Fort Margherita

Kubu Margherita

A white castle-style fort built in 1879 by the 'White Rajah' Charles Brooke to guard the Sarawak River. It now houses the Brooke Gallery.

Fort Margherita was built in 1879 on the orders of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, and named after his wife, Margaret. It resembles a small English castle, with white walls, watchtowers and battlements, and it guards the river approach to the town and was used to defend against pirates. It was garrisoned until before the Second World War and later served as a police museum. The interior has now been converted into the Brooke Gallery, which uses artifacts and photographs to tell the story of three generations of the Brooke family ruling Sarawak for a century (1841–1946). It's a great place to understand how Kuching came to be. Climbing to the roof lookout offers panoramic views of the Sarawak River and the riverfront opposite.

Admission: about RM 20 for the Brooke Gallery (foreign visitors; prices may change). The exterior can be viewed for free.

Getting there: take a sampan across the river from the riverfront jetty and walk about 5 minutes uphill, or walk about 10 minutes along the river from the north end of the Darul Hana Bridge. It can be combined with the State Legislative Assembly Building, the Astana and a Malay kampung for a half-day itinerary.

Fort Margherita

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Places to eat nearby