Masjid Pulau Tawar, Pahang – 1880

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference…” – Winston Churchill

(Masjid Mat Kilau - Masjid Lama Pulau Tawar)

GPS: 3.877321,102.422764
03°52′38.36″N 102°25′21.95″E

Today we took time to drive to Pahang to track down the legendary Tanah Melayu hero, Mat Kilau.

Our first destination was Masjid Lama Pulau Tawar. The mosque became the focus of the entire Malaysian population in 1969 when the nationalist figure Mat Kilau appeared out of hiding to introduce himself to the world.

(A nice day for a long drive)

(Arriving at Kampung Pulau Tawar)

(Also known as Masjid Mat Kilau)

The existence of the old mosque is related to the history of Malay heroes, Tok Gajah, Mat Kilau, and their followers during resurgence of nationalism against the British colonialists in Pahang.

The construction of the old mosque was initiated by Imam Perang Rasu or better known as Tok Gajah, his son Mat Kilau, as well as the Malays of Pulau Tawar in the early 1880s. The old mosque was later given a new look in 1923 but retaining the traditional architecture using wood and bamboo from the local forest. According to history, Hugh Clifford, the British Resident, once landed on the river bank near the mosque to hold talks with Mat Kilau and Tok Gajah as well as the people of Pulau Tawar so as not to interfere in the affairs of the British administration in Pahang.

(The mosque is well maintained)

(A historical mosque) 

The old mosque underwent a few renovations and used cement flooring after it suffered severe damages after a flood. The kubah and mimbar of the mosque are still in the original forms which have the influence of Minangkabau architecture.

(The mosque is converted into a madrasah)

(Madrasah An Nabawiyyah Lid Dirasatil Islamiyyah)

(The mosque is used as class room)

(Students having their morning tea)

(A few shelters around the mosque)

Presently, Masjid Lama Pulau Tawar is converted into a religious school, Madrasah An Nabawiyyah Lid Dirasatil Islamiyyah. Several buildings and hostels were built around the old mosque for the use of the students. Close to the madrasah, there is a horse stable maintained by the students.

(TIRC - Tawar Island Riding Centre)

(The Madrasah's admin Office)

(New buildings around the mosque)

(The mosque is next to Sungai Pahang)

A newer Masjid Jamek Pulau Tawar situated on the main road a short distance away, is now used by the villagers for jemaah prayers to replace the Masjid Lama Pulau Tawar.

(The new Masjid Jamek Pulau Tawar)