Jamek Mosque Tours and Activities

The city’s oldest mosque with its wonderfully intricate architecture is an oasis of calm in downtown Kuala Lumpur

Situated at the point where Kuala Lumpur’s two main rivers, Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak meet, on the site of the first Malay burial ground is the Jamek Mosque. This mosque is the oldest in the city, having been built in the early 1900s. It was officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor in 1909. The mosque was originally the city’s principal place of worship for its Muslim population before being overtaken in popularity by the National Mosque, which opened its doors to worshippers in 1965. For the majority of the week, the mosque provides a welcome haven of quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, on Fridays, the building and the surrounding area comes alive with scores of people attending prayers at the mosque. Built in the old Moorish and Mugal architectural style, the building features intricate archways and three distinctive white domes at the building’s centre. The stand-out feature here is the two towers some 27 metres tall. These slim, red and white towers are used by the Muezzin to call for prayers.It’s advisable to avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time as this is obviously the busiest time in terms of crowds. Note that both men and women are required to cover their arms and legs and women are also required to wear a head scarf. If you don’t have the necessary garments, some are available to use at the entrance to the complex.Weekends are a good time to visit the mosque and surrounding area. There is a thriving market open at weekends selling a huge variety of regional speciality foods and crafts as well as jewellery and fabrics. This area is also well placed for access to other points of interest. From here, take a trip to the Central Market, wander into China Town or marvel at Little India.Situated in the city’s downtown district, the mosque is easy to locate simply by heading for the point at which the two main city rivers meet. Whilst the mosque can be easily accessed on foot, it is also well served by public transport.