🛶 Malay Technology Museum (Muzium Teknologi Melayu) – A Glimpse into Brunei’s Traditional Way of Life

🏛️ What Is the Malay Technology Museum?

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Malay Technology Museum isn’t about computers or modern tech. Instead, it highlights the traditional technologies, craftsmanship, and lifestyles of Brunei’s indigenous people—particularly the residents of Kampung Ayer (Water Village) and the ethnic groups from Brunei’s interior.

Located in Kota Batu, this two-story museum was donated by the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies and officially opened in 1988 to celebrate Brunei’s independence. The architecture may be modest, but inside, you’ll discover an immersive journey into Brunei’s past.

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🖼️ Exhibition Galleries

There are three fascinating galleries in this museum:

1️⃣ Gallery of Kampung Ayer's Traditional Houses

 

This gallery showcases six traditional stilt houses that were once popular in the Water Village between the late 19th to mid-20th century. Each house represents different architectural styles such as:

• 🏠 Belah Bubung House
• 🏠 Loteng House
• 🏠 Potong Limas House
• 🏠 Belanggar House
• 🏠 Tungkup House
• 🏠 Belah Bubung Beserambi House

These models offer a visual timeline of the evolution of house construction and design.

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2️⃣ Gallery of Kampung Ayer’s Traditional Technologies

 

Here, you’ll find authentic replicas and displays of traditional cottage industries like:

• 🎣 Fishing traps
• 🧶 Cloth-weaving
• 🛶 Boat-making
• 🔨 Gold, silver, and brass smithing

Many of the products made from these crafts are also on display, offering a look into how locals thrived off their environment using ingenuity and skill.

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3️⃣ Gallery of Indigenous Technologies from the Interior

This gallery shifts focus to non-coastal ethnic groups, showcasing:

• 🌾 Rice cultivation tools
• 🍬 Sugar and sago processing
• 🏹 Blowpipe and top-making techniques
• 🛖 Life-sized models of indigenous houses (e.g., Dusun Kedayan, Murut Longhouse, and Penan huts)

It’s a respectful representation of Brunei’s diverse heritage and how life differed between river dwellers and highlanders.

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✍️ My Experience

We were initially on our way to the Brunei Museum, but it was closed. Thankfully, a kind local gave us a lift to the Malay Technology Museum—which turned out to be quite a distance despite what many say about it being a 5-minute walk.

 

As we arrived, a large group of visitors (possibly from Malaysia) also entered, many wearing traditional Malay clothing like the baju melayu and sampin. Their presence added charm and authenticity to the museum experience.

 

🛶 The life-sized exhibits are incredibly realistic—from the wooden houses to the mannequins in traditional attire. One of my favorite spots was outside, behind the museum, where you can find a real traditional boat on display and a peaceful riverside view perfect for relaxing.

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🕒 Opening Hours

• Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM
  ⏳ Note: Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

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🚍 How to Get There

📍 Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei-Muara District, Brunei
📞 Phone: +673 224 4545 samb 150 | ✉️ Email: bmethno@brunet.bn

• From the Central Bus Terminal, take Bus 39.
• Get off near the Brunei Museum.
• Facing the Brunei Museum, take the left-hand path and walk about 10–15 minutes.
• You’ll pass local homes and may find guards or locals along the way who can point you in the right direction.

Don’t be discouraged by the unassuming surroundings—you’ll find the museum on the left side of the road.

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💡 Travel Tips

• 🎟️ Entrance is free!
• 📸 Photography is allowed (but only in designated areas).
• 👗 Dress modestly, especially if you're visiting with large tour groups.
• 🌬️ Don’t forget to check the back area of the museum for the traditional boat display and river view.

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 ✅ Don’t Miss This Cultural Treasure!

Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Brunei’s roots, the Malay Technology Museum offers a rare window into traditional life—from stilt houses to indigenous tools and crafts.

🛶 Make it part of your Brunei itinerary today and experience how the past still flows through Kampong Ayer and beyond.

📍 Plan your visit now—it’s budget-friendly, deeply enriching, and right next to other top attractions in Kota Batu!