Latest Event Updates
Welcome to the official website of Badan Warisan Malaysia!
Welcome to the official website of Badan Warisan Malaysia!
Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) 198301009532 (104789-A) is the leading national heritage NGO established in 1983, as an independent registered charity. BWM works to raise awareness of heritage issues and advocate for a conservation-friendly environment in Malaysia.
In this website, you will see updates on membership, events, news, volunteer opportunities, photos, and the fun and exciting activities we have planned for the months ahead.
More information is available from the menu or navigation bar.
Alternatively, explore by clicking on any of the buttons below or scroll down for the latest post updates on this webpage.
EXPLORE BY CLICKING THE BUTTONS BELOW
Exhibition Space @ No. 2 Stonor
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Great news for any artists/artisans/illustrators who are looking for a space to exhibit your artworks!
The newly renovated space within our heritage Centre is located in a prime area of the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, with a large parking area, and is just a 2-minute walk from the MRT Conlay Station.
Kindly submit your proposal to heritage@badanwarisan.org.my or contact us for more details.
360° Virtual Tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
Behind the scenes: the video shooting for the Rumah Penghulu Virtual Tour.
Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is proud to launch the 360° Virtual Tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, made possible by funding from Yayasan Sime Darby. We are very grateful for this kind support that enabled us to document and preserve our Heritage Asset as well as share this lovely traditional timber Malay house with people from all walks of life around Malaysia and the world.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ekuiti Nasional Berhad for sponsoring the restoration and repair programme of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman for the year 2022.
The virtual tour project began in early June this year and was completed in early December 2022. We aim to engage with our potential future visitors – both local and international – by bringing part of the traditional Malay house’s vernacular architectural and cultural experience into the comfort of their home, digitally. The virtual tour will allow visitors to experience a self-guided tour of our Rumah Penghulu and access information on selected display items.
With the official launch of this virtual tour, we hope to educate on items of architectural and cultural significance, the importance of a traditional Malay house as well as increase awareness and appreciation for Malaysian heritage.
Click to the link HERE to experience the virtual tour of the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman.
Click HERE to watch a video of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, located at Badan Warisan Malaysia’s headquarters at No. 2 Jalan Stonor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Please check our website for visiting hours.
Virtual Tour Tips
- There are two (2) language options – English and Bahasa Malaysia – for the tour narration. You may choose the language at the start of the tour.
- Click on the white arrow to navigate around the house and move your cursor around to explore the 360° views of the house and each section.
- Look for the ‘i’ icon in red for more information on selected display items.
A Taste of Tradition (Tour of Rumah Penghulu + Lunch Deal at OpenHouse)
Discover a different side of Kuala Lumpur at Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman.
In conjunction with KL Festival 2026, join a guided tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, where you’ll uncover the stories, design, and cultural richness behind this beautiful heritage home. Make it a full experience with a heritage lunch set at OpenHouse Kuala Lumpur at a special festival price of RM59 (usual RM79)!
Collect a Heritage lunch set voucher* on the day of your guided tour at the Badan Warisan Heritage Centre.
*Voucher is valid for redemption at Open House from 6 – 30 May 2026.
Kuala Lumpur – Past, Present and Future by Ar. Azim A. Aziz
Kuala Lumpur stands today as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities, yet its origins lie in a quiet river confluence deep within the tropical rainforest of the 1830s. Join us for a special session with Ar. Azim A. Aziz, a passionate architect, lifelong learner, and creative writer, as he shares insightful perspectives on the city’s past, present, and future.
Admission is free; however, this session is now fully booked – we thank you for the incredible response. A limited number of walk-in seats is subject to availability.
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
Ar. Azim A. Aziz will explore the evolution of Kuala Lumpur, from its early beginnings shaped by geography and pioneers such as Sutan Puasa, to its transformation into a sprawling metropolitan region. He will also share thoughts on how the city can continue to grow sustainably while preserving its heritage and identity.
Muddy Waters: The Lost Sungai Lumpur by Dr. Lim Teckwyn & Peter Leong
Kuala Lumpur’s name is often translated as “muddy confluence” of the Klang and Gombak rivers, but could it come from a forgotten “Sungai Lumpur”? Join Dr. Lim Teckwyn and Peter Leong as they uncover the hidden story behind the city’s origins.
Admission is free; however, this session is now fully booked – we thank you for the incredible response. A limited number of walk-in seats is subject to availability.
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
Dr. Lim Teckwyn runs Resource Stewardship Consultants Sdn Bhd and is an Honorary Professor in Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. He is also affiliated with the Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies at University of Malaya. His work focuses on the relationships between people and nature, particularly how landscapes, ecosystems, and indigenous knowledge systems intersect.
Peter Leong is a chemical engineer who held various roles in the petroleum industry before turning his focus toward environmental conservation, as well as civil and land rights. An avid hiking, orienteering, and mapping enthusiast, he studies trail and roadway histories, combining field exploration with historical research.
Together, they will present evidence suggesting that Kuala Lumpur may have been named after a now-hidden “Sungai Lumpur” (Mud River). Drawing on historical records, maps, and toponymic research, they will explore how this once-visible stream, later renamed Treacher Valley Stream, can reshape our understanding of the city’s indigenous and ecological heritage.
