Who they are and what they do

badan-warisan-hqkl

“Giving our past a future” is Badan Warisan Malaysia‘s motto. Badan Warisan Malaysia (the Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is the leading heritage conservation NGO in Malaysia.
It was set up in 1983 by a group people who were concerned about the rapid change taking place in the built environment. Their work involves advocacy, research and development and education.They also undertake physical conservation projects as well as manage two centres.
The Heritage Centre in Kuala Lumpur is a restored colonial bungalow with exhibition, seminar and meeting facilities and a specialist Resource Centre.
In the grounds of the Heritage Centre is the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, a superb example of a traditional Malay house, which was relocated from Kedah in 1996 and restored at its present site.This is supported by the development of a Heritage Garden which includes a sample of kitchen herbs and plants indigenous to the country or which have contributed to the nation’s economy.
Their model conservation project of a late 18th Century shophouse at No 8 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Malacca functions as a Heritage & Interpretative Centre.

What a traveller / tourist can experience

In Kuala Lumpur :

  • bwm-rumah-pengulu

    Visit Rumah Pengulu Abu Seman, originally built in Kedah between the 1910s and the 1930s. house was eventually left vacant in the 1980s but was acquired by Badan Warisan in 1996, relocated to Kuala Lumpur, and meticulously restored and furnished to evoke the lifestyle of a Malay village headman and his family. Guided tours in English are available at 11am and 3.00 pm only, from Monday to Saturday, except on public holidays. The entrance fee is a minimum donation of RM10/person

  • Visit the current art exhibition held in the main gallery of the Heritage Center, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5.30 pm.

  • Purchase books or made in Malaysia souvenirs: the shop might have the best selection in town of books on local heritage and architecture and some really made-in-Malaysia craft for sale. They also sell postcards and some antique furniture.

  • Learn about Malaysian heritage and conservation techniques: check the monthly talks and lectures program at http://www.badanwarisan.org.my. They also provide the venue for lectures organised by other organisations such as the Malaysian Culture Group.

In Malacca:

  • bwm8-heeren-shophouseVisit No 8 Heeren Street Heritage Center : a fine example of a two-storey shophouse built in the mid-late 1700’s and beautifully restored and managed by Badan Warisan. A permanent exhibition details the conservation and restoration process along with the history of the early shophouse.

Contacts

Kuala Lumpur Heritage Centre and Rumah Pengulu,2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone : +60 (0)3 2144 9273 Fax
+60 (0)3 2145 7884
General E-mail: heritage@badanwarisan.org.my

Web site : www.badanwarisan.org.my

Opening hours:

  • Office: Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 5 pm
  • Resource Centre : Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 4pm by appointment
  • Rumah Penghulu tours: Twice daily Mondays to Saturdays at 11am and 3pm (other times by prior appointment). Entrance by minimum donation of RM10/person

No 8Heeren Street Heritage Centre Malacca  8 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca
Telephone/ Fax +60 (06) 281 1507     Email:  8heeren@badanwarisan.org.my

Opening Hours: Tues to Sat 11 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

How to get there

  • The BMW Heritage Center in Kuala Lumpur is located walking distance from the Craft Center and about 1km from KLCC (Petronas towers). Exit at KLCC metro (LRT) station, then walk through the park until you reach jalan Stonor (approx 1 km).
  • No 8 Heeren Heritage Center in Malacca is located in the city’s historic core : from the Stadhuys cross the Kim Seng Bridge and take the first road on your left that will lead you to Heeren street now known as Jalan Tun Tuan Cheng Lok

Related posts

Heritage guides of Malaysia

Greenselipar’s favorites magazines and books

Written by Catherine Bossis , 30 Jan 2009
Permission granted to reproduce for personal use only.
Commercial use is prohibited.