Masjid Ubudiah Kuala Kangsar Perak Malay PDF

ARC 3220 Islamic Architecture Yu Tieng Wei (155498)
Ubudiah Mosque, K.Kangsar, Perak Nur’ai i Adibah bt Baharu (154214)
UBUDIAH MOSQUE, KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK
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1.0 Background
1.1 Perak
Perak, one of
the 13 states of
Malaysia, is the
second largest state in
Peninsular Malaysia,
approximately 21,000
square kilometres with
a population of over
2,030,000; bordering
Kedah and Thailand to
the North, Penang to
the Northwest,
Kelantan and Pahang
to the East and
Selangor to the South.
It is known as the tin-
mining state of
Malaysia.
The name, Perak

means “silver” in the
Malay language,
probably comes from the silvery colour of tin, due to the rich deposits of tin, from which the
state drew its wealth. The Arabic honorific of the State is Darul Ridzuan (Land of Grace).
The capital of Perak State, Ipoh is the third largest city in Malaysia. It was known
historically for its tin-mining activities until the price of tin dropped, which severely affected
the state’s economy. However, the royal capital is set in Kuala Kangsar, situated in between
Ipoh and Taiping, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located. It is home to
generations of Sultans and their families since the 18th Century and remains the cradle of
power for Perak.
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1.2 Kuala Kangsar
Kuala Kangsar, one of the

nine districts of Perak, just 48km
North of Ipoh on the Perak River, is
the well preserved Royal Capital of
Perak, that established by Sultan Idris
Murshidul Al-Adzam Shah (r. 1887 –
1916) at the end of the 19th century,
on a site known as Bukit Chandan.
The name Kuala Kangsar is

believed to be derived from “Kuala
Kurang-Sa”, which means ninety-
nine (99) tributaries flowing into
Perak River. “Kuala” simply means
he mouth of the river”, which retains
its meaning in today’s Malay
language. Literally translated, “Sa”
means the “one”, as in from a
hundred, less one means ninety-nine.
Thus, it means 99 tributaries.
Another says the name was derived from the “kangsar” tree (hibiscus flocossus)
which grows in abundance along the banks of the Sungai Kangsar, a tributary of the Sungai
Perak.
Kuala Kangsar is where it all started for Malaysia’s rubber industry. The second
British Resident, Sir Hugh Low planted a number of rubber trees in his garden in Kuala
Kangsar in1870. Many of these trees and those from Singapore Botanic Gardens provided
the seedlings for rubber plantations when demand for rubber soared after the invention of
the rubber tire in 1888. Thus, eventually Malaysia becomes the largest rubber producer in
the world. The oldest rubber tree in Malaysia still stands today.
Located in the District of Kuala Kangsar, the town is home to many of Perak’s well-
known landmarks, which make it distinctively royal. One of the places of interest is the
Masjid Ubudiah, the focus of this journal regarding its mosque architecture.
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2.0 Ubudiah Mosque (Masjid Ubudiah)
2.1 Introduction
Ubudiah Mosque is a Royal Mosque that was built by

the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah. It was built in
1913 and completed later in 1917. Ubudiah Mosque is
located at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak. The
contruction cost of the mosque was costly, about $22,000 at
that time. Ubudiah Mosque Kuala Kangsar was designed by
the Arthur Benison Hubback who at that time the person who
also designed the Ipoh Railway Station and the Kuala
Lumpur Railway Station.
Bukit Chandan is a royal area for the Perak’s royal

family where the palaces are located. The Masjid located on Figure 1 The Almarhum Sultan Idris
Murshidul'adzam Shah I
the top of the Bukit Chandan where it becomes one of the
landmarks to the Perak state. Many people were curious about why Bukit Chandan had
been chosen as the site the build the wonderful Ubudiah Mosque.
The reason why the Ubudiah Mosque was built at Bukit Chandan is because while
the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah fell sick in the early days, he made a vow while
receiving treatment that if he was recovered from his illness, he will build a mosque of “great
beauty” as thanksgiving. Thus, when he had improvement in his recovering process, he
realised his vow by building Ubudiah Mosque at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. A site that
is close to the royal palace, Bukit Chandan Palace, and it would appeal to the Malay
societies, especially the Malay rulers.
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2.2 Site (Bukit Chandan)
Address: Masjid DiRaja Ubudiah,

Bukit Chandan,
33000 Kuala Kangsar,
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Coordinates: Latitude = 4°45’51″N, Longitude = 100°57’2″E
Figure 2 Royal Mosque of Masjid Ubudiah.

Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Description:
The mosque can hold a capacity of 1000 people at one time. Normally the mosque is
crowded with people when it comes to prayers’ time especially for Friday prayer. Apart of
being the place for the Muslim prayers, this mosque also had become one of the Malaysia’s
tourist attraction and the community centre for the Muslims around the Bukit Chandan.
Currently the Royal Mosque of the Masjid Ubudiah, administered by the Administrative
Committee chaired by the Mosque Ubudiah and any person appointed by the Paduka Seri
Sultan usually incumbent Temenggong Paduka Raja Rich Man Rich Man's office mahtlpun-
rich Royal Secretariat and secretary Bijaya managed by a government official who served in
the Office of His Majesty Paduka Seri Sultan Perak (Lot). Hence the management of the
mosque had been managed by the government also.
Apart from that, the government of Perak state is the one who responsible on the all
the maintenance and the emendation of the Mosque. This because the Masjid Ubudiah had
been authorizing as one of the historical symbol of the Perak and the government had to be
responsible on the any construction and emendation of the mosque itself.
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3.0 Layout Plan and Description of Spaces
Landscape Plan Layout

NTS
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a) The main entrance to the mosque faces the

direction of the qiblat.
b) An Islamic pattern fountain to add to the serene ambience of the Ubudiah Mosque.
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c1) The entrance to the

Royal Mausoleum,
located beside the
mosque.
c2) The Perak Royal

Mausoleum or Al-
Ghufran Royal
Cemetery houses the
royal graves and tombs.
Some of the
gravestones have
intricately designed
white marble carvings.
c3) The royal tomb of

Sultan Idris Murshidul
Al-Adzam Shah.
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Floor Plan
NTS
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d) the existing serambi that link to the

extended serambi.
e) The extended serambi

or verandah as wide as
11m that surrounded
the main prayer hall,
with marble floor finish,
mainly function as the
prayers’ area.
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f) The 20m x 20m octagon-shaped

central prayer hall has installed air-
conditioning units and laid modern
carpets.
f1) A lattice screen is placed at the central

prayer hall for the women to pray
behind it.
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g) The minbar (mimbar), located to the right of

the mihrab is a pulpit in the mosque, where
the prayer leader (imam) stands to deliver
sermons (khutbah). It is also a symbol of
authority.
h) The mihrab, a niche indicating the direction

of Mecca, is in the central prayer hall of the
Ubudiah Mosque. The natural patterns of
the Italian marble can be clearly seen.
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i) The ablution area (a row of water outlets) is

situated outside the mosque area, as the
main mosque area is considered holy.
j) The female’s ablution

