Malay Technology Museum

You will find the Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan, set along the Brunei River slope. It offers a captivating window into the historical way of life and technical practices of early Bruneian inhabitants across water towns and dry land. Formally opened in 1988, this museum documents cultural tools and traditional skills across three primary display galleries.

In Hall Number 1, you can admire late 19th- to early 20th-century architectural styles shown through six model houses representing different socioeconomic ranks, including noble residences like Rumah Tungkup and commoners' homes built from traditional materials like bamboo and kajang. Moving to Hall Number 2, you will discover traditional water village handicrafts and industries, featuring boat building, textile weaving, silversmithing, ancient pots, and brass trays. Finally, Hall Number 3 highlights inland technologies, detailing tools used to produce ambulong, tapa garut, and gulanau alongside replicas of Kedayan, Dusun, and Murut traditional houses.

You can also view interactive traditional games, ASEAN Youth Sculptures, and the historical 1929 front gate from the original General Hospital. It is an ideal cultural destination for your visit to Kota Batu.

What to see at Malay Technology Museum

• Six model water village houses displaying late 19th and early 20th-century architectural styles
• Exhibits on traditional crafts including textile weaving, boat building, and silversmithing
• Displays of inland technology tools used for making ambulong, tapa garut, and gulanau
• Interactive area featuring classic traditional games and the ASEAN Youth Sculptures
• The historic 1929 front gate preserved from Brunei's former General Hospital

Visiting tips

Combine your visit with nearby landmarks along Jalan Kota Batu, such as the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum and the Tombs of Sultan Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Malay Technology Museum is easy to reach on Bandar Seri Begawan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Istana Nurul Iman. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bandar Seri Begawan travel guide.