Penang Floating Mosque
Pulau Pinang
The Penang Floating Mosque, also known as the Tanjong Bungah Floating Mosque, is a prominent religious landmark located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Originally, a small mosque was built at Tanjong Bungah in 1967 and expanded in 1977 to accommodate 500 worshipers. Due to population growth and limited land space, the mosque was reconstructed on stilts over the sea, creating the illusion of floating during high tide. Construction began in 2003 and the mosque opened to the public in January 2005, with an official inauguration in 2007 by Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister. The mosque accommodates up to 1,500 worshipers and features a blend of Middle Eastern and local architectural styles, including a prominent minaret. Its unique seaside location and design make it a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural attraction for visitors to Penang.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mosque's striking seaside setting and architecture. The mosque is accessible year-round, but visiting during low tide offers better access to the stilts and surrounding views. Modest dress is required for entry, and it is respectful to remove shoes before entering prayer areas. Booking guided tours in advance can enrich the experience with historical and cultural insights. No specific ticket is required as it is a place of worship, but donations are welcomed. Nearby Tanjong Bungah offers additional amenities and accommodations for travelers.
Interesting facts
- •Despite its name, the mosque does not actually float but is built on stilts, appearing to float only during high tide.
- •The mosque can accommodate up to 1,500 worshipers, tripling the capacity of the original mosque.
- •It combines Middle Eastern and local architectural styles, featuring a prominent minaret visible from afar.
- •The mosque is located in Tanjong Bungah, an area known for its beach resorts and expatriate community.
- •Tanjong Bungah was severely affected by the 2004 tsunami, adding significance to the mosque as a community symbol.
History
The original mosque at Tanjong Bungah was built in 1967 and expanded in 1977 to serve a growing Muslim community.
By the early 2000s, the increasing population and limited land prompted the innovative idea to build the mosque on the sea using stilts.
Construction of the current Penang Floating Mosque began in 2003 and was completed in 2005.
It was officially opened in 2007 by then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
This development marked a significant evolution from a small village mosque to a major landmark symbolizing modern architectural adaptation to geographic constraints.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall2005
The spacious prayer hall can accommodate up to 1,500 worshipers and features intricate Islamic motifs blending Middle Eastern and local design elements, creating a serene spiritual ambiance.
Minaret2005
A prominent architectural feature of the mosque, the minaret is visible from a distance and serves as a visual landmark along the Penang coastline.
Seaside Location and Stilts2005
Built on stilts over the sea, the mosque gives the illusion of floating during high tide, integrating natural surroundings with religious architecture.
Contact
Phone: 012-405 1324