area situated beside the
mosque, where there is
a covered passageway
leads from the mosque
to the ablution area.
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4.0 Historical Development of the Mosque
The Ubudiah Mosque was inspired by the Indo-Saracenic Revival architectural style.
It is also known as the Indo-Gothic, Mughal-Gothic, Neo-Mughal, Hindu or Hindu-Gothic.
This architecture style was developed by the British architects in the late of the 19th century
after the Mogul mosques they had discovered in India. They drew elements from
native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture, and combined it with the Gothic revival and Neo-
Classical styles favored in Victorian Britain.
On that matter, the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah commanded the
government architect, Arthur Benison Hubback to design the remarkable Ubudiah Mosque
and he came out with an idea of the Mughal-Gothic architecture. Mr. Caulfield, State
engineer, was assigned to implement the building of this mosque. Plan has been prepared
by the designer of the Federated Malay States Government, under the supervision of Arthur
Benison Hubback WS Huxley. It is shaped Octagon and has 4 towers with height of 126 feet,
surrounded by domes on the inside of which each diameter measuring over 60 feet. The
parts of the walls and floors of mosque were made of red and white marble that brought in
especially from Italy and London.
The walls of the Ubudiah Mosque form the large monster domed building in the
centre and surrounded by the four terraces of four consist if a dome in the middle of each
bridge where eight and sixteen tower wedge.
The total dome and the tower is said to take the title after order person - General of
the General People Ampat, The Great de-eight and People of Sixteen.
The choronology of the Masjid Ubudiah construction :
1911 - While the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah I was undergoing treatment at
Port Dickson, he vowed that he will build a mosque at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar,
Perak if he recovered from his illness.
1912 - When the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah I’s health finally improved, he
instructed Colonel Huxley, an engineer of the Public Works of Department Head
Office in Kuala Lumpur to come out with a design of a mosque with great beauty. The
government architect, Arthur Benison Hubback designed the mosque that inspired by
the Mughal-Gothic architecture..
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1913 - On 26th September 1913 when the Late Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah I laid
the foundation as a sign that the construction begun. The inscription on the trowel
used by Almarhum to lay the stone was: “Presented to His Highness Sultan Idris
Mersid-el-Aazan Shah, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., on the occasion of the laying of the
foundation stone of the Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, 26th September,
1913.”
1914 - The construction delayed. This is because of the elephants fight between the Late
Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah with the King, son of Sultan Abdullah Chulan. The
elephants fight caused a huge loss. All the marble and stone imported from Italy had
been destroyed.
- The outbreak of the World War I in Europe caused further delayed time on shipping
the marble and stone from Italy. The Italian marble had to be shipped around the
coast of South Africa.
1916 - The Late of Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah I passed on 14th January 1916.
1917 - The construction completed. The mosque was officially declared open by the 29th
Perak Sultan, Almarhum Sultan Abdul Jalil..
1968 - Masjid Ubudiah Kuala Kangsar, Perak has been announced as one of the historical
monumental building by the Government of Malaysia.
1993 - After 76 years of operation, the Masjid Ubudiah had to undergo renovation and
emendation due to the need for additional spaces and to enhance or repair the
architectural value and historical value of the mosque. The emendation was done by
the local architect and engineer.
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5.0 Architectural Description of the Mosque
The Ubudiah Mosque was built during the British Occupation of Malaysia, hence, it is
known as the colonial mosque, which is architecturally different from the other type of
mosque that is not built during the colonial period.
The architectural details of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar are influenced by the
Mughal-Gothic architecture or similar with the Moorish architecture. From the features of the
onion (bulbous) shape dome to the Minaret design, all are inspired and influenced by the
Mughal-Gothic architecture.
But there are some differences between the Mughal-Gothic and the Moorish
architecture. For Mughal-Gothic architecture, the style are much into having ornamental
applied in the style and design; as for the Moorish Architecture, they had slightly different in
using the ornamental into the design as example, the Moorish architecture has carved the
organic pattern on the facade of the builing, meanwhile the Mughal-gothic architecture has
simple facade of like alignment of the stripes.
The floor plan of the Ubudiah Mosque was originally an octagonal shape before it
amended in 1993. The floor plan was unique and unusual for the typical mosque in Malaysia.
Before the additional prayer hall, the octagonal core functioned as the main prayer hall. The
amendment done is due to the increasing number of people that praying and visiting the
mosque.
ORIGINAL FLOOR PLAN

DESCRIPTION
1 &2 : The amendation

that made in 1993

3 : Additional verandah

for the mosque which
also amended in 1993
Figure 3 The rough sketch on the floor plan Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak. (source :
http://nantaboganusantara.blogspot.com)
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The minaret was built using a long span column to support the structure. The
material used to build the minaret is concrete and brick.
Figure 4 The section cut on detail of the dome of the Figure 5 The details on Minaret of the Masjid Ubudiah
Masjid Ubudiah's Minaret
The arches of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala

