Fort Alice, a historic event at Rumah Sri Aman and the Benak tidal bore on the Batang Lupar give Sri Aman two distinctive themes: local history and a natural phenomenon. Visitors planning a stay can explore these interests separately while also considering the wider area when making travel plans. Sri Aman was formerly known as Simanggang.
Fort Alice and the town’s history
Fort Alice was built in Sri Aman in 1864 as a defensive structure and served to control the Lupar. The exhibition at the Sri Aman Heritage Museum, Fort Alice, covers the fort’s history and events that shaped Sri Aman. It comprises five themes, connecting the history of the building with the development of the town.
Rumah Sri Aman, also known as Rumah Segi Lapan, offers a different historical perspective. The historic building is associated with a specific date: on 21 October 1973, a declaration of intent was signed there between the Sarawak government and the North Kalimantan Communist Party. The location, date and parties involved make this event a clearly defined part of the building’s history.
The exhibition at Rumah Sri Aman is also arranged by theme, with four themes: “House on the Hill”, “Era of the White Rajahs”, “War and Peace” and “Rising Tide”. The titles lead from the history of the house and a historical era to the themes of war and peace, as well as “Rising Tide”. By comparison, the Fort Alice exhibition focuses on the history of the fort and events that shaped Sri Aman. Those interested in local history will find two different thematic perspectives here. Check the museum’s current opening hours before visiting Fort Alice.
The Benak on the Batang Lupar
The Benak is a tidal bore on the Batang Lupar. It begins in the area of Pulau Seduku in the Lingga District and is about 44.6 kilometres from the river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Bandar Simanggang. Moving at seven to 18 kilometres per hour, it continues on and then crosses the riverbank of Simanggang town. The timing and conditions of the phenomenon vary with the tides, so plan your visit to observe it according to tidal conditions.
Taman Panorama Benak is a recreational spot where visitors can watch the Benak. The phenomenon is therefore not just a feature of the river but also a specific point of interest for a stay in Sri Aman. The Fort Alice exhibition and historic Rumah Sri Aman, on the other hand, offer an introduction to the town’s history. Cultural history and the natural phenomenon thus represent distinct, clearly defined interests to consider when planning a trip.
Putting the wider area in context
The region can also play a part in choosing Sri Aman as a destination. Near the Batang Ai Reservoir, Sri Aman is considered a gateway to adventure tourism, including longhouse experiences, river cruises and wildlife watching. In the surrounding area, visitors can explore Iban longhouses, including longhouses near Batang Ai. These options are part of the wider region and offer a different focus from the town’s history and the Benak.
When making your travel plans, it is therefore worth distinguishing between the attractions in Sri Aman and experiences in the wider area. Fort Alice and Rumah Sri Aman represent local history, while Taman Panorama Benak offers a place to watch the tidal bore. Longhouses, river cruises and wildlife watching broaden the scope to include the region. If you are looking for a hotel in Sri Aman, you can first consider whether your stay will focus mainly on the town’s history, the Benak or the wider area as well.
Discover more destinations: Lingga, Miri, Lutong, Limbang, Bintulu, Kapit, Marudi, Kuching
For the main travel overview: Sarawak.
