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Traditional houses in Malaysia showcase climate smart design, natural materials, and rich cultural heritage through features like raised floors and ventilated layouts. In 2026, they remain valued for their unique character, sustainability, and appeal in heritage and niche property markets.
Malaysia is home to a diverse range of architectural styles, shaped by centuries of history, geography, and practical living requirements. Among these, the traditional house in Malaysia stands out as a reflection of local ingenuity and craftsmanship, designed to adapt to tropical climates and local resources. These homes not only served as shelters but were also carefully planned structures that accommodated family life, social interaction, and environmental factors.
Traditional houses in Malaysia continue to capture the imagination of architects, heritage enthusiasts, and homebuyers alike. Understanding the different type of house in Malaysia provides insight into the country’s architectural heritage, while also informing modern property decisions.
In this guide, we explore nine types of traditional houses in Malaysia, offering details on design, construction, and evolution over time.
Why Traditional Homes Are Valuable in Malaysia
Traditional houses in Malaysia are more than architectural landmarks; they are a bridge between the past and present. Understanding their design, construction, and functionality provides insight into the country’s history, climate adaptation, and housing evolution.
These homes offer lessons for modern property buyers and developers:
- Climate-Smart Design – Elevated floors, ventilated layouts, and steep roofs naturally adapt to tropical weather.
- Cultural Significance: Traditional homes reflect historical construction methods, community planning, and artisanal craftsmanship.
- Durability Through Materials – Timber, bamboo, and stone were used for both resilience and resource efficiency.
- Lifestyle & Community Planning – Open verandas and partitioned layouts encouraged social interaction and family cohesion.
- Investment & Heritage Value – Preserved traditional homes attract interest in niche property markets and heritage tourism.
- Sustainability: Use of local timber and natural materials aligns with environmentally conscious building practices.
Understanding a traditional house in Malaysia allows homeowners and buyers to appreciate its unique design, practical features, and cultural heritage, while also enjoying a home that can be adapted for modern living and contemporary lifestyles.
The Influence of Malaysia’s Multicultural Community on Traditional Houses
Malaysia’s traditional houses are a reflection of the country’s diverse communities and their ways of life. Each community in Malaysia has shaped traditional homes that go beyond architecture; they express cultural values, social practices, and ways of life.
- The Malay communities of Peninsular Malaysia developed kampung houses like Rumah Bumbung Panjang and Rumah Negeri Sembilan, designed to suit family-oriented living and community gatherings.
- In Borneo, indigenous groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Bajau Laut, and Kadazan-Dusun built homes that supported communal lifestyles, adapted to local environments, and preserved cultural traditions.
- Urban and multicultural communities, including the Peranakan and those influenced by colonial settlers, shaped Pre-War Shophouses and Colonial Homes, blending practical living with cultural identity and historical experience.
This multicultural influence is visible in materials, roof styles, wood carvings, and layouts, resulting in a captivating array of traditional house in Malaysia that are both functional and visually striking. These diverse influences continue to inspire modern designs and offer a window into Malaysia’s rich architectural heritage.
9 Timeless Traditional Houses of Malaysia
Malaysia’s traditional houses offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s heritage, blending practical design with cultural expression. Each home reflects the ingenuity of its builders and the way of life of its inhabitants.
Let’s explore nine types of traditional house in Malaysia that remain timeless and admired today.
1. The Malay Kampung House
The traditional house in Malaysia most commonly associated with heritage architecture is the Malay Kampung house. Originally constructed by indigenous Malays across the Malay Peninsula, these homes were designed to harmonise with tropical climates and natural surroundings. Built primarily from timber, these houses are elevated on stilts to protect inhabitants from floods, improve ventilation, and minimise encounters with wildlife.
Key features of the Malay Kampung house include partitioned rooms, an open veranda, and intricately carved wooden panels. Roofs typically have steep slopes to facilitate rainwater drainage and are often thatched or tiled.
Over time, adaptations have incorporated modern materials such as concrete piers and metal roofing, allowing the structures to endure tropical weather while retaining traditional aesthetics.
- Rumah Bumbung Panjang
The Rumah Bumbung Panjang, or long-roofed house, is one of the earliest Malay house forms. Characterised by its extended roofline and tall slopes, this style is particularly prevalent in northern states such as Perlis and Kedah. Its elongated design supports ventilation and accommodates large family living spaces, making it both functional and visually striking.
