Museums in Malaysia

Complete list of museums in Malaysia by state:
Johor
Kedah
Kelantan
Melaka
Negeri Sembilan
Pahang
Perak
Perlis
Pulau Pinang
Sabah
Sarawak
Selangor
Terengganu
Wilayah Persekutuan/Kuala Lumpur

Johor Kite Museum
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The Pasir Gudang Kite Museum is the first museum of its kind in Malaysia. Situated at Bukit Layang-Layang, it is a mark of appreciation to kite flyers from all over the world. With an aspiration to preserve the nation's heritage, the Pasir Gudang Local Authourity together with the Malaysia Kite Council and the Kite Flyers Association of Johor has built the Pasir Gudang Kite Museum. It was opened to the public in 2002 during the 7th Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival.

Getting there :

Buses leave regularly from Johor Bharu to Pasir Gudang town. From the town centre, take a taxi to the museum which is located at Bukit Layang-Layang.

Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum
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Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is part of the Grand Palace. It houses a collection of historical artefacts, gifts from foreign dignitaries and some priceless jewels belonging to the Johor royal family.

Open:
Tuesday - Thursday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Friday : 9.00 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Weekends: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm

Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays
Admission: Free

Getting there :

Situated at the town centre and adjacent to the Johor Zoo, it’s best to get there by taxi.

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Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum
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Situated between the Gunung Jerai and Sungai Muda, the Bujang Valley is believed to be the oldest site of civilisation in Peninsular Malaysia. Numerous relics have been uncovered here from tombs to artefacts, each pointing to a rich and colourful history. The findings are exhibited in the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Bukit Batu Pahat in Merbok.

Getting there :

Turn off at the North- South highway at the Sungai Petani exit and follow the signage to Merbok. The drive is approximately 1 hour away from the highway.

Kedah Royal Museum
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Kedah Royal Museum is a former palace that was built in 1736. The country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman was born here. Today it houses the rich repository of royal and cultural artefacts and photographs of the Kedah Royal Family.

Open:
Daily: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Friday: 9.30 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Closed on Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

Admission: Free
Tel: 604-732 7937

Getting there :

Also situated in the town centre and easily accessed by bus and taxi.

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Kelantan State Museum
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Kelantan State Museum incorporates the State Art Gallery and houses historical and cultural artefacts from the state. On the grounds there is a historical mosque that serves as a place of worship as well as a research site.

Open:
Daily : 10.30 am - 5.45 pm
Friday: 10.30 am - 12.00 noon and 2.30 pm - 5.45 pm
Weekends: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Closed on Wednesday, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

Admission: Free
Tel: 609- 758 2266
Fax: 609-747 3366

Getting there :

Situated near the Istana Balai Besar, along Jalan Hospital

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Cultural Museum/Melaka Sultanate Palace
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Also known as the Istana, it houses over 1,350 artefacts representing the history and culture of the Melaka Sultanate as well as the various communities that comprise Melaka.

Open:
Daily: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Closed on Tuesday
Tel: 606-282 6526
Fax: 606-282 6745

Getting there :

Situated at the foot St Paul’s Hill, it is walking distance from Bandar Hilir. The best way to see this area is by trishaw.

History and Ethnographic Museum
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History and Ethnographic Museum displays a collection of traditional costumes and artefacts portraying the different communities of Melaka- the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Baba Nyonya and Chitty communities. One floor is dedicated to the history of Melaka.

Open:
Tuesday - Thursday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Friday: 9.00 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 6.00
Weekends: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays

Admission: Free

Getting there :

Situated at the Stadthuys, at the Dutch Square, it is walking distance from Bandar Hilir.

Maritime Archaeology Museum
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The Maritime Archaeology Museum features the sunken and restored Portuguese ship, Flor de la Mar. It exhibits maps, models of ancient ships and other marine paraphernalia.

Open:
Tuesday - Thursday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Friday: 9.00 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Weekends: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays

Admission: Free
Tel: 606- 284 7090
Fax: 606-281 3636
E-mail: maritime@tm.net.my

Getting there :

Situated in Melaka’s museum belt, next to the State Museum, it is walking distance from Bandar Hilir. The area is also serviced by buses and taxis.

People's Museum
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The People’s Museum of Malacca displays several interesting exhibits relating to the country’s economic and social progress. Exhibits here are divided into areas of tourism, agriculture, industry and other sectors. The museum opens from 9 a.m - 5.30 p.m and admission costs RM2. It is closed on Mondays.

Getting there :

Located at Jalan Kota right next to the A Famosa fort, it is a short walk from the Malacca town centre.

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial
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The Proclamation of Independence Memorial houses documents and pictures portraying the country’s struggle to gain independence in 1957. In the courtyard stands the car used by the first Prime Minister in his inaugural parade.

