Here is the Visitor’s Guide to the Malay and Islamic World Museum in 2024!
What is the Malay and Islamic World Museum?
The Malay and Islamic World Museum is a cultural attraction in Melaka, Malaysia, dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage of the Malay and Islamic worlds.
The museum is housed in Bastion House, a building constructed in 1910 that was originally used by the British rubber company, Dunlop, until 1986. The architecture reflects English design with a rectangular structure and a sloping roof.
Inside, the museum features exhibits on the spread of Islam globally, significant Malay and Muslim figures, important Islamic buildings, artifacts, traditional clothing, and more.
The Building
The museum is located in a three-story building known as Bastion House, built in 1948 as a regional office for the Dunlop rubber company. The top floor of the building was once a gathering place for junior Dunlop employees, often used for socializing, earning it the nickname “The Planters’ Arms.”
Exhibitions
Ground Floor
The ground floor of the Malay and Islamic World Museum showcases exhibits related to Hang Tuah, a collection of photos and books, keris (traditional Malay daggers), pistols, and other weapons. Interestingly, there are also posters and models promoting real estate projects in Melaka. This museum is a must-visit destination in Malaysia due to its extensive collection.
Second Floor
On the second floor, the exhibits are more focused on Islam. It includes a collection of seals engraved in Arabic and Jawi scripts, maps showing the territories of the Sriwijaya, Majapahit, and Melaka empires, as well as regions where Malay-Polynesian languages are spoken.
Additionally, there are replicas of ancient stone inscriptions found in the area, which are early examples of Arabic/Jawi script usage. The museum also has a collection of tepak sireh, traditional Malay metal containers used for storing and serving betel leaves and their accompaniments for chewing.
Top Floor
The top floor is dedicated to exhibitions promoting tourism to Sawahlunto in Sumatra and other regions in Indonesia. There is also a replica of the Pagaruyung Palace, which was burned down by the Dutch in 1804.
Operating Hours and Ticket Prices for 2024
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (ticket sales close at 5:00 PM).
On Fridays, the museum operates from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM and from 2:45 PM to 5:30 PM.
Updated Ticket Prices for 2024:
- Adults: RM 10 (Foreigners) / RM 5 (Malaysians with MyKad)
- Children (7-12 years): RM 5 (Foreigners) / RM 3 (Malaysians with MyKad)
- Children under 6 years: Free
Museum Reviews
The museum offers a diverse collection, though some exhibits may not be entirely relevant to the museum’s theme. It might be beneficial to merge this museum with another Islamic museum located just five doors away on the same street.
A suggestion for PERZIM, the Melaka Museums Corporation, would be to repurpose Bastion House as a museum dedicated to the rubber plantation industry, which was the building’s original function and played a significant role in Malaysia’s development. Perhaps Dunlop could be persuaded to fund this, although the brand is now owned by a Japanese company.
How to Get to the Malay and Islamic World Museum
Address:
Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Directions:
To reach the Malay and Islamic World Museum in Melaka, there are several options depending on your starting location.
If you’re in Melaka or nearby areas, the museum is located on Jalan Kota and is easily accessible via local public transportation from Melaka Sentral, Melaka’s city center, or by walking from the city center, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The museum is housed in the historic Bastion House, near several bastions that fortified old Malacca.
If you’re coming from out of town, such as from Kuala Lumpur or Johor, you can take a bus or train to Melaka, Malaysia, and then continue by taxi or local bus to the museum.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a break on Fridays. Admission is RM 10 for foreign adults and RM 5 for Malaysian citizens with MyKad. Children aged 7 to 12 years are charged RM 5 for foreigners and RM 3 with MyKad, while children under 6 years are admitted free.
Additionally, the museum offers insights into Malay and Islamic history and culture through various interesting exhibits spread across the building’s three floors. It is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the region’s history and culture.