Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek is one of Kuala Lumpur's historic mosques and stands on the spot where the city began. It occupies the point where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet, the muddy confluence that gave Kuala Lumpur its name, and it is one of the most attractive pieces of colonial-era architecture in the city. The foundation stone was laid in 1908 and the mosque opened in December 1909.

The design is by Arthur Benison Hubback, a British architect who was responsible for several of the city's early landmarks. He worked in the Indo-Saracenic style, drawing loosely on the Mughal architecture of Muslim India, the same style used for the nearby Sultan Abdul Samad Building. On its riverside spur, the mosque is especially photogenic in the early morning and around dusk. The prayer hall holds around 1,000 worshippers, and the mosque is still in daily use.

For many visitors the best views are from outside. Walk along the riverbanks and the bridges on Jalan Tun Perak to see the domes and minarets reflected in the water at the confluence. If you would like to go inside, remember that this is an active place of worship: non-Muslims are generally welcome only outside prayer times, and visiting times can change, so check the notices at the gate. Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered; women should also cover their hair, and shoes come off before entering the prayer areas. Fridays around midday are the busiest time and best avoided.

A visit of 30 to 45 minutes is enough. The mosque suits anyone interested in architecture, photography or the history of Kuala Lumpur, and it fits neatly into a walking tour of the colonial core. From here it is a short walk west to Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and south to Central Market and Chinatown.

Getting there could not be easier: Masjid Jamek LRT station is just outside the compound and is served by the Kelana Jaya, Sri Petaling and Ampang lines, making it one of the best-connected stops in the city. The mosque's listed address is on Jalan Mountbatten, but the usual approach is from Jalan Tun Perak. Go early in the day to avoid the strongest heat and to catch the soft light on the river.