Muzium Warisan Melayu, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Assalamualaikum and greetings, fellow residents of Selangor! Are you looking for a place where the rich tapestry of Malay culture and history comes alive? Tucked within the sprawling and serene grounds of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang, you’ll find a true cultural treasure: the Muzium Warisan Melayu (Malay Heritage Museum). This museum offers a fascinating journey into the heart of Malay civilization, showcasing priceless artifacts and traditional architecture that tell stories of generations past.

The Muzium Warisan Melayu, established in April 2012, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique heritage of the Malay people. It aims to be a leading reference institution for Malay heritage and civilization, welcoming students, researchers, and the wider community. While some visitors have shared experiences regarding accessibility, it's clear that the museum holds immense value for anyone keen to learn about our roots. As one visitor noted, they were eager to see an "ancient Pahang house... because I'm going to be involved in a rakyat housing project in the same mukim soon." This highlights how the museum's exhibits provide tangible connections to our shared history and can even inspire contemporary projects.

The museum serves as an important educational hub, showcasing a diverse array of exhibits including rare manuscripts, traditional attire, intricate weaponry, and architectural remnants from various Malay regions. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the artistry, ingenuity, and daily life of our ancestors.

Location and Accessibility

The Muzium Warisan Melayu is conveniently located within the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) campus, at Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Jalan Upm, Putra Square, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. This placement within a prominent university means it is generally well-signposted and accessible for both drivers and those relying on public transport.

For drivers, UPM is easily reached via major highways such as the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), making it a straightforward drive from various parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. There are ample parking facilities within the UPM campus, usually near the faculty building where the museum is located. For those using public transport, Serdang KTM Komuter station is relatively close, and UPM’s internal bus system or ride-hailing services like Grab can connect you directly to the faculty.

However, as some reviews indicate, it's highly recommended to call ahead before your visit to confirm opening hours and staff availability. One visitor mentioned, "I visited last week on Thursday; the museum building looked abandoned and there was nobody around for me to ask. So I texted one of the museum staffs mentioned in the memo, and she responded immediately. I was lucky enough that the museum was opened after their lunch break." Another shared, "However, it was locked. On the door, there was a notice saying that they don't have enough staff but they provided the phone numbers of the staffs who I can call to gain access. However, both staff did not answer their phone." This highlights the importance of pre-planning to ensure a smooth visit. Planning your visit on weekdays is generally recommended, as the museum is closed on weekends.

Services Offered

Muzium Warisan Melayu primarily serves as an educational and cultural institution, offering a variety of experiences for its visitors:

• Permanent Exhibitions: The core offering is a diverse and extensive collection of artifacts, designed to enlighten visitors about Malay history, traditions, and arts. Exhibits cover manuscripts, textiles, clothing, weaponry, and household items.
• Temporary Exhibitions: The museum also hosts special themed exhibitions from time to time, offering fresh perspectives and unique insights into specific aspects of Malay heritage. For example, there was a special exhibition on Malay keris with various types of 'pamor' (blade patterns).
• Educational Programs: As part of a university, the museum often caters to students and researchers, offering educational programs, lectures, and workshops related to Malay culture and heritage. It also aims to be a leading reference center for Malay manuscripts.
• Guided Tours: While not always guaranteed due to staff availability, guided tours can be arranged, providing in-depth insights into the exhibits. One past visitor noted being guided by a "knowledgeable intern."
• Cultural Grounds with Traditional Houses: One of the most significant attractions is the "Outdoor Museum" area featuring traditional Malay houses from various states (including Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Terengganu), reassembled within the museum grounds. These houses offer a tangible experience of vernacular Malay architecture.
• Research and Reference: The museum serves as a valuable resource for academic research, particularly for UPM students and scholars focusing on Malay studies.

Features / Highlights

The Muzium Warisan Melayu is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for those interested in Malay culture:

• Extensive Manuscript Collection: The museum houses a valuable collection of ancient Malay manuscripts, including religious texts, navigation guides, medical documents, and writings on weaponry, many beautifully inscribed in Jawi. This collection is truly rare.
• Rare Textiles and Clothing: Visitors can marvel at rare woven fabrics like 'limar' (a royal textile whose making method is now lost) and 'cindai' (a fabric believed to have curative properties, historically linked to Hang Jebat). Traditional Malay attire for men, women, and children are also on display.
• Impressive Weaponry Collection: The museum boasts an excellent collection of Malay weaponry, including various types of keris (daggers), and even demonstrates how a perfectly balanced keris can stand on its tip.
• Traditional Malay Houses: A major highlight is the collection of four traditional Malay houses, each around 100 years old, brought from different states and reassembled on the museum grounds. These offer a rare opportunity to see authentic Malay architecture up close, though access to the interior can be limited at times, as per visitor reviews.
• Unique Household Items: Discover intriguing historical household items, including imported crockery with Jawi script and the ingenious 'Gobek Api,' a traditional fire lighter.
• Focus on Malay Heritage: Unlike more general historical museums, this museum provides a deep dive specifically into Malay civilization, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of its various facets.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a university-run museum focused on cultural preservation and education, Muzium Warisan Melayu typically offers its value through its accessible collections and educational opportunities rather than commercial promotions. However, some aspects that could be considered "offers" include:

• Affordable Entry Fee: At just RM2.00 (based on a recent visitor's experience, though the official website now states RM6), the museum is highly affordable, making it accessible for everyone to explore.
• Educational Resource: It provides an invaluable learning experience about Malay heritage, especially for students and researchers, at a nominal cost.
• Free Outdoor Access: While internal access to the traditional houses might be limited at times, visitors can generally view these impressive structures from the outside for free, offering a glimpse into traditional Malay architecture.
• Special Exhibitions: The occasional temporary exhibitions, like the "PAMOR" keris exhibition, provide unique opportunities to see specific rare collections, often included in the standard entry fee.

It is always advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly via phone or email for the most current information on entry fees, operating hours, and any special events or guided tours.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or for any inquiries, it's best to contact the museum directly:

Address: Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Jalan Upm, Putra Square, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Phone: 03-9769 8939

Mobile Phone: +60 3-9769 8939

Email: muziumwarisanmelayu@gmail.com

Operating Hours: Weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on weekends. (Please call to confirm before visiting, especially if traveling from afar, due to potential staff availability issues as noted in reviews.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us living in Selangor, particularly those in the Serdang area, Muzium Warisan Melayu offers a unique and enriching cultural experience right on our doorstep. While some past visitors have faced challenges with access (which underscores the importance of calling ahead), the sheer depth and rarity of its collections make it a truly valuable asset. It's not just a museum; it's a window into the soul of Malay civilization.

Imagine exploring ancient manuscripts that once guided mariners, examining the intricate details of traditional attire, or stepping back in time by viewing authentic Malay houses. This museum provides an intimate look at the craftsmanship, wisdom, and daily life of our ancestors, fostering a deeper appreciation for our heritage. It's a perfect educational outing for families, students, or anyone keen to connect with Malaysian history and culture. Even if a quick round is all you manage, as one visitor experienced, the glimpse into "many interesting historical materials related to the ancient Malays to see and to learn" is immensely valuable. Embrace the opportunity to uncover the stories of our past and celebrate the legacy of the Malay people right here in Selangor.

Muzium Warisan Melayu, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Jalan Upm, Putra Square, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia