The Kuching Mosque

The Kuching Mosque is one of the city's most important landmarks, with its idyllic riverside location and its multiple gilded cupolas. Although a relatively modern building (1968), its design is faithful to traditional Islamic architecture. It is set in an ancient Muslim cemetery on the site of an old wooden mosque. The mosque and its grounds are open to visitors, but they are asked to dress respectfully and to not enter the mosque during prayer times. The Kuching Mosque previously functioned as the State Mosque but this role has now been taken over by the splendid new State Mosque across the river at Petra Jaya, which has an unusual modern single cupola design. Another interesting mosque can be found in Gambier Street. It is completely hidden away by rows of shophouses. This mosque originally served the Indian Muslim community in Kuching and is the oldest in the city.