Galeri Rumah Lat elevates Batu Gajah’s tourism appeal

Few Malaysian artists command the kind of enduring affection that Dato’ Mohammad Nor bin Mohammad Khalid — better known as Lat — continues to inspire. His playful lines and sharp observations have long captured the everyday rhythms of Malaysian life. Today, those stories are housed not just in books or old newspaper clippings, but in a dedicated cultural space: Galeri Rumah Lat. As the gallery evolves through upgrades and renewed visitor interest, it is carving out a more prominent place on Malaysia’s tourism map.

Visitor sentiment from 2024 to 2025 shows that Galeri Rumah Lat is emerging as a meaningful cultural stop in Perak, even as it undergoes improvements. The Perak State Museum Board temporarily closed the wooden Rumah Lat replica between January and March 2024 for maintenance, while the audio-visual room and souvenir shop experienced limited operations. These short-term disruptions have shaped visitor expectations, but they have not dampened overall enthusiasm.

Weekday footfall averages 30 to 50 visitors, with weekends attracting up to 400 people. Public holidays can see more than 1,000 visitors, a significant number for a rural attraction outside major city routes. Many travellers describe the gallery as nostalgic, reflective, and emotionally resonant — a place where Lat’s kampung childhood and Malaysia’s social history intertwine. With updated opening hours and ongoing refurbishment, the gallery is positioning itself to handle larger crowds and future expansions.

A blend of heritage and cultural storytelling

Galeri Rumah Lat comprises two main structures: a modern gallery displaying Lat’s artworks and memorabilia, and a reconstructed Perak-style limas house that mirrors his childhood home. Together, they provide a journey through the environments that shaped his worldview. The seven-year project, costing RM3.81 million and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, represents both national commitment and cultural investment.

On 8 July 2023, the gallery received a further boost when Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak officially opened the space and conferred upon Lat the title of Seniman Diraja (Royal Artist). This recognition elevates Lat from beloved illustrator to a figure of national significance, bridging grassroots admiration and royal endorsement. The curation, led by P.O.R.T. (People of Remarkable Talents), assembles more than four decades of work that chronicle Malaysian life — from comic strips to iconic publications like The Kampung Boy.

A tourism asset

More than a nostalgic showcase, the gallery is positioning itself as a living cultural hub. Visitor feedback suggests an appetite for more interactive features, and plans for new facilities — including ticketing for sustainability, a café, and event spaces — hint at a broader vision. These upgrades align with Perak’s push to strengthen its cultural tourism offerings beyond historical landmarks and nature attractions.

Lat’s journey, from publishing his first comic at 13 to becoming an internationally recognised Malaysian artist, reflects themes of humility, community, and kampung spirit. His illustrations have appeared on everyday products and global platforms, but Batu Gajah remains central to his story. The gallery serves as a reminder that Malaysian heritage is not just found in monuments, but in the lives and memories of its people.

As Galeri Rumah Lat continues to evolve, it offers travellers more than an art exhibition. It offers connection — to history, humour, childhood innocence, and national identity. Whether for longtime fans or new visitors discovering Lat for the first time, this Perak landmark is poised to remain a meaningful stop on Malaysia’s cultural trail.