KUCHING IN WESTERN SARAWAK OF BORNEO

SARAWAK

Sarawak occupies a rectangular piece of land on Borneo that stretches from the northwest corner of the island to Brunei. Covering more than one third of Malaysia's territory but containing only 11 percent of the population, it is covered mostly by rain forests, marshes, mountains, oil and land deforested by timber companies and oil palm plantations. The roads are poor and many people get around by boat. Villages not on rivers are often very isolated and hard to get to. In Sarawak the rainy monsoon season is from October to February and dry hot season is from March to September.

Home to around 2.5 million people, Sarawak it covers an area of 124,450 square kilometers (47,500 square miles) and has a population density of 19 people per square kilometer. The capital and largest city is Kuching Ethnic groups found in Sarawak include Malays, Chinese, Iban Land Dyak, and Melanue. Although Muslim Malays make up the majority of the population conservative Islam has not made much headway here. Most of the power is in the hands of the state government and the logging and palm oil concerns.

Sarawak is divided into three ecoregions: 1) the coastal region, low-lying and flat with large areas of swamp and other wet environments and some beaches; 2) hilly terrain, further inland, which accounts for much of the inhabited land and is where most of the cities and towns; and 3) the mountainous region along the Sarawak–Kalimantan border, where a number of villages such as Bario, Ba'kelalan, and Usun Apau Plieran are located. A number of rivers flow through Sarawak, with the Sarawak River being the main river flowing through Kuching. The Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia, measuring 563 kilometres (350 mi) including its tributary, Balleh River. To the north, the Baram, Limbang and Trusan Rivers drain into the Brunei Bay. The ports of Kuching and Sibu are built some distance from the coast on rivers while Bintulu and Miri are close to the coastline where the hills stretch right to the South China Sea.

Agriculture, timber, rubber and palm oil provide employment for more than 40 percent of Sarawak's work force, a higher rate than the rest of the country. Oil and gas are big income earners. Coconuts and pineapples are major crops. Exploiting these resources has caused environmental problems and deprived native people of their land but has also caused the average income of the state to rise from around $700 in the 1970s to $2000 in the early 2000s.

Before Malaysia became independent, Sarawak was a crown colony of Britain. Since independence in has been run by notoriously corrupt governors that live like kings, pass on their positions to family members and are in cahoots with the logging and oil palm companies. The native Iban people are the largest indigenous group in Sarawak, making up almost half of the state's two million population. Other indigenous groups include Kenyah, Kayan and about 10,000 Penan people.

About 70 percent of Sarawak is covered by forests, which are home to 24 minority indigenous tribes. Timber is Sarawak's second biggest export after oil and gas. The state government began giving concessions to logging companies in the 1960s, and widespread cutting of trees began in the 70s and 80s. It was not until the late 1990s that the government issued strict guidelines on controlled felling of trees.

The States of Sabah and Sarawak maintain separate customs and immigration offices, so travel to the Borneo States must be treated as an international journey. All long-term residents of Malaysia must obtain national identity cards (Ics).

Kuching

Kuching (on the east side of Sarawak) is the gateway to Sarawak. Home to about 600,000 people, it is a pleasant town with a waterfront and fort and several interesting sights, including the Sarawak Museum (with a fine collection of archeological and ethnological artifacts from Borneo), Fort Margherita and Astana (a colonial British building). From the Kuching airport you can take a taxi directly to the rain forest at Bako National Park.

From the seventh through 13th centuries, what is now Kuching was an important trading village for the Chinese dynasties of the period. Kuching was officially established in 1839 by James Brooke, a British officer who put down a tribal rebellion to win favor with the Sultan of Brunei. Much of the town was burned down in the 1884 Great Fire of Kuching. In late 1990s, work began a $1 billion silicon wafer factory opened as part of plan to make Kuching into a hig-tech center. Today, Kuching is the capital, largest city and financial center in Sarawak in East Malaysia, formerly Northwest Borneo. Situated on the Sarawak River, it is a river port where sago flour and pepper are exported.

Kuching has a large Chinese and Buddhist population and has Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals and a museum of Borneo folklore. The law courts, the clock tower, and Fort Margherita are some of the best-preserved and most beautiful examples of British colonial architecture in this area. Kuching's Masjid Besar (State Mosque) was completed in 1968; the city also has several historic Chinese temples.

