MALAY HERITAGE

The Malay Heritage Center is a social and cultural centre for Malay Singaporeans, as well as a very famous museum. This Heritage Center is located in the heart of Istana Kampong Gelam and is famous for preserving Malay Singaporeans' history and legacy. The Malay Heritage Centre is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the Malay Singaporean way of life and how the Malays and Singaporeans' cultures were intertwined.

Sultan Ali, the son of Sultan Hussein Shah, constructed the Malay historical centre in 1840. Once upon a time, the Malay Heritage Center was the Malay Singaporeans' royal fortress. It is now the Malay community's cultural and social hub in Singapore. It's also a museum that exhibits antiques and is dedicated to preserving the Malay Singaporean heritage. The heritage centre is located between the Istana Kampong Gelam and the Istana Kampong Gelam. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong refurbished the palace and declared it open in 2012.

The museum displays Istana Kampong Gelam's history as well as objects from the National Collection and the Malay Community. The sultans of Kampong Gelam had rich cultures and the Malay Singaporeans have tried to keep their legacy alive through the heritage centre. Visitors interested in exploring more about Malay culture can find a wealth of information here. The colourful exhibits and historical artefacts show the relationship between the Malay culture and Singapore culture, making it an enriching experience for those interested in Singapore travel packages.

Also, learn about other Malay cultures and the seafaring of the Bugis people. Originally, the Kampong Gelam was built on wooden stilts, where the ground floor, called ko long, was used as storage, work area, or children’s play area. The upper floor, called panggung, consisted of the sleeping quarters and the main living area.

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Highlights

• Being a Malay house, you have to open your shoes to enter into the heritage centre, respecting the Malay culture.
• Traditionally, the house was built on stilts where the ground floor was used as a work area or storage. So, you will start your tour from the top floor.
• It was the home of Sultan Ali, so you can closely feel the rich heritage, culture of the Malay group and the royal family.
• There are six galleries that take up two levels that have historical artefacts.
• You can find a map as soon as you step foot into the Anjung (welcome area) on the top floor. The digital wall projects three options, monsoon, kingdom, and trade.
• Take a stroll around the spice garden where you can see the real spices and take a whiff of their strong fragrance.
• There are various workshops and fun activities that are held all through the year like cooking demonstrations, movie nights or scavenger hunts, and game nights.

How To Reach

Malay Heritage Centre is just 10 mins from the train station so you can take an MRT to reach here. You can also travel by bus. There are various parking spots near the heritage center so you can also drive here. You can also take taxis or cabs.

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Best Time To Visit

The Malay Heritage Center can be visited any time of the year because of the tropical climate of Singapore that remains the same throughout the year. The best time to visit the heritage center during the day is before 11 am because their free guide service for an hour by their volunteer starts at 11 am.

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Other Essential Information

Tips For Visiting Malay Heritage

• Children under six years can get free entry into the Malay heritage center
• The First caretaker of persons with disabilities can get free entry into the heritage center.
• You have to open your shoes to take a tour of the heritage center.
• Your mobile phones have to be switched off while visiting the galleries.
• No running around is allowed in the heritage centre.
• The tour of the heritage center starts from the top floor.
• It is the premises of Istana Kampong Gelam so you will have to walk through the area to reach the heritage center. Although, the walk is very short but beautiful.
• You can also visit the Sultan Mosque that is also on the premises of the Istana Kampong Gelam.
• Senior citizens have to be of the age of 60 or above.
• Valid identification must be provided if requested. 
• A volunteer gives a free guide around the heritage center every day for one hour and that starts at 11 am. So, it is recommended to time your visit accordingly.

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