Hotels near Fort Margherita

Constructed in 1879 by Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, Fort Margherita is an important landmark and monument in Sarawak's history which goes back to the Brooke Dynasty. It was named Margherita after Renee Margaret, the wife of Sir Charles Brooke. In the old days, the fort was built to guard and protect the capital from river borne invasions. The building design was based on an English Renaissance fort and palace.

Upon entering the fort area, visitors may be asked for some ID as it is located within police training barrack. There is Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita which houses historical documents, artefacts and arts from the White Rajah’s era. Officially opened in 2016, the gallery is a joint project of the Sarawak Museum Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as Mr. Jason Brooke, the grandson of the last Rajah Muda and the Director of The Brooke Trust.

Opened daily from morning until evening, you may take a Penambang water taxi from various Waterfront jetties on the south bank.

Tourist Attractions

Kuching Waterfront

Kucing Waterfront is a beautifully landscaped boulvard along the Sarawak River with some eateries and entertainment areas. This place offers scenic view of the river with the setting of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay villages. People come here to meet up, watch a show, or just shoot the breeze. It has been through a major restoration. Modern additions to the Waterfront include a restored Chinese pavilion, colourful musical fountains, and a number of modern sculptures.

Sarawak Museum

Established in 1888 and opened in 1891, Sarawak State Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo. This historical building is used as the centre to display collections on the natural history of Sarawak. Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, the ground floor of the museum houses the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna while the first floor displays the ethnographic artefacts, musical instruments, handicrafts and daily tools. There is Shell exhibition which reveals petroleum industries in Sarawak at the west wing of the museum.

Kuching Cat Museum

Covering a total area of 1,035 sq meter, the world’s first cat museum is housed on the ground on the City Hall building, spread over four galleries. This all things feline museum was established in 1993 and is owned by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). It is filled with more than 4000 collections including articles, paintings, posters, toys and uncountable figurines of cats. Opened daily from 9 am to 5 pm, there is no admission fee being charged.

Hotels

Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching

This 3 star hotel is within walking distance of Fort Margherita and is strategically located at the iconic Kuching Waterfront. It provides 109 well equipped rooms, even for the discerning travellers. The rooms are carefully designed with practicality and comfort in mind. Surrounded by historical buildings dating back to the Brooke dynasty, You will also find many shops selling local souvenirs and handicrafts near by. There is the Riverbank Cafe that serves daily breakfast and offers a delightful selection of ala carte menu. The cafe is opened from 6.00am to 10.00pm daily.

Riverside Majestic Hotel

Overlooking the Sarawak River, this place is an ideal base for business meetings and leisure. Riverside Majestic Hotel is strategically located at the pulse of Kuching's business, entertainment, dining and shopping district. Featuring 241 spacious and contemporary rooms and suites, they are all excellenty equipped with essential amenities to make you feel right at home. You will be able to find an extensive variety of delicacies at Cafe Majestic, River Palace Restaurant & Coca Thai Restaurant. You can also enjoy their stunning outdoor pool, squash and tennis courts, cardio exercise room and free shuttle service to Damai and Santubong.