Inside Masjid Negara – Malaysia’s National Mosque

Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s National Mosque completed in 1965. In many city tours, this mosque is one of the tourist attractions where tour buses stop.

At first glance, with the absence of the tall minaret, the structure of Masjid Negara doesn’t look like a mosque. Well, it’s certainly different from other mosques I’ve seen in the Middle East and India, Most of the grand mosques I’ve visited have 2 or more minarets and domes.

From the outside, what’s conspicuous are the umbrella-shaped structures that surrounded the mosque.

And instead of a huge dome in the middle, you can’t miss a semi-folded blue umbrella.

Before Going Inside

First of all, if you plan to visit the mosque in the afternoon, it opens between 2:00-2:30 PM. Remember that Muslims pray 5 times a day – and non-Muslims are not allowed when prayer is on-going. It’s free to enter but you can drop your donations at the booth before the entrance steps. If you are showing some arms and legs, you have to line up for the lilac-colored dress to cover yourself. Leave your shoes at a shoe rack provided next to the stairs. Avoid unnecessary noises. You can only go to the main prayer hall if you are a Muslim. It’s disrespectful to pretend like one – so don’t even try.

Walk across Masjid Negara and you will find this wonderful piece of architecture. I have no idea what it is but it is worth checking out – even if you will just be standing in front of its facade.

Hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a Sky Pool Overlooking KL’s Skyline

I stayed at Expressionz Suites by V&C near downtown Kuala Lumpur. I wrote a request to the hotel staff to give me a room with views of the city. And yay, I got what I wanted! I could see the city’s skyline right from my bed. My suite is clean and it has its own washing machine! The breakfast was good – offering both Malaysian and western food. But most of all, the main hotel amenity that everyone wants to check out is the Sky Pool! You won’t regret looking at the fantastic views here while in your wet swimwear. 😉 

Read my full review of Expressionz Hotel here.