Malay World Ethnological Museum, Kuala Lumpur

The main entrance of the Malay World Ethnological Museum.

Another museum that is quite interesting for the fans of the cultural history and traditions of the Malay world. This is because the museum is not only dedicated to the Malays in Malaysia alone but also all other Malays communities that covers wider area.

Situated near the building of the National Museum, the Malay World Ethnological Museum is smaller and the front wooden structure built to resemble a traditional Malay house. What interesting here is, this museum also includes exhibits from around other region including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, Madagascar and also of Malay Polenesia. This will open up your knowledge of the Malay world as a whole.

Among the collections exhibited in the museum includes textile goods, weapons, sculptures, metal tools and technology, jewelries, musical instruments and so on. Do not forget also Malays recreation activities such as traditional kite (wau), shadow puppets (wayang kulit) (which include several countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand), the spinning top and many others. Through this exposure, it is quite easy for us to understand the connection between us which is actually inside a huge group of ethnic.

Most of the exhibits here will raise many questions about the real world of Malay people. Perhaps some will be answered and the rest you should work on for the answer. It is like bringing together pieces of the puzzle that is quite interesting to note. But after you figure it out, let it be known by us that we all come from the same family.

"Keris" from many different parts of Malay world.

Kitchen utensils used by the Malays.

Water transport and naval technology.

Wood carvings.

Ticket Malay World Ethnological Museum

Visitor Type

• Nationality: RM 2.00
• Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWD): RM 1.00
• Children aged 12 and under (citizen): Free
• Secondary School students dressed in uniforms (citizen): Free
• High School Students not dressed in uniform (citizen): RM 2.00
• Member of International Council of Museums (ICOM): Free
• Non-Citizens: RM 5.00
• Children (6 to 12 years) (non-citizens): RM 2.00
• Children younger than 6 years (non-citizens): Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 9.00am - 6.00pm.

* Close the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji.

Transport

By Bus or Taxi and Commuter / Putra LRT off at KL Sentral station, walk 0.5 km to the National Museum, MRT also available when it starts in service soon.

Note: credit picture of hafidzahmad.com

3 Important Religious Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is inhabited by three main ethnic and many other races that also characterized the excitement of this country.  Even so not many of us who spend the time to learn more about the synagogues of other races respectively, but it was a good effort to foster more understanding between people and bridge the closeness of friendship that already exist.

Visits to synagogues another race is not a prohibited. What important is we must follow the guidelines and respect for the place worship of other races. So learn the proper way before entering the synagogue - and make sure you respect their synagogue fit as you want them to respect your synagogue. You are also encouraged to visit it at the suitable time in order to avoid any disturbing while other conducting their religious activities.

Here are three important religious sites in Kuala Lumpur not to be missed, not only by tourists but also those who live in Kuala Lumpur and also for all Malaysians. The locations are as follows;

Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur

The interior of the National Mosque.

The mosque is decorated with water fountains.

Kuala Lumpur National Mosque is the main mosque for the Muslim population in Kuala Lumpur was built with the architecture symbolizes Islam with many unique features of its own. This mosque is able to accommodate up to 15,000 worshipers at any one time. It has unique dome that has 18 facets representing the 13 states in Malaysia, while the 5 pillars also symbolize the 5 pillars of Islam. There is a minaret that houses the speakers as high as 74m, which allows the call of prayer to be heard from a wider area.

For travelers who want to visit the National Mosque, the time of the visit was made after prayer time. Suitable clothing also available and guides for areas that can be visited are also available. Visiting hours are as follows; 9:00am - noon, 3:00-4:00 pm & 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Friday morning it is closed for tours.

Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple, a very beautiful temple.

View during Wesak Day.

The pillars in the temple Thean Hou.

It is one of the prettiest temples in the country. Thean Hou Temple situated in the high area of ​​Robson Heights, which also provides stunning views of the surrounding of Kuala Lumpur. The best time to visit this temple is during the celebration of Vesak Day or during Chinese New Year celebrations.

There are many interesting things to note here, in terms of unique architectural decorations are also available around this temple which is the Chinese zodiac sculptures, carved dragon and phoenix, and also other decorations that suit every room of the temple.

It is a large building with a main prayer room located on the 3rd floor which also houses statues of gods and goddesses that important to the Chinese. More unique features and things can be be learned here. The best time to visit this temple is between 9am - 6pm via the nearest monorail station at Tun Sambanthan.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves Murugan statue in front of him.

The night view.

Stair climbing to the cave of Batu Caves.

Batu Caves is a house of worship for Indians and also the largest in Malaysia. In fact Batu Caves has been used since 120 years ago. The most festive time to visit is during the celebration of Thaipusam every year, usually held in late January or early February for 3 days.

One of the most interesting things about Batu Caves Temple is, it is located about 272 steps up to the top of the temple. There is also a giant-sized statue known as Murugan statue sized 42.5m with a golden color that is placed in front of the main road up to the stone cave.

In addition to the main cave there are also other caves are open for tours (Dark Cave: www.darkcavemalaysia.com) with adult admission fee of RM35 / RM25 children: 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday; 10:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday & Sunday with a guide for every 20 minutes. This tour will take you to explore the cave and see the unique cave construction and together with their floras and faunas.

The best time to the Batu Caves is between 7am - 9pm through a variety of transport options. Entrance fee to the Cave Temple is free but to other locations may be charged.

There are many more important synagogues around the city of Kuala Lumpur and you can visit it with permission from the administration/management. As explained at the beginning of this article, the purpose of the visit is to learn more about other cultures of other races, and you should respect these important areas during the visit. It is hoped that we take this opportunity to get to know each other more closely.