Sarawak Museum

Muzium Sarawak

One of the oldest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia, housing extensive collections of indigenous artifacts, natural history, and ethnographic displays representing Sarawak's diverse cultures. It provides essential context for understanding the region's multicultural heritage and tribal traditions.

Things to do

• Explore the Ethnography Gallery — View extensive displays of traditional costumes, weapons, and daily-use items from Sarawak's indigenous groups including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau peoples.
• Study the Natural History Collection — Examine fossils, geological specimens, and taxidermied wildlife that illustrate Sarawak's biodiversity and paleontological significance.
• View the Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial — Pay respects at the historic memorial dedicated to the second White Rajah, located within the museum grounds overlooking the Sarawak River.
• Attend a Cultural Performance — Watch traditional dance demonstrations or music performances by local artists that showcase Sarawak's living heritage on scheduled afternoons.
• Tour the Textile and Beadwork Exhibits — Observe intricate handwoven textiles, pua kumbu blankets, and traditional beadwork that demonstrate the craftsmanship of Sarawak's artisans.

Food to try

• Sarawak Laksa — A tangy noodle soup with shrimp paste, served in a coconut broth with fresh bean sprouts and shrimp, distinctly different from Malaysian laksa versions.
• Midin (Jungle Fern) Stir-fry — Wild fern shoots sautéed with garlic and shallots, a popular Sarawak vegetable that represents the region's indigenous food traditions.
• Ayam Pansuh — Chicken cooked inside a hollowed bamboo section with herbs, a traditional Iban method that infuses the meat with subtle bamboo flavor.
• Kolo Mee — Sarawak's signature stir-fried noodles with soy sauce, served with crispy fried shallots and a small portion of preserved radish.
• Tebaloi — A sweet Bidayuh sticky rice cake made with palm sugar and wrapped in banana leaves, representing traditional Sarawak desserts.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Objects Display — Many exhibited items hold spiritual significance to their communities; observe quietly and avoid touching displays, as some artifacts are considered sacred.
• Learn Proper Longhouse Etiquette — The museum displays explain longhouse customs; understand that removing shoes, avoiding certain areas, and greeting elders respectfully are important practices.
• Understand Sarawak's Multicultural Identity — The museum emphasizes that Sarawak is home to over 27 ethnic groups; visitors should appreciate this diversity and avoid generalizing indigenous cultures as a single entity.
• Visit During Local Festivals — Plan visits around Gawai Dayak or Rainforest Festival periods when the museum hosts special exhibitions and cultural events that bring collections to life.