- Rumah Negeri Sembilan
The Rumah Negeri Sembilan reflects architectural innovation in roof design. Inspired by historical influences, the curved roof resembles a buffalo horn shape, allowing rainwater to run off efficiently. This design is typically found in Negeri Sembilan and features elaborate carvings around doors and windows, showcasing craftsmanship in timber joinery.
- Rumah Perabung Lima
Rumah Perabung Lima, named for its five-sided pyramid-style roof, is another traditional Malay variant. Commonly located in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak, these houses were often used by royal families due to their grand designs. The structure combines both aesthetic elegance and practical considerations, such as elevated living areas and strategic ventilation.
- Rumah Limas
Predominantly found in Johor, the Rumah Limas or Rumah Muar utilises stone piers instead of wooden stilts. The roof has a distinctive pyramid form, often referred to as a Dutch-style roof, which influences both public and residential architecture in the region. This design is also adapted for government buildings and heritage landmarks.
- Rumah Kutai
The Rumah Kutai, also known as Rumah Tua, is a historic style primarily seen in Perak. Renowned for its ornate wooden carvings, including intricate motifs on doors, windows, and awnings, this house style represents the pinnacle of traditional timber craftsmanship. Its layout and design prioritise both social interaction and aesthetic appeal.
2. The Longhouse
The longhouse, or rumah panjang, is a communal dwelling found in Sabah and Sarawak. Unlike typical individual residences, a single longhouse accommodates multiple families under one roof, with shared verandas serving as social hubs.
Originally constructed with bamboo and timber, longhouses today may incorporate brick and modern materials to improve durability while maintaining their traditional layout.
Longhouses remain an important symbol of community living. This type of house in Malaysia emphasises extended, linear design, with partitions for private family spaces alongside open communal areas.
Stay ahead with updates on newly launched homes in Malaysia3. Melanau Tall House
The Melanau Tall Longhouse is a traditional elevated stilt house built by the Melanau community in Sarawak, primarily along coastal regions. This type of house in Malaysia is raised high on wooden stilts to protect against flooding and accommodate the wet tropical climate.
Constructed mainly from timber, the tall house often features a long central corridor with partitioned rooms on either side, allowing extended families to live together comfortably. Its design promotes natural ventilation and provides communal spaces for socialising, reflecting the Melanau’s close-knit community lifestyle.
4. Bidayuh Bamboo House
The Bidayuh Bamboo House is a distinctive traditional house in Malaysia built by the Bidayuh people in Sarawak’s hilly regions. As the name suggests, bamboo is the primary construction material, chosen for its abundance and flexibility. These houses are typically built on stilts and have sloping roofs to withstand heavy rain.
The layout often includes a veranda and open space underneath for storage or livestock. Bidayuh Bamboo Houses showcase sustainable building practices and a deep connection to nature, blending practicality with cultural expression.
5. Bajau Laut Sea Home
The Bajau Laut community traditionally lived on seaboats or floating platforms near coastal areas. Over time, many have transitioned to stilted houses constructed above shallow waters or on land. These homes are designed to withstand tides and allow easy access to fishing zones, reflecting practical adaptation to the maritime environment.
Construction materials include locally sourced timber, with elevated floors and simple layouts that support both residential and small-scale economic activities, such as fishing and aquaculture.
Find available plots and parcels across Malaysia6. Kadazan-Dusun House
The Kadazan-Dusun House is a traditional dwelling of the Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah. Raised on wooden stilts, these houses protect against floods and pests, with steep-pitched roofs designed for heavy tropical rainfall. The interior is often partitioned for family units, while the front veranda serves as a communal area for gatherings and rituals.
Built mainly from timber and bamboo, the Kadazan-Dusun House is a distinctive traditional house in Malaysia that reflects a harmonious balance between functionality and cultural identity, preserving the traditions of one of Sabah’s largest indigenous communities.
7. Pre-War Shophouses
Pre-war shophouses remain prominent in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca. Known as Rumah Kedai, these structures were built from the 19th to early 20th centuries, with the ground floor used for commercial activities and the upper floors serving as residential spaces.
