ECHOES of Sarawak's past resonate through time, narrated by the enduring forts that stand as silent sentinels to the land's history.
While the Brooke dynasties may have yielded their governance, the legacy they left behind is etched in the architecture that once served as bastions of protection and order.
During the Brooke era, a significant chapter in Sarawak's history unfolded. Monuments and buildings, now pivotal tourist attractions, emerged under their administration.
Among these structures, forts held a crucial role, providing the first line of defence against external threats during a time when security was paramount.
FORT ALICE: A TIME CAPSULE IN SRI AMAN
Built in 1864, Fort Alice in Sri Aman stands as a testament to the past. Constructed entirely from Belian (ironwood) timber, the fort features a drawbridge, lookout towers, and cannons. Named in honour of Charles Brooke's wife, Margaret Alice Lili de Windt, it now serves as the Sri Aman Heritage Museum, offering a captivating journey into Iban and British colonial history.
FORT MARGHERITA: A FORTRESS BY SARAWAK RIVER
Overlooking the Sarawak River in Kuching, Fort Margherita resembles an English castle, its three-storeyed structure echoing the architectural legacy of the 19th century. Converted into a police museum in 1971 and later handed over to the Sarawak government, it now stands as a popular tourist attraction, narrating the rich history of Sarawak under the Brooke rule.
FORT SYLVIA: A HISTORICAL CENTRE IN KAPIT
Located in Kapit and next to the Rajang River basin, Fort Sylvia played a dual role as an administrative centre and the station for the Sarawak Rangers — a para-military force founded by Charles Brooke. Preserving Kapit's cultural heritage, it has transformed into a museum housing artefacts, historical documents, and a dedicated section to honour Tun Jugah, a prominent leader in Sarawak's independence movement.
FORT HOSE: BARAM'S GUARDIAN ON THE HILL
Completed in 1901 and named after Charles Hose, Fort Hose in Marudi perches atop a hill, commanding a view of the Baram River. Despite a fire in 1994, the fort has seen various roles from a district office to a welfare department. Today, it proudly stands as the Baram Regional Museum, showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the Orang Ulu communities.
These forts, once symbols of defence, have found new life through restoration efforts. Fort Alice, Fort Margherita, and Fort Sylvia have evolved into museums, winning accolades for their conservation endeavours. Fort Hose, after facing challenges, stands as a tribute to the resilience of local communities and the commitment to preserving Sarawak's illustrious past.
As Sarawak continues to evolve, these forts stand as guardians of history, not merely tourist attractions but living narratives that bridge the past with the present. Their stories, a tapestry woven with threads of bravery, culture, and governance, remind us of the importance of conserving these monuments for generations to come.