Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum

The Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum is the only museum in Malaysia which exhibits archaeological collections that serves as evidence of the existence of a trade and Hindu/Buddhism propagation center in Southeast Asia from the 3rd. to the 12th century AD.

These archaeological evidence clearly shows that Lembah Bujang was a central port which served as a trade center for traders dominating the trading routes between the eastern and western countries especially the Chinese, Indian and Arab traders as well as Malay traders in the Malay archipelago who monopolized spice and exotic jungle goods trade for middle east export.

Lembah Bujang was also the first port in southeast Asia via its sea route which functioned as an alternative route to China or Far East to replace the silk road, which connected Chinese and Far Eastern traders by land. Lembah Bujang’s significance as Southeast Asia’s central port was evident in archaeological finds and writings of Chinese and Arab seamen as well as in Indian literatures. These chronicles, dated between the 2nd and 14th century AD, told of the existence of a prosperous and bustling kingdom in Lembah Bujang that was known as the "seat of all felicities".

Besides being the Nusantara’s ultimate trading center, Lembah Bujang also the focal point of Hindu/Buddha propagation in Southeast Asia during the 3rd to the 12th century, which proved of the existence of Buddhisme with Pala Mahayana influences from southern India. This faith was brought and practiced by Hindu/Buddhist Indian traders who came trading at Lembah Bujang.

Collections and Galleries

The Galleries and Collections in the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum have two main galleries which displays archaeological artifacts serving as evidence of Lembah Bujang’s existence as

I: Southeast Asia’s central trading port from the 3rd to 12th century AD comprising of goods brought by Arab, Chinese and Indian traders as well as maritime traders from the Malay archipelago including exotic jungle produce like gaharu, cendana etc.

II: Architecture and materialistic culture leftovers which is connected to religious faith and proving the existence of Hindu/Buddhist faith which is the practice of a portion of the society using the Lembah Bujang as an entreport in the 3rd through the 12th century AD. Items displayed are architectural designs of Hindu temples with Hindu/Buddhist features and devices which could be related to the Hindu/Buddhist faith.

Entrance Fees

Free

Contact Person

Mr. Kamaruddin bin Zakaria - Director

Address

Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum,
Merbok, Bedung, 08400 Kedah
Tel : +604 457 2005
Fax : +604 457 4185

Transportation

By Bus: From Sungai Petani bus terminal take the Sungai Petani shuttle to Merbok

Nearby Attractions

Drive-around tour by experienced staff members for groups exceeding 10 persons if done officially.

A complete archaeological collection, library and trained officers to help researchers who are interested to further their research in 7th - 12th century AD commerce and Hindu/Buddhist customs in Lembah Bujang.

Recreational and recuperational facilities where visitors have the chance to enjoy the beauty of rainforest landscape in the background of the museum, as well as be enchanted by the architecture and artifacts of societies of old. Visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the flowing river and lush tropical rainforest greenery laden with exotic flora and fauna which grows naturally all around the museum

Approximately 60,000 people have visited the museum since the past 3 years.

Location Map

View Muzium Arkeologi Lembah Bujang [1] in a larger map