The Brooke Gallery
The Brooke Gallery
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
About
Open from 24th September 2016, the 175th anniversary of the founding of the State of Sarawak, the Brooke Gallery tells the story of one of the most remarkable kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its 'White Rajahs'. In the 1830s Sarawak, a province of the once-mighty Sultanate of Brunei in north-west Borneo, was ravaged by piratical raiding and rebellion against Brunei rule. Inspired by stories of its natural wonders and diverse indigenous cultures, a bold English adventurer, James Brooke, arrived on its shores in his yacht, Royalist, in August 1839. He was to forge a unique bond with its peoples and together they built the foundations of today's Sarawak. The displays focus on the people, places and events that have shaped the state. They take us on a journey through a century of 'White Rajah' rule that began in September 1841, was shattered by the Japanese invasion of December 1941 and ended in July 1946 with Sarawak's annexation as a British Crown Colony. The subsequent move towards political independence culminated in Sarawak's part in forming the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
55
Average
15
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2
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0
Ann T
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia141 contributions
Dec 2019
We took the penambang across the river, walked up some steps at the end of the kampung and passed some abandoned buildings until we reached Fort Margherita. We paid RM30 per adult and RM15 per child to visit the Brooke Gallery. It was a very informative tour with many interesting exhibits and stories to give us a glimpse of what it was like during the reign of the White Rajahs. We went all the way to the top via a couple of narrow, spiral staircases to enjoy a bird's eye view of Kuching and the Sarawak River. Across the guest counter is the door to the courtyard which was fun to explore with its cannons and a disused telescope. We spent about an hour there.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Ann T,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and experience on your recent visit to the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita.
We are glad that you had enjoyed not only your time spent here, but the journey as well. It is our main aim to share the access to the fort as a historical site with visitors as well as the unique history and heritage Sarawak has.
We look forward to welcome you again to any of our museums in the future.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Adams
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
djanaka
Boise Idaho34 contributions
Jan 2020
From the East end of the Kuching River walk, take the short boat ride to Tjg Kampung Boyan. (cost 1 ringgit). Follow the signs to Fort Margherita --Brooke Gallery. You will pass by the hanging gardens and approach the museum from the back side. Entrance is 20 ringgit.
The museum is laid out on three floors and follows the history of the Brooke Family from their arrival in Sarawak through the cession to the English Crown. Fascinating artifacts with descriptions in both English and Malay.
There is access to the roof top for a nice view of Kuching and the cannons of the fort.
The museum is laid out on three floors and follows the history of the Brooke Family from their arrival in Sarawak through the cession to the English Crown. Fascinating artifacts with descriptions in both English and Malay.
There is access to the roof top for a nice view of Kuching and the cannons of the fort.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear djanaka,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback and sharing your experience on your recent visit to the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita.
We are glad that you had an enjoyable journey to the fort and had also found the exhibits fascinating.
We look forward to welcome you again at any of our Museums.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Adams
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
E M v
25 contributions
May 2017 • Family
I was amazed that the fort itself was not bigger. This is, as far as I am concerned, a must to see. I thoroughly enjoyed the museum and fort. The only thing I would have loved to see or hear are real stories of yesteryear. The fort was there for a reason and there should be many stories surrounding it. Anyway that’s what tickles my fancy. Management and staff are very friendly indeed. They should be able to cater for visitors or at least have a tuck shop or so.
Written 19 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gman201255
Adelaide, Australia28 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
A 1 Ringit sampan trip gets you from downtown Kuching ( adjacent Grand Margarita Hotel) to the western side of the river. A sign in English directs you through the village and passing a derelict old school building you eventually enter the property from the back way.
I spent a fascinating hour learning of the influence a British family had on this region and how much it is respected by the locals in Sarawak. I don't recall the entry cost but do remember it being worth the cost and the effort. On way back to the sampan we came across a large 1.2m Monitor lizard in the drains of the village.
I spent a fascinating hour learning of the influence a British family had on this region and how much it is respected by the locals in Sarawak. I don't recall the entry cost but do remember it being worth the cost and the effort. On way back to the sampan we came across a large 1.2m Monitor lizard in the drains of the village.
