TripAdvisor Showcases Travellers’ Choice Museums
Kuala Lumpur, 17 September 2014 – TripAdvisor™, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced its Traveller’s Choice™ awards for Museums around the globe. The top 25 in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Europe, South America, South Pacific, the U.K., the U.S. and Malaysia were identified.
“Some of the world’s most significant cultural institutions are represented within the Travellers’ Choice Museums thanks to the feedback shared by millions of travellers around the world,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Featuring some of the world’s finest art, scientific discoveries and historical events, these world-class attractions offer both educational and enriching experiences.”
Travellers’ Choice awards honour top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Museums in Malaysia
1. Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur (1,112 review)
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than seven thousand artefacts and an exceptional library of Islamic-art books, ranging from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The Islamic Arts Museum is extremely good for those who are trying to learn about Islam, and its history, and also generally for tourists. It is extremely well laid out, and informative. I was especially taken aback by all the artefacts that were displayed there. A must go for anyone in KL.”
2. Pinang Peranakan Museum, Georgetown (905 reviews)
The Peranakans were a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore). Built at the end of the 19th century, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion depicts a typical home of a rich Baba to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions, with over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display. “Such a sense of history, you can imagine what it would have been like to live there. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in Peranakan history,” noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.
3. Baba & Nyonya House Museum, Melaka (475 reviews)
Located in Melaka, a World UNESCO site, the Baba & Nyonya House Museum is a combination of three terrace lots that were acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations lived in the house before it was opened as a museum in March 1985. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Very good experience. Guided tour is very interesting and informative. Guests’ reception is exceptional. It helps to understand better the history of Malacca and Malaysia.”
4. Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre, Kuala Lumpur (683 reviews)
Founded in 1885, Royal Selangor is the world’s foremost name in quality pewter, a brand synonymous with design and craftsmanship. The Visitor Centre takes you back over a hundred years to the founding of Royal Selangor and its inextricable link with the history of Malaysia. “I can’t praise this attraction enough. We caught a free shuttle from our hotel and had an enormously interesting tour around the factory, learning about the history of Selangor Pewter and pewter itself,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
5. Khoo Kongsi, Georgetown (447 reviews)
Khoo Kongsi, a clanhouse built by the early Khoo clanmen more than 100 years ago, stands proud as a symbol of tradition, culture and values. Founded by Hokkien immigrant workers who came to Penang to seek greater fortune, the clanhouse was set up promote clan solidarity and to foster Confucian core values such as filial piety and respect for the elders. Inside the clanhouse, elaborate murals and carvings tell of a rich history. “Most interesting place we visited in Penang. Exquisite and elaborate details and decorations kept the whole family captivated for hours,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.
6. Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur (438 reviews)
Visitors to Petrosains will be able to learn about Malaysia’s rich resources and appreciate the resourcefulness and pioneering spirit of its people. “Our family enjoyed this museum so much we went back twice in one week. They have something for everyone. There are mini science shows throughout the museum and tons of hands on activities for the whole family,” noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.
7. Chinese Museum, Kuching (138 reviews)
Formerly the headquarters of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sarawak, the Chinese Museum now houses many artefacts and contains many memorabilia of the Chinese community in Sarawak. “One of the must do in Kuching. The museum provides information on the migration routes from the various regions of China to Sarawak, geographical distribution and the various clans and dialects of the Chinese community in Sarawak.”
8. Time Tunnel Museum, Cameron Highlights (111 Reviews)
Located in Brinchang, the Time Tunnel museum occupies a basement within the Kok Lim Strawberry Farm. It is a local museum dedicated to preserving the historical memory and cultural heritage of Cameron Highlands. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “Great place to review the past. Relaxing and certainly worth the money. A lot of things from the past will make you feel like you wouldn’t want to leave the place.”
9. Sarawak Museum, Kuching, Sarawak (280 reviews)
Sarawak Museum was established by Charles Brooke, a former Rajah of Sarawak from 1868 to 1917, and now houses collections on the natural history of Sarawak, maintaining the indigenous pride, identity and tradition of the Sarawakians. “There is simply no reason not to go to Sarawak museum when you are in Kuching. It is free and interesting! On the ground floor you will gain insight in the wildlife of Sarawak, while upstairs you find information on the traditions of the tribes,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
10. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, Georgetown, Penang (90 reviews)
Established in 1821, the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery houses national and state treasures that include a collection of Baba Nyonya porcelain, furniture, jewellery and costumes. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “We loved this museum and in particular the displays celebrating the different ethnic groups and their ways of life and how they have together produced the Penang we see today.”
Top 10 Museums – Asia
1. The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Shaanxi, China (4,857 reviews)
2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2,916 reviews)
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima, Japan (1,348 reviews)
4. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi, Vietnam (1,743 reviews)
5. Hellfire Pass Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand (678 reviews)
6. Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hanoi, Vietnam (1,329 reviews)
7. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, China (1,363 reviews)
8. Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong, China (1,190 reviews)
9. Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore (849 reviews)
10. Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1,112 reviews)
Top 10 Museums – World
1. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois(6,472 reviews)
2. National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia), Mexico City, Mexico (3,866 reviews)
3. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia (5,788 reviews)
4. The Getty Center, Los Angeles, California(4,441 reviews)
5. Galleria dell’Accademia/Statue of David, Florence, Italy (9,973 reviews)
6. Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France (20,260 reviews)
7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York (14,882 reviews)
8. The Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece(6,546 reviews)
9. Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain (11,935 reviews)
10. Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Jerusalem, Israel (2,546 reviews)
For the complete list of the 509 winners from the 2014 Travellers’ Choice Museums, as well as reviews and candid traveller photos, go to:
http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/TravellersChoice-Attractions-cMuseums.
To see the best hotels for luxury, bargain and more, as honoured in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels, go to: www.tripadvisor.com.my/TravellersChoice-Hotels.
About The Author
Juhan Kamaruddin has spent years sharing and editing stories that inspire people to explore the world with greater curiosity and purpose. Passionate about travel, culture, and meaningful connections, he works closely with tourism stakeholders, media partners, and industry leaders to showcase the best of Malaysia and beyond through storytelling, strategic content, and collaborative partnerships.
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