Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Likas) - Image 1
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Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Likas

4.5
·8k reviews·Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

A breathtaking mosque appearing to float on a lagoon, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour glow

CrowdMedium
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Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Likas) - Image 1

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Likas

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking mosque appearing to float on a lagoon, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and a serene atmosphere.

4.5
(8k reviews)

"The mosque is an architectural marvel and a serene oasis amidst the bustling city."

Vertical photo
TIP

👗 Modest Dress is Key

Cover shoulders & knees. Rental outfits available for a small fee.

📸 Capture the Beauty

The mosque is stunning, especially from the water. Be mindful of prayer times.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Floating Illusion

The Floating Illusion

Lagoon surrounding the mosque

Marvel at the mosque appearing to float on water, a breathtaking architectural feat.

Stunning Blue & Gold Dome

Stunning Blue & Gold Dome

Exterior and interior

Admire the intricate design and vibrant colors of the mosque's iconic dome.

Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Interior and exterior

Explore the blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture with captivating details.

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Planning Your Visit

Dress Code & Respect

Modest attire is essential for visiting this sacred site. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Rental clothing is available for a small fee, ensuring everyone can respectfully experience the mosque's beauty. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

While beautiful at any time, consider visiting during prayer times for a glimpse of local devotion, or during sunset for stunning photo opportunities. Be aware that parts of the mosque are restricted to worshippers. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

KOTA KINABALU: Detik percutian indah dua pelancong warga China bertukar cemas apabila mereka dirempuh sebuah kereta ketika sedang bergambar di tepi jalan di Jalan Pasir, berhampiran Masjid Bandaraya, Likas, di sini, semalam. Dalam kejadian kira-kira jam 4 petang itu, kedua-dua mangsa wanita dipercayai sedang mengambil gambar berlatar belakangkan masjid berkenaan sebelum sebuah Perodua Viva dipandu...
@bah_kasicerita
9K likes • 313.5K views

👗 Modest Dress is Key

Cover shoulders & knees. Rental outfits available for a small fee. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The mosque is stunning, especially from the water. Be mindful of prayer times. TikTok

Indah nya dipagi dengan pemandangan masjid bandaraya kota kinabalu ❤️ #masjidbandarayakotakinabalu #likas #fyp #masukberanda #sabahancrew_fams
@f4nashhh_1125
7.7K likes • 45.9K views
reddit.com

Eid salah in KK?

💰 Entrance Fee

Small fee (RM5) for entry, additional for clothing rental (RM5). Reddit

🚗 Getting There

Grab or taxi recommended; can be a bit far from the city center. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👗 Modest Dress is Key

Cover shoulders & knees. Rental outfits available for a small fee. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The mosque is stunning, especially from the water. Be mindful of prayer times. TikTok

💰 Entrance Fee

Small fee (RM5) for entry, additional for clothing rental (RM5). Reddit

🚗 Getting There

Grab or taxi recommended; can be a bit far from the city center. Reddit

🙏 Respect Sacred Space

Remember it's a place of worship; be quiet and respectful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque for its stunning 'floating' appearance and beautiful architecture, calling it a memorable and peaceful experience. The friendly guides and the opportunity to learn about Islamic culture are also highlighted as positives. However, some find the heat intense and note that transportation can be a challenge, with certain areas of the mosque being restricted.

"Our visit to the Floating Mosque in Kota Kinabalu was truly memorable. The mosque is beautifully surrounded by water, giving the impression that it is floating gracefully above the sea — an impressive sight even before stepping inside. Its architecture is stunning, and the serene setting makes it a peaceful place to visit.

Inside, the design is just as captivating, with intricate details that reflect both beauty and spirituality. The guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the mosque’s history, construction, and cultural significance.

It was a wonderful family outing, and even the kids appreciated the calm and unique atmosphere. The combination of breathtaking views, interesting information, and warm hospitality made this visit well worth it. A must-see if you’re in KK."

Purple Koala

"The Masjid Bandaraya Floating Mosque in Kota Kinabalu is an architectural marvel and a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Located on a manmade lake, this stunning mosque seems to float on the water, creating a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset.

The mosque's design combines modern and traditional elements, with sleek lines, expansive glass windows, and a blend of Malay and Islamic architectural influences. The interior is equally impressive, with intricate details and beautiful calligraphy adorning the walls.

Visitors can take a stroll around the mosque's perimeter, admiring its unique architecture and tranquil surroundings. The mosque also offers boat rides, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty from different angles.

While the mosque is a popular tourist destination, it remains a sacred place of worship, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and show respect. Overall, the Masjid Bandaraya Floating Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, culture, and spirituality.

Entrance Fee: RM5, Cloth Rental: RM5."

harby nanad

"Such a beautiful mosque in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. You can choose to explore either the inside or just admire it from the outside. I chose to stay outside since I wasn’t sure what to do inside a mosque. The heat was intense, and because the location is a bit far from the city center, it took longer than usual to hail a Grab or taxi. I had to look for shade while waiting. I stayed for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough time to take a photo—then headed back."

