Borneo Cultures Museum
Kuching, Sarawak

exterior of Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching

Borneo Cultures Museum is one of the top museums in Malaysia, housed in a striking modern five-storey building in the heart of Kuching. The museum's cool and spacious galleries introduce the visitor to various aspects of Sarawak's natural history, the culture and traditions of its many ethnic groups, arts and crafts and how Sarawak came into being.

There are also children's galleries with emphasis on plastic pollution and caring for our rivers with interactive exhibits suitable for kids. On the ground floor there is a a gift shop, a restaurant, auditorium and events spaces for public rental.

Melanau sun hats at Borneo Cultures Museum

These beautifully-made sun hats, known as terendak, were crafted by the Melanau people from nipa and sago leaves and are often worn as part of their traditional costume.

Stuffed banded kingfisher Borneo

The old Sarawak Museum, located next door to the Borneo Cultures Museum, used to contain many stuffed birds and animals, and some of these exhibits have been transferred across to the new museum. This banded kingfisher is said to bring luck if seen by farmers toiling in their paddy fields.

tribal masks Borneo

Some of the many tribal masks on display at the museum.

interior of Borneo Cultures Museum

This open, airy space on the fifth floor gives an idea of the scale of the museum and provides visitors with great views of the Padang, the Waterfront Hotel, Plaza Merdeka and the State Legislative Building.

Bidayuh headhouse

This is a reconstruction of a Baruk, built by the Bidayuh community, where skulls collected during inter-tribal conflicts of the past would have been displayed.

Borneo burial poles

These are replicas of massive burial poles. The original can be found in the grounds of the museum.

tribal hornbill carvings Sarawak

According to ancient beliefs, lovely hornbill carvings like this could help to weaken the strength of the holders' enemies.

Taman Long inscribed door

The inscription on this ornate door reads 'this place is the door of Taman Long, the Rajah who holds power in Tinjar district, controlling all trade.'

WWII memorial board Kelabit

A section of the museum is devoted to the twentieth century history of Sarawak, including the Japanese occupation. This board commemorates a parachute raid by allied forces during WWII with support from Kelabit highlanders.

Review Verdict

This is one of the best museums in Malaysia and should not be missed by visitors to Kuching.

Opening Hours & Admission Charges

  • Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm
  • Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Closed on the following public holidays: Chinese New Year's Day, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Labour Day, Gawai Day (first day), Malaysian independence Day, Birthday of the Governor of Sarawak and Christmas Day


Ticket Prices

Admission Fees are somewhat expensive by Malaysian museum standards (especially for foreigners) but this is a superior museum. As a senior citizen I was able to get half price.

2024 ticket prices borneo cultures museum

How To Get to Borneo Cultures Museum

The exact location is marked on this map:

Address

Borneo Cultures Museum
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak


Parking

There is a large open car park in front of the museum.

You can find more details on the Museum's official website.

For enquiries please call 082-548215 or email bcm@sarawak.gov.my

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