Malay Technology Museum
Brunei-Muara
The Malay Technology Museum, located in Kota Batu near Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, offers a comprehensive insight into the traditional technical practices of early Brunei society. Officially opened by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in 1988, the museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural tools and technologies used by Bruneians who lived both in water villages and on dry land. It features three main galleries: the Water Village Traditional House Gallery, showcasing architectural models from the late 19th to early 20th centuries; the Water Village Traditional Technology Gallery, presenting handicrafts, boat building, and traditional trades; and the Inland Traditional Technology Gallery, which highlights native tools, musical instruments, and replicas of traditional houses from various ethnic groups. The museum also includes interactive exhibits such as classic games and the ASEAN Youth Sculptures. Its location near historical landmarks like the Tombs of Sultan Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah enriches the cultural experience. The museum's preservation of Brunei's technological heritage offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the lifestyle and craftsmanship of past generations.
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Consejo: The best time to visit the Malay Technology Museum is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially for group visits. The museum offers educational programs and interactive exhibits suitable for families and students. Visitors should allocate sufficient time to explore all three galleries thoroughly. Discounts may be available for students and seniors; check the official website or contact the museum for current offers.
Datos interesantes
- •The museum houses the original front gate of Brunei's General Hospital, inaugurated in 1929 and preserved as a historical monument.
- •Model houses in the Water Village Traditional House Gallery represent different social classes, from commoners to nobility, using traditional materials like daun apong and bamboo.
- •Some village names in Brunei, such as Kampong Pandai Besi, derive from traditional professions like ironsmithing, which are showcased in the museum.
- •The museum's location on the Brunei River delta places it near significant historical tombs of past sultans, enhancing its cultural context.
Historia
Construction of the Malay Technology Museum took place between 1985 and 1987, funded by the Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies, at a cost of approximately B$7 million.
It was formally opened on 29 February 1988 by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The museum was established to document and preserve the traditional technologies and way of life of Brunei's early inhabitants, particularly those living in water villages and inland communities.
Over time, it has become part of a complex of museums along the Brunei River in Kota Batu, alongside the Brunei Museum and the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum.
Guía del lugar
Water Village Traditional House GalleryLate 19th to early 20th century
This gallery displays six model houses representing various socioeconomic ranks from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The houses are constructed from traditional materials such as daun apong, kajang, and bamboo. Notable designs include the commoners' Rumah Belah Bubung, the nobility's Rumah Tungkup and Rumah Loteng, and later styles like the zinc-roofed Rumah Potong Lima and the collided-roofed Rumah Belanggar.
Water Village Traditional Technology Gallery
This gallery highlights traditional handicrafts and trades practiced in water villages, including textile weaving, gold and silversmithing, boat building, and roof construction. Exhibits include brass trays, ancient pots, and woven fabrics, emphasizing the craftsmanship and daily life of the water town inhabitants.
Inland Traditional Technology Gallery
Featuring native technologies from inland communities, this gallery exhibits tools for making ambulong, tapa garut, and gulanau, as well as cultural objects like rafts and musical instruments. It also includes replicas of traditional houses such as the Kedayan house for extended families, the Dusun house with hierarchical bedrooms, and the Murut house featuring a communal area and Barukai ceremonial space.