Islamic Arts Museum

For this visit to Kuala Lumpur, I had it on my list to visit the Islamic Arts Museum. This had come highly recommended by E, with whom I travelled around Saudi Arabia about half a year ago.

I arrived at the site by train and foot, getting there a few minutes before their 0930 opening. The exterior of the building was boxy and uninspiring topped with one dome (from my viewpoint anyway) which looked a bit out-of-place.

On the entrance level, there was a temporary exhibit of modern calligraphy. There were some stunning pieces, where the colours and the texts just jumped out of the canvas, assisted by the illumination of the museum lights.

Continuing to the permanent exhibits, there were sections of Chinese, local, Indian, Persian, Turkish Islamic arts. These spanned from ceramics, jewellery, costumes, calligraphy and architecture.

I particularly enjoyed the models of famous mosques from around the world and photos of the different architectural styles that mosques can take.

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: The National Mosque and Menara 118 (second tallest building in the world for now) in its background.

: Beautiful Quran.

: Indian jewellery.

: Chinese Islamic cake tray. If you’re Chinese you’ll use it once a year. If you’re Chinese Muslim, then twice! On Chinese New Yerar and Eid.

: Chinese calligraphy depicting the symbol of long life, the peach.

: I have a halo. That’s the interior of one of the domes in the museum ceiling.

: Damascus room of the museum.

: Learning about calligraphy styles.

: Kiswa (cover of the Kaaba) of 1968 (I think).

: Persian jewellery depicting their royalty.

: These southern Chinese ceramics are in a style called Swatow. This one has Aceh style decorations.

: Office of Malayan Railways (KTM) with the old Kuala Lumpur station in the background.

After about 2h, I left and took the train to Kampung Baru, a Malay village tucked amongst the skyscrapers, for lunch at Kak Som. I had discovered this place a couple of trips ago and am still trying out new dishes. I spent the afternoon chilling before seeing a friend Thomas for dinner in Chinatown, at a restaurant called Westlake.

: Menara 118, the second tallest building in the world for now.

: Kak Som.

: The spread at Kak Som.

: My tasty selection at Kak Som.