Museums in Malaysia - Attractions

The Cayman Islands National Museum is dedicated to the preservation, research and dissemination of all aspects of the Caymanian heritage for present and future generations. In 1990, after years of planning, artifact conservation, and exhibit design, the Cayman Islands National Museum opened to the public in the Old Courts Building. The Museum can trace its roots to the 1930's when Mr. Ira Thompson began collecting Caymanian artifacts as a hobby. In 1979, the government purchased Mr. Ira's collection which became the nucleus of the National Museum collection. Today, the Museum's collection contains over 4,000 items ranging from tiny coins to a 14 foot catboat; natural history specimens to rare documents. Established as a place of learning and enjoyment, the Museum provides residents and visitors with a rich understanding of the Caymanian heritage through its exhibits and special activities.

Experience an innovative walk through this neo-classical, Greek-styled museum. The 70-year-old two-story building contains eight imposing columns and features a sprawling 900 square meters of exhibition space. It is the first interactive museum in the country. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the museum displays archives of the nation's telecommunications development spanning 120 years from the Morse code telegraph to the present cellular phones and digital networks. A great place for family outings and admission is free!

Located on the first floor of the Menara Maybank, this museum houses an impressive collection of numismatic items, notably coins and notes of various denominations. Interestingly, some of them date all the way back to the Malacca Sultanate era. Opened in 1988, this museum was set up to preserve the country's currency heritage. The museum also serves as a center for research into Malaysia's numismatic history. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs, but there are postcards and brochures depicting the collection.

Starting off as a humble museum in 1985, housing only five aircraft, it now holds an ever-growing collection that is beginning to overrun the space. The museum consists of six exhibition rooms, with the smaller rooms containing items such as dioramas, aircraft models and uniforms. Outside are larger items such as a Jeep, radio sets and fire-fighting equipment. Also on display are 17 aircraft. The exhibits provide a vivid portrayal of the history of the Air Force in Malaysia. A trip to this museum can be nostalgic for war veterans, whilst enlightening the younger generation.

Originally built as a commercial bank in 1910, the building was chosen to become a museum due to its convenient location, and its surroundings. The Moorish features and Islamic motifs of this tri-level building blend well with the neighboring Mogul buildings. In 1996, the renovated building opened its doors as the National History Museum. It now houses a permanent collection of artifacts and dioramas depicting the wealth of Malaysia's historical heritage, ranging from 520 million-year-old metamorphic sandstone to an eight-sided gold coin dating back to the 15th century. Admission Free.

Located within the University of Malaya, this three-storey museum focuses on local and Asian art, including sculpture and ceramics, Islamic and Malay arts and textiles. The museum is reputed to contain the largest collection of kendi (ceramic) water vessels in the world, with more than 2,000 pieces mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan and Iran. Other exhibits on display are stone carvings, paintings by local artists and copper items. There are many books on Asian art as well as films, slides and pictures featuring arts from within the region. Guided tours can be arranged by request.

This museum focuses on the historical development of the Malaysian military from 1933 to the present. Established in 1985, the museum features military technology and works of art. Within the building are five galleries, each devoting specific areas to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Other galleries display the achievements and contributions of military commanders. There is also a general section that features the Emergency Period from 1948 to 1960. Guided tours are available by prior appointment. Admission is free!

This unique centre houses an extensive collection of Malaysian art and artifacts with special focus on the old Malay work, including antique fabrics, metalwork, jewelery, wood, fibre, paper, photos, porcelain, pottery, glass and crystal, along with contemporary art. Visitors can browse in a museum environment, acquire treasures to enhance their own collection, pick up gift items or enjoy part of the permanent collection of the museum.

Orang Asli are the aborigines of Peninsular Malaysia. Their population is estimated to be over 60,000 people, which is now fast-disappearing with development and modernization. Located north of Kuala Lumpur, this museum houses a large ethnographic collection of the indigenous tribes. The exhibits portray their lifestyle, culture, myths and legends. The displays, among others, include a 600-year-old collection of tribal heritage such as blowpipes, spears, porcelain and ancestral figurines. Close to the museum is a craft shop selling souvenirs including tribal crafts.

This museum features handicrafts used by the different sectors of Malaysian society. Interestingly, the collections here are either handcrafted or mass produced using ordinary, economical or easily available materials such as wood, coconut husks, seashells, clay, cloths and even modern synthetics. Within the complex there is also a village-style house, built with traditional methods of construction and decoration. The museum is located in the newly built Craft Cultural Complex where you will find an entire spectrum of traditional arts, crafts and cultural activities from Malaysia. Admission: Free.

This museum represents Malaysia's diverse experience of the sea and waterways, and covers an area spanning 14,000 square feet. The exhibits are carefully laid out in 12 sections, projecting different aspects of the maritime industry. Visitors will get to see ship models, historical maps and a working model of Malaysia's Port Klang. Take a look at the worldwide maritime history, spanning from the Greek and Viking eras to the present. The museum is full of interesting displays and information. Admission: Free.

Established in 1989, this museum focuses on the history of money. Located within the Central Bank building, it features an impressive collection of different denominations of Malaysian currency through the years. Also on display are interesting commemorative coins, rare and antique coins, foreign currency and other artifacts relating to the money system. Apart from showcasing 'money matters' exhibits, it also stores Bank Negara's collection of artworks and art objects. Admission is Free!!

Baba and Nonya, as the name goes, this museum has many historical items related to these both. Malaysian Art, Malaysian culture and antique items are on display here. Museum is old but presents nice stuff that includes some paintings and Penakaran family living style.

The museum charts the history and development of Malaysia's rubber industry. On display within the converted bungalow museum are exhibits which include planting equipment, various tools for tapping plus the apparatus used for experiments, collecting and processing of latex. Also featured are various charts and photographs portraying important events of the industry. Outside, there are models of workers' houses, nurseries and rubber processing centers. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of real rubber-tappers in action. This is a great place for a first-hand experience of the various aspects of life in a rubber estate. Admission is free.

Located within a sprawling 600-hectare section of one of the world's oldest forest research centres, this museum is a showcase of the nation's rich forest heritage. Established in 1952, it houses a collection of different varieties of wood species found in the country, including indigenous fruit trees, conifers and monocotyledonous trees. You can also catch displays pertaining to tree usage and products made from wood. After visiting the museum, take a walk in the park and discover the wonders of the authentic tropical rainforest. Admission: Free.