SIMANGGANG, July 18 2026: The historic Fort Alice building that houses the Sri Aman Heritage Museum is among the premier heritage tourism destinations, showcasing the history of the Rajah Brooke administration and the early development of Simanggang Town in an authentic atmosphere.
Fort Alice, located on a hill overlooking the Batang Lupar, was originally built after the Rajah Brooke administration relocated Fort James from Nanga Skrang to Simanggang in 1864, following frequent flooding at the original site.
Since then, Fort Alice served not only as a defence fort to monitor river route security and curb piracy, but also as an administrative hub housing a courtroom, treasury, dispensary, and shipping affairs during the Brooke administration and colonial eras.
Recognising its high historical value, the government allocated RM5 million under the 10th Malaysia Plan to execute conservation and upgrading works on the building.
The project, managed by architect Mike Boon from JFN Sdn. Bhd., successfully restored Fort Alice to its original form before it was reopened as the Sri Aman Heritage Museum.
Today, the museum features various historical collections, including documentation on Brooke-era forts in Sarawak, a courtroom, the bedroom of the Second White Rajah of Sarawak Charles Brooke, a dining area, and various artifacts depicting administrative life in the 19th century.
The architectural authenticity of the building, the lighting, and the layout of the exhibition spaces offer visitors an experience akin to stepping back into the era of the Rajah Brooke rule, thereby making the museum an important medium for preserving and introducing Sarawak's historical heritage to the current generation.
Additionally, several old cannons still facing the Batang Lupar River as well as a collection of traditional boats, such as the Iban War Boat, the Chinese Hawker Boat, and the Malay Balok Boat, are also on display as symbols of the diverse history and culture of the local community.
The Sri Aman Heritage Museum is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 4:45pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The museum is closed every Monday.
Members of the public visiting Simanggang Town are encouraged to spend time visiting the Sri Aman Heritage Museum to retrace the history of Fort Alice and understand its pivotal role in the early development of Simanggang Town and Sarawak's history
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