Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also called the City Mosque or the Floating Mosque, stands on Likas Bay on the edge of Kota Kinabalu. Its blue and gold dome and tall minarets rise from a lagoon, so the building appears to float. The strongest views come at sunrise and sunset, when the mosque reflects in the water. Visits pause during prayer times, so plan your timing and dress modestly before you arrive.
Architecture on the water
The mosque is built on Likas Bay, and its blue and gold dome sits above a lagoon that surrounds the building. The minarets rise beside the dome, and the reflection in the water is the main reason most people photograph the building.
The design is based on the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. The mosque opened in 2000.
Inside the prayer hall
The prayer hall can hold up to 12,000 people. The carpet has been compared with the carpets in the great mosques of Mecca and Madinah.
The main hall has no air conditioning, so it relies on sea breezes for ventilation. Inside, a coffee shop is available for visitors.
Visitors who are not Muslim may be limited to a small hallway near the entrance rather than the inner prayer area.
How a visit works
Tickets are sold at the small room on the right side of the gate. There are outdoor and indoor tickets. An indoor ticket requires you to change into local clothing, which is provided at the entrance. Remove your shoes before entering the mosque. Staff are helpful and speak good English.
Visits are paused during prayer times, and the mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays for prayers. Main entrances may also close on public holidays.
The grounds and the waterfront
The outdoor garden has swings and tables, so you can wait for sunset there. From the waterfront, the view extends across the road to the South China Sea and a small island offshore.
Restaurants and food stalls are around the property. Public toilets are also on site.
Getting there and combining stops
The mosque is about six kilometres from the city centre, and a Grab ride is the usual way to reach it.
City tours often pair the mosque with Signal Hill, Atkinson Clock Tower, the KK War Memorial and Australia Place. Atkinson Clock Tower was built to commemorate Francis George Atkinson, the first district official of Jesselton, and is the oldest living structure in Sabah that survived the destruction of Jesselton during World War II. The Signal Hill Observatory is a few minutes' walk up the hill from the tower and gives a view over the city.
FAQ
Do I need to cover up?
Yes. Dress modestly to enter. Local clothing is provided at the entrance for visitors who need it.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Tickets are sold in a small room on the right side of the gate, with outdoor and indoor options. Reported amounts differ, so check the current price at the counter.
When is the mosque closed to visitors?
Visits pause during prayer times, and the mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays for prayers. Main entrances may also close on public holidays.
Can I take photos from outside?
Yes. The best photos of the dome and its reflection come at sunrise or sunset, and the garden is a good place to wait for the light.
