KDB Maharajadela is one of three 47’ Armed Motor Launches built for the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment Flotilla in 1966. She displaced 10 tons and was powered by two GM diesels giving a maximum speed of 20 knots. In 1975 she was converted for use as a Riverine Patrol Vessel, armed with a twin MG42 machine gun. She was removed from service in 1980 and is now preserved as an exhibit at the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Museum in Bandar Seri Begawan – capital of Brunei.
This museum doesn't appear to be that well known - my taxi driver had never heard of it, and when he rang his office for information, they had never heard of it either! But it is easy to find on the English version of Google Maps, so off we went. The Museum is located within the perimeter of large military establishment near the airport. They obviously don't get many visitors - the soldiers at the gate seemed somewhat lost when asked about the museum but eventually directed us to the visitor centre to get a pass. The staff at the visitor centre also didn't know what to do with us and rang the museum for instructions. Eventually we were told just to head around to the museum (which was in a building adjacent to the visitor centre). When I walked into the museum, the place was completely deserted, but eventually someone appeared, and said I was fine to look around, as long as I didn't take any photos of current military equipment visible from the museum. They made a point of getting me to sign the visitor book before I left, and I noted that I was only the 5th visitor in the last fortnight!The museum itself is a very professionally presented museum covering the history of the Brunei Armed Forces since 1961. All signage is bilingual, and admission is free. Outside there is a small equipment park containing a helicopter, a couple of armoured cars, a rapier missile system, and the KDB Maharajalela, mounted on blocks. Worth visiting if you happen to be in Brunei - but it may be worth contacting them in advance to make arrangements - I doubt I would have made it in had it not been for a particularly helpful and persistent taxi driver!
