Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum
Kuching

the exterior of the Sarawak Islamic Museum

Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum aims to provide visitors, both locals and foreign tourists, with an understanding of the rich history and way of life of Muslims in Sarawak and beyond.

The museum was established in 1992. According to a plaque outside, the building itself was built in 1931 during the time of Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke as a college for training Malay teachers. The museum is divided into seven galleries arranged around grassy courtyards. The galleries are:

The Coming of Islam to the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago

Exhibits in the gallery include:

  • A large scale model of the State Mosque of Sarawak (1990).
  • Map showing how the archipelago was progressively Islamized between 1500 and 1800 and a map of the wider Muslim world.
  • A replica of the Terengganu Inscribed Stone dated 1303, one of the earliest Islamic records in the Malay Peninsula.
  • Photos of notable mosques in Sarawak and elsewhere in Malaysia.
  • Early grave markers from Acheh and Limbang.
  • One of the most impressive exhibits is this beautifully hand-stitched replica of the Kaabah curtain, Kiswah.
a replica of the Kaabah curtain
  • This exquisite framed silk carpet lists the 99 Names of Allah.
carpet showing the 99 names of Allah
  • The gallery also provides information on the Five Pillars of Islam and some history on the establishment of Islam by The Prophet Muhammad.

Weaponry

collection of kris daggers

This gallery tells us that in Islam, the use of weapons is only necessary when there was no other solution available and 'in fact Islam detests war'. Nevertheless there have been times throughout history when Muslims have had to resort to force and this gallery showcases a fine collection of historic weaponry including kris, parang, sundang, daggers, swords, firearms.

A replica of the sword of Prophet Muhammad is on display.

replica of Prophet Muhammad's sword

Interesting instructions are displayed on the traditional method of cleaning a keris using banana stems, limes, coconut, bamboo and incense oil (very eco-friendly)!

Decorative Arts and Domestic Utensils

Some fine artefacts are displayed in this gallery such as these magnificent wooden chests carved with verses from the Quran which would have been used by aristocratic Malays to store clothing and valuables.

wooden chests decorated with inscriptions from the Quran

Treasures from elsewhere in Asia include this delicate Chinese bowl bearing an Arabic inscription.

chinese bowl with arabic lettering

Music & Costumes

This gallery features a collection of silver personal ornaments and different styles of Malay costume together with traditional musical instruments from the region and beyond.

traditional male and female Malay costumes

A Sarangi and a Sarinda, exotic musical instruments from Central Asia.

afghan/turkmen stringed instruments

Islamic Architecture

This gallery includes scale models of historically significant mosques such as Masjid Kampung Laut in Kelantan, believed to be the earliest mosque in Malaysia, the Tengkera Mosque in Melaka (which is still in use), the first mosque in Sarawak (since replaced) and Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

model of oldest mosque in Malacca

Many other fine architectural and decorative features are also displayed such as this wood carving and this lovely Persian 17th century ceramic tile.

carved wooden panel
Safavid period square ceramic tile with palmetto design on cobalt blue.

Islamic Science, Technology, Economy, Education and Literature

This all-encompassing gallery covers everything from the Islamic Legal Code to trade and business to astronomy.

highly decorated Malay fishing boat in a museum gallery

Al-Quran Corner

This gallery is currently closed for upgrading works (as at March 2026).

Review Verdict

I have been to other Islamic Museums in KL, Shah Alam and Kota Bharu but this one Kuching is one of my favourites. While the standard of presentation cannot quite match up to the world-class Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in KL it does have some fine exhibits and provides interesting information on Islam. In this time of increased world tensions and anti-Islamic sentiment in parts of the West, it is important for non-Muslims to educate themselves on the true meaning of Islam.

If you are visiting the Borneo Cultures Museum why not pop into the Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum as well? It's next door, it's free and it's air-conditioned!

Opening Hours & Admission Charges

Open Daily

Mon - Friday 9am - 4.45pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am to 4pm

Ticket Prices

Entrance is Free. Just sign your name in the guest book. Non-flash photography is permitted.

How To Get to the Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum

The museum is right next door to The Borneo Cultures Museum in the heart of Kuching.

You can park in the Borneo Cultures Museum car park if you are driving. Parking is free.

The exact location is marked on this map:

Address:

Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum
Jalan P. Ramlee, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak

Contact

Tel 082 244 378

Nearby

See a full list and details of other Kuching attractions here.

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