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A Walk Down Memory Lane at Malay Technology Museum



A Walk Down Memory Lane at Malay Technology Museum

While you might not see exhibits about the latest gadgets, computers or state-of-the-art household electronic goods, this is the best place to go to if you want to understand how things were done in Brunei in the ancient times. Donated by the Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies to the people of Brunei Darussalam, The Malay Technology Museum or Muzium Teknologi officially opened in 1988 in conjunction to the Sultanate’s Independence in 1984. 

It is a testament of how Brunei people have advanced their way of life to what it is today being one of the most progressive countries in the world. Indeed, from humble beginnings, Brunei people have managed to hone their skills in boatmaking, fishing, metalworking, weaving and goldsmithing and later on move to more high-skilled, high-value trades that they are known for in the modern times.

Malay Technology Museum is located in Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan which is around 15 minutes away from the city center. If coming from downtown, you have to travel past Brunei Museum which is the national museum of the kingdom.

The museum has three (3) exhibit halls showcasing various types of traditional technologies by the indigenous people of Brunei Darssalam namely; Water Village Traditional House Gallery, Water Village Traditional Technology Gallery and Inland Traditional Technology Gallery. Upon entry, one can see a large hall with displays of the latest paintings of popular and ordinary artists in Brunei. Going through the display is a good way to get a grasp of what to expect in the galleries at the upper floor.

Traditional Houses of Kampung Ayer Gallery

This is where you can see how houses were in Kampong Ayer or “water village” in the late 19th up to mid 20th century and get to compare the architectural structure of houses in the water village at present. On display are six model houses complete with how they are oriented from the inside.
Traditional Technologies of Kampung Ayer Gallery
In this exhibit hall, you can find displays of traditional technologies and cottage industries in Kampung Ayer such as boat construction, gold and silver smiting, fishing, boat construction, cloth weaving and brass-wielding.

Traditional Technologies of Other Indigenous Groups Gallery
Also located at the 2nd floor, this gallery depicts indigenous technologies of inland people or those who live in the mainland. Here, you can see models of Kedayan, Dusun and Murut longhouses as well as Penan makeshift jungle huts. You can also learn here the techniques use by people in the old days on sago production, sugar processing and rice cultivation. Also on display are handicrafts used in those times.

Important Information: 
Address: Simpang 482, Kampung Kota Batu, Brunei 
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
Friday –CLOSED
Saturday: 9:45 am – 5:00 pm 
Contact Number: +673 224 4545 
Entrance Fee: Free

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