THE RAJAHS FORTS TRAIL

One of the key differences about the history of Sarawak was that it was ruled by an English Family, the White Rajahs for 100 years. The rest of the region (Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sabah) was run as a business entity by the East India Company.

The Rajahs built forts throughout Sarawak to administer the country and also to quell any uprising. These forts are unique and cannot be found else where in the region. A number of these forts are built in scenic and 'frontier' areas and are located throughout the state, where a ‘trail’ can be followed.

Much thanks and appreciation goes to Mr. John Ting of the University of Melbourne and Mr. Mike Boon, President of the Sarawak Heritage Society for providing assistance in setting up these trails. Three different trails have been set-up and they are:

1. The Greater Rajahs Forts Trail (covering the entire state of Sarawak)
2. The Rajahs Southern Fort Trail (covering Sibu to Kuching divisions)
3. The Rajahs Legacy Walk (covering significant areas in Kuching)

1. The Greater Rajahs Forts Trail (covering the entire state of Sarawak)
From Miri, visit Fort Limbang, Fort Hose in Marudi, Fort Long Akah and Fort Lio Matoh in addition to the Lesser Rajahs Forts Trail and the Rajahs Legacy Walk

2. The Rajahs Southern Fort Trail (covering Sibu to Kuching divisions)
From Sibu, visit Fort Sylvia in Kapit, on return to Fort Emma in Kanowit, then on to Fort Brooke at Meluan, Fort Charles in Kabong, Fort Arundel in Lubok Antu, Fort Lily in Betong and Fort Alice in Sri Aman, Fort Tebakang, in addition to the Rajahs Legacy Walk.

3. The Rajahs Legacy Walk
In Kuching visiting all the significant buildings and sites where the Rajah frequent. The Rajah had his rounds where he visited the Bishop of the Anglican Church, key merchants in town and also community leaders. It may include some areas outside of Kuching such Santubong, Bau and Lundu if required.

Please note that these trip do not only visit the forts but also involve visiting the nearby villages and local communities. A number of the locations require lodging with local communities or homestay, while sampling the local gastronomic specialty of these areas.

Costs for these trips would be published shortly. Please [contact us] for inquiries.

Photo Gallery for the Rajahs Forts Trail (more to be added)

Fort Emma built in 1859, located in Kanowit	inside Fort Emma (downstairs) this fort is used as a multi-purpose hall today	Hand hewn floor boards in Fort Emma
Fort Brooke 1935 was built by the 3rd Rajah, Vyner Brooke and is in immaculate shape	Fromt Entrance to Fort Brooke there is a permanent staircase but it used to have a retractable one	Inside Fort Brooke this is the public area with the big desk for the magistrate or adminsitrator, the docks on the right and the door to the private area on the left
Fort Brooke from the outside left view	Fort Lily, Betong 1855 this is one of the the earliest forts built by James Brooke	Looking out from the upper most floor from Fort Lily
There used to be a river and the building was the wharf. Today shifts in the river see it facing a grazing ground	Kuching's oldest mosque stands among a row of spice traders who are descendants of early traders	Fort Limbang 1897 was constructed for the signing of transferring over terroteries and adminsitration rather for defense.
Fort Magerita is one of the more prominent fort in Kuching but built too late for any action.