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Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman - Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Destinations and Sights - Within Downtown KL

Rumah Penghulu literally means headman’s house in Malay (Rumah – meaning House and Penghulu meaning ‘Headman’). This Rumah Penghulu used to be a local headman's house originally located in Kampung Sungai Kechil, a small village in the northern state of Kedah.

From the mid 1920s to the early 1930s, it belonged to Penghulu Abu Seman bin Nayan. When he died, his son Ibrahim bin Abu Seman inherited both the title and the ownership of the house. Unfortunately Penghulu Ibrahim had no son to succeed him and the house was eventually left vacant.

The house was dismantled and brought over and restored in its present location in 1997 by the Badan Warisan Malaysia (Heritage of Malaysia Trust). The house exemplifies a typical traditional house of a Malay headman. The three main sections of the house includes the balai (hall), rumah ibu (main house) and dapur / ruang makan (kitchen/ dining room).

The restoration was made with as much of the original materials as possible as well as the use of traditional methods and materials wherever feasible. For example, when restoring the wooden features of the house as much as possible of the original timber was salvaged and reused. Given the level of damage to flooring, walls, ceilings and fascia boards however, the introduction of new seasoned timber proved to be necessary at times. But any new elements were remodeled in the same form as those damaged and in accordance with the building’s original design. The new wood is distinguishable from the old except on the exterior, where an effort was made to darken the new wood to reduce the stark contrast between old and new and improve the building’s appearance.

Traditional wood working tools were used wherever possible, only using electrical tools when necessary. The types of wood used for the structural components were cengal and balau. Red meranti was used for non-structural elements. When all the construction work was completed, the entire house was oiled to preserve and protect the wood. In regards to the roofing, the original type of clay tiles, salvaged from other old buildings were used.

Because most of the original brick and cement footings were damaged, concrete footings based on the original design were used as a replacement. In addition, due to the high content of moisture of the new site, concrete pads were inserted under the footings to prevent any possibility of the house sinking.
 

Furnished to reflect a house in the early thirties, it is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings reflecting the skill of the Malay craftsmen.

A historic structure that illustrates the beauty of vernacular Malay architecture, the building now features exhibits for the public which illustrate the traditional Malay culture and lifestyle.

In the garden is a bamboo hut built by Orang Asli of the Temiar community

 

TIP - Best way to visit is to take a City Tour

DESTINATIONS & SIGHTS - WITHIN DOWNTOWN KL
Chinatown / Central Market / Jamek Mosque / Sri Mahamariamman Temple / Thean Hou Temple /
Twin Towers / KL Tower / Merdeka Square / King's Palace / Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman

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