National Mosque of Malaysia
Masjid Negara
The National Mosque of Malaysia, completed in 1965, with a 16-pointed star-shaped, umbrella-like blue roof and a 73-metre minaret symbolising independence. It holds 15,000 worshippers, and non-Muslims may enter free during set times.
Masjid Negara (National Mosque) was completed in 1965 as a national symbol after independence, designed by British and Malay architects. The main prayer hall's 16-pointed star-shaped folded concrete roof resembles a half-open umbrella, symbolising the shelter of the tropics and the nation, while the 73-metre minaret resembles a closed umbrella. Surrounded by fountains and reflecting pools, its modernist style differs markedly from the Moorish-style mosques elsewhere in Kuala Lumpur, and it can hold 15,000 worshippers. Non-Muslim visitors may enter free outside prayer times: Saturday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Friday 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Robes and headscarves are provided free at the entrance. Shoes must be removed, and volunteers give talks on Islam. Behind the mosque, Makam Pahlawan (Heroes' Cemetery) holds the graves of several former Malaysian prime ministers. Nearby sights are close together. Across the road is the Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur railway station and Railway Administration Building, completed in 1910, which are best viewed from outside. A 5-minute walk away is the Islamic Arts Museum (the largest in Southeast Asia, RM20; its restaurant's Malay and Middle Eastern dishes are highly recommended). Further up are Lake Gardens (Perdana Botanical Garden, free), Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (one of the world's largest free-flight bird parks, about RM85) and the Butterfly Park. Suggested itinerary: visit the mosque at 9 a.m., then the Islamic Arts Museum and Lake Gardens, for a half-day trip. Getting there: a 10 to 15-minute walk from KTM/LRT Kuala Lumpur station or KL Sentral. Grab is the most convenient option. Note: dress conservatively. The prayer area is off-limits, and women must wear a headscarf (provided on site).
Opening hours
Non-Muslim visiting hours: Sat–Thu 09:00–12:00, 15:00–16:00, 17:30–18:30; Fri 15:00–16:00, 17:30–18:30
Nearby sights
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station
- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Central Market (Pasar Seni)
- Kwai Chai Hong
- National Museum of Malaysia
- Petaling Street (Chinatown)