Kangsar are generally keyhole-shaped.
They were influenced by the typical Moorish
architecture that followed the characteristic
of the dome itself which is bulbous and
semicircular shape. For the interior part, the
size and the shape of the arches are varied.
Those that located at the verandah are
wider and larger in diameter.
Figure 6 The keyhole arches that are circular and wider

diameter at the verandah
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Whereas those that located at the entrance of the prayer hall which have a smaller diameter
and they are pointed.
Figure 7 The pointed and smaller diameter of the

arch which situated at the hallway of the
entrance of the prayer hall.
Figure 6 The detailed construction of the

smaller and pointed arch
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The chatris of the Masjid Ubudiah was influenced by the the Mughal-Gothic architecture
itself. The design actually originated from the Hindu architecture and absorbed into the
Mughal-Gothic architecture. The main dome of the Masjid Ubudiah was surrounded by the
small chatris.
Figure 7 The smaller dome called 'chatris'
Figure 8 Front side elevation Figure 9 back side elevation

(Image source: htep://nantaboganusantara.blogspot.com)
Figure 10 The cut section

of the verandah of Masjid
Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar
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Figure 11 The entrance details of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar
The arches at the entrance were carved with Islamic geometric pattern. The figure
above shows that the tall columns aligned with the main gate arch create an extravagant
feeling. However on the real building on site, despite of having the marble carved, the
marbles were seen to be aligned to create a pattern on top of the arch of the main gate.
As observed, almost the whole exterior of the mosque was laid with marbles,
especially on the wall and columns. The marbles were imported from Italy. Its natural colour
makes the façade of the mosque looks distinctive and luxurious. The banding of Italian
marble is Moorish in design.
Figure 14 The red blood marble on the column of the main entrance
The type of marble that use at the column and wall are different. As example, on the main
gate of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar, it uses the hiqh quality red blood marble;
meanwhile, at the column of the verandah they use the brick red marble. The marble of great
quality is banded at the main area where the attraction of the visitor is.
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6.0 Significance
The Ubudiah Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country, and also
in all Southeast Asia. Although there were some interruptions occurred during the building
work of Ubudiah Mosque, it is still able to be completed in 1917 and become the pride of the
locals as well as a symbol of their faith. It remains as one of the Malaysia’s most treasured
historical landmarks. It is indeed a great symbolism of the Islamic Architecture, by its Mogul-
influenced structure, with golden dome and numerous minarets, together with the arches.
The composition and arrangement of the mosque are in great balanced proportion,
which successfully exhibits the “great beauty” as per wish by the late Sultan Idris Murshidul
Al-Adzam Shah.
7.0 Present Condition
The Ubudiah Mosque has been built for 95 years, been severally renovated and
emendated throughout all these years, and it is still strongly standing on top of the Bukit
Chandan. Apart of that, the mosque has been authorized as one of the monumental building
in Malaysia.
Due to the well maintained by the Perak government and authorities, Ubudiah
Mosque is still in good shape and not much cracks or any demolition occurs. The
architecture of the mosque is well preserved by the government and the mosque authority
itself. They maintain the building and regularly servicing their building. However, the ablution
area somehow has problem with the growth of algae and moss. It is a common problem that
happens in a damp or wet area.
In the olden days, the minarets were used by the bilal or the
prayer-caller to announce the call to prayer, by climbing the narrow
staircase. Today, the ‘beduk’ is rarely been beaten by the bilal (person
who sound the adzan) to signal the prayer time. This is because the
mosque is equipped with public address (PA) system where the Bilal
just call out adzan at the prayer hall using the system. The PA system
is built in the minaret and the call can be heard across the Bukit
Chandan. Hence, the minaret is still functional in that regards,
compare to the olden days where there was no microphones. The
minaret had been equipped with the electrical PA system.
Figure 15 The narrow staircase
leading up to the balcony of the
minaret.
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Nowadays, apart from being the tourist attraction in Malaysia, the mosque is one of
the community centres for Muslims that staying at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
They have organized a lot of activities, ranging from the youth to the elderly. They do hold
classes for Arabic Language and Hajj preparation course for the elder people as well.
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References
1. Andrew Peterse. Mughal in Dictionary of Islamic Architecture – Routledge (p.g 201-

