Muzium Etnologi Dunia Melayu or Malay-World Ethnology Museum is situated in the National Museum area. When you purchase a ticket for one, you get access to both museums. Additionally, there is the Orang Asli Craft Museum right beside this museum. We visited the Orang Asli museum before and wrote about it here.
The museum is small, and its front part is made of wood, resembling the construction of old Malay houses. Despite its small size, the museum is rich in exhibits that can teach you fascinating things about the Malay world, offering a fresh perspective that you may not have known before.
The first thing you will notice in the museum is a display of a man making a beautiful kite, known as wau. As you explore further, you will discover other displays that showcase the culture and heritage of the Malay people.
You will also see a replica of a Malay village house, a theatre for shadow puppets, a decorated platform for wedding rituals, a man spinning a wooden top, and a woman weaving mats from mengkuang leaves.
As you go further, you will see a collection of well-preserved artefacts, including various musical instruments used for events like weddings and ceremonies. There are instruments like the gambus, serunai, kompang, angklung, rebab, and gong. You can also witness a shadow play or wayang kulit scene and learn about the musical instruments that accompany it.
There is also a section where traditional Malay dance, bridal costumes, and Malay dress are highlighted. You can explore weaponry, including cannons and traditional weapons like the keris and lembing. Not to forget, intricate woodcarvings and an assortment of pottery.
The museum is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except on the first Monday of each month). It is closed on the first two days of Hari Raya celebrations. The entrance fee is RM2 for adults, while children 12 years old and below are free.
As usual, I took some pictures during our recent visit to the museum. Don’t forget to watch our Instagram Reels and TikTok video. Here’s the Google Maps link to the museum.
If you plan to use public transportation, study your route and which trains and buses to use. You can check out the Rapid KL website to plan your journey.
