Malaysia — Muzium Bugis, Pontian Besar, Johor, Malaysia

A showcase of the history and culture of the Bugis people

May 2015

I spotted the Muzium Bugis after I had left the Pineapple Museum.

The museum was tucked away down a little road, at the end of which was not only the museum but also a small café, quite a pleasant little stretch of coastline, and a lovely playground for children. Quite a find.

The museum was described as: "A labor of love by a descendant of the Bugis royalty, this museum in nearby Pontian showcases the history and culture of the Bugis people. At the entrance, you will be greeted by an array of musical instruments, grinding stones, earthen and metal pots and pans. The rustic kampong-style house displays more relics of the past, including cannons, swords and impressive trays of coins. There are also replicated photographs of Boyanese people from the islands between Java and Sumatra."

The museum was entry by donation, and I had to remove my shoes. Sadly, parts of the museum were closed for refitting, and it didn’t look like they would be reopening any time soon.

The curator followed me around the museum, pointing out things that might interest me, particularly stuff from the UK.

The place was not so much a museum but a collection of odds and ends and nic-nacs.