Just 2km north of Merbok Village, beside the Bujang River, you will find the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum which displays artifacts including pottery shards, ceramics and stoneware which dates back 1,500 years. Chinese porcelain, stone carvings, Indian tridents and gemstones from the Middle East are also among the objects displayed here.

The artefacts exhibited here are the results of years of archaeological diggings and surveys carried out since 1845. Some 1,000 of these artefacts are exhibited in the museum while another 2,500 artefacts are still being studied. The artefacts exhibited indicate that from the 4th Century AD up till the 14 Century AD, Bujang Valley was the oldest centre of international and entrepot trade for Malaysia. The numerous artefacts uncovered in the Bujang Valley -celedon, porcelain, stoneware, clay, pottery, fragments of glass, beads and Persian ceramics - are the prove that support the observation.

The Bujang River, Muda River and Merbok River, as well as Gunung Jerai (Kedah Peak) played important roles in the growth of commerce in the Bujang Valley. Traders from China, India and Arab used Gunung Jerai's 1,380 m high peak as a landmark to guide them into the Bujang Valley ports. Commercial activities in the Bujang Valley also led to the 'Indianisation' of the valley. However, the discovery of certain artefacts in the valley proved that the influence of these imported cultures was not altogether total. These artefacts established that the indigenous races of the Bujang Valley already had an established civilisation of their own.

The most well-known 'exhibit' at the museum is the Candi Bukit Batu Pahat. It is believed to be built in the 17th Century on the summit of the small hill behind the main building. It contains two principal parts - the vimana or sanctuary, and the mandapa or hall. There are also statues of Indian Gods and Goddesses, similar to those uncovered of historical sites in India.

Officially opened in 1980, the museum is surrounded by cool tropical forests and the Batu Pahat Waterfall is an added attraction for those in search of recreation and knowledge. The Lembah Bujang Museum is open daily from 8am through 4.15pm. It closes from noon until 2.45pm on Fridays. For more information, please contact the museum at 604-4572005 or the Tourism Malaysia office at 604-7312322 / 04-7301322 or the State Economic Planning office at 604-7007113.