advanced practitioners to explore inner-self, spirituality, and life. Its tailor-made programs include five-minute daily practices like Isha Upa Yoga that can help you approach life with ease and clarity.
Its inner engineering program helps to intellectually explore the basics of life through yogic practices. A series of customized hatha yoga programs for memory and focus as well as those targeted at children are also available here.
Isha Yoga Center
Address: Suite G.03, Ground Floor Block-B, Dataran Hamodal, Jalan 13/4, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: Isha Yoga Center
7. Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary
Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary sits nestled within an orchard adjacent to Greeneries Memorial Park in Taiping, Perak. A sanctuary for Buddhist monks to practice and study Dhamma Vinaya, it has opened a retreat center to promote spiritual, mental, and physical health. Group, guided, and self-retreats are the categories of programs offered here. Group and guided retreats vary in audience size and are taught by experienced practitioners and teachers. Self-retreats are restricted to advanced meditators.
Camps for young people are also offered. The secluded environment of this spiritual retreat center in Malaysia has guest lodges, a shrine, and numerous paths and platforms for meditation, making it one of the most impressive places to visit.
Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary
Address: 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
Website: Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary
8. Appamada Vihari Meditation Center; Balik Pulau
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dhamma Talk
Posted by Appamada Vihari Meditation Center on Thursday, February 13, 2020
Appamada Vihari Meditation Center is located in the serene environs of Balik Pulau, Penang. Founded with a vision of promoting Buddha Sasana, it has a wide community of Buddhist monks with deep knowledge and understanding of Abhidhamma. The center has opened its doors as a personal retreat for the benefit of experienced practitioners and meditators.
You can head off on a personal retreat or pursue one under the guidance of experienced practitioners. Single-day retreats are also available. A typical day in retreat would involve sitting group meditation, walking meditation, interviews in groups or with teachers, dhamma talk, and chanting.
Appamada Vihari Meditation Center
Address: Jalan Balik Pulau, Kampung Titi Serong, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Appamada Vihari Meditation Center
Price: Free
9. Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center; George Town
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in Jalan Perlis of George Town, Penang, Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center offers a peaceful sanctuary at the heart of the city. A member of the New Kadampa tradition, it offers meditation and study programs on modern Buddhism. All its courses carry a contemporary outlook and are based on practical methods to tune the mind through meditation. Meditation classes here are tailor-made for various levels of practitioners.
Weekly drop-in meditation sessions are held under trained practitioners. It offers several retreats, each aimed at cleansing and strengthening the spiritual self. Suitable for any practitioner, each retreat typically involves chanting of prayers, silent time for meditation, and guidance.
Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center
Address: 28, Jalan Perlis, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center
Price: from 3 USD
10. Johor Bahru Meditation; Johor Bahru
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Johor Bahru Meditation on Monday, January 7, 2019
Johor Bahru Meditation, located in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru, is open to everyone. Founded on the age-old wisdom of transcending the physicality of body and mind, this center has developed a unique method of meditation.
The meditation center offers consultation on Zoom, after which they’ll brief you on the best meditation program for you!
Johor Bahru Meditation
Address: 18-01, Jalan Molek 1/10, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Website: Johor Bahru Meditation
Opening hours: 9:30am - 11:30pm (daily)
11. Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Center, Selangor
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It is very important to receive blessings. For example, if we are growing outer crops, even if we remove the weeds and...
Posted by Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Centre on Sunday, October 24, 2021
Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Center is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Adhering to the new Kadampa tradition, all its courses have a contemporary outlook to impart spiritual values into everyday life. It offers meditation classes for all levels of practitioners and also conducts sessions on chanted prayers. Walk-in meditation classes are also available on certain days at this non-profit organization. Special courses on meditation and mindfulness for children are also available.
Through its foundation program, you can gain a deeper understanding and experience of Buddhist teachings and develop a regular practice of meditation. Sessions are conducted by experienced teachers. It offers numerous retreats, each focused on healing, cleansing, and strengthening your inner self.
Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Center
Address: Zenith Corporate Park, Jalan SS 7/26, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Center
Price: From 4 USD
12. Persatuan Brahma Kumaris Bangsar; Kuala Lumpur
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A part of Brahma Kumaris Malaysia, this center is also a rejuvenation sanctuary offering a variety of programs and lectures on meditation and personal growth including character development, stress management, and enhancing concentration. This meditation retreat is located in Kuala Lumpur, which is also one of the things Malaysia is famous for. Courses are practical and based on Raja Yoga meditation, a versatile form of meditation that can be practiced by anyone, anywhere.
Open to all, its courses are offered free of charge by experienced practitioners. Accommodations are available in an independent block with a pack of options ranging from private rooms to dormitories. Vegetarian meals are provided here. An ideal place to self-reflect and more, you can also enjoy its vast collection of books and numerous seminars.
Persatuan Brahma Kumaris Bangsar
Address: 36, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Persatuan Brahma Kumaris Bangsar
Rejuvenate with meditation
Malaysia offers plenty of fascinating things to do and places to visit. While you’re here, be sure to give meditation the time of your day, as it can show you the path to the serenity of mind and help you see life with clarity. Take a break to self-reflect and dive deeper into your conscience at these top 10 meditation retreats in Malaysia.
Frequently asked questions about meditation retreats in Malaysia
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
