Wander in Malaysia: Houses of Allah
From mosques poised above water to those carved from pink granite or forged in steel, these sacred spaces stand as unifying expressions of faith, devotion, and spirituality of Malaysia’s Muslim communities.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
At the main entrance of Masjid Terapung in Penang, the word “Allah” is elegantly inscribed in Arabic calligraphy.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — At the call to prayer, a woman leaves the city’s rush behind her and enters a world of devotion. She removes her shoes, gently dips her hands and feet into the ablution pool, following the ritual steps taken by generations before her. Cleansed in both body and soul, she quietly steps into the prayer hall, immersing herself in a faith that has shaped the Malay Archipelago for centuries.
In Malaysia, whether by day or night, the soulful call to prayer — the adhan — echoes through the streets, reaching my ears just as it did when I first encountered it in Istanbul more than a decade ago. Each call not only reminds us of Allah’s presence, but how deeply the Islamic faith is woven into the urban fabric of this nation.
While Malaysia is home to diverse faiths, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Taoism, the majority of its population is Muslim. For those curious about how the Malay world transitioned from a Buddhist-Hindu past to an Islamic present, I invite you to read Shaping the Malay World: Islam in “Oceans That Speak”.
Just as Buddhists and Hindus have temples, Muslims have masjid, the Arabic word for “mosque,” meaning “place of prostration.” More than a place of worship, a mosque — often called Baytullah (House of God) — serves as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, guiding believers toward Allah.
For non-Muslims, mosques are stunning landmarks with minarets, arches, and geometric patterns — testaments to the beauty that faith can inspire.
As a student of Arabic calligraphy, I’ve made it a habit to visit mosques wherever I travel, drawn by the calligraphic inscriptions adorning their walls. But what began as a search for divine beauty in Islamic art unexpectedly brought me closer to Allah, leading me to explore the Quran upon my return.
Through my experiences, I’ve come to see mosques not only as sacred spaces for Muslims but gateways for all — Muslim or not — to learn about Islam, the official religion of Malaysia.
In honour of the holy month of Ramadan, I’ve put together a list of Malaysia’s most remarkable mosques, whose history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking beauty invite reflection on the presence of the divine and its role in our lives. This journey begins in the heart of the nation, Kuala Lumpur.
Fly me to:
Masjid Negara: A Symbol of Malaysia's Independence & Identity
Masjid Negara stand as Malaysia’s national symbol amidst the urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur.
Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia, is a powerful symbol of the country’s official religion: Islam.
Inaugurated in 1965, just eight years after Malaysia gained independence, it embodies the nation’s modern identity while honouring its Islamic heritage. Its minaret stands 240 feet tall, adding a cultural touch to the city’s urban skyline.
The mosque’s architecture breaks from tradition, featuring a bold 16-pointed star roof that resembles an open umbrella — an unmistakable hallmark of modernity. The pools surrounding it enhance the spiritual ambiance of the space, inviting visitors to pause — from the hustle and bustle of life — for contemplation.
It’s worth noting that the mosque’s architect Baharuddin Abu Kassim studied mosques across India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Republic and Spain before designing Masjid Negara. This global influence can be observed throughout the complex, blending various architectural traditions into a uniquely Malaysian landmark.
Inside the prayer hall, verses from the Quran — rendered in elegant thuluth script — runs along the walls. What appears to be traditional calligraphy is, upon a closer look, meticulously-crafted mosaic work, where glitter gold letters are set against a lapis-lazuli background. The mihrab, also adorned with Quranic inscriptions, showcases Moroccan craftsmanship.
Spanning five acres, Masjid Negara is huge, which is probably why it’s the first mosque I visited in Malaysia to offer a “visitor route.”
While exploring the space, I couldn’t help but feel the cool breezes flowing through its open-air corridors and colonnades. This unique experience at Masjid Negara reflects Southeast Asian architectural influences, where covered walkways provide shade and natural ventilation — a gentle response to Malaysia’s intense tropical climate.
Visit duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Jamek: Kuala Lumpur's First Grand Mosque
Built in 1909, Masjid Jamek continues to be the centre of worship for the muslim community in Kuala Lumpur.
Before the construction of Masjid Negara, Masjid Jamek was the centre of Muslim worship in Kuala Lumpur.
