TBH, Kuching has changed so much over the past few years.
And one of the biggest additions? The Borneo Cultures Museum — opened in 2022 and instantly became the largest museum in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia
I've driven past it countless times but finally spent an entire afternoon exploring it properly. And honestly? Way better than I expected.
Here's my experience
[image: 1780970697186-garden_view_small.jpg]
Source: Wikipedia - Garden view of the museum, with its golden facade complementing the nearby DUN building
The museum has 5 floors, with exhibitions spread across levels 2 to 5, each with a unique theme.
Level 2 — Love Our Rivers
All about Sarawak's river ecosystems. There's also a kids' gallery here with interactive screens and a virtual longboat ride. Kids absolutely love it
Level 3 — In Harmony with Nature
Showcases how coastal, rainforest, and highland communities live. The Santubong legend animation here is incredibly well done.
[image: 1780970684989-interior1.jpg]
Source: Prestige Singapore - Museum interior exhibition space
Level 4 — Time Changes (My personal favorite)
From the Palaeolithic era all the way to Sarawak joining Malaysia. Old banknotes, antique weighing scales, WWII artifacts — I actually saw items my grandfather used to own. Really hit me emotionally.
Level 5 — Objects of Desire
Traditional crafts and artworks. Take your time browsing through these.
[image: 1780970698552-display_shot-resized.jpg]
Source: KuchingBorneo - Museum display
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive
Google Maps: 4.7 stars (near perfect). Many comments say "great value for money" and "way more thoughtfully curated than KL museums."
TripAdvisor: Multiple reviewers call it "the best museum in Malaysia" — spacious, well-airconditioned, and packed with interesting exhibits.
One local shared on FB: "I only went in to enjoy the aircon, ended up staying 3 hours because every floor had something surprising."
Honestly same here… I thought I'd be done in an hour, but ended up spending nearly 3 hours and still felt like I missed things.
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Source: The Island Drum - Exhibition details
️ Practical Info
Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93400 Kuching (right next to the old Sarawak Museum)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-1:00pm / 1:00pm-4:45pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 9:30am-1:00pm / 1:00pm-4:30pm
Entrance Fee:
Malaysian adult: RM10
Malaysian student/senior/disabled: RM5
Foreign adult: RM50
Foreign student/senior: RM25
Under 6: Free
Wear comfortable shoes — you'll walk a LOT
Photography allowed but no flash or tripods
[image: 1780970699603-jgw_exhibit.jpg]
Source: Just Gone Wandering - Indigenous artifacts display
Have you been to the Borneo Cultures Museum? Which floor impressed you the most? Drop a comment below!
#Kuching #BorneoCulturesMuseum #Sarawak #Museum #KuchingTravel
