National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara), Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a rich blend of culture, heritage and modernization where each building and structure has a fascinating past and a story for everyone to hear. Such is the case with the striking National Mosque of Malaysia, where non-Muslims are welcome to visit outside of prayer time.
The National Mosque of Malaysia is one of the most prominent buildings in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. Covering a massive area of over 13 acres, this post-independence structure has the capacity of seating almost 15,000 people, thus, making it one of the largest mosques in South East Asia.
The Mosque was one of the first few structures that were built post the Malay independence and was meant to honor the Malaysian freedom from the British rule. It was built on the sight of a previously erected Gospel Hall which was later seized by the Malay Government.
The National Mosque of Malaysia was completed in 1965 by a team of three talented architects: UK-based architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysian origin, Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. Although the structure was religious in origin, the design and style of the building were intelligently ahead of its time. One of the most striking features of the mosque is the umbrella roof which according to some, symbolizes protection and shelter while architecturally is a clever solution to achieving a greater coverage over a large area.
Why You Should Visit:
The elegance of the mosque is in its towering white minaret, the use of water and the wonderful geometric patterning of its outer courtyards.
Tip:
Be sure to go to the visitor's entrance if you aren't there to pray. There are robes for visitors to borrow free of charge if they don't meet the dress code. There also are benches to wait on outside the entrance if you arrive early, and helpfully, free WiFi too (and a little shop for refreshments). Great to combine a visit with the Islamic Arts Museum just around the corner.
The National Mosque of Malaysia is one of the most prominent buildings in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. Covering a massive area of over 13 acres, this post-independence structure has the capacity of seating almost 15,000 people, thus, making it one of the largest mosques in South East Asia.
The Mosque was one of the first few structures that were built post the Malay independence and was meant to honor the Malaysian freedom from the British rule. It was built on the sight of a previously erected Gospel Hall which was later seized by the Malay Government.
The National Mosque of Malaysia was completed in 1965 by a team of three talented architects: UK-based architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysian origin, Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. Although the structure was religious in origin, the design and style of the building were intelligently ahead of its time. One of the most striking features of the mosque is the umbrella roof which according to some, symbolizes protection and shelter while architecturally is a clever solution to achieving a greater coverage over a large area.
Why You Should Visit:
The elegance of the mosque is in its towering white minaret, the use of water and the wonderful geometric patterning of its outer courtyards.
Tip:
Be sure to go to the visitor's entrance if you aren't there to pray. There are robes for visitors to borrow free of charge if they don't meet the dress code. There also are benches to wait on outside the entrance if you arrive early, and helpfully, free WiFi too (and a little shop for refreshments). Great to combine a visit with the Islamic Arts Museum just around the corner.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) on Map
Sight Name: National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara)
Sight Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (See walking tours in Kuala Lumpur)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (See walking tours in Kuala Lumpur)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Create Your Own Walk in Kuala Lumpur
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kuala Lumpur is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kuala Lumpur Shopping Tour
Shopping is one of the top activities for those visiting Kuala Lumpur. In this vibrant city there鈥檚 something for every taste and budget, from high-end boutiques offering designer labels to the lively street markets drawing crowds with artsy finds and cheap reproductions, where cheap doesn鈥檛 necessarily mean a less enjoyable experience.
With a shopping scene as comprehensive as that of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
With a shopping scene as comprehensive as that of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Kuala Lumpur Introduction Walking Tour
Kuala Lumpur, meaning "muddy confluence" in Malay, refers to the city's birthplace at the junction of the Gombak and Klang rivers. Although some Chinese workers were involved in tin mining in the area in the 1840s, it wasn't until 1857 that a town was established here.
Two men in particular have been credited for making outsized contributions to the development of Kuala... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Two men in particular have been credited for making outsized contributions to the development of Kuala... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings
Just as the whole of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a culturally diverse and tolerant city where all of the world鈥檚 major religions coexist in perfect harmony. Back in the 1800s-early 1900s, along with the large influx of laborers and merchants of different backgrounds, brought in by the British colonization, came the unique sets of faiths and religious systems: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
A colorful blend of colonial influences, Asian traditions and Malay Islamic inspirations, the historical architecture of Kuala Lumpur is a well known attraction in its own right. Being relatively young a city, most of Kuala Lumpur's buildings date back to the late 19th - early 20th centuries, reflecting Mughal, Tudor, Neo-Gothic or Grecian-Spanish styles. Most of these have been adapted to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Malaysian Things to Buy as Souvenirs in Kuala Lumpur
"Malaysia, Truly Asia" is what you hear en route to Malaysia. Indeed, there's practically every bit of Asia to be found here, as the country's population is made up primarily of three groups: Malay, Chinese and Indians. Quite expectedly, the diversity of Malaysian handcrafts is...