Nestled at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers — the very spot where the city of Kuala Lumpur was born (the name “Kuala Lumpur” translates to “muddy confluence”) — Masjid Jamek stands is the city’s first grand mosque.
Inaugurated in 1909, Masjid Jamek derives its name from jami’, the Arabic term for a congregational mosque or Friday mosque. Though some consider it the city’s oldest mosque, the original wooden mosque at nearby Masjid India predates it. A more fitting description might be the city’s first grand mosque.
Designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback, Masjid Jamek’s onion-shaped domes, lobed-arch colonades, and red-and-white brickwork, blends Islamic, Indian, and colonial influences. Some locals affectionately call it the “mini Taj Mahal,” a nod to its Mughal architectural style.
My favourite spot within the mosque is the open prayer hall known as “Dewan Solat Terbuka.” Enclosed by arched colonnades, this space offers a quiet retreat for locals and visitors alike, who find it perfect for an afternoon nap.
For those interested in diving deeper into the history of Masjid Jamek or Islamic faith, Dr. Mahfuth Khamis offers passionate and insightful talks in the prayer hall — simply drop by for one of his open lectures! Additionally, near the entrance, you’ll find illustrations by comic book artist Adi Fitri Ahmad, who created a lighthearted visual guide to the mosque’s history.
Visit duration: 15 to 20 minutes, or longer if you’d like to join Dr. Mahfuth Khamis’ lecture
Location: map
Masjid Putra: The Pink Mosque of Malaysia
To the south of Kuala Lumpur lies Masjid Putra, also known as the “Pink Mosque.”
About a half-hour’s drive from downtown Kuala Lumpur lies Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital and home to Masjid Putra, whose romantic pink hue attracts visitors from around the world.
Inaugurated in 1999, Masjid Putra was named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj.
What attracts most people to venture outside Kuala Lumpur to visit this mosque is its enchanting pinkish hue. Constructed from rose-tinted granite, the mosque blends traditional Malay architecture with Islamic design elements from across the world. Its dome, covered in pink and white granite tiles, takes inspiration from Safavid architecture in Iran, while its 116-metre minaret — five tiers representing the Five Pillars of Islam — is drawn from the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. Its interior, on the other hand, reflects the grandeur of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque.
Designed to accommodate over 15,000 worshippers, Masjid Putra stands as one-of-a-kind architectural gem, a serene retreat and a space for contemplation.
For those wanting to capture the the full grandeur of the mosque, take a stroll across the Putra Bridge to the opposite bank of the river!
Visit duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin: The Iron Mosque
A peaceful moment inside the Main Prayer Hall of Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya, caught during the Zuhr prayer.
Located in Putrajaya, Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is an architectural marvel that blends traditional and contemporary Islamic architecture.
Inaugurated in 2010, the mosque is built with 6,000 tonnes of reinforced stainless steel, which makes up 70 percent of its structure. Its building material has earned it the nickname Masjid Besi, or Steel Mosque. In Malay, “besi” is a general term for metal that is often used interchangeably for both iron and steel — this explains why the mosque is sometimes translated as the Iron Mosque, despite being constructed primarily from steel.
For first-time visitors, Masjid Besi just look different. Unlike traditional mosques, its wire mesh panels — evoking traditional mashrabiya — and glass walls invite natural light to flood the interior, creating an ethereal atmosphere within the sanctuary.
Besides its modern design, the mosque also embraces traditional Islamic elements, from its prayer hall, which can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers, to its dome. My personal favourite is its 13-metre-high glass mihrab wall, inscribed with verses from Surah Al-Baqarah on the right and Surah Ibrahim on the left. When sunlight filters through, these sacred texts appear to float in air — a sight that left me breathless and in awe.
My visit to Masjid Besi was made even more special by the incredible warmth of its community. Despite arriving close to Dhuhr prayer — a time when most mosques close to non-Muslims — we were welcomed with open arms. The staff we met went out of their way to make sure we felt at home and, to our delight, we were even invited to join their lunch — a generous meal offered to worshippers every Wednesday.
One thing to note: this mosque is MASSIVE. It took me quite a while to retrace my steps — and I certainly couldn’t have done it without showing a staff member the photo of the entrance I came from — to find my shoes!
