Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor Bahru, MYS
The state mosque of Malaysia’s Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque sits atop a hill in the state’s capital city, Johor Bahru. Sultan Abu Bakar began constructing it in 1892—though he died before it was finished in 1900— and the architecture shows influences from Mughal India and Victorian Britain, with minarets that look like 19th-century clock towers.
One of the most interesting and historic mosques in the area, the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is one of the architectural standouts of Johor Bahru, which lies just across the water from Singapore. Along with the unusual exterior, with its yellow stucco moldings, gilded archways, and tranquil gardens, the expansive prayer hall features fluted columns, sparkling chandeliers, and a gilded minbar (pulpit) from Turkey. Recently renovated, the mosque can accommodate about 2,000 worshippers.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the interior of the mosque, but can view it from the outside free of charge.
Even if you’re only looking at the mosque from outside, it’s important to dress conservatively. Covering hair is not required unless you’re entering the mosque.
There are good views across the Johor Strait to Singapore from the front of the mosque.
The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, perched atop Ledang Hill in central Johor Bahru, is right by the Zaharah Botanic Gardens, and faces Singapore across the Johor Strait. It’s about 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station, and bus options include the 5B, 15, and BET3.
The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is only open at prayer times, so Muslim visitors should plan accordingly. Non-Muslim visitors should avoid visiting on Friday lunchtimes, when the main weekly prayers make the mosque extremely busy.
Malaysia’s state religion is Islam, and the country is home to some fascinating mosques. In Putrajaya, the enormous pink granite Putra Mosque can hold up to 15,000 people. In Kuala Lumpur, the Victorian Masjid Jamek blends Mughal and Moorish influences into a feast of onion domes and stripy brickwork, while the Federal Territory Mosque pays tribute to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
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