Kuih-muih

Masjid Negara

Later, we took the Monorail and then the GoKL free bus to Masjid Negara (National Mosque). There are specific visiting hours for non-Muslims throughout the day. We were aiming for the one between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Since I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and long jeans, the lady at the Robe Counter decided to give me a “tudung” instead of the long hooded lavender robe that anyone deemed not appropriately dressed is assigned. When she put it on for me, she even said “Cantik!” That means beautiful; her word, not mine! Kenric was wearing a T-shirt and long jeans, so he was able to enter the mosque as-is. We were prepared for this visit!

There weren’t too many people around. A gentlemen asked Kenric where he’s from, and gave him some information about Islam and the mosque. Completed in 1965, the mosque can accommodate 15,000 people. Its website says, “Ia direka bentuk oleh orang berketurunan Melayu, dibina oleh orang berketurunan Cina dan India dan dibiayai oleh sumbangan masyarakat Islam, Kristian, Buddha dan Hindu.” (Designed by people of Malay descent, built by people of Chinese and Indian descent and funded with contributions from the Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Hindu communities.)

It started raining shortly after we arrived. We thought we had to leave by 6:30, but nobody said anything to us and no announcements were made that the visiting hours were over. The two men who were pushing the rain water off the floor also did not say anything to us. Other than visitors, there were also small groups of people and individuals spread out across the mosque. Some were just sitting watching the rain, some checking their phones because there is free WiFi, some were chatting, and some were praying. At 7:28 pm, the call to Mahgrib prayer was broadcasted. The rain was clearing up, and we made our way out. Many others were waiting out the rain too.

Dataran Merdeka

Next, we went to Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square). Merdeka means independence. Across the street is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Commissioned by the British, the building was “initially designed to house the colonial State Government of Selangor.” “….in 1897, the clock chimed for the first time to coincide with Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee parade.” Since 2007, “the building houses the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.”

Restoran Yusoof dan Zakhir

We went to Restoran Yusoof dan Zakhir, popular for Fish Head Curry, but were told that it’s only available in the morning. We had Nasi Kandar instead; one can never go wrong with rice and curry. Tomorrow, we’ll be going back to my beloved Ipoh again. Until then, I ❤ KL.

Map of Places Visited