Live peek into village life

Tourism spot in JB gives a live peek into village life

The Malay Culture Village tucked behind rows of houses and greenery in the heart of the city is a hit among tourists.

This interesting spot situated in Jalan Inche Besar Zubaidah has visits by four to 10 tour groups per day.

Tourist Yakito Namamoto, 43, who resides in Tokyo, Japan, said the village was unique.

“I like the fact that there is an area which displays items usually found in a traditional Malay homes.

“It gives us a peek into one of Malaysia’s cultures,” he said, adding that the photos of traditional Malay weddings on display in the area also fascinated him.

Yakito’s countrymen Hitoshi Suzuki, in his 40s, and his family, had fun learning how to play the angklung, a traditional Malay musical instrument.

“The angklung sound reminds me of the piano.

“I hope to buy an angklung and take it back to Japan and teach myself how to play it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malay Culture Village owner Ungku Abu Bakar Salim said the village catered mostly to tourists from Asian countries.

“We get tourists from Vietnam and Japan, depending on the holidays in their countries. Occasionally, we get tourists from the United States and Europe,” he said.

Other than the displays and Malay dance performances, the village houses a shop that sells memorabilia.

“We have a store that sells jewellery and handmade pewter goods.

“We also have a worker who demonstrates how pewter is melted and moulded into the desired shapes and sizes,” he said, adding that foreigners enjoyed watching the demonstration.

The village, which has been operating for 19 years, also displays handmade batik and traditional crafts available for purchase.

-News courtesy of The Star-