Fort Margherita and Brooke Gallery
Explore Sarawak's unique "White Rajah" history in an 1879 fortress, offering stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better reading
Fort Margherita and Brooke Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better reading
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sarawak's unique "White Rajah" history in an 1879 fortress, offering stunning city views.
"A must-visit for Kuching, covering the bright side of James Brooke's governance of Borneo."
🚢 River Crossing
Take a boat across the Sarawak River for a scenic approach. Ask nearby boats for a ride!
📚 Prepare to Read
The gallery is rich in text; bring your curiosity for Sarawak's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brooke Gallery Exhibits
Explore the fascinating history of Sarawak's White Rajahs through well-written displays.
Rajah's Ceremonial Uniform
See the distinctive, ornate uniform worn by the Rajah on official occasions.
Panoramic City Views
Ascend to the upper floors for stunning vistas of Kuching City and the Sarawak River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Getting There & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 River Crossing
Take a boat across the Sarawak River for a scenic approach. Ask nearby boats for a ride!
📚 Prepare to Read
The gallery is rich in text; bring your curiosity for Sarawak's history.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Lots of reading and steep stairs mean comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the View
The top floors offer fantastic photo opportunities of Kuching.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 River Crossing
Take a boat across the Sarawak River for a scenic approach. Ask nearby boats for a ride!
📚 Prepare to Read
The gallery is rich in text; bring your curiosity for Sarawak's history.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Lots of reading and steep stairs mean comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the View
The top floors offer fantastic photo opportunities of Kuching.
⏳ Allow 1.5 Hours
You'll need ample time to explore all three floors and enjoy the views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Margherita and the Brooke Gallery for its insightful and well-presented history of Sarawak's "White Rajah" era. The stunning city views from the fort are a major highlight, and the river crossing adds to the experience. Some note it's a reading-heavy museum and requires climbing stairs.
"This is one of the best place to learn about Sarawak history. The setup is small, minimalist and clean utilizing the former fort on top of the hill. It's not free though. RM10 for adult. If you walking, cross the river by the boat, just call them for the ride if they are nearby. They charge RM10 or less."
Mohd Zamri
"Don't be fooled by its small size. While not interactive, is very well written and presented. Coming from peninsular Malaysia, always had specific impression of colonialism and this place shed light on the supposed benevolent white Rajahs and the eventual unity of the tribes. Definitely a great introduction to Sarawak's formation"
Ivan Y
"-The staff is friendly and welcoming every visitors.
-There are 3floors to explore the building,which is more to reading parts and interesting stuffs in the James Brooke's era.
-The information about Sarawak is nice and clear.
-The audience of the gallery is not too big but it was comfortable to walk around and ease to to read with good lighting.
-I spent about 1hour and 30minutes in the gallery and going up to 3rd floor where I can see a stunning view of Kuching City and the Waterfront,take some beautiful photos for a sweet memories.
-Lastly I see got one section cannot enter because it was under maintenance.
-They have selling handicraft and nic souvenir at ground floor, and the price is reasonable for me."
Moini Mail
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a Grab or taxi to the Kuching Waterfront and then cross the Sarawak River by boat. Some boats charge around RM10 or less per person.
You can call for a boat ride if they are nearby.
Yes, boats are frequently available at the Kuching Waterfront. Just signal or ask for a ride to Fort Margherita.
Vehicle access directly to the fort is limited. Crossing the river by boat is the recommended and most scenic approach.
Many visitors enjoy the experience of crossing the river by boat, which offers great views and a sense of adventure.
From the city center, you can take a Grab to the waterfront and then a boat. Some visitors mention taking a Grab directly to the fort, but river crossing is a popular option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is RM10 for adult Malaysian visitors. Foreign visitors may have a different rate, around 8 USD per person.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance. It's advisable to check their official channels for any changes or special booking requirements.
Opening hours can vary. It's best to check the official Brooke Museums website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Yes, there are private toilets available exclusively for ticket holders.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Brooke Gallery with its exhibits on Sarawak's history, see the Rajah's uniform, and enjoy panoramic views of Kuching from the upper floors.
The exhibits are primarily reading-based and well-presented, rather than interactive. It's a place for historical learning.
Most visitors spend about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to comfortably explore all three floors and take in the views.
There is no lift, and visitors need to climb steep staircases to access the upper floors. It may not be suitable for those with significant mobility challenges.
The top floors offer a stunning, sweeping view of Kuching City and the Sarawak River, perfect for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibit areas.
The upper floors offer incredible panoramic shots of Kuching. The exterior of the fort itself is also photogenic.
Yes, you can usually take photos of the exhibits, but avoid flash photography which can damage historical artifacts.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and urban areas. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for cityscapes, while morning light can be good for capturing the fort's architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for historical facts to keep younger ones interested.🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Capture the journey across the river for a complete visual story of your visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The White Rajahs and Sarawak's History
These rulers, starting with James Brooke, governed Sarawak for a century, shaping its political and social landscape. The Brooke Gallery within the fort meticulously details this era, presenting narratives that shed light on the complex relationship between the Brookes, the local tribes, and the broader colonial powers. Visitors often find the exhibits surprisingly insightful, offering a perspective that goes beyond typical colonial narratives.
Key figures like James Brooke and his successors are central to the exhibits. You'll learn about their administration, their interactions with local communities, and the significant impact they had on Sarawak's development. The gallery also touches upon Sarawak's recognition as a sovereign country, even by the USA in 1850, adding another layer to its rich history.
Navigating the Fort and Gallery
The Brooke Gallery is designed with a minimalist and clean aesthetic, utilizing the fort's structure effectively.
Beyond the exhibits, the upper floors of the fort provide a significant draw: breathtaking panoramic views of Kuching City and the Sarawak River.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit