Last year around this time I was in Malaysia. I had two wonderful days in Melaka, the heritage town that has the origins of Malaysia in its folds, and visiting a traditional Malay house. It will always remain in my mind as the red town, as most of its buildings are in rust red.
Traditional Malay House – Sentosa Villa
On a small island formed at the turn of the river Melaka, I saw some beautiful houses in pistachio green with red slanted roofs. Our guide sensed our curiosity and took us to visit Sentosa Villa, a traditional Malay house.
Almost 100 years old and still managed by the lady of the house. Haji Fatima is a few years younger than the house that was built by her grandfather. She takes us around the house and points to various things around the house.
Traditional Designs & Interiors
House stands on a raised platform. You reach the entrance through a flight of steps passing through some usual and some not-so-usual plants. The entrance leads to a central courtyard much like traditional Indian houses with rooms all around them. The pictures of the family prominently adore the houses. It was amusing to see the portrait of the lady in her younger days. With the shyness of youth on her face vis-à-vis the wise and mature look that she carries now. There was a wall full of music records. Fatima told us that they are the music albums of her brother who was a musician. There were elaborate beds with traditional linen on them.
Every part of the floor was covered with colorful carpets. Two chairs under a canopy looked special. And special they were as they were used during the marriage ceremonies to seat the bride and the groom. There were old machines like an almost rusted typewriter. With tons of crockery collected from various parts of the world, the family was sure a rich one. A lounge-like place was created for the visitors to go through the family albums.
Huge Gong
A most interesting piece in the house was a huge Gong that I believe was used for celebrations and announcements. Banging it three times is supposed to bring luck. And the lady makes sure she treats you to some luck in her house. Sentosa Villa has also received an award from Malaysia Tourism for being the best tourist attraction. It is proudly displayed in the house.
How I wish, we could convert some of our traditional Havelis and Deodis too here into such beautiful tourist attractions. That would help generate employment as well as preserve heritage.
Recommend you to read the following travel blogs on Things to do in Kuala Lumpur & Places to visit in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s favorite Petronas twin towers
Heritage walks around Kuala Lumpur
Batu caves with a giant Murugan
Malaysia’s tallest structure – KL Tower
Beautiful and interesting!
That’s a good introduction to a Malay house.
Real feel of tradition