Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

The Basics

There is no charge to enter Jamek Mosque, and short, free, guided mosque tours are available on arrival and on request. The central location makes the mosque easy to visit independently, and many travelers choose to explore by public transport and on foot. Jamek Mosque is also a popular stop on a wealth of Kuala Lumpur tours, from inner-city half-day highlights to excursions that include the Batu Caves.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Jamek Mosque is a must for architecture fans and history buffs.

• As this is a working mosque, dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Robes are available free of charge.

• Shoes should be removed on entry, while women should cover their hair.

How to Get There

A quarter-mile (450-meter) walk from Merdeka Square, Jamek Mosque is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur. To get there via LRT, take line 3, 4, or 5 to Masjid Jamek station, which is right in front of the mosque.

When to Get There

On Fridays, the Islamic day of prayer, and on Islamic holy days, Jamek Mosque is only open to worshippers. On other days of the week, it opens in the mornings, closes for lunch, and opens again in the afternoons. If you’re not interested in going inside, the exterior is particularly attractive in the evening, when the Blue Pool is illuminated: consider visiting when the Dancing Symphony Fountain is playing.

Arthur Benison Hubback The Man Who Built Kuala Lumpur

The ornate brick architecture that distinguishes Kuala Lumpur’s historic center is largely the product of one man, a Briton named Arthur Benison Hubback. Inspired by the Mughal architecture of India, the elegant minarets of the Middle East, and even classical European forms, he created buildings including Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, and the surprisingly low-key Royal Selangor Club.