Written 17 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EanLim
Singapore, Singapore67 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Being unknown and we happened to see across the river - a small white fort. Hence we cross the river by boat and walked up per sign post indicated.
There is an entrance fee for local and foreigner which costs RM10 and RM20 respectively.
The environment surrounding the fort was pleasant, with greens and solemnly quiet except birds chipping sounds. Inside, it was about Brooke family in Kuching, from James Brooke till last Rajah of Brooke and the history with local tribe. If you like history, this is a spot to know how Kuching and Sarawak begins. A tiny museum which it takes not more than 1 hour visit, but it is a good sight to look at the other side of the river. Please note the maintenance of this museum is a bit out, give yourself less expectation is best.
There is an entrance fee for local and foreigner which costs RM10 and RM20 respectively.
The environment surrounding the fort was pleasant, with greens and solemnly quiet except birds chipping sounds. Inside, it was about Brooke family in Kuching, from James Brooke till last Rajah of Brooke and the history with local tribe. If you like history, this is a spot to know how Kuching and Sarawak begins. A tiny museum which it takes not more than 1 hour visit, but it is a good sight to look at the other side of the river. Please note the maintenance of this museum is a bit out, give yourself less expectation is best.
Written 6 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bklynbubba
Brooklyn, NY407 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
This little fort is visible from across the river. You can take a ferry across, and walk through a local kampong (village) to the Fort. Inside is a fascinating exhibit about the White Rajahs, three British adventurers who became the Rajahs (Kings, yes Kings) of Sarawak. The story is an incredible one, but not for me to tell here. An interesting note for me was that the young lady at admission (who spoke excellent, vernacular English, as most educated Malaysians do) explained to me that the first country to recognize the rule of the Brooke Raja was the United States. That proof of recognition is on display here. You can't make this story up! Come and learn for yourselves.
Written 14 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariane H
Eupen, Belgium9 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Normally , I´m not the museum-type , but this one really surprised me. In Fort Margherita , you will find some items , some pictures , and a lot of text. If you take the time to read yourself through everything , you - or at least I was , very surprised, how exciting and interesting the story of the Brookes, and with it the history of Sarawak ,is. If you´ve never heard of James Brooke to start with - go anyway , this visit will make you understand the history of the country you´re in. I think it was 20 RM entrance fee , which in Malaysia seems a lot , but I think it is absolutley worth it , and the money goes to the Brooke Trust , so it´s a good cause.
Written 27 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jz L.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Managed to squeeze this place in to a short morning trip. The gallery is very well maintained, definitely worth going although the walk there can be abit tricky.
To get to the gallery, you can take the boat across the river where they famous kuih lapis(layered cake) is located, TURN LEFT towards the kampung (you will pass by lots of local houses, just continue) and follow the signage to the fort, go across the abandoned school (YES! The abandoned school) and you will reach a proper tar road and you can follow the signage again. The takes just about 10mins walk from the jetty.
To get to the gallery, you can take the boat across the river where they famous kuih lapis(layered cake) is located, TURN LEFT towards the kampung (you will pass by lots of local houses, just continue) and follow the signage to the fort, go across the abandoned school (YES! The abandoned school) and you will reach a proper tar road and you can follow the signage again. The takes just about 10mins walk from the jetty.
Written 22 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bricodust
South West France176 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Only recently refurbished, this exhibition of the life and times of the Brooke family rule over Sarawak is quite fascinating.
Original artifacts from the 'reign' of this somewhat despotic English family seem almost unreal however it did happen and therefore laid the foundation of government and rule in this part of the world.
The fort although small is beautifully formed including the prison cells and gallows
Takes about an hour. It is about 10 minute up hill walk from the ferry, badly signed and the walk takes you through some horrible, abandoned and grafitted buildings, yuk.
Original artifacts from the 'reign' of this somewhat despotic English family seem almost unreal however it did happen and therefore laid the foundation of government and rule in this part of the world.
The fort although small is beautifully formed including the prison cells and gallows
Takes about an hour. It is about 10 minute up hill walk from the ferry, badly signed and the walk takes you through some horrible, abandoned and grafitted buildings, yuk.
Written 6 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to submit your positive feedback on your recent visit to Fort Margherita! It is very much appreciated.
