Orang Asli Crafts Museum

Orang Asli literally translates to ‘Indigenous People’ and refers collectively to the original inhabitants of the Malay Peninsula, that is, before the arrival of present-day Malays. The three major aboriginal groups viz., Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay together number around two hundred thousand (200,000), accounting for about a percent of the country’s population. They are characterised by their beliefs in spirits and animism. These expert hunters and fishermen are also well known for their skills in making crafts out of wood and other material. The Orang Asli Crafts Museum celebrates their creations.
The carved artifacts depict ethnic lifestyle with items ranging from masks, fishing equipment, to weaving products. Observe the central role of blowpipes in hunting or the nose-flute as a unique musical instrument. Get set to know Malaysia’s hidden treasures through a mix of crafts, pictures and audio-visual clips.

Tips: Club this site along with your visit to the next-door National Museum (Museum Negara) that features on the popular Hop-on-Hop-off buses operated in Kuala Lumpur. The museum charges RM 5 as admissions fee and is open between 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily, except on the first days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Plan about 30‒60 minutes to explore this site.