By Ricky Fernandez
MELAKA, Malaysia – Everyone under the sun has heard of the Universal Studios theme park locations in Singapore, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing and Orlando. Yet, so few tourists have experienced, let alone heard of Malaysia’s unique spin on Universal Studios.
While Universal Studios showcases rides based on Jurassic World, Shrek, Despicable Me and Transformers, Malaysia Heritage Studios (MHS) features Malaysian mythological creatures and 13 traditional stilt houses, each representing the cultural significance of Malaysia’s 13 states.
Malaysia Heritage Studios is located in Melaka, the host region of the International Culture & Arts Festival 2024 and the World Tourism Day 2025.
A 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka is positioning itself as a heritage tourism and entertainment hub. The region also boasts the historic Dutch Square, the bustling Jonker Street Night Market and endless authentic Peranakan, Portuguese and Malay food.
Among the 13 houses at MHS is one representing Melaka itself. The “Golden Age of Melaka” exhibition features 3D models of 1400AD Malay men in traditional outfits, as well as thick jungle and wildlife. Entering a second room, you find a massive display playing an animated history of Melaka.
Another favourite house among visitors is the Kesha House, nicknamed “House of Cultural Belief.” The room portrays a rice paddy lit up by thousands of rice plant-shaped lamps and a swing visitors can use for Instagrammable photos.
In the second room you find dozens of colourful lamps hanging from the sealing representing Chinese Lanterns and Diwali Lights, an ode to the beliefs of two cultural groups that make up a significant percentage of Malaysia’s population.
Right at the centre of the park is a mythological maze with animatronic creatures from Malaysian folklore. For example, The ‘garuda’ (an eagle) and the ‘jentayu’ (a water-element bird resembling a peacock).
After touring the park, sit down and enjoy a cultural dance performance in the theme park’s very own theatre or head right outside the entrance for a quick bite of Malaysian food.
