3 Must-Visit Iconic Mosques in KL

Wan Nor Alia Wan Ali | Photos: Azzad Azman | 6 May 2025

Masjid Jamek. Foto: Think City

MALAYSIA is a multiracial country with Islam as its official religion. With easy access to halal food, a unique blend of religious and cultural diversity, exceptional shopping experiences, convenient prayer facilities, and well-developed infrastructure, Malaysia has secured the title of “Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for a ninth consecutive year.

Before visiting, here’s what you need to know: Malaysia is made up of diverse customs, foods, heritage and religions – all coexisting in harmony, with Islam as the official religion. This makes Malaysia a top travel destination, particularly for Muslim travellers.

To support the development of Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) was mandated in 2009 to focus on research, training, recognition, capacity building and industry development in Islamic tourism.

According to Anis Rozalina Ramli, ITC’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, “Malaysia is a top destination for travellers (especially Muslims) due to easy access to halal food, cultural diversity, outstanding shopping experiences, prayer facilities and infrastructure.” She added, “These factors have contributed to Malaysia winning the 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC)' at the Halal Travel Awards 2024, as recognised by Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI Awards.”

“In the context of Islamic tourism, Kuala Lumpur showcases heritage through its historic mosques and Muslim traditions, especially during the month of Ramadan,” she continued. Activities like “Iftar at the Mosque” have become major attractions, inviting visitors to experience the spiritual and communal atmosphere of breaking fast in the heart of the capital. Another highlight is “Iftar at Dataran Merdeka”, where guests break their fast against the iconic backdrop of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building – a uniquely cultural and spiritual experience that captures the essence of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur.

“Indirectly, we are helping foreign tourists understand that this rich culture is important because it reflects Malaysia’s true identity – a modern country rooted in history, culture and traditional values,” Anis explained.
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, is uniquely positioned to highlight Malaysia’s rich heritage through iconic Islamic architecture. If you’re looking to explore Islamic art and understand its historical roots, here are three mosques you should include on your “must visit in Kuala Lumpur” list!

For a peaceful experience, visit in the early morning just after mosques open to enjoy the serene atmosphere and admire the architecture without the crowds. Weekdays are also ideal, as they are generally quieter than weekends, allowing for a more personal and reflective visit. Do note that Friday afternoons are usually packed, as Friday prayers are a weekly congregational service held in mosques and surau across Malaysia, which all Muslim men are obligated to attend.

National Mosque (Masjid Negara), Kuala Lumpur

Built between 1963 and 1965, the National Mosque stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and unity. Named by the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, it reflects the nation’s spirit of harmony and its rich multicultural identity. The mosque covers 5.2ha (13acres) and can accommodate over 15,000 worshippers at once.

Its design was conceived by a team of architects from the Federal Works Department Design and Research Division: Datuk Hisham Albakri, Howard Ashley (UK), and Dato’ Baharuddin Kassim. The mosque’s reinforced concrete structure reflects Malaysia’s aspirations as a newly independent nation. Key features include a 73m minaret and a 16-point star roof that resembles an open umbrella.

Pathway to the Heroes' Mausoleum

Dome view from the mosque’s main hall

Side view of the mosque

Originally, the mosque’s main roof was pink, but in 1987 it was renovated and replaced with green and blue tiles to symbolise Malaysia’s tropical climate.

The mosque also houses Heroes' Mausoleum, the final resting place for several national leaders including former Prime Ministers Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

How to get to Masjid Negara:
You can take a KTM train and stop at the Kuala Lumpur KTM Station; it’s a 5-minute walk from there to the mosque. The KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops at the mosque. The RapidKL Bus also passes by. Download the MyRapid PULSE app, and try to avoid peak traffic hours. The closest LRT station is Masjid Jamek.

Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur

Built over a century ago, Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia and served as Kuala Lumpur’s main mosque before Masjid Negara was built. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, it features Neo-Moorish architecture inspired by colonial buildings in North India.

One of the mosque’s twin minarets

Masjid Jamek’s Neo-Moorish architecture

Main courtyard of the mosque

The mosque originally consisted of several sections: a main hall measuring 12.19m x 30.48m (40ft x100ft), and a forecourt measuring 17.07m × 30.79m (56x101ft). At each corner stand two 26.8m (88ft) high minarets, accessible via spiral staircases leading to two round balconies before reaching the top. The courtyard is open-air, surrounded by gates on three sides with individual entrances. Materials used include brick, cast concrete, plaster and wooden domes originally topped with malthoid roofing, a weatherproofing material reinforced with bitumen.

Masjid Jamek is situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, providing a serene and picturesque settings and looks especially resplendent by night.

How to get to Masjid Jamek:
If you’re taking the LRT, get off at Masjid Jamek Station. The KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops at the mosque.

Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah), Kuala Lumpur

If you have more time, don’t stop at just two mosques. Located only minutes from the city centre at Jalan Tunku Abdul Halim (formerly Jalan Duta), the Federal Territory Mosque sits on a 13.4ha site, divided into five entry zones: A, B, C, D and E. The mosque features a large open courtyard leading to the main prayer hall.

Its stunning architecture is inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, featuring two minarets and 22 domes. It can accommodate up to 17,000 worshippers at once.

Main entrance to the prayer hall

Open-concept interior

Mosque surrounded by reflective pools and lush greenery

More than a place of worship, the mosque also functions as a community, research and education complex, equipped with meeting rooms, seminar halls, a library and a multipurpose hall offering panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

Surrounded by green buffer zones, the mosque uses a hypostyle architectural layout and features tiered waterfalls and tranquil water features for a serene ambiance.

How to get to Masjid Wilayah:
Masjid Wilayah is a 12-minute drive from Dataran Merdeka. If you don’t have a car, ride-hailing services are easy to use.

For those who would like to explore further, Kuala Lumpur is also home to many other mosques, including Masjid India, Masjid Al-Bukhari, Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque, Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque, and Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah – each offering its own unique charm and architectural beauty.

Discover more stories

See full list