SARAWAK MUSEUMS
KUCHING
Sarawak Museum (Old Building)
The Sarawak Museum, has one of the best collections in Southeast Asia. The Sarawak Museum Old Building was built in 1891. This old building is used as the centre to exhibit collections on the natural history of Sarawak. The ground floor of the museum holds the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna. The west wing of the museum houses Shell exhibition – petroleum industries of Sarawak. The first floor displays exhibits of ethnographic artefacts such as models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats and others.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Location : Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg
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Sarawak Museum (Dewan Tun Abdul Razak)
Dewan Tun Abdul Razak, the new wing across the footbridge is another gallery of Sarawak Museum. In 1982 it was converted into a museum exhibition gallery and was officially opened in 1983. The ground floor accommodates the Museum Shoppe and a temporary exhibition hall. The first floor is housing two temporary exhibitions which displayed mostly items related to pre-historical era.In the Museum grounds there is an Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens and the Heroes’ Memorial.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Location : Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg
Islamic Museum
The Islamic Museum is located on Jalan P. Ramlee in the beautifully restored Maderasah Melayu Building (1930). It is also accessible from the rear of the Sarawak Museum’s new wing. The Islamic Museum presents a clear picture of the rich historical heritage and special culture of the Muslim community in Sarawak and throughout the Malay-Indonesian archipelago, and traces connections with the development of Islam in the rest of the World. The museum consists of 7 galleries set around a central courtyard garden, each with a different theme.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Location : Jalan P. Ramlee
Chinese History Museum
The Chinese History Museum traces the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Most significantly it endeavours to educate the present generation to appreciate the struggles and values as encountered and instilled by the early pioneers. Visitors will acquire in-depth historical knowledge relating to the origin of each Chinese dialect group, their respective traditional skills and cultural heritage, and progress achieved throughout the years.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Location : On the Waterfront opposite the Tua Pek Kong temple.
Tel : (+60)82-231520
Textile Museum
The Textile Museum, showcases Sarawak’s fascinating traditional textiles and costumes made by the ethnic community of Sarawak. The most notable of which are the Iban pua kumbu and the Malay kain songket. The exhibition flow follows the process of making a textile which starts with the raw material and through the weaving stage and ends up with the finished product. Visitors will have the opportunity to test their skills on the loom and ”touch on’ exhibits.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Location : In the Pavilion Building opposite the Main Post Office on Jalan Tun Haji Abang Openg.
Tel : (+60)82-246194
Tun Jugah Museum
Textile buffs interested in a more hands on look at textiles should not miss the Tun Jugah Museum. Run by the private Tun Jugah Foundation, it houses a superb collection of Iban pua kumbu textiles, both antique and modern, as well as exquisite Iban silverware and jewellery. You can also watch the weavers at work, or even learn the craft yourself (if you have a year or two to spare).
Notes : Visitors are required to make prior arrangements or appointments to visit the Museum and Gallery. Photo taking without flash are allowed only in the Weaving Gallery but not in the other galleries.Open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4.30 pm. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Location : Level 4, Tun Jugah, 18, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel : (+60)82-239672 Fax : (+60)82-412185
Email : jrn@po.jaring.my URL : www.tunjugahfoundation.org.my/textile.php
Cat Museum
The World’s first Cat Museum, devoted to all things feline. Cat lovers will find a range of exhibits, photos, feline art and cat souvenirs.
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm (closed public holidays). Admission free, camera fee RM 3, video fee RM 5. Petra Jaya Transport bus No 2C or 2D.
Location : Kuching North City Council (DBKU), Petra Jaya.
Tel : (+60)82-446688
Timber Museum
Anyone with an interest in forestry, traditional wood items, forest products and the development of the timber industry should head here.
Open Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 5 pm. Petra Jaya Bus No. 6, then 10 mins walk.
Location : Sarawak Timber Industry Development Council building (Wisma Sumber Alam), Petra Jaya
Tel : (+60)82-443477
MIRI
Niah Archaeology Museum
Niah Archaeology Museum is situated close to the archaeology sites of the Niah Cave, in Miri Division. This Museum exhibits the pre-historical artefacts and culture of the area. The public are also able to see the display of the way of life of the people which inhabited Niah Cave thousands of years ago.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
Petroleum Museum
Petroleum Museum is located at Bukit Tenaga (previously known as Bukit Kanada). Being the first oil well in Sarawak, the Grand Old Lady was built in 1910. The concept of the Museum is interactive-oriented which enable visitors to interact with the advanced devices. Visitors may also enjoy the exhibitions and view the entire artefact displayed.
Open Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
LIMBANG
Limbang Regional Museum
Limbang Regional Museum was officially opened on the 27th August 1994. This museum building was an old fort which was built in 1897. This Museum displays the history and culture of the people in this region such as bamboo band, salt making, beadwork, bark cloth, brassware, basketry and much more.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Admission free.
BARAM
Baram Regional Museum
The Baram Regional Museum was officially opened in 1997. It is housed at Fort Hose, which stands on the top of the hill overlooking the Baram river. It was built in 1898. The exhibits in this Museum comprise historical and cultural artefacts belonging to the various ethnic groups living in the area. Also on display are their economic and other general activities.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission free.
Sources :
Address : Sarawak Museum Department, Tun Abang Haji Openg Road, 94566 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel : (+60)82-244232 Fax : (+60)82-246680 Email : webmaster@museum.sarawak.gov.my URL : www.museum.sarawak.gov.my/main.htm