Visit duration: at least 30 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Selat Melaka: The Malacca Straits Mosque
Masjid Selat Melaka appears to float above the water, its picturesque setting adding a sense of serenity to the house of worship.
If there’s one mosque in Malaysia that captures my heart, it’s the Masjid Selat Melaka, or the Malacca Straits Mosque.
Built on Pulau Melaka, a 40-hectare man-made island just off the coast of Malacca’s city centre, this mosque, like the Masjid Terapung in Penang, seems to float above the water. Similarly, its breathtaking position along the coast has earned it the nickname “floating mosque.”
Like some of the other mosques in Malaysia, Masjid Selat Melaka’s architecture blends Malay and Arab elements. The main dome, with its Middle Eastern design, stands in contrast to the four corner turrets typical of Malaysian rooflines. In particular, the golden dome stands out, with blue strips cascading down like miniature waterfalls, evoking the endless flow of life. Its whitewashed facade is adorned with stained-glass windows etched with intricate patterns.
Inside, I had the privilege of meeting a kind volunteer who patiently answered all the challenging questions I had about Islam, even the ones that had lingered in my mind for quite some time. Through our conversation, I gained a deeper understanding of the faith, and I even received a copy of the Quran (this is another story that I hope to share with you in the future, inshallah).
Surrounded by water, Masjid Selat Melaka offers its visitors a profound sense of peace that’s hard to put into words. The mosque is said to look stunning at night when illuminated — a sight I look forward to witnessing on my next visit.
Visit duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Kampung Kling: A Cultural Melting Pot
In the heart of Malacca stands Masjid Kampung Kling, its pagoda-like roof and minaret showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Built in 1748, Masjid Kampung Kling is one of Malaysia’s oldest mosques. Nestled in the heart of Malacca’s historic centre — just a stone’s throw from Jonker Street — it offers us a glimpse into the archipelago’s early Islamic heritage.
Personally, I’m impressed by how its architecture reflects the city's multicultural heritage. The mosque showcases a blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, most notably its pagoda-like roof and minaret which, as the official description notes, resembles a “Moorish minaret typical of Sumatra.”
Stepping inside, I was happy to find English and Portuguese glazed tiles — an unexpected but not surprising encounter, given Malacca’s history as a maritime crossroads between East and West.
As you venture further into the mosque, you’ll notice something unique about its prayer hall — the presence of Corinthian columns and round arches amidst its wooden structure. Above, a Victorian chandelier hangs, while a pulpit next to the mihrab features carvings that blend Hindu and Chinese influences.
Built by the Kling (Indian Muslim) community, Masjid Kampung Kling is more than a place of worship; it represents Malacca’s diverse community, serving as a gathering point where Muslims from different ethnic groups — Malays, Chinese, and Indian — come together.
Visit duration: 15 to 20 minutes
Location: map
Surau Warisan: Malacca's Heritage Mosque
Located on the upper floor of Malacca’s tourist information centre, Surau Warisan is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors.
Though nestled at the same roundabout as Malacca’s iconic Dutch Square, Surau Warisan’s humble presence often goes unnoticed — most visitors’ attention is caught by the tourist information and restrooms housed in its basement.
What makes Surau Warisan unique is its status as one of the oldest surviving suraus in Malaysia. In regions like Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, a “surau” is room or hall — often smaller than a mosque — for prayer. The name “Surau Warisan” translates to “Traditional Surau” or “Heritage Surau.”
Though modest in size, Surau Warisan houses separate prayer rooms for men and women on either side, with a small gallery in the centre showcasing images of heritage mosques from across the peninsula. In the back, a balcony offers a beautiful lookout to the Melaka River.
Dating back to around 1728, Surau Warisan serves as the heartbeat of local Muslim community, particularly the Malays and the Jawi Peranakan (descendants of Muslim Chinese traders). Its architecture is a fusion of Malay and Chinese influences, echoing the pagoda-like roof of the nearby Masjid Kampung Kling.
Visit duration: 10 to 15 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Kapitan Keling: George Town's Oldest Mosque
Built in 1801 by Indian Muslim traders, Masjid Kapitan Keling is among the oldest mosques in Penang.
Masjid Kapitan Keling is George Town’s oldest mosque, its history intertwined with that of the city itself.
The mosque’s origins trace back to the late 18th century when sepoys of the East India Company built a modest place of worship upon their arrival in Penang. As the Indian Muslim community grew, so did the need for a larger mosque.
