Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Majestic hilltop mosque blending Victorian and Moorish styles, offering stunning sea views and rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic hilltop mosque blending Victorian and Moorish styles, offering stunning sea views and rich history.
"Astonishing architecture and quite spacious mosque with great strategic location facing next to Singapore sea-view border."
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for entry.
🌅 Capture the Sunset Views
The sea view is stunning, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian-Inspired Architecture
Main prayer hall
Stunning blend of English Victorian and Moorish styles, a rare architectural gem.
Panoramic Sea Views
Mosque grounds
Breathtaking vistas of the Straits of Johor and Singapore, especially captivating at sunset.
Historical Significance
Exterior and grounds
A century-old monument, built between 1892-1900, reflecting Johor's rich heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Dress Code and Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for entry.
🌅 Capture the Sunset Views
The sea view is stunning, especially during golden hour.
⏰ Respect Prayer Times
Visit outside of prayer hours to avoid disruption.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Johor Bahru can be hot and humid; carry water.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for entry.
🌅 Capture the Sunset Views
The sea view is stunning, especially during golden hour.
⏰ Respect Prayer Times
Visit outside of prayer hours to avoid disruption.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Johor Bahru can be hot and humid; carry water.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding area offers great photo opportunities and sea breezes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque for its astonishing architecture and prime location offering stunning sea views. While the mosque is immaculate and historically significant, some find the facilities for women could be improved with better separation and air conditioning. Despite minor drawbacks, its grandeur and beauty make it a highly recommended landmark.
"Astonishing architecture and quite spacious mosque with great strategic location facing next to Singapore sea-view border. Visited during Sunday morning and it hasn open yet for public iktikaf. Some muslimah corner inside mosque isn't carpeted and is not air conditioned but we’ll understand due to open air flow and giant fans provided, but i do expect better as it is linked to royal’s mosque nevertheless the ablution and ladies room are well maintained and fully equipped.
Another low barred high expectation drop as the muslimah section was only separated by a wooden carved divider from the muslim section. Was expecting a better muslimah prayer corner or it could be they closed section on the day i visited. Anyways, kudos to both security guards as i feel like both of em being attentive towards non-stop visiting jemaahs that day."
Afiqah Azman
"The mosque sits on top of a prominent hill, overlooking the Straits of Johor and was named for Sultan Abu Bakar, the father of Sultan Ibrahim who ordered its construction. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers at any one time."
Ammar Alkhaliq
"An immaculate mosque with such an interesting style of architecture. Reminds me of old Melaka times style. The inside was sparse and there were a few people having a prayer. The ocean view besides the mosque was also quite eye-catching as it was literally looking at another country."
Markie Qwiff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Johor Bahru is a short trip from Singapore, about 2-3 hours away. You can take a bus or drive across the causeway. Many visitors use Johor Bahru as a base for Singapore trips.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Grab are readily available and convenient for reaching the mosque from your accommodation.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors, though it can get busy during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a long walk. It's generally more convenient to take a short taxi or Grab ride.
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours and weekends. It's advisable to check live traffic updates before you depart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is free for all visitors.
The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times. It's best to check local prayer schedules to ensure you visit during accessible hours.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during non-prayer hours.
Photography is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's important to be respectful and avoid photographing people during prayer.
Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Men should wear long pants and shirts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography, especially during the golden hour. The sea views are also spectacular then.
Yes, there are facilities for women, including prayer areas and ablution stations, though some sections might have open-air flow.
Yes, the mosque is a place of worship and you can perform prayers if you adhere to the timings and dress code.
While the main areas are generally accessible, some older sections might present challenges. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival.
It features a unique blend of English Victorian architecture with Moorish and Malay influences, completed in 1900.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the surrounding areas and nearby Johor Bahru city center offer a wide variety of dining options, from local hawker stalls to international cuisine.
Don't miss out on local favorites like chicken chop, laksa Johor, and various seafood dishes.
Absolutely, as a Muslim-majority country, halal food is widely available throughout Johor Bahru.
Yes, you'll find several cafes and eateries in the vicinity and a short drive away in the city center.
It's generally recommended to eat before or after your visit, as there are no dining facilities within the mosque itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The main facade, the minarets, and the panoramic sea views from the grounds offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like religious sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light that highlights the architectural details without harsh shadows.
Try capturing the mosque from a slightly lower angle to emphasize its grandeur, or from the side to showcase the sea backdrop.
Photography inside the prayer hall may be restricted, especially during prayer times. Always be respectful and check for signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mosque itself is a place of quiet contemplation, the surrounding areas provide a pleasant environment for a family stroll. The stunning sea views can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Consider visiting during non-prayer times to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Pack snacks and water, as dining options are not available within the mosque premises.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to emphasize the mosque's scale and beauty. The interplay of light and shadow on the architecture throughout the day offers dynamic photographic possibilities. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, particularly inside prayer areas.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Singapore
Plan your visit to align with non-prayer times to maximize your exploration. The mosque's scenic location also provides a refreshing break with its sea views. Remember to factor in travel time across the causeway and potential traffic, especially on weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Fusion of Styles
This unique fusion makes it stand out from more traditional mosques in Malaysia, which often feature more stereotypical onion domes. The mosque's design is a visual narrative of Johor's history and its engagement with global architectural trends during its construction period. Visitors often remark on its grandeur and the surprising elegance of its design, which feels both stately and welcoming.
Key features include its imposing facade, elegant minarets, and the spacious prayer hall. The surrounding grounds are equally well-designed, offering a serene environment that complements the mosque's beauty. The architectural significance of Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and unique building designs.
Strategic Location and Scenic Vistas
Many visitors are struck by the stunning sea views, describing them as 'eye-catching' and 'truly beautiful.' The mosque's position allows for spectacular photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. This scenic backdrop enhances the spiritual experience, offering a moment of peace and reflection while gazing out at the horizon.
Its proximity to the sea also means that on clear days, you can easily see ships passing by and the bustling activity across the strait. This visual connection to the wider world adds another layer to the mosque's significance as a landmark in Johor Bahru. The combination of its architectural grandeur and its prime location makes it an unforgettable destination.
Community Insights on Visiting
Several reviews mention that while the mosque is well-maintained, some areas, particularly the Muslimah (women's) sections, might have open-air flow and rely on fans rather than air conditioning. Some visitors have noted that the separation for women's prayer areas might be less private than expected, with dividers rather than fully enclosed rooms. However, the overall upkeep of ablution and ladies' rooms is generally praised.
For photography enthusiasts, the late afternoon 'golden hour' is highly recommended for capturing the mosque's architecture and the stunning sea views. Security guards are often noted for being attentive and helpful to visitors. Despite minor points, the mosque is consistently described as an 'astonishing' and 'immaculate' landmark worth visiting for its beauty and historical importance.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit