What is the history of Fort Margherita? Planning to learn more about the amazing colonial history of the Sarawak Region? Fort Margherita is perched on the top of the hill overlooking the Sarawak Waterfront. The strategic position of the Fort commands amazing views of the region and is easily accessibly by crossing the river by boat from the waterfront. I stayed at Grand Margherita Hotel on the Sarawak River. The boat station is located within a walking distance of the hotel. The boat ride costs RM 1 and takes around 5 minutes of boat ride to cross the river. Make sure not to put your hands in the water as the river has occasional appearances of allegators. A walkway and stair of steps from the riverfront take you through an abandoned lot and the car park to Fort Margherita. If you are driving a car, the Fort is accessible by crossing the bridge over the river. The trip will be much longer and more time-consuming. Fort Margherita was constructed to guard the city against pirate ships in 1879. The fort was constructed as a defence against any invasion and also equipped with cannons. These cannons are well preserved and placed inside the premises of the fort. The fort has a goal on the ground floor and also a hangman's corner which was used for public hangings. The first two floors of the fort house historical artifacts, ships logs and manuals, records of early adventures and painting and etching give insight into the life and culture encountered by early White Rajahs of Sarawak who ruled the region from 1841 to 1946. The tribals offers resistance in the early stages of their rules and were quelled by force. Some of the tribes of Sarawak were headhunters and would keep the skulls of their enemies at their longhouses. The lifestyle of the tribes of Sarawak and some early memorabilia is definitely to be explored if you want to learn about the early history of Borneo and Sarawak.
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