In 1801, their leader, Cauder Mohuddeen — known as Kapitan Keling, a title given to community chiefs during the colonial era — secured an 18-acre land grant for the mosque’s expansion. But following his passing in 1834, the land lost its status and, over time, public roads and houses encroached upon it, reducing the mosque’s grounds to just eight acres by 1903.
The mosque’s current structure, completed in 1916, is a beautiful fusion of Islamic and Indian influences.
On Fridays, the call to Jumu’ah prayer continues to draw large number of worshippers, reaffirming the Masjid Kapitan Keling’s role as a spiritual anchor for the Muslim community of George Town. Its prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers, remains off-limits to non-Muslims.
It’s worth noting that Masjid Kapitan Keling is the only mosque in Malaysia that I’ve managed to visit after more than five failed attempts. I highly recommend planning your visit in advance and arrive when the mosque opens its doors to the public at 11 AM — the official opening times on the signpost outside aren’t very helpful. Visits are by guided tour only, and the volunteer guide is on duty until 4 PM.
Visit duration: 15 to 20 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh: The Malay Central Mosque
Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, located next to the Armenian Street, beautifully blends into this artistic neighbourhood of George Town.
While wandering through the historic centre of George Town one day, I stumbled upon Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, drawn in by the sound of its call to prayer. What made the moment even more special was the rare experience of hearing the calls to prayer from both this mosque and the nearby Masjid Kapitan Keling at the same time. Rather than competing, the calls seemed to complement each other, deepening the spiritual aura of this city known for embracing multiple faiths.
Also known as the Malay Central Mosque or Acheen Street Malay Mosque, this hidden gem was commissioned in 1808 by Tengku Syed Hussain Al-Aidid, an affluent spice trader of Arab descent from Aceh. A member of the Aceh royal family, he migrated to Penang and settled on Acheen Street in 1791.
The mosque’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Malay, Acehnese, and Middle Eastern influences. Its octagonal minaret evokes the style of Sumatra, while the building’s facade — washed in a vanilla-cream hue, and accentuated by soft blue accents — gives it an understated elegance.
Historically, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh was as a hub for the region’s maritime traders, and served as a centre for Islamic studies in Penang. It also became a gathering place for hajj pilgrims, offering religious services and a space for acquiring knowledge before their journey — this continued until 1976 when air travel replaced ships as the main mode of transport to Mecca.
Though less famous than the nearby Kapitan Keling Mosque, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh is no less significant in terms of its historical and religious importance.
Visit duration: 10 to 15 minutes
Location: map
Masjid Terapung: The Floating Mosque
Located on the edge of the Straits of Malacca, Masjid Terapung seems to float above the water, especially during high tide.
Many visitors may wonder if the 20-minute ride from George Town to Masjid Terapung Tanjung Bungah — more famously known as the Floating Mosque — is worth the journey. My answer: absolutely yes.
Nestled by the sea, the Floating Mosque gives the illusion of floating above the water, much like the Masjid Selat Melaka in Malacca, earning it its well-deserved nickname.
Masjid Terapung is admired for its elegant white facade, crowned with sea-blue domes of varying sizes that blend into its natural surroundings. Originally built in 1967, the mosque underwent an expansion to cater the growing Muslim community in the area. Inaugurated in 2007, the mosque can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers.
As I approach the mosque’s entrance, I find myself entranced by the calligraphic inscription of “Allah” at the doorstep, styled in a font similar to the Maghrebi script by Moroccan calligrapher Muhammad al-Qandusi (1790-1861).
Inside, I had the chance to visit the upper level — an area reserved for female worshippers. I highly recommend visiting the mosque in the early morning, when the tranquility of the space can be fully appreciated, free from the crowds.
Visit duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Location: map
Tips for wanderer — Non-Muslims are welcome to visit all the mosques listed above, but only during designated visiting hours as most are closed during prayer times. It’s best to plan your visit in advance. Female visitors — make sure you adhere to the mosque’s etiquette by covering your hair and wearing loose-fitting robes.
Reference:
Masjid Negara. (n.d.). Sejarah Masjid Negara. Masjid Negara Malaysia. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://masjidnegara.gov.my/ms/index.php/info-korporat/sejarah-masjid