Discover Merlimau: Wells, Architecture and History

Merlimau brings together three distinct historical themes: the traditions surrounding Perigi Portugis, the architecture of Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani and the story of Tun Teja at Makam Tun Teja. The well and the makam are located in Kampung Pengkalan Samak, while the house stands in Pekan Merlimau. The cultural points of interest thus range from the well's role in everyday life in the past to a clearly described house layout and an information board about one person's story. If you are travelling with children, these differences can prompt conversation: What was the well used for? How is the house laid out? And what story does the board tell?

Perigi Portugis: Traditions and Cultural Heritage

According to historical records, Perigi Portugis is said to have been built by Portuguese soldiers who once stood guard during a conflict with the Bugis. The well is said to have provided drinking water for the soldiers stationed there. Reports also say they used the water for daily needs and to bathe their horses. The attribution of the building material is also presented with caution: the well is said to have been built from laterite stone.

Perigi Portugis is registered as cultural heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) and is managed by Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM). The restoration of the well was completed in November 2023. Historical accounts of conflict and water supply sit alongside its official designation as cultural heritage. This makes it possible to connect the well both with a Portuguese tradition and with the practical purposes it is said to have served for the soldiers stationed there.

Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani: Construction and Rooms

Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani, a house built without nails, stands in Pekan Merlimau. Demang Abdul Ghani bin Penghulu Abdul Majid, a wealthy man from Palembang, had it built in 1831. Its construction, date and builder give the house a distinct historical profile. For travellers interested in architecture, the combination of a distinctive craft feature and a named builder offers a fascinating way to explore the area's history.

The house has six main rooms: Anjung, Serambi, Rumah Ibu, a bedroom, Rumah Tengah and a kitchen. There is also an attic reserved for women's use. This layout makes the structure of the house tangible through specific room names; at the same time, its architectural theme differs clearly from the history of the well. PERZIM took over the house in 2011 and turned it into Galeri Demang Abdul Ghani.

Makam Tun Teja: History and Remembrance

Visitors can take commemorative photos at Makam Tun Teja in Kampung Pengkalan Samak. An information board tells them about the story of Tun Teja. The focus here is therefore on the story of a person as presented to visitors—a different approach from the architectural history of Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani or the traditions surrounding Perigi Portugis.

Choosing Merlimau for Your Cultural Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Merlimau, your cultural interests can help guide your holiday plans. If you are especially interested in historical traditions, Perigi Portugis tells a story of soldiers, water supply and well construction. If your focus is more on architecture, Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani offers specific details about its construction and room layout. At Makam Tun Teja, the information board and the story of Tun Teja take centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Tanjung Kling, Alor Gajah, Sungai Udang, Masjid Tanah, Klebang Besar, Bukit Rambai, Durian Tunggal, Sungai Rambai

For the broader travel overview: Malacca.