Malaysia being a Muslim country is filled with beautiful mosques that are enriched with history. Each mosque has its own unique attributes that are shown through architecture influence that comes from around the world. Here is a list of the top 10 most beautiful mosques in Malaysia we think are worth visiting!
1. Putra Mosque, Putrajaya
Constructed in 1997, Putra Mosque is also known as the ‘Pink Mosque’. It is named after Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. It signature pink dome was constructed with pink granite and was influenced by Safavid architecture found in Iran. From afar you’ll notice the main 116-meter minaret that dominates the sky, as well as a five-tier minarets that represent the five pillars of Islam.
Putra mosque consists of a prayer hall, an auditorium, lecture rooms, a dining hall, and library. The mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. Since it’s located in the heart of Putrajaya, walk to the Prime Minister’s office or stroll around the Putrajaya lake.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xhzs3Lw8ZFD2
How to get here: Take KLIA Transit train from KL Sentral to Putrajaya; from Putrajaya Station, take a taxi or bus.
Visiting Hours: Mon – Thu: 9am-12.30pm, 2pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6pm; Friday: 3pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6pm
Best angle for a picture: From across Putrajaya lake
2. Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, Putrajaya
Another gem located in Putrajaya, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque or Iron mosque took about 5 years to complete. It is made up of 70% steel and was completed in August 2009. Iron Mosque can host more than 24,000 worshippers making it nearly double the size of Putra mosque.
This mosque attracts many visitors due to its unique interior: the ceiling of the mosque was constructed using a special glass panel creating an illusion of Quran verses floating in the air. The architects included another modern and rather surprising detail in this Putrajaya mosque: it was built without a minaret which unusual for a mosque.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RonmAATzuFm
How to get here: KLIA Transit train from KL Sentral to Putrajaya. From Putrajaya Station, take a taxi or bus.
Visiting Hours: Mon – Thu: 9am-12.00pm, 3pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6.30pm; Friday: 3pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Best angle for picture: Close ups for architectural details
3. Sultan Salahuddin Mosque, Shah Alam
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is famous for its striking blue and silver dome that made it known as Blue mosque of Malaysia. It is the biggest mosque in Malaysia as it can accommodate 24,000 worshippers at the same time.
The mosque has four minarets that stand tall at 142.3 meters which makes them the second tallest minarets in the world. Facing the Garden of Islamic Arts, a park inspired by Jannah- Quranic Garden of Paradise, the blue mosque is definitely worth a visit, as well as a number of Instagram shots. So, make sure that during your Kuala Lumpur trip you pay a visit to this blue mosque!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bv2uLVHqe392
How to get here: Take a train to Shah Alam KTM Station or Batu Tiga KTM Station; from the station, take a taxi.
Visiting hours: Mon -Thurs: 9am-12pm, 2pm-4pm; Friday: Only Accessible to Muslims
Best angle for pictures: Aerial view for a panoramic shot for drone owners or from the garden
4. Federal Territory Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
Built in 2000, Federal Territory Mosque is a favourite amongst visitors due to its exquisite architecture. Its most outstanding feature is the architectural fusion of different cultures. Also known as Masjid Wilayah in Malay, it can accommodate up to 17,000 worshippers at any time.
This mosque is well known for its exotic architecture as its architects drew inspiration from the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Taking influence of the Taj the two minaret towers are a blend of Indo-Islamic and Mughal styles, calligraphy carvings are in the Moorish style and the stunning turquoise domes are of Persian architecture.
What I really love about this mosque is that there is a FREE daily personalised guided tour named Masjid Tour Programme (MTP) from 10am to 6pm. What a great initiative for visitors to ask questions about Islam and Islamic architecture, right?
Location: Jalan Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, https://goo.gl/maps/LAfMv6KN3y62
How to get here: Easiest way is via a taxi or take train from KL Sentral to KTM Sentul
Visiting hours: Free daily personalised guided tour is available from 10am-6pm
Best angle for pictures: Interior architectural details
5. Melaka Straits Mosque, Malacca
Located at the historic city of Melaka, Melaka Straits is referred as the floating mosque as it is built on stilts above the sea and when the water level is high, the mosque appears to float.
The exterior part of the mosque is decorated with stained glass windows of different shades that glow in the sun with Islamic motifs written all over the building. At night, the mosque functions as a lighthouse, which acts as a guide for local fishermen boats.
Since Melaka is only a two hour car trip from Kuala Lumpur, you have more than enough time to explore other Melaka attractions. We recommend that afterwards you head to Stadthuys to see Southeast Asia’s oldest Dutch building and A’Famosa Fort to discover the oldest surviving Portuguese architectural remains. At night, check the city’s exuberant night market for great food and souvenirs.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mEhBjqvhRpp
How to get here: 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, or take bus from KL Sentral to Melaka. From Melaka city centre, take Melaka town Bus no.17.
Visiting hours: Non-Muslims are permitted to visit outside of prayer times
Best angle for pictures: At the entrance of the mosque and the minaret
6. Al Hussain Mosque, Perlis
Another famous floating mosque in Malaysia, Al Hussain is no ordinary mosque. The walls are not painted but instead are decorated with marble, pebbles, granite and quartz. The mosque’s most enticing feature is its twin hexagonal minarets.
Make sure you visit this Al Hussain Mosque at night as the minarets bask in colours at night when a different colour is lit up to signify prayer times. After your visit, head to Langkawi by a one hour ferry to explore the Jewel of Kedah. Don’t miss the cable car to get a view of the stunning Andaman Sea!
Location: Kuala Perlis, https://goo.gl/maps/rXczjXf98F62
How to get here: 5 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, or take train from KTM KL Sentral to Arau, Perlis. From the train station, take a taxi.
