Masjid Al Hussain: The Floating Mosque of Kuala Perlis
Nestled in the serene waters of Kuala Perlis, Masjid Al Hussain is one of Malaysia’s most captivating floating mosques. Designed with a modern Islamic tropical aesthetic, the mosque integrates natural elements such as coral stones, quartz, marble, granite, and pebbles into its stunning facade, offering visitors a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
Built atop stilts above the sea, the mosque appears to float gracefully on the water, making it a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset, when the golden-orange hues of the sky reflect upon the waters. Masjid Al Hussain is not just an architectural marvel; it is a functional place of worship, capable of accommodating over 1,000 people in its main hall and adjacent multipurpose prayer hall.
"...serves as both a spiritual and charitable space for the community.."
The concept for this mesmerizing mosque originated from His Highness Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, and was brought to life by Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Mohd Ariffin Yusuf, fulfilling his late brother’s vision to create a mosque that serves as both a spiritual and charitable space for the community. The project was supported by the Perlis Council of Islamic Religious and Malay Customs.
Masjid Al Hussain holds the distinction of being the first floating mosque in the world. Its hexagonal twin-peak minaret symbolizes the six tenets of Iman in Islam, with a height of 31.3 metres for the main minaret and 7.1 metres for the twin peaks. Unique colored lights adorn the minaret’s base, illuminating during azan to guide seafarers on prayer times.
How to Reach Masjid Al Hussain
- By Bus: Take a bus from Hentian Duta in Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis, then enjoy a short six-minute walk to the mosque.
- By Train: Board the ETS from KL Sentral to Arau Railway Station. From Arau, walk six minutes to the bus stop and take bus T10 to Kuala Perlis, followed by a six-minute stroll to the mosque.
Masjid Al Hussain is a true testament to Malaysia’s ability to blend natural beauty with spiritual architecture, making it a must-visit landmark in Perlis.
