Living in Singapore, we are incredibly spoiled for choice when it comes to magical weekend getaways, because Southeast Asia is an absolute treasure trove of breathtaking, world-class destinations and hidden gems. But if you’re looking for a unique day trip that doesn’t involve massive airport queues and an overnight bag, we’ve uncovered a whimsical fairytale-like wonder hiding right under our noses—and it’s next door in Malaysia. Just a breezy 3 hours drive across the border, Putra Mosque is a spectacular pink architectural marvel that you need to see for yourself. Here’s why.
Why is this pink mosque actually worth a trip?
The rose-tinted oasis is perched elegantly on the edge of the scenic Putrajaya Lake next to the prime minster’s offices. The breathtaking Pink Mosque features stunning Islamic architecture, constructed with rose-tinted granite, and complete with colossal domes and intricate soaring minarets reflecting flawlessly on the water’s surface. Magnificently, this creates an illusion that the entire complex is floating.
Wonderfully, the beautiful pink mosque has become one of the region’s top instagrammable spots in recent years. It stands out for its unique stained glass windows and panels, a 36-metre pink dome surrounded by eight smaller domes, and distinctive calligraphy. Plus, there are five tall tiers signifying the Five Pillars of Islam—making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a serene Middle Eastern oasis.
Interestingly, the Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) is a symbolic religious site. In fact, it was named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj after completing construction in 1999 following two years of work.
The iconic landmark boasts three areas including a prayer hall and a charming courtyard in a venue that accommodates up to 15,000 people at once. Meanwhile, the public spaces are used for exhibitions, conventions, and other celebrations throughout the year.
It’s important to note that visitors must dress respectfully. This means women must cover up with a red robe upon entering the mosque. Additionally, all guests must remove their shoes at the Main Prayer Hall.
Whether you’re a history buff, culture enthusiast, or someone looking to bless their Instagram feed with a jaw-dropping aesthetic…the Pink Mosque is begging to be your next big regional attraction to visit.
How to get there
Putrajaya’s pink-domed Putra Mosque is located just 20 minutes away from the vibrant city heart of Kuala Lumpur. Singaporeans can opt for a fuss-free getaway by hopping on a 1-hour flight from Changi Airport, or else driving a manageable 3 hours and 40 minutes up the highway via Johor Bahru. Otherwise, there’s a 5-hour direct bus every hour to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from Singapore Golden Mile Complex. Certainly, the perfect place to spend a weekend away from here.
