Chinese Cemeteries in Malaysia

There are hundreds of Chinese Cemeteries dotting the landscape in Malaysia. Some are huge, like the Kwong Tong Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur or Bukit Cina in Melaka, Malaysia’s oldest cemetery, while others may consist of just a few scattered graves. 

Some are modern, planned cemeteries with beautifully landscaped gardens and memorial halls operated by commercial concerns such as the Xiao En Memorial Park in Nilai. But the majority just developed gradually over many years and are organised and funded by clan associations 

They are usually sited on carefully selected hillsides or slopes where the principals of fengshui are taken into account. They tend to be located away from townships or on the outskirts of urban development but some have been swallowed up as the cities have grown.

This cemetery in Negeri Sembilan (Perkuburan Cina Ulu Berenang & Broga) is typical where the graves overlook a particularly fine view, probably a better view than the deceased enjoyed while they were still living.  

Many of the graves here are decorated with tiled murals showing idealised scenes, perhaps the sort of heavenly place that we hope awaits us in the next world.

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.