Historical and Tourist Attractions in Sarawak

1.      Fort Margherita

The Margherita Fort was built in 1878 and completed in 1879. Located on the banks of the Sarawak River Kubu is named 'Fort Margherita' in conjunction with the name of Charles Brook's wife. With a strategic position on the hill facing the diversion of the Sarawak River, this fort serves as the main defensive place of Rajah Brooke which faces the constant threat of Sarawak's indigenous population.

The fort is shaped rectangular building and is constructed using berplaster bricks. It has 3 storey ground floor floors for control and detention rooms. Floor 1 and 2 storey wooden flooring for military dwelling space. While the roof is a place of control. The spiral staircase from the buying timber and the metal beam is located one corner connecting each level up to the roof. The stairs tower is higher than the roof for guards looking for further distances.

            This fort has been enlarged in 1934 by building high walls connected with the original building. The building has a large courtyard for a military parade. It is equipped with two observation towers and paths for soldiers guarding along the walls. The cannon holes were built on the wall to the Sarawak River and the Malay village under the hill.

            The fort was used as a base for the Sarawak Ranger in 1932, the Japanese Kampetai Office during World War II and lastly as the Police Museum. The National Heritage Department has made repairs in 2006. However, it was damaged after being vacated by the Police during the construction of the new Sarawak State Assembly building next to the fort.

2.      Sarawak Museum

The Sarawak Museum (Old Buildings) was built in 1891 and enlarged as it was in 1911. It was originally built to store and display the local indigenous artworks and local animal collections as suggested by the Naturalist, Alfred Wallace, who carried out the work of collecting specimens in Sarawak at that time.

Since it was built, the building has been remodeled several times and improved. Its longitudinal design, 44 'x 160', has brick walls and pillars and bricks and concrete. It is built according to European architecture with its style according to Queen Anne's style (Victorian period). The galleries in it are illuminated through dome-shaped windows on the roof of the building to provide a wide wall space.

During the Age of Japanese rule, the museum was placed under the custody of a Japanese Officer who sympathized with this museum. Because of this, not much damage or theft occurred.

On the ground floor of the museum, preserved natural collections and specimens of Sarawak's fauna, such as reptiles, mammals, birds and others are exhibited. The top floor of this building showcases ethnographic materials such as the longhouses of various types of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, boat models and others. The museum is located in the heart of Kuching City and is free of charge.

3.      Kubu Alice

Kubu Alice located in Bandar Sri Aman was built on a hill on the banks of the Batang Lupar River. That is the only historical legacy found in the Sri Aman section. It is one of the oldest buildings in Sarawak.

It has been declared a historic building on February 10, 1971.Its construction is about 12 months.

Alice Fortress built by local people and All expenses funded by Charles Brooke. All the equipment to build Kubu Alice was taken from the Batang Skrang River estuary. The Fortress of Alice was built due to the Iban opposition led by the famous Iban warrior Rentap.

Fortress Alice was built in 1864 by Charle Brooke and He was later named Kub Alice. The name was taken after the name of his wife, Ranee Margaret Alice who was built at Simanggang.

In 2015, Kubu was superseded by the Sarawak state government and was inaugurated at the Benak Festival in 2015.

4.      Lamin Dana

Lamin Dana in Melanau Mukah means the Old House. Lamin Dana is a combination of visitor lodges and cultural centers located in Kampung Tellian, Mukah. Since its inception in 1999 by Diana Rose and the family, visitors who have come here have recorded more than 4,000 people from inside and outside the country. Lamin Dana not only offers homestay but it is also a center of Melanau's cultural development where children are taught about traditional arts and crafts to help them increase side income. This house was designed like a Melanau house when it used to be the best wood to maintain its integrity. Lamin Dana also provides traditional food such as tebaloi, sago, keliseh, umai, pipuih and other activities such as boat rides and walk around the mangroves.

5.      Kuching Waterfront

One of the easiest places to visit when in Kuching City is the Kuching Waterfront located along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Santubong-Sarawak River. The Kuching Waterfront or The People Place is not just a place of interest but also has its own history. This is where the English traveler James Brooke first landed. Starting with several roof roof buildings then turned into a busy harbor with warehouses and docks.

What is interesting in the Kuching Waterfront is not just around the scenery but also from the design and architecture of the area. It is not surprising that Kuching Waterfront has received an international architectural award in 1994, namely:

·         National Project Award in the Civic Design Category - 1994 (Awarded by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture)

·         Merit Award in the Overseas Category - 1994 (Awarded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture)

·         Excellence on the Waterfront / Waterfront Center Annual Award - 1994 (Awarded by the Waterfront Center, USA

6.      Sahabat Park

Sahabat Park or Malaysian-Chinese Friendship Park is located at Jalan song, which is about 30 minutes from the center of Kuching City. Sahabat Park was officiated by Sarawak Chief Minister on 18.06.2006. There is giant replica of Admiral Zheng He in the park. The companion garden is the result of close contact between Kuching City and Kunning City in China.