Janu-Rey Sebastian

What People Like

Stunning 'floating' illusion
Beautiful architecture
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Intense heat
Transportation challenges
Restricted areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The mosque is located a short drive from the city center. Grab or a taxi is the most convenient way to get there. Some visitors have noted it can take a little longer to hail a ride back, so factor that into your plans. Reddit

While there is parking available, it can get busy, especially during peak hours or prayer times. Arriving earlier can help secure a spot. Reddit

It's a bit of a distance to walk from the main city center, and the tropical heat can be intense. It's generally recommended to use transportation like Grab or a taxi for comfort and speed. Reddit

The drive itself offers glimpses of the coastal scenery. For the best views of the mosque, it's recommended to approach it from the lagoon side, which is how most visitors capture its iconic 'floating' appearance. TikTok

While Grab is convenient, consider local buses if you're comfortable navigating them, though they might be less direct. The entrance fee is minimal, so saving on transport is key for budget travelers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a small entrance fee of RM5 per person. This fee contributes to the mosque's upkeep and allows visitors to explore the grounds. Reddit

While not strictly mandatory for all areas, renting traditional Muslim attire (for RM5) is often recommended and sometimes required for certain parts of the mosque, especially for photos. It ensures you adhere to the modest dress code. Reddit

The mosque is generally open to visitors outside of prayer times. It's best to check specific visiting hours as they can vary. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular times. TikTok

Visitors are generally asked to wait outside or in designated areas during prayer times to allow worshippers undisturbed devotion. The mosque is a sacred place of worship. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted in designated visitor areas, but it's important to be respectful and avoid photographing worshippers without their consent. Some interior sections may be restricted. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The 'floating' illusion is best viewed from the perimeter of the man-made lagoon. Taking a stroll around the grounds or even a short boat ride (if available) offers different perspectives of this unique architectural feature. Reddit

Yes, friendly and knowledgeable guides are often available to share insights into the mosque's history, construction, and cultural significance. This enhances the visitor experience significantly. Reddit

Modest clothing is essential. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Long pants or skirts and shirts with sleeves are recommended. Rental clothing is available if needed. Reddit

While the main grounds are relatively flat, some areas might have stairs. It's advisable to inquire about accessibility for specific sections if you have mobility concerns. Reddit

Sunset is particularly magical, with the golden light illuminating the mosque and its surroundings. Early mornings also offer soft light and fewer crowds. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, there are no food or dining facilities directly within the mosque premises. Visitors usually eat before or after their visit in nearby restaurants or cafes in Kota Kinabalu. Reddit

You can find a variety of local Sabahan cuisine in Kota Kinabalu. Look for seafood dishes, traditional rice cakes, and local noodle preparations. Reddit

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has numerous halal-certified restaurants and eateries, given the local population's demographics. You'll have plenty of choices. Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally best to consume your own food and drinks away from the main prayer areas to maintain the sanctity of the mosque. Reddit

Head back towards the city center for a wide array of dining options, from local hawker stalls to more upscale restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic shots are from the lagoon, capturing the 'floating' effect. The main entrance and the dome area also offer great photographic opportunities. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites to ensure privacy and safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Reddit

Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour glow, making the mosque look spectacular. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene shots. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the mosque's grandeur and its surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in visitor areas, but always be mindful and respectful. Avoid taking photos of worshippers. Some restricted areas may prohibit cameras. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque offers a unique and peaceful outing for families. The 'floating' illusion is often a hit with children, sparking their imagination. The calm environment provides a nice break from the usual tourist hustle. Reddit

Key tips for families: Ensure children are dressed modestly (long pants/skirts and shirts with sleeves). The rental clothing is available if needed. The entrance fee is minimal, making it an affordable activity. While the mosque itself is a place of quiet reflection, the surrounding grounds offer space for children to walk around. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This mosque is a photographer's dream, especially for those interested in architecture and unique landscapes. The 'floating' effect on the lagoon provides a stunning, almost surreal backdrop. Golden hour, particularly at sunset, bathes the mosque in a warm, inviting light, creating dramatic and beautiful shots. TikTok

Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the mosque's grandeur and its reflection. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and water. Be mindful of prayer times and avoid photographing worshippers. The exterior details and the dome are also excellent subjects. Reddit

🕌 Culture & History Buffs

For those interested in Islamic architecture and local culture, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is a must-visit. Knowledgeable guides are often available to share insights into its construction, history, and religious significance, enriching the visitor experience. Reddit

Learn about the blend of modern and traditional design elements. Understand its role as a spiritual center for the community. The mosque provides a tangible connection to the region's heritage and religious practices. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvels and Cultural Significance

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, often referred to as the 'Floating Mosque,' is a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture blended with traditional influences. Its most striking feature is its location on a man-made lagoon, creating the illusion of floating on water. The mosque boasts a magnificent blue and gold dome, intricate geometric patterns, and expansive glass windows that reflect the surrounding beauty. Reddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mosque holds significant cultural and religious importance for the local Muslim community. It serves as a central place of worship and a symbol of faith in Kota Kinabalu. Visitors often remark on the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Islamic culture and history from knowledgeable guides. Reddit

When visiting, remember that it is an active place of worship. Respectful attire and behavior are paramount. The mosque also houses a school, and certain areas are restricted to worshippers, so be mindful of signage and guidance from staff. Reddit

Experiencing the 'Floating' Mosque

The primary draw for many visitors is the mosque's unique setting, appearing to float on the water. This effect is achieved by its construction on a man-made lagoon. To truly appreciate this, take a walk around the mosque's perimeter. The reflections on the water, especially during sunrise or sunset, create a truly magical photographic opportunity. TikTok

Some reviews mention the possibility of boat rides, which would offer an even more immersive perspective of the mosque from the water. While not always advertised, inquiring locally might reveal such options. The surrounding landscape is also beautifully maintained, adding to the overall tranquil ambiance. Reddit

It's important to note that while the visual spectacle is captivating, the mosque is a sacred space. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Rental clothing is available for a small fee, ensuring everyone can participate respectfully in this unique cultural experience. Reddit

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