Borneo Cultures Museum is the largest museum in Malaysia, and second largest in South East Asia.
It features exhibits on the diverse cultures of Borneo which includes interactive displays and a vast collection of artifacts that highlight the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Here are some of the highlights of the Borneo Cultures Museum:
- Children’s Gallery: Located on the second floor, this gallery features the theme “Love Our Rivers,” focusing on the importance of rivers in Borneo’s ecosystem and culture.
- In Harmony with Nature: This gallery on the third floor showcases the natural landscapes of Borneo, including its coasts, rainforests, and highlands. It highlights the relationship between the indigenous people and their environment.
- Time Changes: Found on the fourth floor, this gallery explores the history of Sarawak, from ancient cave discoveries to the modern era. It includes significant artifacts and exhibits that trace the region’s development over time.
- Objects of Desire: On the fifth floor, this gallery displays items related to trade, craftsmanship, and spiritual practices. It includes intricate beadwork, traditional costumes, and other cultural artifacts.
- Niah Lady: One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the calvaria (top part of the skull) of the ‘Niah Lady,’ discovered in the Niah Caves in 1958. This exhibit provides a glimpse into the prehistoric human presence in Borneo.
- Traditional Iban Longhouses and Orang Ulu Carvings: These exhibits showcase the architectural and artistic heritage of the Iban and Orang Ulu communities, including their longhouses and intricate wood carvings.
- Interactive Displays: About 30% of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the cultural and historical content.
Operation time, tickets, dress code
There isn’t a strict dress code for visiting the Borneo Cultures Museum, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable and appropriate attire.
Casual clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and slippers are allowed. However, since it’s a cultural institution, dressing modestly and respectfully is always a good idea.
The ticket prices for the Borneo Cultures Museum are as follows:
- Sarawakians:
- Children (12 years old and below): Free
- Teens (13-17 years old) and students with student ID: RM 5
- Adults (18-60 years old): RM 10
- Senior Citizens (61 years old and above): RM 5
- Persons with disabilities: Free
- Non-Sarawakian Malaysians:
- Children (12 years old and below): Free
- Teens (13-17 years old) and students with student ID: RM 10
- Adults (18-60 years old): RM 20
- Senior Citizens (61 years old and above): RM 10
- Persons with disabilities: Free
- Foreigners:
- Children (12 years old and below): RM 20
- Teens (13-17 years old) and students with student ID: RM 25
- Adults (18-60 years old): RM 50
- Senior Citizens (61 years old and above): RM 25
- Persons with disabilities: Free
You can purchase tickets at the museum or online through the Sarawak Museum Department and Sarawak government websites.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM on weekdays and from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends and public holidays.
It is closed during the first day of major celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fir), Labour Day, Gawai Dayak, National Day, Sarawak Governer’s Birthday and Christmas Day.
Getting here
To visit the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching, you have several convenient options, namely by private car, by public transport, by rented car or e-hailing services, or by walking.
- By Car: If you have access to a car, you can drive to the museum. It’s located at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, right in the city center.
- Public Transport: You can use the free Hydrogen bus service, which is an eco-friendly option. The bus stops near the museum.
- Taxi or E-Hailing Services: Services like Grab are widely available in Kuching and can take you directly to the museum.
- Walking: If you’re staying nearby, such as at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching or Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites, you can easily walk to the museum.
Photo Gallery
Here are some photos of the musuem.
More on Borneo
Need to know more about Sibu, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
