10 Beautiful and Must-Visit Mosques in Malaysia

During the month of Ramadhan and leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, why not take the time to visit some mosques or masjids as Malaysia is home to many of these mesmerising places of worship.

Many of them are also considered to be architectural wonders and have cultural significance attached to them.

Before dropping by, both men and women should make sure that they are modestly dressed in loose-fitting clothing that cover your arms and legs. Women should also pack a scarf along to cover their heads as a sign of respect, although not all mosques will require females to cover their heads.

Some mosques may provide you with the necessary garments, but it’s always best to pack your own. Also make sure to be respectful when taking photographs, and not to disturb those who are praying.

Here are ten mosques that you should add to your list:

1. Masjid Sri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan

Considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the country, this mosque in Bandar Sri Sendayan has also been likened to one of the 7 Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal.

With a capacity of 5,000 worshippers, it is the biggest mosque in the state and is located around 10km from Seremban. A fairly new mosque which was opened in 2019, it cost nearly RM100 million to build. Its main dome's interior is painted with 24k gold and it has elements from Egypt, Türkiye, Dubai, China, and Morocco.

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2. Masjid Abdullah Fahim, Penang

Situated on the mainland, this is one of the most prominent landmarks of Kepala Batas and was completed on 28 September 2012. It was named after a 19th-century Islamic religious teacher who was born in Mecca in 1870. Its gleaming blue domes can be seen from afar and the mosque accommodates up to 6,000 worshippers.

3. Crystal Mosque, Terengganu

This grand structure made of steel, glass, and crystal is located at the Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man off Terengganu. Easily one of Malaysia's most unique mosques, its interior and exterior is a work of art. With a sleek and modern look, the glass domes appear to be shining from the outside. It has become a tourist attraction and is also a popular hotspot for weddings.

4. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

This majestic floating mosque has drawn comparisons to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. This monumental white structure can accommodate up to 12,000 people. It is best visited on a full moon night as the surrounding man-made lagoon gives it creates a picturesque backdrop. An entrance fee of RM5 applies to international visitors.

5. Putra Mosque, Putrajaya

For those who favour the colour pink, this mosque is one to add to your list as its dome is constructed with rose-tinted granite. One of the most outstanding landmarks in Putrajaya, it was named after our first prime minister. It has a 116m high minaret, one of the tallest in the region and has Chengal woodwork carvings on its doors, windows, and panels.

6. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Selangor

This Shah Alam mosque is the largest in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia after Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque. It has several other notable distinctions to its name such as having the world’s tallest group of minarets and the largest dome of a religious building in the world. It combines traditional Islamic, West Asian, and Malay design elements and overlooks the International Islamic Arts Garden Complex and a beautifully landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise.

7. Penang Floating Mosque

Known as the Masjid Terapung to the locals, it is built on stilts and has the appearance of floating on water only at high tide. It has a mix of Middle Eastern and local architectural styles and is a breath-taking sight even from afar.

8. Masjid Muhammadi, Kelantan

This building in Kota Bharu sets itself apart from the rest with its grand and unique colonial style. Inaugurated on 31 July 1931, the state mosque was named after Sultan Muhammad IV. It has since gone through numerous renovations and expansions and is known as ‘Masjid Besar’ amongst of Kelantan’s locals.

9. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johor

This state mosque features significant Victorian influence as its minarets take the form of British 19th-century clocktowers. Completed in 1900, it also includes minor Malay influences and Mughal-Indian architectural elements. Its arches bear similarity to the Man Mandir Palace in India and it sits on a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor.

10. Malacca Straits Mosque

This is a mosque that you might have come across on Instagram, that offers a splendid view of the Strait of Malacca. Constructed parallel to the water level of the sea in the man-made Malacca Island, it appears to be floating during high tide and fog that rolls in occasionally lends it a mysterious atmosphere. It had a mix of Middle Eastern and Malay styles and has two intersecting archways with stained glass in between that leads to the main entrance. Its 30-metre-high minaret is also used as a lighthouse.

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