Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, Kuala Lumpur

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, Kuala Lumpur (8 July, 2016)

B. Melayu

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman (GPS: 3.15028, 101.71644) is a restored traditional Malay house. It was built in stages, from 1916 to the early 1930s, and was located in the village of Kampung Sungai Kechil, in Daerah Bandar Baharu in Kedah. Its namesake, Abu Seman bin Nayan, was the headman of Mukim Bagan Semak there. The core part of the house was originally built in 1916. After Abu Seman bought it in 1924, he moved it to his kampung, and in the 1930s expanded on it by adding annexes.

Members of the heritage organisation Badan Warisan Malaysia learned about this house and put in an effort to save it. Between 1996 and 1997, the house was dismantled and relocated again, this time to the grounds of Badan Warisan Malaysia on Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur. There it was restored and reconstructed as faithfully as possible, to its original design.

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is a beautiful house. It is similar to Rumah Seri Banai and Rumah Tok Su in Alor Setar. The eaves, balustrades and railings bear intricate carvings that reflect the talent of Malay craftsman. Today visitors can be taken on guided tours of the house. Tours are by donation of a minimum of RM10 per person, and are available Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tours are not available on Sundays and public holidays.