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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience The Brooke Gallery and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
372 within 3 miles
Attractions
62 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
55
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
0
CanadianTraveler23
Yellowknife21 contributions
May 2023
I went on my own to visit this excellent historical museum of the remarkable recent history of Kuching since the mid-1800s, and the White Rajahs who governed. Super interesting, and in an awesome fort (Fort Margerita) positioned over the river to repel pirates.
To get there from the Kuching waterfront, I tried and failed to walk from the Darul Hana bridge- but you can't walk past the parliament. Instead, take a little boat across the river, ad then it's a short (10 minute) walk up to the fortress.
To get there from the Kuching waterfront, I tried and failed to walk from the Darul Hana bridge- but you can't walk past the parliament. Instead, take a little boat across the river, ad then it's a short (10 minute) walk up to the fortress.
Written 25 May 2023
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.
YH
18 contributions
Oct 2022
Take a boat across to Fort Margherita (costs 1 RM) and learn a bit about Sarawak and the Brooke dynasty
Written 7 November 2022
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.
pianocello
Shah Alam, Malaysia1,406 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
The museum is full of rich history and the Fort itself is good for photos. This place is rarely crowded and is a must-see especially for those interested in Sarawak history.
Written 24 October 2022
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.
Sylvester
Kuching, Malaysia11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I love museums. And this is not an exception. Worth spending an hour or so here. Filled with very rich history of Sarawak. And the views from the top floor are absolutely mesmerising. Definitely give this landmark a visit.
Written 14 July 2022
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.
hyshegu
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia44 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Very good little museum. Well kept with lots of little bits of history about Sarawak. The views are pretty amazing from the top of the tower. Worth spending an hour there.
Written 7 November 2021
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.
waget
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia400 contributions
Apr 2021
Well kept and well managed gallery. Although the stairs were a bit tricky and is not suitable for "bigger" and "larger" people. It is amazing to see the mast of the ship.
Written 11 October 2021
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.
Linda C
Toronto, Canada92 contributions
Feb 2020
Good spot to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon. Interesting exhibits. You can buy a pass to 3 Brooke museums to save a bit....20mr each or 30 for three.
Written 2 January 2021
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.
Christine B
Fordingbridge, UK1,429 contributions
Feb 2020
I went over to the Fort & saw the Brooke Gallery.
It was fairly interesting but nothing to rave about.
It wouldn't be on my 'must see' things for Kuching.
It was fairly interesting but nothing to rave about.
It wouldn't be on my 'must see' things for Kuching.
Written 8 March 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 christine b,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on your recent visit to one of our Museums, the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita.
We regret that you had felt that way with regards to your visit to Fort Margherita. We are always open for suggestions from visitors on ways to improve the visiting experience.
We hope to welcome you again at any of our Museums in the future.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Adams
Written 9 March 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.
Jk11
Singapore, Singapore14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Good to spend quiet times at the museum. It’s cost a dollar for the boat ride to cross the river to Brooke gallery.
Written 20 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 jenkoh11,
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 the time you spent here.
We look forward to welcome you again to any of our museums in the future.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Adams
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian B
Prague, Czech Republic6 contributions
Hi, how to go to the place by car?
BGallery
1 contribution
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
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.
BGallery
1 contribution
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
Kakamal
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia676 contributions
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.
Joyce L
Kuching, Malaysia2 contributions
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.
hazelinng
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Hi,
After read so much about Fort Margherita, may i know how much is the entrance fee for our secondary school students in group?
BGallery
1 contribution
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
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingTHE BROOKE GALLERY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Brooke Gallery
- Hotels near The Brooke Gallery:
- (0.26 mi) The Ranee Boutique Suites
- (0.24 mi) Imperial Riverbank Hotel
- (0.25 mi) Singgahsana Lodge
- (0.20 mi) Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing
- (0.20 mi) The Radioman, Heritage Hostel
- Restaurants near The Brooke Gallery:
- (0.12 mi) My Village Barok
- (0.23 mi) Black Bean
- (0.19 mi) James Brooke Bistro
- (0.30 mi) Indah House Kuching - Cafe,.Art & Event Space. Homestay
- (0.23 mi) Balkanico