By Lakshmi:

Who?  Anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and has an hour or more to spare.

What? Masjid Negara also known as the National Mosque was built in 1965 and is a fully functioning mosque in the heart of the city.

How? The mosque is located across the street from the old Kuala Lumpur railway station at

Jalan Lembbah Perdana  50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
03-2693-7905

Entrance is free.  As this is a place of worship, please ensure that you are modestly attired and have a head scarf and clothing that covers your arms and legs.  Additionally, you need to remove your shoes before entering.  Please check with your hotel on prayer times and go in when you are likely to find the mosque to yourself.

Why? The Masjid Negara is a jewel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.  The mosque is located on a site with 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting pools and fountains and is a lovely tranquil spot feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  It is a vast mosque, capable of housing 15,000 devotees at a given point in time.  As you approach the mosque, you are drawn in by the very unusual roof which resembles a partially opened umbrella.  This vision in blue is meant to depict the five pillars of Islam and the 13 states of Malaysia.

The mosque strikes the visitor as a very modern structure seeped deeply in tradition.  It is a perfect blend of the old and the new.  You face the beautiful, intricately carved walls as you feel the coolness of the marble on your feet.  The blue tile and glass work juxtaposed against the white of the marble and the blue of the carpet brings together the perfect blend of materials and art for a very soothing effect to the eye and soul.

We spent a couple of hours here, first taking in the mosque and then just walking around the grounds and fountains, emerging out into the very busy streets of Kuala Lumpur in a very serene state.