MELAKA: Those who have always dreamt of being Hang Tuah or his four brothers-in-arms can soon experience how life was for them when the 16.2 hectares Hang Tuah Village in Kampung Duyong here reopens soon after its current makeover.

Melaka Museums Corporation (Perzim) general manager Mohd Nasruddin Rahman said the houses of Hang Tuah's companions, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu, showcasing their own unique concepts, would be opened to the public on February 1.

He said the rebranding of the houses of these legendary warriors from the golden age of the Melaka Sultanate was carried out since last Wednesday with repair and cleaning work and the inclusion of exhibits.

"The houses were closed for quite some time. So there is much that we need to do, including introducing new exhibition concepts to attract more visitors.

"We expect everything to be ready next week and the houses will be officially opened on February 1," he said when met by Bernama.

Hang Tuah House would remain as the main centrepiece showcasing the history of the legendary Malay warrior and his four brothers-in-arms in Melaka, he said.

Meanwhile, a collection of traditional weapons such as kris and spear would be exhibited at the Hang Jebat House for weapons enthusiasts while Hang Kasturi House would showcase a collection of the traditional clothes worn by traditional Melaka society, including that of the Malays and the Baba and Nyonya.

"Those keen to experience or revisit their childhood memories of playing traditional games such as 'congkak' and 'teng teng' can show their talents at the Hang Lekir House and sample traditional fare like asam pedas and onde-onde in Hang Lekiu House and fresh ulam planted nearby," he added.

He said the menu would change according to the day and visitors can enjoy a traditional culinary experience as they enjoyed their meal served in vintage and rustic dishes at the veranda of the house.

"We will determine the price of the packages later. What's certain is the food will be cooked when you order. So imagine, while eating cross-legged, you can look out and see children playing traditional games next door (at Hang Lekir House)," he said.

On the exhibits, Mohd Nasruddin said most belonged to Perzim but for the traditional outfits, they were lucky enough to received help from Raja Andak Raja Hussin, who is better known as Pak Andak.

"He has an assortment of traditional costumes in his collection, especially clothes for weddings that might not even be available for sale today.

"So we were very honoured when Pak Andak was willing to share his collection to be exhibited to visitors. AT the same time, we have also prepared an assortment of traditional clothes for visitors to try on and can pose for photos while wearing them around the Hang Tuah Village for a stipulated duration," he added.

"This is what we want visitors to experience. We hope that with the rebranding of the four warrior houses, visitors can take a step back into time and feel how it was to be part of the traditional Malay society that might no longer exist in this day and age," he added.

-- BERNAMA