As soon as visitors enter the Bengkulu Pavilion, they will see a replica of the Raflesia flower, the symbol and pride of the Bengkulu region as it is nowhere else to be found. Three traditional houses are on display at this pavilion; the Bengkulu nobility house (Rumah Gedang) and two types of commoners houses. All three houses on stilts are constructed on pillars, two meters high above the ground. The “Rumah Gedang” is larger than the commoners’ houses and decorated with carvings on the anterior and side section of the house.

The house is made of “Medang Kemuning” or “Surian Balam” wood which is soft but imperishable. The floor is made of board and the roof of thatch or shingles, whereas the house at the Bengkulu Pavilion has a tile roof. The roofed staircase is located in front of the house, always consisting of an uneven number of steps according to the traditional values. The house is divided into three rooms; the veranda (penigo), the middle part (penduhuak), and the inside room (pemenyep). There is also a kitchen and a place for dishwashing (garang).

The nobility house at this pavilion is used for a gallery to exhibit various interesting collections among others a wedding dais, a pair of traditional costumes from all the regencies/municipalities put in showcases, musical instruments, agricultural tools, snapshots of tourism sites and some visualization of traditional ceremonies. In the veranda, natural products such as pepper mineral products such as coal, gold and silver nuggets, wood and indigenous handicrafts are displayed. Souvenirs in the form of various handicrafts among others clamshell, wood and leather are sold here.

The traditional commoners’ house is built just as the original. One of the houses is even provided with a complete set offurniture. One can see clearly the compartmentation, there is a foyer, a middle room and a family bedroom. The Muslim’s worship set and a small table to place the Al-Quran found in one of the corner of the room, prove that the majority of Bengkulu community are Moslems. The other commoner house is used as the management office.

The traditional house like the one at the Bengkulu Pavilion is decorated with carvings of a stylish plant or animal design. The “Cebong Kewet” or “Tanjak Berkek” carving pattern for example, has the form of interweave, meaning an unbreakable arrangement; “sidingin”, carving in the form of heart, meaning that the difficulties in life should be faced cool headedly; “lengkenai naik” carving in the form of a climbing plant on the wall of the house or staircase meaning that there must be ornaments in life; the main are children and wealth that should always be in the house. And the sunflowers above the doors and the windows – symbolize the sun illuminating the entire world for its exixtence.

On certain occasions various traditional dances are performed such as the “Tombak Kerbau” (Watee Buffalo Pike), “Putri Gading Cempaka” (Ivory Magnolia Princess), “Sekapur Sirih” (Welcome dance) and “Kejli dance”. Originally, these dances were performed one whole week (7 days and 7 nights) uninterruptedly. Several traditional ceremonies are also performed e.g. celebrating the birth, wedding, death and “Tabot” ceremonies.

The Bengkulu Pavilion has been visited by the Papua Nugini Prime Minister and the Ukraine President. During their visit, a banyan tree was planted in the front yard of the “Rumah Gedang”.

Phone : 021 – 8562213 / 8519975   Fax : 021 - 8562207