Open:
Monday - Sunday : 9 am - 6 pm
Friday : 9 am - 12.15 pm and 2.45 pm - 6 pm

Tel: 606-284 1231
Fax: 606-282 9730

Getting there :

Situated at the foot St Paul’s Hill, it is walking distance from Bandar Hilir. The best way to see this area is by trishaw.

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Adat Museum
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The Minangkabau adat or customs are evident in many aspects of community life in Negeri Sembilan. The Adat Museum in Rembau contains a fascinating array of cultural artefacts from handcrafted antiques to community heirlooms and headgear, including the distinctive buffalo horn shaped ladies’ headdress. Charts and explanations on the Adat Perpatih matrilineal system and history are also on display.

Opening hours: 9 am to 4.30pm; entrance is free.

Getting there :

It’s best to take a bus or the commuter form Kuala Lumpur to Seremban and then a taxi to Rembau. If driving, use the Seremban-Melaka highway to get to Seremban and then follow directions to Rembau.

Lukut Museum
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This museum gives an insight into Lukut’s golden era as the capital of tin trade. Visitors can discover artefacts from the Nassau shipwreck, a Dutch East India battleship that sank off the coast of Port Dickson in 1606. Further away, the ruins of the Lukut Fort, built in 1847 to protect the town’s booming tin trade is an interesting spot for history buffs. Other attractions here include the legendary ‘poisoned well’, purportedly used to punish criminals in the ancient days.

Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm; entrance is free.

Getting there :

If driving head for Port Dickson using the Seremban-Melaka highway and then, follow the signboard to Lukut. Buses leave from Puduraya in Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson; switch to a local bus to Lukut.

Negeri Sembilan State Museum
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The state museum is located within the grounds of the Cultural Handicraft Complex in Seremban. Built entirely of timber, the museum houses rare historical artefacts like artillery as well as copper, brassware and silverware. There are also British and Malay-made cannons surrounding this museum. The latest attraction is the replica of three mystery rocks or megaliths found in Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex.

Getting there :

Just 5 minutes from Seremban, you can take a bus or taxi.

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State Museum Pekan
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The museum contains many artifacts and the documentation of Pahang’s history. Of note are the royal regalia and ancient Chinese ceramics that were salvaged from a wreck in the South China Sea.

Getting there :

From Kuantan town, local buses are available to Pekan. The museum is a short walk from the town centre.

Sungai Lembing Museum
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Sg. Lembing offers a glimpse into Malaysia’s bygone days during the British and Japanese eras. At its heyday, Sg. Lembing had the largest subterranean coal mine in South East Asia. The charming heritage buildings here are reminiscent of its rich past. The Sungai Lembing Museum, formerly the residence of a British official, exhibits artefacts from the town’s glorious tin-rich days, including mining equipment, mineworker’s costumes, furniture and tableware. Its fascinating diorama features miners at work.

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Getting there :

From the Kuantan bus station, board the No.48 Seng Heng bus to Sungai Lembing, about 40km away from Kuantan.

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Istana Kenangan
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Erected as a temporary palace in 1926, it is a remarkable piece of traditional wooden architecture constructed without any nails. The pride of Perak, still standing strong, now serves as the Royal Museum that exhibits traditional weapons and costumes, royal heirlooms, presents and photographs of the monarchy in Perak.

Getting there :

Buses leave regularly from Ipoh and nearby towns. If driving, use the North- South highway to turn off at the Kuala Kangsar exit.

Pasir Salak Historical Complex
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Situated in an area where the first spark of Malay nationalism could be said to have begun, the complex houses the Time Tunnel that depicts the impressive history of Pasir Salak and the Perak people in chronological order. Within the grounds of the complex is the grave of Sipuntum, the man who carried out the assassination of the first British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch.

Getting there :

Pasir Salak, 70km from Ipoh is accessible by buses and taxis.

Perak Museum, Taiping
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Built in 1883, the Taiping Museum is the oldest museum in the country. Housing an impressive collection of artefacts, weapons, tools, etc. the museum is the best place to learn about Perak’s heritage.

Getting there :

Taiping is located 60km from Ipoh along the North-South Highway. Buses are available from Ipoh and nearby towns.

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Penang Museum and Art Gallery
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Built in 1821, the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. There are also Malay daggers (Keris), Chinese furniture, embroidery and paintings of old Penang. The Art Gallery on the first floor displays the works of local artists and is the venue for special exhibitions. The statue of Captain Francis Light graces the grounds at the entrance of the building.

Opening hours: Daily from 9am – 5pm except Fridays, 9am- 12.15pm & 2.45pm – 5pm.

Admission fee: RM1.00

Getting there :

Hop onto to the shuttle bus servicing the tourist route from either KOMTAR or Pengkalan Weld. If you prefer walking, you will be treated to a string of gorgeous architecture all around this area.

