Bujang Valley

Bujang Valley is an archaeological site near Merbok in Kedah state, spreading across a wide area with temple ruins, tools, and other traces of early settlement. The finds are gathered in a museum that gives an overview of the different objects made from stone, metal, and ceramic.

British officers began excavations in the region during the mid 19th century and found evidence of a trading place from the 3rd century. Later work uncovered several temple compounds that point to contacts with India and other seafaring nations.

The name Bujang comes from an old word for bachelor, still used in the region today. Many of the stone temples were built using imported materials, showing the far-reaching trade connections of the people who lived here.

The museum opens daily and displays finds from different excavations in the area. A visit can be combined with a walk to some of the temple ruins nearby, which are accessible by marked paths.

One part of the site contains a clay brick monument dated to the year 110, making it one of the oldest human constructions in Southeast Asia. This finding places the region in an early phase of settlement and building craft.