Masjid Lapan Kubah in Terengganu
Tucked in the lush green rice fields of Jerteh, Terengganu, Masjid Lapan Kubah is the kind of mosque that makes you do a double-take. With its eight eye-catching domes splashed in blues, greens, yellows, and reds, it is basically Moscow with a Malaysian twist.
Dubbed the Russian Mosque by local folks, this mosque is more than just a pretty face. It is a joyful celebration of culture and architectural brilliance that makes you want to snap photos of it from every angle.
A Moscow-inspired place of worship
Image credit: @syamhuzairie via Instagram
Terengganu is famous for its pristine beaches and laidback kampung vibe where life moves at its own gentle pace. But sneak a peek into Kampung Lapan Kotak, and you will stumble upon something that looks straight out of Russia – Masjid Lapan Kubah.
It was completed in 2000, and has become famed for its eight colourful domes that look like they were plucked straight from St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.
Visitors often blink twice, trying to reconcile the bold domes with the serene rice fields around them. The effect is almost magical, making it a favourite spot for both curious travellers and devoted worshippers.
Image credit: @mohd_jumaat_ via Instagram
And while it is a sacred place of worship, what makes Masjid Lapan Kubah even more remarkable is that it was built entirely from public donations, guided by Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, the Besut Member of Parliament at the time.
With a construction cost of around RM4 million, it stands as a vibrant testament to the community’s devotion, generosity, and pride.
A colourful gem in Terengganu
Image credit Shahrulnizam via Blog
Take a closer look at Masjid Lapan Kubah, and you will see why it earns the name eight colourful domes. Each dome sits proudly atop the mosque, creating a striking cluster that catches the eye from every angle.
The main dome rises in the centre, flanked by seven smaller domes, making a total of eight. Together, they form a balanced and harmonious silhouette that is as playful as it is majestic.
Image credit: @aisyaaasofiaaaa via Instagram
The colours are impossible to miss. Bright blues, greens, yellows, and reds cover each dome, sometimes blending, sometimes contrasting, but always creating a joyful explosion of colour against the calm green rice fields.
The mosque can accommodate about 500 worshippers at a time, making it modest in size but mighty in presence. Visitors often remark on the serene atmosphere, enhanced by the peaceful rural surroundings and the gentle sounds of nature.
The unique eight‑domed mosque in Terengganu
Whether you are a curious traveller or simply seeking a peaceful spot, Masjid Lapan Kubah offers a striking harmony of colour, community, and tradition.
So on your next East Coast adventure, detour to this mosque and enjoy the perfect blend of Malaysian charm and Russian inspiration.
Address: 1315, Jalan Masjid, Kampung Jalan Lapan Kotak, 22000, Jerteh, Terengganu
For more spiritual places to visit, read:
Cover image adapted from: @aisyaaasofiaaaa via Instagram & @syamhuzairie via Instagram