Rumah Sri Aman
Museum in Simanggang

exterior of Rumah Sri Aman museum

Rumah Sri Aman is a museum on a low hilltop overlooking the Batang Lupar River in the town of Simanggang.

The building dates back to the 1920s when it served as the home for the (British) Resident of Simanggang who administered the area on behalf of Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke. It later became a Government Rest House from the 1960s up until the 1990s. After a period of neglect and dilapidation the building underwent a major restoration from 2021 and was reopened as a museum in 2023.

The main building is a two storey brick and timber construction with an unusual octagonal shape (giving it one of its names, Rumah Segi Lapan) with auxiliary quarters and later additions to the rear.

black and white photo of the building and staff in the 1950sBritish officials and local administrators at Rumah Sri Aman in the 1950s.

The museum displays various photos of the building over the decades.

copy of 1853 agreement

An overview of how the White Rajahs came to control Sarawak is provided and includes a replica of the agreement from 1853 between James Brooke and the Sultan of Brunei ceding seven districts.

During the 1960s and early 1970s Sarawak was plagued by a communist insurrection and various operations by the armed forces and police were launched to suppress them. Operation Sri Aman in 1973 achieved a breakthrough and 482 communist fighters emerged from the jungle to surrender to Sarawak state authorities. Photos of some of the Malaysian Police Special Branch officers who took part in these operations are displayed in the museum.

special branch officers

Apart from history, the museum also tells the tale of Bujang Senang, a massive six-metre-long crocodile who, according to legend, is the reincarnation of a fearsome Iban warrior.

Other local characteristics and features are also covered.

Review Verdict

A nice informative museum. It will take 30 minutes max.
Air-conditioned and free admission.
Shoes off!
The visitors' book revealed that it does not get many visitors so pop in and say hello if you are ever in Simanggang.

Opening Hours and Ticket Price

Open Daily.

  • Weekdays 9am - 4:45pm
  • Weekends 10am - 4pm

Closed on the following public holidays:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Labour Day
  • Gawai Day
  • Malaysian independence Day
  • Birthday TYT of Sarawak

Entrance Fee:

  • Admission is free

How To Get to Rumah Sri Aman

The location of the museum is marked on this map:

Parking

  • There is free parking in front of the entrance.


Address

  • Rumah Sri Aman, Jalan Astana, 95000 Simanggang, Sarawak

Contact

Nearby Attractions

Share this page:

AUTHOR BIO

the author

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing first-hand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published over 760 pages on this website, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places that even some Malaysians have never visited.