The Sarawak Museum closed its door to visitors in 2017 for renovation and restoration works. This year, they have this special tour for those interested in having a sneak peek of the old museum. You can do pre-booking. You have to walk in to secure a spot.
Just head over to the Borneo Cultures Museum and book a slot. There are two slots, 10.30am and 2.30pm. Each slot only has 15 spots. Hence, it is on a first-come-first-serve basis. You’ll have a better chance in the morning, on a working day, and not school holiday. We were fortunate to be the first to register for the morning slot. This is actually my second attempt ;p
Meanwhile, the tour is free of charge. The museum staff will conduct the tour in English. They will use Malay if everyone knows the language (it depends on the staff’s discretion). However, English is still the main language.
On this tour, they will only show you the first floor. The ground floor is still not accessible as work is still in progress. You will have to remove your shoes to go in.
Do note that the museum is currently empty. All the old exhibits were moved. Some of them still can be seen in the other building, Natural History Museum, just down the road. With the empty museum, you will get to see the murals clearly. The murals have a history of its own.
Lastly, I have to remind you that the tour will end this month end. I’m not sure of the exact date but better go there before 20th July to be safe. They will close the museum again until further notice. Maybe for another 3 years.