Penang War Museum
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Located on Batu Maung Hill, this museum is built around the remnants of an old British fort. The 20-acre War Museum takes the visitor on a journey to the past, during WW2 to observe the lifestyle of a typical British soldier and his Asian counterparts.

The museum contains several installations above and below ground where old war relic including pillboxes, cannons, armaments, uniforms and cooking equipments are stored. Visitors can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-ups, tunnels and ventilation shafts. There is also an interactive firing range where visitors can try their hand at target practice using paintball guns. There is also a seating area where visitors can sit back and enjoy the hilltop view.

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm.

Admission fee: RM10.00(A) and RM5.00 (C)

Getting there :

A shuttle service picks up visitors from town and beach hotels. Call 604-3910067 for bookings. Alternatively take the No.69 Penang Yellow Bus from KOMTAR and stop at Batu Maung where there’s a signboard of the museum. From the stop it’s a 20-minute hike uphill.

Teluk Bahang Forestry Museum
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Located within the 100-hectare Forest Recreation Park, the museum was built using various species of wood and it houses a collection of forest produce from all over the country. The park features foot paths and flowing streams and is home to countless species of flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies, snakes and lizards.

Getting there :

Located within the Teluk Bahang Forestry Recreational Park and just a few metres away from the main entrance. Get the No.93 Hin bus or No.202 Transit Link from KOMTAR heading for Teluk Bahang.

University of Science Malaysia’s (USM) Museum & Art Gallery
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The museum houses a collection of artefacts on Malay and Nyonya cultures, textiles, prints, traditional jewellery and daggers (Keris). One section is devoted to the performing arts while the art gallery has a fine collection of paintings.

Opening hours: 10am –5pm from Mondays to Fridays (It is closed from 12.15pm – 2.45pm on Fridays) and from 10am – 1pm on Saturdays.

Permission to visit should be obtained from the security guards at the main gate.

Getting there :

Several buses leave from KOMTAR to Glugor where USM is located. To go into the grounds, permission has 2 be obtained from the security post at the entrance to the university’s campus.

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Mat Salleh Museum
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Mat Salleh Museum in Tambunan, is a fort-like memorial dedicated to one of Sabah’s earliest freedom fighters, Mat Salleh. It houses information, weapons and some paraphernalia related to him and his rebellion.

Open:
Saturday to Thursday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Friday : 9.00 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Admission:
- RM 2.00 (Malaysians)
- RM 5.00 (Foreigners)
Free for students in uniform, disabled citizens, senior citizens

Tel: 608-8253 199 / 8255 033
Fax: 608-8240 230

Getting there :

Situated on a padi field in Tibubar, Tambunan about 70km from Kota Kinabalu; buses and long distance taxis are available to this place from Kota Kinabalu.

The Sabah State Museum
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The Sabah State Museum set in a traditional longhouse, traces the history of the state. It houses a varied collection ranging from ethnographical to scientific items. Of special interest are objects and contemporary crafts of the indigenous groups of Sabah.

Open:
Monday to Thursday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Weekends: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Closed on Friday and 1st May

Admission:
- RM 2.00 (Malaysians)
- RM 5.00 (Foreigners)
Free for students in uniform, disabled citizens, senior citizens

Tel: 608-8253 199 / 8255 033
Fax: 608-8240 230

Getting there :

Situated 3km from Kota Kinabalu town centre, it is accessible by buses, mini-buses, and taxis.

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Cat Museum
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Perhaps the only Cat Museum of its kind in the world, its aptly found in Kuching- the City of Cats. It houses a unique and extensive collection (4,000) of feline paraphernalia.

Open:
9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Tel: 6082–446 688
Fax: 6082-446 414

Getting there :

Located at Jalan Petrajaya on the way to Santubong, this area is accessible by buses and taxis from the town centre.

Chinese Museum
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Originally a Chinese Court House and then the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, it now houses artefacts donated by leading Kuching families on the history and culture of the Chinese community in Sarawak.

Open:
Saturday to Thursday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Closed on Fridays

Tel: 6082-243 23/ 231 520

Getting there :

Located at Kuching Waterfront near the Main Bazaar, it’s just a short walk from the town centre.

Fort Margherita
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Built by Rajah Charles Brooke and named after his wife, this had been the Police Headquarters since 1879. Converted into a Police Museum, it now houses a lock-up and an assortment of weapons and relevant paraphernalia.

Open:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Closed on Monday & Public Holidays

Tel : 6082-440 811
Fax: 6082-443 713

Getting there :

Take a boat from the Waterfront and Main Bazaar.

