Laman Padi Langkawi is well- known as Langkawi’s Rice Museum. Also called Muzium Laman Padi (Rice Garden Museum), this charming open-air museum has been teaching visitors about rice farming since 1999! Yes, folks that’s 25 years!
The 13-acre Laman Padi estate is located at the Jalan Pantai Cenang entry to Pantai Cenang. With a barely there street-side indicator of a public sightseeing hot spot, the corner padi field simply appears as a corner lot of lush green grasses, padi field huts, and colorful scarecrows waving in the wind. But there is much more than meets the passersby’s eye.
Once inside the picturesque compound, an introduction board and charming entry bridge greet visitors. Meander around the grounds and embrace the many Instagrammable opportunities, or step inside the museum and learn all about rice farming.
Laman Padi Museum was originally opened as an exhibition center for local artifacts, charts, photographs and rice planting tools. The museum’s interesting dioramas depict rice cultivation from planting to harvest and a real crowd draw for those curious about Malaysia’s traditional farming methods.
Although weathering the years quite nicely, several upgrades have been made to Laman Padi Langkawi in recent years. A few of the museum’s more realistic display mannequins have been replaced with ‘hay’ sculptures. Faded signboards have also been replaced, both indoors and outdoors.
The museum’s entryway lighting, however, gives an exterior illusion that no one’s around. So, if the museum appears closed, just try the door first before walking away.
Muzium Laman Padi also has an herb garden on site which highlight various medicinal plants and their uses. Many of these plants are still used today, as Langkawi didn’t get its first Pharmacy until 1992, so many folks, to this day, are just plain used to turning to local plants first.
A variety of activity packages are now available, including the opportunity to plant rice and learn firsthand how labor intensive growing this crop can be. The museum grounds occasionally double as an event venue too, so keep your eyes peeled for future event announcements, as they are always a good time.
Langkawi’s home state of Kedah is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia‘, so it’s no surprise that rice would be cultivated on the island as well. Throughout Langkawi, padi fields dot the land side by side with 5 star hotels, guest houses and new housing, giving a visual sign of hope that the island itself will not fall prey to eventual mass development. As it is, a 10% rule is in place by the powers that be that only 10% of various padi land can be developed annually.
Hopefully, Muzium Laman Padi Langkawi will continue for many years to come as a highlight of local culture, and not eventually become a memorial of the traditions of the past. Rice farming is one of the many things that make the island unique, as you will be hard pressed to find another island in Peninsula Malaysia with such a strong foothold in traditional agriculture. A visit to Muzium Laman Padi Langkawi is more than just a tourist hot spot, it’s a cultural introduction. Open: Daily 9am-5pm Museum entry is ‘usually’ free
Laman Padi Langkawi
Jalan Pantai Cenang, Pantai Cenang
Open daily: 9:00am until 5:00pm
Tel: +604-955-1118/ 04-955 4312
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