Visiting hours: Not stated but Non-Muslims are permitted to visit outside of prayer times
Best angle for pictures: Take a shot from the Jetty Kuala Perlis
7. Penang State Mosque, Penang Island
Designed by Filipino architect Efren Brindez Paz, Penang State mosque was inspired by the design of Cathedral of Brasilia in Brasilia, Brazil. The mosque was designed for a modern look with an undertone of Malay influence, and to be able to accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque on the Penang island.
The most striking feature of this mosque is the hibiscus flower-shaped dome – a tribute to Malaysian national identity as hibiscus is the nation’s flower. Another unusual feature you will not find anywhere else in Malaysia is the prayer hall with a magnificent gleaming chandelier. A trip-worthy mosque for when you travel in Penang!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hzyQ9yf6juu
How to get here: 4 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, 40 minutes flight from KLIA or Subang, or take ETS train to Penang Georgetown. Take the famous Penang ferry, bus or taxi from the train station.
Visiting hours: Non-Muslims are permitted to visit outside of prayer times but they are not permitted to go in the prayer halls
Best angle for pictures: Entrance gate
8. Al-Bukhary Mosque, Kedah
Al-Bukhary mosque was named after Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, a billionaire that funded the mosque. It has been designed as a part of the Al Bukhary housing complex that also provides public facilities such as a community centre, orphanage and medical centre.
The mosque encompasses seven medium cerulean domes and one of them features Arabesque motifs. Don’t miss the spacious compound before the main entrance as there’s a beautiful reflecting pool. A must visit when you travel to Malaysia’s northern state!
Since you’re in Kedah, we recommend to visit Kedah Royal Museum, an old palace that was once occupied by the royal families of Kedah. It was converted into a museum that showcases, royal collection of jewellery and keris. Also don’t miss the city’s iconic attraction Menara Alor Setar, a telecommunication center that comes with a view of Kedah’s skyline.
Location: Alor Setar, https://goo.gl/maps/mMz4skdEBa42
How to get here: 4 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, or you can take ETS train to Alor Setar, Kedah. From the station, take taxi.
Visiting hours: Non-Muslims are permitted to visit outside of prayer times
Best angle for pictures: From the pool and compound
9. Ubudiah Royal Mosque, Perak
Known as the Royal town of Perak, Kuala Kangsar is full of architectural wonders and was the first place where the British established control of peninsular Malaysia. You can spot this mosque from afar due to its striking golden dome and minarets. The octagonal-shaped mosque is influenced by Indo-Saracenic architecture and has a mesmerising interior will leave you in awe.
Ubudiah mosque was built on the orders of the 28th Sultan of Perak Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah I who vowed that he’d build a beautiful mosque as a gratitude to locals after his recovery from an illness. Whilst you’re there, check out their city’s historic clock tower and take a refreshing cruise of Kangsar river.
Location: Kuala Kangsar, https://goo.gl/maps/gH8ZduKTJYD2
How to get here: 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, or you can take ETS train to Kuala Kangsar. From the station, take taxi.
Visiting hours: Daily 9am-12pm, 3pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6pm
Best angle for pictures: From the entrance gate
10. Crystal Mosque, Terengganu
Made from steel, glass and crystal, Crystal mosque was built on stilts above the lake to get that floating appearance in 2008, it was opened by the by 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. Although the mosque design is modern and sleek, it also has elements of Moorish and Gothic styles. Crystal mosque can accommodate 1,500 worshippers at a time.
Visit the mosque at night when the colours of dome and minarets change to pink, green, yellow and blue making it a pretty sight and this mosque – a must-visit attraction in Kuala Terengganu. Kuala Terengganu is also referred to as a fisherman village due to its clear blue river where many go fishing; many people visit the city due to its peaceful aura. If you visit the city, opt next to the Perhentian Islands to scuba dive, swim, snorkel and relax!
Location: Kuala Terengganu, https://goo.gl/maps/FeJNWkVWPhn
How to get here: 4 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, or you can take a bus from KL Sentral to Kuala Terengganu Station. From the station, take a taxi.
Visiting hours: Mon to Sun: 10am-7pm; Friday prayer: 11.30am-2.30pm; Public holidays: 9am-7pm
Best angle for pictures: From the entrance gate at night
11. National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
The National Mosque of Malaysia is a favourite amongst locals and tourists due to the exquisite architecture. Its most outstanding feature is the umbrella-like roof which symbolises the yearning of an independent country. It also has a 73 metres high minarets and 16 pointed stars concrete stamp on the roof of the mosque is simply magnificent to look at.
Don’t skip the reflective pool and fountains situated in the centre of the compound of KL National Mosque where you’ll get to see the reflections of the city’s skyscrapers. It’s a must-visit attraction for both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists, included in any Malaysia travel guide. For the a complete KL sightseeing itinerary, check this blog post.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3SJhXniAwSs
How to get here: Easiest way is via a taxi. For a cheaper alternative take the RapidKL bus (B101 and B112) and get off at the Dayabumi Complex. From there walk to the mosque. There is also a GoKL free bus stop. If you’re going to take the KTM, stop at the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Visiting hours: Mon-Sun: 9AM-12PM, 3pm-4pm, 5.30pm-6.30pm; Friday: 3PM-4PM, 5.30PM-6.30PM
Best angle for pictures: From the entrance of the compound
Will you be visiting these 11 mesmerizing mosques in Malaysia?
Let us know which mosques you’ll be visiting on holiday in Malaysia. And tag your pictures on our Facebook or Instagram by tagging Tripfez. Staying in Kuala Lumpur for a few days? If so, check out 3 day Kuala Lumpur city tour itinerary. Also, try these 10 mouthwatering Halal buffets in KL under RM100 for scrumptious Malaysian food fest.