We are delighted that you enjoyed your time at the Brooke Gallery and that you gained a clear impression of Sarawak's remarkable history! We hope to see improvement to signage and access in the coming months and to make the Fort ever more accessible, slowly and surely.
We look forward to welcoming you again to the Brooke Gallery in the future.
Kind regards,
Liza Sideni
Written 9 March 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Achim777
Kuching, Malaysia2 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita opened in September 2016 as a result of a joint ef-fort of various parties involved under the auspicies of the Sarawak Museum and the Brooke Trust. This splendidly and miticulously arranged exhibition renders a perfect impression about Sarawak’s history and the Brooke dynasty. The museum, set up within the limited space of Fort Margherita - stretches over three floors and a rooftop from where magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and Kuching downtown could be enjoyed. All the rooms were pefectly renovated in white colour so that the gem exhibits and narrations can be perfectly examined with ease.
I am somehow reluctant to tell the truth, i.e. that a visit to The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita is a must for every visitor Kuching; this simply because I fear that the limited space within the Fort might get overcrowded one day.
I am somehow reluctant to tell the truth, i.e. that a visit to The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita is a must for every visitor Kuching; this simply because I fear that the limited space within the Fort might get overcrowded one day.
Written 3 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to submit your comprehensive and positive feedback on your recent visit to Fort Margherita! It is very much appreciated.
We are delighted that you enjoyed your time at the Brooke Gallery and that you gained a clear impression of Sarawak's remarkable history!
We look forward to welcoming you again to the Brooke Gallery in the future.
Kind regards,
Liza Sideni
Gallery Manager
The Brooke Gallery
Written 9 March 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Ian B,
You can find us on Google Map as well as on Waze.
However, for those without the apps, best landmark to search would be Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya, Kuching. You’ll find our entrance as you reach the big parking lot of Wisma Bapa Malaysia. There’ll be 2 signage that will lead you to us.
Or, as BobBonHere had suggested, you could also opt to take the sampan from the jetty just behind The White Barouk/ Riverbank Suite to Kampung Boyan Jetty. The sampan ride is RM1.00 per person.
As you dock at Kampung Boyan Jetty, you'd see a few of our blue signage that would lead you to Fort Margherita. Just so you know, you'll pass by some local houses.
Proceed for a little walk up the hill until you see an abandoned school building. Follow the path going up - from there, you'd reach a tarmac road where there'll be a Fort Margherita signage on your left. You'll also notice 2 construction containers at the end of the road. There's a small gate next to one of the containers which is the entrance to the Fort.
Hope that this helps.
Thank you,
Adams
Assistant Gallery Manager
Written 27 October 2018
Hello, I would like to know the fee for a group of year 9 students around 14-16. And the activities that you do for fellow students as I heard you do so.
Written 6 November 2017
Dear Sir/Madam
Greetings from the Brooke Gallery, Fort Margherita, Kuching.
Thank you for the email & thank you for your school's interests in
visiting us at The Brooke Gallery.
For your kind information, our entrance fee is as follows:
(1) Students : RM5.00 per person
(2) Teachers (adults) : RM10.00 per person
We also offer Museum Educational Program for schools
that are interested in our activities. For further info, please
visit our official website/FB page.
In the mean time, please let us know if you have any further enquiry.
We'd be happy to assist.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
Liza Sideni
Gallery Manager
The Brooke Gallery
Fort Margherita
93050 Petra Jaya
Kuching, Sarawak
Written 6 November 2017
Guys how do you walk from the jetty to this Fort?. Checked on google map, the walking direction is about 2 to 3KM from either Batu Jetty or En Omar Jetty.
Written 21 July 2017
Take the sampan to the jetty. Walk up the stairs, around the abandon school and through the grounds. About 8 mins from jetty to the fort.
Written 21 July 2017
Hi,
After read so much about Fort Margherita, may i know how much is the entrance fee for our secondary school students in group?
Written 1 March 2017
Hello,
Thanks for your message and for your interest in Fort Margherita! It will depend on the ages of your group, and whether you would like us to arrange any special activities. If you can send us an email or give us a call we will be very happy to make the necessary arrangements.
Best regards,
Liza Sideni
Gallery Manager
Written 1 March 2017
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