Al-Hana Mosque, Langkawi, Kedah Malaysia

Al-Hana Mosque is billed as the largest and most popular mosque in Langkawi. A peach-and-gold structure situated to the west of the picturesque Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman, along Persiaran Putra, the mosque is topped with a gold onion-shaped dome and enjoys a great location close to the waterfront.

Also known as Masjid Al- Hana, it is located in Kuah and the whitewashed shrine is close to many of the island’s best-known tourist attractions including Dataran Lang and the Kompleks Jeti Pelancongan. Plus, it is only a short walk away from many of Kuah’s duty-free stores.

Featuring Moorish-style architecture, Masjid Al-Hana is not as ornate as some of Malaysia’s other mosques but the structure is eye catching. Erected in 1959, it incorporates Islamic motifs from Uzbekistan into its Malay-style architecture and follows conventional mosque design: there is a gilded main dome and several smaller peach-coloured domes surrounding it.

The main prayer hall has carvings and selected verses from the Quran etched into the walls and fittings; the wooden minbar – a pulpit in the mosque where the imam (leader of prayer) stands to deliver sermons – is elaborately carved.

As with most mosques in the country, shoes must not be worn inside the carpeted prayer hall, women should be modestly dressed (clothing that covers the body from the wrists to the ankles) and visitors are required to remain quiet as a sign of respect to those in prayer.