Yu Hang NgBrunei’s rich tapestry of history, culture and natural heritage finds a fitting showcase in the Brunei Museum, nestled within the ancient capital of Kota Batu. Sharing its grounds with the Malay Technology Museum and the royal mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah, this institution offers a concise yet comprehensive journey: from the glittering legacies of great Islamic empires to the modern story of oil and gas that powers the nation.
Also, while photography is restricted beyond the lobby and personal items must be stowed away, the museum’s free admission ensures that anyone curious about Brunei’s past and present can explore its highlights without barrier.
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The very first exhibition, the Islamic Art Gallery, is the crown jewel of the museum. Featuring an expansive collection of Islamic artefacts belonging to the Sultan, the gallery will bring you back millennia to a list of great Islamic empires such as the Umayyad and Ottoman Caliphates. From the intricate renderings of the Holy Quran to the artisans’ skill and devotion, this gallery is truly a memorable visit for any history lover.
If the Islamic Art Gallery depicts the past, the Oil and Gas Gallery will very much echo Brunei of the present, since the petroleum industry is the force behind Brunei’s rose to fame.The gallery’s interactive exhibits provide a concise and fascinating description of the industry’s short history.
Although the Natural History Gallery is not as awe-inspiring as with the two museums, it is still worth a visit for amateur naturalists interested in the indigenous species of Borneo. Also, at my time of visit, the three exhibitions on the second floor, that is, the Traditional Culture Gallery, the Archaeology and History Exhibition, and the Independence Gallery, were unfortunately under renovation, so if you’re going to travel Brunei, be sure to check out their newly refurbished galleries!
Image credit: Pangalau via Wikimedia Commons
To conclude, whether you’re tracing the calligraphic beauty of Quranic manuscripts, interacting with hands-on displays on petroleum production or spotting Borneo’s native wildlife in diorama form, the Brunei Museum delivers an immersive primer on the sultanate’s identity. Your journey through the museum will leave you with both a deeper understanding and a lasting curiosity to explore the country beyond its walls.
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