- Address: Malaysia, Bandar Merbok, 08400 Alor Setar Kedah, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 12-248 4462
Traveling around Malaysia , you can try many types of recreation and entertainment. Bathe on the beaches of the mainland coast or visit small islands, scuba dive and hike through the jungle. Finally, bypass the monuments of architecture and visit some of the most interesting museums. And if the museum is not an accustomed exhibition in the building, but a huge open-air area? Our article will tell you about the curious valley of Bujang.
Getting to know the attraction
The valley of Bujang is called a huge historical complex, located near the town of Merbok in the federal state of Kedah. It is territorially between the mountain of Jera and the Muda river. In some sources the valley is called Lembach Bujang, its approximate area is 224 square kilometers. From the I to XII century in this territory was an ancient kingdom - the empire of Shriaijaya. Translated from the Sanskrit language, the word "budjanga" has a common meaning with the word "snake". Because of this, in some translations the valley is called the "valley of snakes".
Today it is one of the most important archeological regions of the country. Over the past few decades archeologists have found many artifacts: articles from celadon and porcelain, ceramics and clay, glass beads, fragments of real glass, pottery, etc. All the finds indicate that many centuries ago in the valley of Bujang there was a large international shopping center and even a warehouse of goods.
What to see in the valley?
More than 50 temples of Buddhist and Hindu religions were discovered and cleared on the territory of Lembach in Bujang, as well as ravines, whose age is more than 2000 years. Religious buildings are called kandi and testify to the importance and spirituality of this place. The best preserved temples in Pengkalan Bayang Murbock, which now houses the archaeological museum of the valley.
Here are many historical finds from this area, as well as this is the first archaeological museum of the country, which arose under the guidance of the Department of Museums and Antiques. The entire collection is conditionally divided into two parts:
- Finds that prove the historical value of the valley as the largest trading center for Chinese, Arab and Indian traders.
- Cultural, religious and architectural artifacts of that era.
In the museum's collection there are tools from metal, various decorations, writing boards, religious symbols and many others. other
How to get there?
The valley of Bujang is located about 2.5 km from the town of Merbok. You can reach the following options:
- By car. In this case, head for the PLUS (North-South Expressway) motorway. If you are coming from the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur , keep north towards Kedah, and if from the cities of Alor Setar or Perlis, then your path lies to the south. After turning on the Sungai Petani, follow the signpost towards the city of Merbok, so you will get to the archaeological museum of Lembah Bujang Archaeology Museum and then to the valley.
- Sungai Petani and Alor Setar can be reached by train.
- By taxi.
Visiting the museum and the valley is possible daily from 9:00 to 17:00, admission is free.