Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Preparations for the mosque began in 1989, and the installation of foundation piles began in 1992. Construction was delayed between 1993 and 1994 owing to a lack of funds.[2] The mosque was officially opened on 2 February 2000 following a proclamation of the city status of Kota Kinabalu.[3] Construction of the mosque cost 34 million Malaysian ringgits. The architectural design is based on the Nabawi Mosque, the second holiest site in Islam, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.[3] The dome is blue and gold, inspired by similar Arabic architecture.[4]

Front view of the mosque

The mosque sits on a 14.83-acre (6.00 ha) site at Pasir Road on the shores of Likas Bay, on the South China Sea. It is partially surrounded by a human-made lagoon;[1][3] this has given rise to the nickname "The Floating Mosque".[5] It has a maximum capacity of 12,000 worshipers.[3] The mosque features an ATM, three madrasas, a palliative care clinic, and – in a joint project with Universiti Malaysia Sabah – a fish farm.[3][4] In 2008, the mosque introduced paddle boat rides, from which visitors could see the mosque from the water; a mosque committee member stated that this was to "mak[e] the mosque more relevant to the community's life encompassing religion, economy and social aspects".[5]

The mosque is a common tourist destination and included in several tours; it is also a common destination for photographers.[5] The mosque may be visited by non-Muslims, except during prayers. Visitors are required to wear modest clothing; Lonely Planet recommends long trousers and covered arms.[6]

• Islam in Malaysia

• Official website
• Media related to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Wikimedia Commons