Travel Tips: The Federal Territory Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for visiting The Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan), one of Kuala Lumpur's most magnificent and awe-inspiring architectural marvels. Often referred to simply as "Masjid Wilayah," this stunning mosque stands as a beacon of Islamic art and culture, blending Ottoman and Malay architectural styles to create a truly serene and majestic atmosphere.
history of The federal territory mosque
The Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan) in Kuala Lumpur is a relatively modern yet incredibly grand structure. Its construction began in 1998 and was completed by 2000. It officially opened its doors to the public on October 25, 2000.
Designed as a blend of Ottoman and Malay architectural styles, it draws significant inspiration from the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Situated on a 5-hectare site near the Federal Government Complex, it was the 44th mosque built by the government within Kuala Lumpur's city limits. With a capacity to accommodate 17,000 worshippers, it stands as a prominent symbol of Islamic art and culture in Malaysia.
dress code is everything
- For Women: You must wear a head covering (scarf), long sleeves that cover your wrists, and long trousers or a skirt that covers your ankles.
- For Men: You should wear long trousers and a shirt (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
- Provided Attire: Don't worry if you're not dressed appropriately! The mosque provides robes and headscarves free of charge at the entrance for visitors. These are clean and readily available. (As you can see in photo two above (middle), we both utilised the complimentary clothing provided by the Mosque.)
best time to visit
- Outside Prayer Times: Avoid visiting during congregational prayer times (especially Friday noon prayers) as the mosque will be very busy and parts may be restricted to visitors. It's best to check a local prayer timetable online (e.g. "Kuala Lumpur prayer times") before your visit.
- Mornings or Late Afternoons: Generally, mornings are less crowded and cooler. Late afternoons (outside of prayer time) can offer beautiful light for photography. We arrived right when the mosque opened for visitors, around 10:00 AM in October 2024. This timing was perfect! We beat the high humidity and, even better, found ourselves with a private tour as we were the first visitors of the day. A truly fantastic and unexpected bonus!
- Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
be respectful
- Remove Shoes: You will need to remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall. There are designated shoe racks. This is mandatory requirement to enter the Mosque.
- Keep Quiet: Maintain a respectful silence, especially in the prayer halls.
- No Food or Drink: Do not bring food or drinks into the mosque.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed in designated areas, but always be mindful and respectful. Do not photograph people praying without explicit permission. Avoid using flash.
- Respect your Guide: It's essential to respect your guide's requests and fully abide by the rules established at the beginning of the tour.
Guided Tours
- The mosque provides free guided tours by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. These tours offer invaluable insights into Islamic customs, the mosque's architecture, and its significance. They are usually very welcoming to non-Muslim visitors.
- Ask at the visitor's entrance if a guide is available. They often speak excellent English.
- To explore the mosque, you must join one of the guided tours, as unescorted wandering is not permitted.
- Guided tours are offered at various times throughout the day; please check the official website for the most up-to-date tour schedule.
Location & transport options
- The mosque is located a bit north of central KL, near the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre.
- Grab (ride-sharing app) is often the easiest and most convenient way to get there from downtown KL. We used this option which worked extremely well.
- Public transport options might involve a combination of train/LRT and a short Grab ride or taxi from the nearest station.
accessibility
The mosque is generally accessible, but be prepared for walking on smooth, sometimes slippery, marble surfaces (especially after rain) and some stairs if you want to explore all areas.
Last Updated: 10 June '25