Floating Mosque (Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi), Tanjung Bungah
Last updated: October 2026
The Floating Mosque at Tanjung Bungah stands on stilts over the sea on the coast road between George Town and Batu Ferringhi. At high tide the water reaches right under the prayer hall, which gives the building its nickname, Masjid Terapung (the floating mosque). It is often described as the first mosque in Malaysia built over the sea. Since August 2026 it has a new official name, Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi, and the role of Penang's State Tourism Mosque, so it is now set up to welcome visitors as well as the local congregation.
This guide covers the mosque's history, what you will see, visiting rules for non-Muslims, opening hours, transport and nearby stops, checked in October 2026.
| Address | Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Bungah |
|---|---|
| Details | Open 5 am – 9:30 pm; non-Muslims visit outside prayer times Free |
| Opening hours | Daily 5 am – 9:30 pm (outside prayer times) |
| Area | Tanjung Bungah |
| Typical visit | About 30 min |
| Listed in | Penang Attractions |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
History of the Floating Mosque
Tanjung Bungah has had a mosque on this shore for decades. A small mosque was built here in 1967 and enlarged in 1977 to hold about 500 worshippers. As the Muslim community along the north coast grew, it became too small, and there was little spare land on the narrow strip between the hills and the sea. The answer was to build outwards over the water.
Construction of the new mosque began in 2003 and cost about RM15 million. It first opened to worshippers in January 2005, and it was officially opened on 16 March 2007 by the then Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The building covers about 1,295 square metres and its main prayer hall holds about 1,500 people, three times the capacity of the old mosque. It began as a community mosque and was upgraded to the Northeast District Mosque on 10 December 2021.
Renamed Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi (2026)
On 7 August 2026 the Governor of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, renamed the mosque Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi and declared it the State Tourism Mosque, under a restructuring approved by the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP). Its district mosque duties passed to Masjid Habib. The new name honours Syed Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hadi, born in Melaka in 1867, an Islamic reformist, educator, writer, journalist and publisher who made Penang a centre of the Malay-Islamic reform movement in the early 20th century. Plans announced at the ceremony include a gallery on his life and work, and a role for the mosque as a centre for education, community dialogue and Islamic tourism.
What to See
- The building on stilts: the mosque rests on piles driven into the seabed. Visit at high tide to see the water lapping under the prayer hall, which is when the floating effect is strongest; at low tide the stilts and sandbanks are exposed.
- The architecture: the design mixes Middle Eastern and local Malay styles, with Moorish arches and a tall minaret, about the height of a seven-storey building, from which the call to prayer (azan) is made.
- The prayer hall: non-Muslim visitors may look into or enter the hall outside prayer times when permitted by staff. Follow the signs and any instructions from the mosque officials.
- The seafront terrace: the walkway around the mosque looks out over the sea, with fishing boats and the Tanjung Bungah condominiums along the bay. Late afternoon and sunset give the best light for photos of the minaret.
Opening Hours and Visiting Rules
- Hours: the mosque is open daily from about 5 am to 9:30 pm. Non-Muslims should visit outside the five daily prayer times, and avoid Friday midday, when the main weekly congregational prayer is held.
- Entry: free. Donation boxes are provided.
- Dress code: cover your arms and legs; women should also cover their hair. Loose, long clothing is best. Take off your shoes before entering the prayer areas.
- Behaviour: keep your voice down, do not walk in front of people who are praying, and ask before photographing worshippers.
- Time needed: about 30 minutes.
How to Get to the Floating Mosque
- Bus: Rapid Penang buses 101, 103 and 104 run along the coast road through Tanjung Bungah; get off at the stop near the mosque. Bus 101 continues to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.
- Grab or taxi: about 20 minutes from George Town, depending on traffic on the coast road.
- Car: the mosque has its own car park for about 50 vehicles; it fills up at Friday prayers.
Tips for Visiting
- Check the day's prayer times (any prayer-time app will show them for Penang) and plan your visit for a gap between them.
- Combine the mosque with Batu Ferringhi beach and night market, a short ride further west, or with an afternoon on Tanjung Bungah's seafront.
- Bring a light scarf and a long sarong or trousers in your bag so you can cover up on arrival.
- The terrace is exposed to sun and wind; mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable than midday.
- For food, the Tanjung Bungah area has hawker stalls, coffee shops and seafood restaurants along the main road.
Floating Mosque (Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi), Tanjung Bungah Location
Nearby
- Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital — Hospital, 2.7 km away
- Shangri-La Rasa Sayang — Hotel, 2.9 km away
- CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang — Spa & massage, 2.9 km away
Plan a route with opening times using the Where2Go trip planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Muslims visit the Floating Mosque in Penang?
Yes. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered, women should cover their hair, and shoes must be removed in the prayer areas.
What is the new name of the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque?
In August 2026 it was renamed Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi, after the Penang-based Islamic reformist, and declared Penang State Tourism Mosque.
Does the Floating Mosque really float?
No. It stands on stilts driven into the seabed. At high tide the sea comes in under the building, which makes it look as if it is floating.
When was the Floating Mosque built?
Construction began in 2003, the mosque opened to worshippers in January 2005 and it was officially opened on 16 March 2007 by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. It cost about RM15 million.
How do I get to the Floating Mosque by bus?
Rapid Penang buses 101, 103 and 104 run along the coast road through Tanjung Bungah. It is about 20 minutes from George Town by Grab.