4 Archaeological Tourism Sites in Northern Malaysia

Malaysia is rich with archaeological treasures that unearth layers of historic and culture. From the ancient trade hub of Bujang Valley to the prehistoric settlements of Lenggong Valley, these sites tell the stories of civilizations that have shaped Southeast Asia.

Though often overlooked as travel destinations, these hidden gems are set to gain more attention with the ongoing initiatives to boost archaeological tourism in Northern Malaysia. Initiatives like the NCIA Archaeotourism Link, in collaboration with the Center for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR), aim to enhance the visibility of these sites and attract visitors from around the world.

Here are the key archaeological sites in Malaysia that you should know. 

1. Bujang Valley, Kedah

Bujang Valley, or Lembah Bujang, is a sprawling archaeological site and hidden gem tucked in Kedah, the northern state of Malaysia. At first glance, you can hardly tell that it was once a powerful trading empire that flourished from the 3rd to 7th century. Dotted across the historical complex are several candi, which are ancient pagoda structures with Buddhist and Hindu influences. 

In 2024, a 1,200-year-old Buddha statue and stupa was discovered at Bukit Choras, believed to predate the relics found in Borobudor temple in Indonesia, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 

If you are a history or archaeology buff, Bujang Valley is worth checking out to gain insights into these fascinating discoveries. Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum is where you can find interesting relics and several candis. There is also a sunken jetty which tells a forgotten tale of its role as a global trading centre. Off the archaeological route, there are other local attractions like the Merbok River and the small town of Semeling.

Not sure where to go while you're there? Explore and experience the ancient kingdom before your visit with our 360° Virtual Guidebook of Bujang Valley.

Click to Explore 360° Virtual Guidebook of Bujang Valley: Asia's Ancient Kingdom

2. Sungai Batu Archaeological Site, Kedah

Sungai Batu is a archaeological site of roughly 1,000 squre kilometres, tucked within the historical Bujang Valley. The remnants at Sungai Batu reveal an ancient multicultural port with 12 jetties, an iron smelting centre and religious centre. Once is also thought to be the oldest civilisation in Southeast Asia

Brick monuments, mysterious ceremonial sites, and an intricate network of waterways show traces of the early civilisation's technological and cultural advancement. Most significantly, 17 smelting sites and iron residues have been uncovered, which show their proficiency in iron smelting. 

Click to Explore 360° Virtual Guidebook of Bujang Valley: Asia's Ancient Kingdom

3. Lenggong Valley, Perak

Lenggong Valley, or Lembah Lenggong, is a lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the state of Perak, Malaysia. Rich with prehistoric treasures, Lenggong Valley is often called an open-air museum with its caves and archaeological sites. The most important discoveries here by far is the Perak Man, the oldest and most well-preserved human skeleton in Southeast Asia. From stone tools to pottery and human burial sites, the discoveries in the Lenggong Valley archaeological site show evidence of Paleolithic human habitation, making it one of the most historically significant site in Southeast Asia.

Visitors can find many prehistoric exhibitions such as skeletal remains, ancient stone tools, pottery, volcanic ash, and rare meteorite minerals at the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Museum in Kota Tampan. There is also the Galeri Lenggong Geopark, where visitors can find artefacts and displays on the historical and natural heritage of Lenggong Geopark. 

Surrounded by lush landscapes and serene lakes, Lenggong is also where nature has flourished over its deep-rooted past, growing from the ancient history beneath. It is worth a visit just to relax in a local homestay, take a boat ride, meet local fishermen, or stroll in the old town looking for local delights. 

Click to Explore 360° Virtual Guidebook of Bujang Valley: Asia's Ancient Kingdom

4. Guar Kepah, Penang

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Guar Kepah is an archaeological site discovered in the northern coast of Seberang Perai in Penang. It rose to prominence in 2017 upon the excavation of the Penang Women, the first and only Neolithic female skeleton found in a shell midden in Malaysia. The ancient tools and shell middens (kitchen debris that contain shells and other food remains) highlight the significance of Guar Kepah as an early human settlement and burial site. 

The Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery is set to accommodate the Penang Woman and 41 artefacts that were excavated by the British between 1851 and 1934. The latter will be repartriated from the National Natuurhistorisch Museum in Netherlands.

Virtual Tours for Archaeological Tourism by Actsugi

With the advent of virtual tour technology, exploring ancient sites has never been more accessible and engaging. At Actsugi, we craft immersive 360° virtual tours for travel destinations across Malaysia. Our collaboration with Think City resulted in the virtual guidebooks for Bujang Valley and Lenggong Valley, which curate the sights and stories of these archaeological wonders. 

Each guidebook comes with 11-22K 360° photography, storytelling features, well-researched content and user-friendly layouts that can be viewed on web, mobile and VR headsets. Through virtual tours, visitors from around the world can experience and learn about the country's captivating history before they step foot into Malaysia. 

Get in touch to create a virtual tour to boost a historical, cultural or archaeological landmark.