South-East Asia Destination

By: Naveen Marasinghe

Muzium Negara – as it is known in Malay – the National Museum of Malaysia is ideally sited on a higher elevation on Jalan Travers, overlooking the scenic Perdana Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to its official inauguration on 31st August 1963, the very location was occupied by former Selangor Museum, built by the British and Selangor administration in 1898.

The National Museum was built according to the architecture of Minangkabau – an indigenous ethnic group in the highlands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This unique architecture can be identified by their curved multi-tiered roofs with graceful upswept gables and exquisite engraved window shutters with painted floral motifs. The style is known as ‘Rumah Gadang’ which means ‘big house’ in Minangkabau vernacular.

Another striking feature you would discover as soon as you approach the museum would be the sizeable murals featuring glass mosaics of Italian style, spanning across all three floors of its frontage. The museum houses four main galleries, featuring exhibits relating to local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic events, native flora and fauna, weaponry as well as currency, dating back to the three prehistoric ages.

The museum’s Central Hall boasts of a ceiling elaborately adorned with blue tiles featuring geometric mosaic and sophisticated carved panels. The Central Hall organizes many transitory exhibitions encompassing floral, fruits, crafts, religious, monetary and architectural themes. In addition the museum also houses a National Sports Gallery and Natural History Gallery.

Just outside the museum you will discover many transportation means of the olden times of Malaysia, including a Melaka bullock cart, steam locomotive made in England and the Proton Saga – first Malaysian manufactured auto.

Within the premises of the museum you would be delighted to discover a regal experience, when you step into the Istana Satu – the reproduced timber palace of Terengganu, using Cengal wood and elaborately carved doors and windows. The original palace was constructed in 1884 by Sultan Zainal Abidin III of Terengganu in the courtyard of Kota Istana Maziah in Kuala Terengganu. The reproduction of this exclusive mansion was completed in April 1974.

Adapting itself finely to the tropical climates, Istana Satu at Muzium Negara is perched on wooden stilts providing the space beneath the mansion to ventilate regularly. And together with its steep thatch roofing the mansion itself operates as a natural air conditioning system, saturating its interior continually and presenting a cool refreshing atmosphere.

Whilst spending your nights at a discount hotel in Kuala Lumpur you can visit many attractions including the Muzium Negara enjoying the various comforts and cordial services provided at many discount hotels such as Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Make your stay at this historic city a unique and memorable one for you and your family, by lodging at a conveniently affordable discount hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.