Located along the north-western coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is a collection of 99 idyllic islands in the Malaysian state of Kedah. Not to be outdone by the islands’ breathtaking coastline which is home to many luxury Beach Resorts Langkawi, Galeria Perdana is rapidly gaining recognition as a must-visit Langkawi landmark.
Situated in a sprawling 5.3 square kilometre park in Kilim Village, a short drive from The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Galeria Perdana sits in the former official residence of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, who envisioned the establishment of a museum to house the numerous accolades he received in his 22 tenure as Malaysia’s Prime Minister. Opened in 1995, Galeria Sri Perdana houses numerous awards, souvenirs and gifts received by the former Prime Minister and his wife from locals, statesman and foreign dignitaries. The Museum’s vast collection of exhibits is housed in three interconnected two-storey buildings inspired by traditional Malaysian and French architecture.
After exploring the beautiful landscaped gardens and admiring the 3 meter-tall leopard stone sculpture, ‘Window of Opportunity’ at the entrance, a purchase of a ticket allows visitors to stroll through the Museum which welcomes visitors daily to admire its exhibits where only 2,500 of the total 9,000 is displayed at a given period offering a unique perspective for a returning visitor. Of the three main viewing galleries the first gallery houses wood, lacquer, crystal and glass items along with Islamic-inspired textiles and paintings, gemstones and musical instruments. There is a gallery dedicated to the gifts received by Dr Mahathir’s wife alongside galleries that display original artwork, jewellery, cars and bicycles. Admire the Formula One racing car from the Malaysian Grande Prix displayed under a canopy of Islamic motif hand-painted ceiling. Among Dr Mahathir’s gift collection, visitors can catch glimpses of his life in his former residence in the Conference Room, Banquet Hall, Reading Room, numerous bedrooms, kitchens and laundry room where, like in the other exhibition galleries, footnotes explain their significance. Meanwhile, outside, the Museum’s camera restrictions prompt visitors to purchase memorabilia from the Souvenir shop.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