These houses integrate practical design features to suit tropical climates, including large windows, high ceilings, and ventilated corridors. After several historical fires and storms, construction regulations required brick and tile structures to enhance durability.
In recent years, pre-war shophouses have been converted into modern offices, cafes, and boutique spaces, preserving architectural heritage while serving contemporary purposes.
8. Colonial Homes
Colonial homes in Malaysia reflect the architectural styles introduced during the British administration, particularly in cooler highland areas. These include bungalows and cottages built in Bukit Fraser, Cameron Highlands, and Penang Hill, designed for comfort in tropical climates and incorporating British construction techniques.
Many colonial homes, a unique type of house in Malaysia, have been repurposed as boutique hotels, preserving structural integrity and aesthetic charm while offering contemporary amenities. Their enduring design highlights the intersection of functional construction with architectural elegance.
9. Peranakan House
The Peranakan house is noted for its eclectic design, blending architectural elements from historical influences into a unique residential style. Characteristic features include indoor courtyards, carved timber panels, and patterned tiles.
Predominantly found in Penang and Malacca, these homes emphasise both aesthetics and functional living, with well-ventilated interiors and practical layouts.
Peranakan houses illustrate how this unique type of house in Malaysia has been adapted over time, balancing historical architectural forms with modern construction methods.
Modern Adaptations Of Traditional Houses In Malaysia
While preserving the charm of a traditional house in Malaysia, many homeowners today are incorporating modern features to improve comfort, durability, and functionality. Modern adaptations include:
- Reinforced Foundations – Replacing wooden stilts with concrete piers to withstand heavy rains and improve structural stability.
- Upgraded Roofing Materials – Using clay tiles, metal sheets, or composite materials while maintaining the classic roof design.
- Integration of Utilities – Modern plumbing, electrical wiring, and internet connectivity were fitted without altering the house’s traditional aesthetic.
- Sustainable Practices – Incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient ventilation while respecting the original architecture.
- Flexible Interior Layouts – Combining open-plan living with traditional partitioned rooms to meet contemporary lifestyle needs.
These adaptations ensure that traditional houses remain functional, safe, and appealing for modern homeowners, while retaining their historical character. They also make this type of house in Malaysia more attractive for resale and investment in the property market.
Property Considerations for Buyers
When exploring traditional houses, homebuyers should evaluate:
- Structural Integrity: Ensure foundations, roofing, and timber components are in sound condition.
- Maintenance Needs: Timber homes require regular care against termites and moisture.
- Legal and Heritage Status: Check local regulations, especially for heritage-listed properties.
- Modern Integration: Some traditional houses may include upgrades such as reinforced foundations or modern utilities.
- Investment Potential: While niche, traditional homes may hold value for collectors or developers in heritage-focused areas.
Financial Considerations When Buying A Traditional House in Malaysia
Purchasing a traditional house in Malaysia requires special financial planning due to potential maintenance costs, renovation needs, and heritage considerations. Buyers should be aware of the following:
- Renovation Costs – Heritage homes may need restoration work, especially for timber structures, roofing, or intricate wood carvings. Budgeting for these repairs is essential.
- Insurance Considerations – Some insurers may require specialised policies for traditional houses due to timber construction or flood risks.
- Financing Options – Certain banks and housing loans in Malaysia provide financing for heritage or older properties. Check eligibility and loan terms carefully.
- Property Taxes and Duties – Ensure compliance with stamp duty, RPGT (Real Property Gains Tax), and local council requirements.
- Investment Potential – Consider whether the property is in a heritage area, urban location, or tourist-friendly zone, which may influence resale value or rental opportunities.
This helps readers make informed financial decisions when considering a traditional house, balancing historical charm with practical investment considerations and understanding the different type of house in Malaysia.
Preserving The Legacy Of Traditional Houses
Traditional houses in Malaysia are more than just dwellings; they are living representations of the country’s architectural heritage, practical craftsmanship, and evolving residential culture. From the elevated Malay Kampung house to the elegant Peranakan home, each style demonstrates how design adapts to climate, materials, and lifestyle while maintaining functional beauty.
For modern homebuyers and property enthusiasts, understanding these type of house in Malaysia provides valuable insights when considering heritage properties or architectural inspiration for contemporary builds.
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