This pink-hued Islamic house of worship by Putrajaya Lake blends Arab-Islamic, Persian and Malaysian elements into one stunning grand design.
The Putra Mosque in Putrajaya City was completed just in time for the change of the millennium. With a 380-feet (116-meter) tall minaret, a beautifully decorated pink granite dome with blue-tinted windows, and carved wooden doors, this waterfront mosque impresses worshippers and visitors alike.
Inspired by the Persian Islamic architecture of the Safavid period, the architect used elements of the designs of the King Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, and the Sheikh Omar mosque in Baghdad, Iraq. Adding to the Putra Mosque’s beauty is its setting, partly jutting out over the water.
Enjoy seeing the jogging, skateboarding and kite-flying locals in the large circular urban park and square leading up to the mosque. It is part of the surrounding Perdana Putra (Office of the Prime Minister) complex.
As you get closer, gaze up at the towering minaret, which has five tiers, symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam, the foundation of Muslim life. Beside it, the ornate pink granite dome is topped with a golden spire.
Pink robes are provided at the entrance for you to cover up if you’ve arrived in a singlet and shorts or skirt. Step inside to see the impressive prayer hall with its 12 columns, the pulpit decorated with Islamic calligraphy and the “mihrab,” the niche that points out the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
The second floor of the mosque is reserved for women. In total, there is room for some 10,000 worshipper inside, while up to 5,000 others can pray outside in the semi-circular, lake-side courtyard, the Sahn.
As the sun begins to set, grab some delicious Malaysian snacks from one of the many food stalls by the lake and admire the mosque and its colorful lights beautifully reflected in the man-made lake. The sunset hues bring out the mosque’s pink color even more.
Many people visit Putrajaya on a daytrip from Kuala Lumpur, which is about 40 minutes away by car. If you arrive at the Bandar Tasik Putrajaya station by train, take a bus or taxi to Dataran Putra (Putra Square). The Park May Cityliner bus also goes there at 20-minute intervals. If coming from Presint 2, simply stroll across the bridge at the southern end of the seemingly endless Persiaran Perdana Boulevard.
