Fort Margherita, Kuching Overview

Fort Margherita is one of the most important monuments in Sarawak’s rich history. Situated across the Sarawak River, near Astana, the former fortress is now converted into the Brooke Gallery which houses rare memorabilia of the Brooke family and history of Sarawak.

Built by Charles Brook, who was then the ruler of Sarawak, the beautiful yet sturdy fortress is a truly multifaceted structure. Fort Margherita had been used for various important purposes through the years making it one of the most historical landmarks in Malaysia.

Architecture of Fort Margherita

Built on a hillock across the Sarawak River, the design and architecture of Fort Margherita is heavily influenced by the English Castle styles.
The fort has a three storeyed chief tower which is connected to the side of the fort instead of being constructed at the centre like the other traditional castles.
The fort is guarded by high walls which are inset with glass shards with rough, jagged edges to prevent any enemy from trespassing.
There are small openings and wooden windows throughout the body of the fort where cannons could be set in such a way that it wasn’t visible to any outsider and this was one of their key attacking methods.
Fort Margherita also has a special execution courtyard built inside it where all the criminals, pirates and other enemies were executed.

Fort Margherita, Kuching — The strategically planned interior of Fort Margherita (Source)

The Brooke Gallery

The Brooke Gallery opened up just a couple of years ago in 2016 to let visitors know more about the lives of the ‘White Rajahs’, who were the dynastic monarchy of the British Brooke Family. The various artefacts, books and belongings are beautifully displayed throughout the gallery with fun facts and description boards set up at intervals which transport us directly to the times when the Brooke Family was in its prime. The Brooke Gallery walks us through the various historic and praise worthy stories of the might of the Brooks and definitely generates a feeling of awe and respect within the minds of the visitors.

How to Reach Fort Margherita

One of the ways to reach Fort Margherita is by taking a tambang boat from the Waterfront Promenade all the way across the river to Kampung Boyang from which the fort is about 500 meters away. The boat ride costs about RM 1 per person.

The other alternative is to cross the river using the Darul Hana Bridge. The fort is at a walking distance from the other end of the bridge.

Need to Know

Try to visit Fort Margherita during the Gawai Dayak Festival as the fort is traditionally decorated during those days and is truly a sight to behold.
The best time to visit the fort are during the drier months of April to October as the Sarawak River is less choppy during those months. So, the boat rides will be smoother and more frequent.
Talking loudly is prohibited inside the fort.
Fort Margherita is disabled-friendly and has special provisions for the elderly visitors.