Thamboosamy Pillai – Administrator, Capitalist & Philantropist by Dr. Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja
Thamboosamy Pillai was a key figure in the early development of Kuala Lumpur, known for his roles as an administrator, capitalist, and philanthropist. Join us for a special session with Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja, a retired professor and former Head of the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Malaya, as he shares insights into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure.
Admission is free; however, this session is now fully booked – we thank you for the incredible response. A limited number of walk-in seats is subject to availability.
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja will explore how Thamboosamy Pillai earned respect among British administrators and diverse communities, including European elites, Malay aristocrats, Chinese capitalists, and Indians across social classes, shaping the early growth and multicultural fabric of Kuala Lumpur.
The Life and Legacy of Yap Ah Loy by Glenn Yap
Yap Ah Loy, the 3rd Kapitan China of Kuala Lumpur, was among the most significant individuals who enabled Kuala Lumpur to become the capital of the Federated Malay States and eventually Malaya. Join us for a special session with Glenn Yap, as he shares fascinating insights about his beloved and formidable ancestor.
Admission is free. Click HERE to register.
Venue: Kong Choi Exhibition Room, 1st floor, KLSCAH, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur (nearest Monorail: Maharajalela)
Glenn Yap, the double-great grandson of Yap Ah Loy, will share stories of the Kapitan’s pivotal role in shaping Kuala Lumpur, including rebuilding it from its ruins.
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Muara Bustak a.k.a Kuala Lumpur by Dato’ Ar. Hajeedar Abdul Majid
Do join us for a fascinating talk on early Malay settlements in Kuala Lumpur, in particular Muara Bustak which was the original name of Kuala Lumpur among the Mandailing community. The talk will be delivered by Dato’ Ar (Dr) Hajeedar Abdul Majid.
Admission is free. Click HERE to register.
Venue: Workplace at The River (W@TR), Level 1, Wisma Maran, 28 Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)
This talk will explore a historical insight on the humble origin of indigenous human settlements at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Kelang in Selangor, known as ‘Muara Bustak’ by the Mandailing community of the 1800s.
It narrates the natural evolution of various communities, including displacements as spurred by intense social, trading and economic activities over the last 200 years which have developed into the modern Kuala Lumpur as we now recognize in this 21st Century.
Kuala Lumpur in its current global and multi cultural ethnic form, is a classic and unique evidence of humanistic values, achievements and quality of life built on mutual respect, tolerance and co-existence with nature. The total environment therefore embodies a distinct Malaysian character, Identity and Heritage Values worthy of understanding, tolerance, sustaining and preservation for the future generations.
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KL Trails & Tales: Selected stories on Kuala Lumpur’s forgotten memories by Mariana Isa & Maganjeet Kaur
We kick-off our series on the early history of our city with a fascinating talk on old Kuala Lumpur by Mariana Isa and Maganjeet Kaur. We look forward to seeing you at the talk!
Admission is free. Click HERE to register.
Venue: Workplace at The River (W@TR), Level 1, Wisma Maran, 28 Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)
This talk shares selected stories uncovered while developing the narratives for KL DULU: Jejak Warisan Kuala Lumpur under Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. Through walking the city, researching its streets, and revisiting familiar landmarks, the session brings together some forgotten memories of Kuala Lumpur’s buildings, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. It offers a journey through stories discovered along the way — some hidden in archives, some found on the ground, and others revealed through walking, observing, and asking new questions about the city.
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The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A special talk series on the early history of our city
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In conjunction with KL Festival, Badan Warisan Malaysia is hosting a series of talks on Kuala Lumpur history throughout the month of May 2026. Do check out our full line of talks by eminent speakers and we look forward to seeing you there!
Admission is free. Click HERE to register.
Venues:
- Wisma Maran – Workplace at The River (W@TR), Level 1, Wisma Maran, 28 Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)
- KLSCAH – Kong Choi Exhibition Room, 1st floor, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur (nearest Monorail: Maharajalela)
- Rumah Tangsi – Mayor’s Courtyard, No. 11 Jalan Tangsi, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)
- Badan Warisan Malaysia – 2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
STAFF MOVEMENT
We are writing to share that Ms. Vanessa Loong will be leaving Badan Warisan Malaysia as General Manager after 6 years with Badan Warisan Malaysia. We will be sad to see her leave and are grateful for her immeasurable contributions and dedication to the organization.
We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and know that she will continue to be a friend and supporter of Badan Warisan Malaysia.
We are pleased to announce that Ms. Rosmiza Rosli will be stepping into the role of Senior Manager effective 1 May 2026. We are confident she will continue to bring great value to our team, along with Nur Syuhada, Nurul Aina and Maisuri.
Please join me in wishing Vanessa well and welcoming Rosmiza to her new role.
LIM WEI-LING
President
The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A special talk series on the early history of our city
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In conjunction with KL Festival from 6 to 31 May 2026, Badan Warisan Malaysia will be presenting a series of history talks on ‘The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur’. Please follow us for more updates and the full programme. Information will also be available in our website, badanwarisanmalaysia.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
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