203. (Mar, 11, 2002).
2. Convergence of Islamic and Western Architecture. (2011, June 1). Retrieved April 29,
2012, from http://telecentre.my/kualakangsar/index.php/en/tourism.html?start=4
3. Dr. A. Ghafar Ahmad. (1999).The Architectural Styles of Mosque in Malaysia: From

Vernacular to Modern Structures. Retrieved April 29, 2012, from
http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/SeminarPaper/PAPERRIYADH.html
4. Perak Darul Ridzuan (Land of Grace). (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2012, from
http://www.malaysia-trulyasia.com/state_perak.html
5. Perak, the Land of Grace – A Splendour of Culture, Nature & Heritage. (n.d.).
Retrieved April 29, 2012, from http://www.inandaroundperak.com.my/perakfacts.html
6. SembangKuala (2009, December 11). A Tale of Two Elephants – Masjid Ubudiah.

Message posted to http://sembangkuala.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/a-tale-of-two-
elephants-masjid-ubudiah/
7. TheFearless (n.d.). K Kangsar. Message posted to

http://mybackpaq.wordpress.com/travel-the-world/malaysia/kuala-kangsar/
8. Senibina Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar (antara masjid yang terindah di Malaysia
dan di dunia). (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://nantaboganusantara.blogspot.com/2010/02/seni-bina-masjid-ubudiah-kuala-
kangsar.html
9. Voon Fee, Chen (1998). The Encyclopedia of Malaysia, Architecture (Volume 5).
Malaysia: Didier Millet.
10. Wendy Moore. (1998). Kuala Kangsar :Perak Riverside Royal Capital (p.g 84) in
West Malaysia Singapore
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ARC 3220 Islamic Architecture Yu Tieng Wei (155498)

Ubudiah Mosque, K.Kangsar, Perak Nur’ai i Adibah bt Baharu (154214)

UBUDIAH MOSQUE, KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK

The name, Perak

1.2 Kuala Kangsar

Kuala Kangsar, one of the

The name Kuala Kangsar is

2.0 Ubudiah Mosque (Masjid Ubudiah)

Ubudiah Mosque is a Royal Mosque that was built by

Bukit Chandan is a royal area for the Perak’s royal

2.2 Site (Bukit Chandan)

Address: Masjid DiRaja Ubudiah,

Coordinates: Latitude = 4°45’51″N, Longitude = 100°57’2″E

Figure 2 Royal Mosque of Masjid Ubudiah.

3.0 Layout Plan and Description of Spaces

Landscape Plan Layout

a) The main entrance to the mosque faces the

c1) The entrance to the

c2) The Perak Royal

c3) The royal tomb of

d) the existing serambi that link to the

e) The extended serambi

f) The 20m x 20m octagon-shaped

f1) A lattice screen is placed at the central

g) The minbar (mimbar), located to the right of

h) The mihrab, a niche indicating the direction

i) The ablution area (a row of water outlets) is

j) The female’s ablution

4.0 Historical Development of the Mosque

The choronology of the Masjid Ubudiah construction :

5.0 Architectural Description of the Mosque

ORIGINAL FLOOR PLAN

1 &2 : The amendation

The arches of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala

Figure 6 The keyhole arches that are circular and wider

Figure 7 The pointed and smaller diameter of the

Figure 6 The detailed construction of the

Figure 7 The smaller dome called 'chatris'

Figure 8 Front side elevation Figure 9 back side elevation

Figure 10 The cut section

Figure 11 The entrance details of the Masjid Ubudiah, Kuala Kangsar

7.0 Present Condition

1. Andrew Peterse. Mughal in Dictionary of Islamic Architecture – Routledge (p.g 201-

3. Dr. A. Ghafar Ahmad. (1999).The Architectural Styles of Mosque in Malaysia: From

6. SembangKuala (2009, December 11). A Tale of Two Elephants – Masjid Ubudiah.

7. TheFearless (n.d.). K Kangsar. Message posted to

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