Cover Islamic International University Malaysia campus in Gombak, Selangor (Photo: Amar Syazwan Rosman/Unsplash)
Islamic International University Malaysia campus in Gombak, Selangor (Photo: Amar Syazwan Rosman/Unsplash)
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Sprawling grounds and manicured gardens: these university campuses in Malaysia are in a class of their own
Malaysia’s universities are not merely institutions of learning; they are architectural masterpieces that nurture the mind as much as they captivate the eye.
From the serene Islamic architecture of the International Islamic University Malaysia, a national treasure, to the iconic grandeur of Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Perak, these campuses are a testament to our nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Beautifully designed spaces have long been recognised for their ability to foster creativity, enhance focus, and inspire intellectual growth. In light of this, we take a visual journey across Perak, Johor, Selangor, Sarawak, and Penang, for a unique glimpse into the nation’s academic and aesthetic brilliance.
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1. University Sains Malaysia, Penang
The second oldest university in the country and first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) maiden campus in Penang stretches across 416.6 hectares of land. Depending on what time of the year it is, tree-lined boulevards here are scattered with flowers from a variety of Tecoma trees. It’s no surprise then, as to how USM got its ‘Universiti Sakura Malaysia’ nickname.
Peaceful spots here include the grounds surrounding two adjoining lakes, Tasik Aman and Tasik Harapan—both serve as catchment areas to prevent from floods.
2. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) main campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, boasts 10 residential colleges, each containing a cafeteria, a multi-purpose hall, common rooms, a tennis court and varied student accommodation which can collectively house over 14,000 students.
The first university established in the state of Johor, this UTM campus is also home to the Sultan Ismail Mosque which overlooks a peaceful lake, known as Taman Tasik Ilmu UTM.
See also: 7 university campuses in Asia with film-worthy grounds
3. International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor
Above The Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque is located on the grounds of International Islamic University Malaysia (Photo: @encik_gambar/Instagram)
Above Photo: @insta_mursyid/Instagram
The Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque is located on the grounds of International Islamic University Malaysia (Photo: @encik_gambar/Instagram)
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Is it any wonder that International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is sometimes called the ‘Hogwarts of Malaysia’? The university's majestic blue-roofed structures and rustic study halls are surrounded by immaculately kept gardens.
The Gombak campus contains student living quarters, two sports complexes with Olympic-sized swimming pools, a library, a post office, a medical clinic and three banks. The stunning Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque here, located in what is known as the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue, is the spiritual and physical centre of university life.
4. Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Perak
Above The entrance to Universiti Teknologi Petronas or UTM (Photo: GDP Architects/Facebook)
The entrance to Universiti Teknologi Petronas or UTM (Photo: GDP Architects/Facebook)
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Located on a 400-hectare site in Bandar Seri Iskandar in Perak, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is also home to the beautiful Masjid An-Nur mosque, the design of which cleverly creates a floating-like illusion, reflecting tall over the serene waters of the surrounding lake.
Fun fact: The UTP Information Resource Centre is an awe-inspiring library that contains over 210,000 volumes of printed and digital materials.
5. University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor
Situated in Semenyih, Selangor, in many ways the University of Nottingham Malaysia recaptures the scenic snapshots of varsity life of its UK namesake, from sprawling green grounds and a peaceful lake with ducks to the Great Hall in the Trent Building; you can even find a bright red telephone booth here. Unsurprisingly, the large and colourful ‘Nottingham’ sign on campus is a favourite spot for photo-taking.
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6. University College of Technology Sarawak
Futuristic and sophisticated, University College of Technology Sarawak’s campus looks like it could have emerged from the set of a sci-fi film. The university prides itself on its prestigious platinum Green Building Index rating, a testament to its sustainability and green energy initiatives. The campus here also has its very own Technology Park, the unexpected backdrop of several wedding photoshoots in years past.
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7. Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
The University of Malaya Art Gallery is housed on Level 5 of the Chancellery Building (Photo: @studyunimalaya/Instagram)
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Universiti Malaya is the nation’s oldest university, and the grounds of its Kuala Lumpur campus are so extensive that you’ll need a car to get from one end to the other. The Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden here (where the Rare Plants and Orchid Conservatory can be found) has long been a favourite outdoor spot among students and alumni. Other picturesque spots like the Tree House area and the Varsity Lake also hold much sentimental value.
8. Peninsula College, George Town, Penang
Peninsula College’s headquarters in Malaysia is what’s known as the Ship Campus–and it’s a hard one to miss. Anchored within One Auto Hub at Penang’s Batu Kawan Industrial Park, the Ship Campus is modelled after an iconic cruise ship and can accommodate up to 4,000 students.
The Sunset Deck on Deck 4 is the most recognisable part of the campus, an outdoor events space that can host up to 200 pax. It offers amazing views of the Penang Second Bridge against the ocean. Located on Deck 9 is the Surfers’ Paradise Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness facility that’s open to the public.
9. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya
Touted as Malaysia’s first green campus, Heriot-Watt University in Putrajaya encompasses a sprawling 4.8 acres beside Putrajaya Lake’s ‘green continuum’, putting students within seamless access of the Putrajaya marina and all its modern facilities as well as the surrounding parkland and lake.
The campus is known for having the first living grass roof of its kind in Malaysia, at 300 metres long and 30 metres wide, designed by Hijjas Architects and Planners’ with input from education design specialists.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
