Location: Sarawak, Malaysia
Capacity: Up to 30 pax
Embark on a guided journey through the remarkable legacy of Margaret Brooke, Ranee of Sarawak. As both a British subject and an Asian monarch, her life story is truly fascinating. Margaret was conferred the title of Ranee, meaning queen, upon marrying Rajah Charles Brooke in 1869. The Brooke family held significant power and influence as rulers of the Sarawak region in Borneo during the colonial period.
Margaret, however, rejected the traditional image of the colonial ruler’s wife. Instead, she became a passionate and highly successful advocate for local women’s rights, pushing for improvements in employment, education, and healthcare. In a bold move considered scandalous by English high society, she abandoned British clothing in favour of Sarawak’s indigenous attire, creating a large collection of beautiful textiles from the region’s rich cultural heritage.
These diverse elements of Margaret’s life come together in a captivating guided exploration of her legacy, which includes visits to the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, the Ranee Museum, and her textile museum and gallery in Malaysia’s historic Kuching neighborhood. The tour offers an in-depth look at her life’s work and the lasting impact she had on the region. Available on weekdays for groups of up to 30, this experience is a must for history buffs, art lovers, and those fascinated by the intersection of cultural identity and women’s empowerment.
