Galeria Perdana is a museum displaying gifts and awards presented to former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir and his wife, Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Opened in 1995, it is set a little further down the road from the Langkawi Bird Paradise in Mukim Air Hangat, approximately 11km from Kuah. Porcelain, crystal, silver, textile and copper pieces as well as weapons, plaques, musical instruments, Islamic art and paintings are all on display at the Galeria Perdana. Spread across 5,333sqm of beautifully landscaped gardens, the museum is housed in three interconnected two-storey, oriental-style buildings.

Structure of Langkawi Galeria Perdana

One of the island’s best kept attractions, the Galeria Perdana has over 2,500 exhibits on display and an intricately hand-painted ceiling. It is divided into different sections; the first section is the Wood Carving Room: a gallery that showcases exquisite Malay wooden architecture. Meanwhile, the Reading Room has an array of reference material and there is a section with a collection of automobiles including F1 racing cars on display. Lastly, the outdoor Green House has a variety of plants under controlled temperature.

 The gifts displayed here were presented to the former prime minister from world leaders, statesmen as well as Malaysians during his tenure as leader of Malaysia. The accompanying descriptions attached to each exhibit are especially interesting. Originally named the Sri Perdana Gallery, it’s a great stopover before heading to the Durian Perangin Waterfalls; photography is not allowed inside the museum.