One of the most prominent buildings in a city full of them is Malaysia's National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

The mosque opened on August 27th 1965 after taking three years to build and is located among five acres of stunning gardens.

It has a unique design and embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, ornamentation and calligraphy, making it one of the most beautiful mosques in south-east Asia.

Perhaps its best feature is the umbrella-like roof which was designed to symbolise the aspirations of the country.

The roof has 18 points - 13 for each of Malaysia's states and five to represent the tenets of Islam.

Visitors should also see the 73 metre high minaret.

The National Mosque can be found near the railway station, along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.

Visitors should remove their shoes for entering and be respectably dressed, although special robes are provided for anyone without appropriate clothing.


07/08/2008