Visit Oldest Surviving Traditional Malay Houses Tour

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is an award winning restoration and conservation project of a traditional Malay wooden house which used to belong to the local headman of a small village in Kedah. It was originally built in stages between 1910 and the early 1930s. In danger of being lost forever, it was rescued and relocated to Kuala Lumpur for restoration by Badan Warisan Malaysia, a leading conservation organisation. In now stands in the grounds of Badan Warisan’s Heritage Centre on Jalan Stonor and is open to the public.

Today, it stands as one of the finest remaining examples of Malay vernacular architecture. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with its many high rise buildings, the Rumah Penghulu is surrounded by a traditional herb & heritage garden which has over 50 species of trees & plants of environmental, cultural & historic interest to Malaysians.

GUIDED TOURS:
Guided tours are great for if you want a general overview & introduction of the house and lifestyle. Each tour is approximately 30-40 minutes with an optional 20 minute video which shows the original relocation & restoration of the house.

11.00am and 3.00pm, Mondays- Saturdays

CURATED PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH & ADULTS

Curated Programmes are an extended tour which provides an in-depth experience to learn about the way of life, customs, traditions, architecture as well as the environment of the Malaysian lifestyle.

For children educational programmes consist of activity sheets, hands-on experience, demonstrations, role- play as well as games. Children will learn about parts of the house, language and traditions.

For youth, curated programmes can be an architectural tour, cultural tour or a combination. This programme gives a deeper understanding of the restoration & relocation process of the house and may be conducted by an architect.

For adults, curated programmes offer a cultural perspective of the Kampung lifestyle. This programme looks at the general restoration of the house followed by detailed explanations of the customs and rituals such identifying the site of a kampung house and ceremonies related to weddings & the birth of a child. The programme includes hands-on experience, demonstrations as well sampling of traditional food & drinks.

Curated Programmes are 2- 3 hours.

2 Week Prior Booking Required (Subjected to Availability of date, time & resources)