Trace the roots of Malayan history back beyond the days of British colonization and discover the oldest kingdom in present-day Malaysia, right here in Kedah. Archaeological evidence places the beginnings of the Malayan civilization in the early A.D., stemming from the Bujang Valley which is situated in the west of Kedah between Mount Jerai and the Muda River. Its rich land and maritime access to the advanced civilizations at the time – India, Arab and China, meant that it made an excellent transit trading port.
Archaeological finds and artefacts excavated from this region can be seen at the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum which was inaugurated by the Sultan of Kedah in 1980. The museum displays a rare insight into the early signs of human civilization in this area, including ceramic pottery, early metal tools, beads and ornaments. Close to the museum lie ancient tomb temples locally referred to as ‘Candi’ (pronounced chan-di) which have since been restored and rebuilt.
The most significant of these early temples or Candi, is Candi Bukit Batu Pahat which was first discovered by Quaritch Wales during an archaeological survey between 1936 and 1937 and then reconstructed at the original site in 1960.
Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia Wilayah Utara, Pekan Merbok Pekan Merbok Kedah 08400 Malaysia
