Merlimau: Well, House and Makam

In Merlimau, you can explore three distinct aspects of cultural history: the traditional account of Perigi Portugis in Kampung Pengkalan Samak, Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani in Pekan Merlimau, and the story of Tun Teja at Makam Tun Teja, also in Kampung Pengkalan Samak. The details range from a historical attribution to construction methods, room layout and an information board.

Perigi Portugis: Tradition and Cultural Heritage

According to traditional accounts, the well is said to have been built by Portuguese soldiers who once stood guard during a conflict with the Bugis. Its former use is also reported with some qualification: the well is said to have served as a source of drinking water for the soldiers stationed there. Its water was also reportedly used for daily needs and to bathe their horses.

Perigi Portugis is said to have been built from laterite stone. It is registered as a cultural heritage site under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) and is managed by Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM). Restoration work on the well was completed in November 2023. Its historical attribution, reported use and heritage status give you different points of reference for understanding the site.

Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani: Construction and Room Layout

Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani in Pekan Merlimau was built in 1831 by Demang Abdul Ghani bin Penghulu Abdul Majid, a wealthy man from Palembang. The house was built without nails. This means that both the building’s date of construction and a specific feature of its construction are central to its story.

The six main rooms include the Anjung, Serambi, Rumah Ibu, bedroom, Rumah Tengah and kitchen. There is also an attic reserved for women. The named rooms make the house’s layout easy to understand; the attic adds a separate space with a specifically designated use. Those interested in architecture can consider the construction and room arrangement as distinct aspects of the house.

In 2011, Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM) took over the house and turned it into Galeri Demang Abdul Ghani. This added a later institutional chapter to its construction history. If you are planning visits to Perigi Portugis or Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani, please check current access arrangements in advance.

Makam Tun Teja: History and Remembrance

Visitors can take commemorative photos at Makam Tun Teja in Kampung Pengkalan Samak. An information board there provides some background on the story of Tun Teja. Along with the opportunity to capture your visit in photos, it offers a specific point of reference for learning about her story.

The three topics have different points of focus: Perigi Portugis centres on its traditional accounts of origins and use, as well as its heritage status. Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani, by contrast, offers specific details about construction and room layout. At Makam Tun Teja, the focus is on the story of Tun Teja and the remembrance of her there.

Discover more destinations: Melaka, Alor Gajah, Bemban, Masjid Tanah, Bukit Rambai, Klebang Besar, Sungai Udang, Sungai Rambai

For the broader travel overview: Malacca.