The golden domes
Mughal-Indian domes and arches from the early 1900s.
Mohammed Al-Naser — CC BY 2.0 · Syafiqcool88 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arne Müseler — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Deepak-nsk — CC0
Founded by Muslim traders from South India in the early nineteenth century, a few years after George Town itself, on land the British granted to their community leader, who carried the title Kapitan Keling. The building you see today was rebuilt in the early twentieth century with golden domes and Mughal-Indian arches, and it has become one of Malaysia's most beautiful historic mosques. It stands on the street George Town calls the Street of Harmony: along its short length are a church, a Chinese temple, a Hindu temple and this mosque, a scene that sums up a city where different communities have lived side by side for two centuries. For Muslims the mosque is open for prayer at prayer times, and praying in this historic mosque at the heart of the old town is a lovely experience. Non-Muslims visit at set times, Monday to Thursday in the morning and afternoon and on Fridays only after two, in modest dress, with clothing lent free at the entrance. Entry is free and donations are welcome. The mosque is at the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage area, steps from Khoo Kongsi and Little India, a natural stop on a walk through the old town.
Mughal-Indian domes and arches from the early 1900s.
A church, two temples and a mosque on one short street.
Among the island's oldest mosques, founded by South Indian Muslim traders.
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang
Chulia StreetOne of George Town's oldest streets, laid out soon after the city was founded in1 minute walk
Sri Mahamariamman TempleThe oldest Hindu temple in the state of Penang, at the heart of George Town's Li2 minutes walk
Hock Teik Cheng Sin TempleAn old Chinese temple on Armenian Street in George Town, dating from the mid-nin2 minutes walk
Armenian StreetA narrow street and one of George Town's best known, at the heart of the area on3 minutes walk
Goddess of Mercy TemplePenang's oldest Chinese temple, built in 1800 and known locally as Kuan Yin Teng3 minutes walkYes, it is the best place to pray in the old town. Praying Dhuhr there and then carrying on to Little India and Khoo Kongsi next door makes an easy plan.