The Hang Tuah Centre is a lavish museum and tourism complex located at Kampung Duyong, Melaka that is dedicated to the famous Malay hero Hang Tuah.
The Centre explains at some length the history, legend and myths surrounding Hang Tuah by using a range of modern museum techniques like videos, models and interactive displays to keep you entertained.
No expense has been spared in creating this sizeable tourist attraction in the traditional Melaka architectural style.
Apart from the main centre there are five houses named after each of the five warriors. These contain displays such as martial arts and silat items, a kris exhibition and arts & crafts.
There is also a field and a viewing pavilion for silat, an auditorium and a food court.
Who was Hang Tuah?
• He lived in the 1500s.
• His parents were Dang Merdu Wati and Hang Mahmud from Sungai Duyung.
• He is said to have been fluent in 12 languages including Tamil, Thai, Chinese and Javanese.
• As a boy he had to chop wood for his father’s food stall.
• He studied Malay martial arts along with his friends Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu.
• He saved the Bendahara (chief minister) from a man who had run amok and was intent on killing the Bendahara.
• The Sultan of Melaka installed Hang Tuah and his four friends as personal bodyguards.
•. Hang Tuah was awarded a kris (special curved dagger) by the Sultan and bestowed the title of Laksamana (Admiral).
Did Hang Tuah really exist?
• The majority of scholars and historians agree that he probably did exist and is not a myth.
• He has a grave at Tanjung Kling, Melaka, although some claim he is buried in Palembang, Sumatra.
Perhaps like England’s Robin Hood, he is based on a true-life figure but his adventures and exploits have been embellished over the centuries.
In Kampung Duyong there is a well believed to have been built by Hang Tuah. This well never runs dry even during the long dry season. Next to the well is a Cultural Centre.
You can also visit a traditional Malay house for a fee, and there are food stalls and souvenir shops.
Nearby is a batik weaving centre which opens from 10am to 7pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. Cultural dance performances are staged at 11.30am, 3pm and 5pm.
Hang Tuah Centre
Duyong, Melaka
75460, Malaysia
Tel: 06-282 6526
GPS: 2.199512, 102.298448
Operating Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Closed between 12.45pm to 2.45pm on Fridays for prayer break.
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.
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