13.03.2025
Islamic elegance in Malaysia’s landmarks: A blend of tradition & innovation
Discover Malaysia’s architectural marvels that beautifully blend Malay artistry with modern innovation. From the golden domes of Istana Negara to the radiant Saloma Bridge, explore how these landmarks reflect cultural heritage and timeless elegance.
Words: Culture Editor
Istana Negara.
Photo by Buwaneka Boralessa
Malaysia is home to a rich tapestry of architectural marvels, many of which showcase a seamless blend of traditional Islamic elements and modern innovation.
As we welcome the holy month of Ramadan and anticipate the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the beauty of Islamic architecture around us becomes even more meaningful.
From the golden domes of Istana Negara to the glowing geometric patterns of Saloma Bridge, let’s take a closer look at how these structures reflect Islamic artistry.
Istana Negara.
Photo by Buwaneka Boralessa
Istana Negara: A Palace of Islamic Grandeur
Perched majestically in Kuala Lumpur, Istana Negara is a symbol of sovereignty, faith, and tradition. Spanning 97.65 hectares[i], this grand palace, completed in 2011, masterfully blends Islamic and Malay architectural elements, creating a regal masterpiece that embodies Malaysia’s rich heritage.
One of the most striking features of Istana Negara is its golden domes, gleaming under the Malaysian sun. These 22 domes, including the towering 40-meter-high central dome[ii], draw inspiration from classic Islamic architecture, where domes represent unity, divinity, and the vastness of the universe[iii]. The two largest domes are adorned with the sirih bertindih (overlapping betel leaves) motif—an elegant tribute to Malay culture[iv].
Inside, the palace is equally breathtaking. The Balairong Seri (Throne Room), where royal ceremonies take place, is adorned with intricate carvings of the 99 Names of Allah (Asmaul Husna)[v]. At the same time, the prayer hall’s mihrab (prayer niche) is beautifully inscribed with Quranic calligraphy handcrafted by skilled artisans from Terengganu and Kelantan.[vi],[vii]
With its rich detailing and timeless beauty, capturing Istana Negara’s magnificence is no small feat. That’s where Nippon Paint comes in. Having been repainted in both 2017 and 2024, the palace continues to stand as a testament to enduring elegance. The Nippon Paint Weatherbond® Series, formulated with Quartz Technology, ensures long-lasting durability against the elements, maintaining the palace’s grandeur for generations. Various specialised coatings were applied, including Nippon Paint PU Recoatable Finish (9307 Gold) for the dome and fencing, Nippon Paint Weatherbond® (PRO 0007 White Satin) for general walls, and Nippon Paint Royal Stone (RS 15096 (A)) for feature walls. These high-performance coatings not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide superior protection, keeping Istana Negara pristine and majestic.
Saloma Bridge.
Photo by KC Shum on Unsplash
Saloma Bridge: A Modern Islamic Landmark in the Heart of KL
The Saloma Link (Pintasan Saloma) is a 370-meter pedestrian bridge connecting Kampung Baru to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). Named after Saloma, the legendary Malaysian singer and wife of P. Ramlee, the bridge pays tribute to Malaysia’s entertainment history while incorporating Islamic and Malay architectural influences[viii].
The curved, overlapping structure of Saloma Link is a striking representation of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the traditional Malay “Sirih Junjung” arrangement[ix]. This decorative display of betel leaves, often featured in Malay weddings and ceremonies, embodies unity and respect, making it a fitting tribute to Kampung Baru, one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Malay settlements[x]. To complement this distinctive form, the bridge’s lattice-like steel panels steel panels— a hallmark of Islamic artistry, reflect sunlight during the day, creating a subtle shimmer that adds to the bridge’s character. As pedestrians walkthrough, the façade panels cast dynamic patterns of light and shadow, offering a visually engaging and immersive experience. Beyond their visual appeal, these patterns also serve a practical function, enhancing shade and airflow to ensure pedestrian comfort as they cross the bridge[xi].
As the sun sets, Saloma Link transforms into a radiant display of light and colour. With 4,100 diamond-shaped LED lights, the structure illuminates the night sky, showcasing dynamic colour displays during nationwide celebrations such as Merdeka Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri[xii].
Nippon Paint PU Recoatable Finish (RAL 7047) is used to paint this iconic bridge, with its striking colours complementing the lights. Beyond aesthetics, this coating is designed for atmospheric environments, providing a durable gloss and colour-retention topcoat finish, which also incorporates a wide range of performance characteristics. It offers good operational performance, including adhesion, abrasion scratches, impact, humidity condensation and splashes of mild chemicals, when applied over suitable and properly primed surfaces.
Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang
Photo from Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang Facebook page