Sarawak Cultural Village
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Sarawak Cultural Village, or the “Living Museum” at Damai, spans over 7 hectares and was set up to preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage. Visitors get an insight into the homes and traditional lifestyles of the different cultures; Bidayuh, Dayak, Iban, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Penan, Malay and Chinese. The 150 residents demonstrate traditional daily activities and put on their finest costumes for cultural dance performances.

Open:
Daily: 9.00 am - 5.15 pm

Cultural Shows:
- 11.30 am - 12.15 pm
- 4.30 am - 5.15 pm

Tel.: 6082-846 411
Fax: 6082- 846 988
E-mail: scv@visitsarawak.com/ kbssv@hotmail.com/scv
www.visitsarawak.com/scv

Getting there :

Local transport is available from Kuching. Tour operators offer trips as well. Alternatively you may take a 40 minute scenic drive to the place.

Sarawak Museum
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The Sarawak Museum consists of 5 separate buildings displaying cultural artefacts of Sarawak’s ethnic and indigenous groups. The grounds also house the Botanical Gardens, an aquarium and the Hero’s Memorial.

Open:
Daily : 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Closed on Fridays

Getting there :

As it is located within Kuching, take a leisurely walk from the town centre.

Timber Museum
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This museum is located within the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Council building (Wisma Sumber Alam) in Petra Jaya. It mainly exhibits forest products, traditional wood items and is an interesting stop for those interested in forestry in Borneo. Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8.30am-4pm & 2.30-4.30pm
Friday 8.30am-11.30pm & 2.30-4.30pm
Sat 8.30am-12.30pm

Getting there :

Located within Kuching town, the number 8 bus headed to Matang passes this route. Buses may be boarded behind the Electra House.

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Gombak Orang Asli Centre
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The Gombak Orang Asli Centre is a museum displaying the tools that were used by the country’s aborigines for hunting and trapping animals. Also on display are carvings and household utensils reflecting their way of life.

Getting there :

Located at the 19th km of Jalan Gombak on the northbound trunk road. Take the Putra Lrt to the Terminal Putra station and then a taxi to the museum.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum
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Situated at the heart of Shah Alam, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum is a commanding blue- roofed building that showcases some of the finest displays in the country. Entering the museum, visitors will be enveloped by the grandeur of Selangor’s bygone era. Some of its treasured artefacts are the royal regalia of the affluent Selangor Sultanate as well as the relics of the British era.

Getting there :

The commuter train leaves from the KL Sentral station to Shah Alam. From the station, take a taxi to the museum. Alternatively, you make catch a bus to Shah Alam from the Klang bus terminal.

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Terengganu State Museum
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Reputed as one of the largest museum in South East Asia, Terengganu State Museum Complex consists of a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional houses as well as botanic and herb gardens. There are 11 galleries showcasing textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art, petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts.

Open :
Mon - Sun : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Friday: 9.00 am - 12.30 noon and 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm
Closed on Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

Admission :
- Free (children below 7 yrs)
- RM 0.50 (children 7 – 15 yrs)
- RM 1 .00 (children above 15 yrs)
- RM 2.00 (adults)
- RM 5.00 (foreigners)

Tel : 609 – 622 1444
Fax : 609 – 623 1209

Getting there :

Local buses and taxis provide transport from the town centre to this place.

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Islamic Arts Museum
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The Islamic Arts Museum built following Islamic architectural form, it houses an extensive collection of local and international Islamic art objects. The museum periodically holds Islamic oriented exhibitions and educational workshops for children and adults.

Open: Tuesday - Sunday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays

Admission:
- RM 8.00 (adults)
- RM 4.00 (visitors below 18 yrs./ Students/ Malaysian Senior Citizens)
- RM 3.00 Students in uniform (in groups of 30 & above):
- Free for Children below 6 yrs

Tel: 603-2274 2020
Fax: 603-2274 0529
E-mail address: info@iamm.org.my

Getting there :

The museum is walking distance from the National Mosque, KTM Railway and Commuter station. Buses and taxis are available to this area.

National History Museum
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The National History Museum was originally the site of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China. This 3- storey building displays the Moghul features of its neighbouring buildings in its arches, windows and verandahs.

Getting there :

A short walk away from Dataran Merdeka, which is accessible by almost all KL bus lines.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)
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Introducing the visitor to the cultural and historical heritage of the Malaysian people, it houses a collection ranging from ethnographical and archaeological artefacts, natural history specimens to glimpses into Malaysian life.

Open:
9.00 am - 6.00 pm

Admission:
RM 1.00 (adults)
Free for students in uniform

Tel: 603-2282 6255
Fax: 603-2282 7294
E-mail: janetsm@tm.net.my

Getting there :

Situated about ½ km from the National Mosque, on the fringe of Lake Gardens. Buses and taxis are available to Jalan Travers.

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