Like all towns and cities in Borneo, the focal point of Kuching and the reason for its existence is the river. The Sarawak River divides the city in half. The sections are often called Kuching South and Kuching North. Hiring a sampan to meander slowly up and down the Sarawak River is the best way to get your first impression of Kuching. From the river you will see picturesque Malay villages (kampungs), a golden-domed mosque, a Victorian fort, a whole street of 19th century Chinese shophouses and an imposing wooden-roofed palace, all set against a background of distant mountains. The city is pedestrian-friendly. City center is small enough to get around by walking. There are pedestrian crossings and tree-lined sidewalks. Heavy rains and strong winds may occur in early morning.

Kuching’s city centre is well preserved and very compact; virtually everything that is worth seeing can be reached on foot or by sampan. The narrow, bustling streets are crammed with shops selling all manner of goods, from the mundane to the exotic. There are ornate Chinese temples, many fine examples of colonial-style architecture, a beautiful waterfront and a number of interesting museums, including the historic Sarawak Museum. There is an excellent range of accommodation, from luxury via boutique to budget, good restaurants, and nightlife to suit most tastes and pockets. You can try local delicacies such as deer meat and jungle fern, drink a glass or two of tuak (local rice wine), or feast on a vast array of seafood dishes Kuching has an unusual name — the word means “cat” in Malay. There are a number of stories as to how this name came about, but it is unlikely that it has anything to do with cats. The two more likely explanations are that it derives from the Chinese word kochin, meaning “harbour,” or that it is named after the mata kuching or “cat’s eye” fruit, a close relative of the lychee that grows widely here.

Travel Tips in Kuching: 1) Strolling along the street, please keep your personal belonging safe. 2) Visit the Visitors’ Information Centre in town or at the airport for a map 3) Kuching Local Tourism Office Pejabat Tourism Malaysia Negeri Sarawak, Parcel 297-2-1, 2nd Floor, Riverbank Suites, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, Tel: 6082-246 575/ 775, Fax: 6082-246 442; 4) Tourist Information Centre Kuching International Airport, Lot L1A, Level 1, P.O. Box 1070, 93722 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, Tel: 6082-627-741/742

Shopping Areas in Kuching

Jalan Padungan is souvenir hunter and food haven. It is virtually an extension of the Main Bazaar due to its proximity. It has some excellent coffee shops and restaurants, Cafes, Pubs and some unusual specialist retailers amidst the line of old Chinese shophouses, mostly built in the 1920’s and 30’s during the rubber boom. Look out for the traditional Chinese pastry shops and their traditional candies, and the variety of local fares such as Popiah, Sotong Kang Kung, Belacan Beehoon and many more. Some buildings are very elegantly decorated, and a walk round the back of them can reveal fascinating architectural details. The Great Cat of Kuching, a monumental kitsch statue, is situated at the junction of Jalan Padungan and Jalan Central. After years of being the king of kitsch, the Great Cat now has a competitor — the Cat Statue opposite Hotel Grand Margherita. [Source: sarawaktourism.com]

India Street Jalan India) is a pedestrian-only shopping street lined with shops selling all kinds of goods, particularly textiles. Mid-way down India Street (if you can find it!) there is a narrow passageway that leads to Gambier Road. If you follow this passageway you’ll pass a small Indian Mosque hidden away in the middle of the city. The Mosque’s structure has undergone many changes since it was originally built by Kuching’s Indian Muslim community in the mid 19th century.

Shopping Malls in Kuching: 1) Plaza Merdeka, 88 jalan Pearl, located directly opposite Padang Merdeka offers a host of designer outlets, a Parkson department store, a weel-stocked supermarket, dozens of dining outlets (including all the fast food favourites) and a popular food court. Website: website: plazamerdeka.com/ 2) The smaller city centre malls include Riverside Shopping Centre (next to Riverside Majestic Hotel), The Hills (Pullman Hotel) and Tun Jugah. Other good places for bargain hunting are Electra House, Wisma Hopoh and Wisma Satok (Jln Satok). 3) Further afield, the major shopping malls include The Spring and ST3 on Jln Simpang Tiga, Boulevard on Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Hock Lee Centre on Jln Datuk Abang Abdul Rahin and City One on Jln Song. 4) Vivacity Megamall, a four-level shopping space that is filled with individual retailers, a departmental store and a supermarket, 8-screen Cineplex, more than 12 anchor large retail branches and at least 300 international, regional and local brands

Tanoti houses a community of Sarawakian artisans dedicated to practising the ancient craft of Sarawak songket weaving; using the supplementary weft technique. The house consists of a weaving gallery where visitors can watch the various processes of weaving first hand. There is also a retail showroom. Apart from staying true to authentic forms of Sarawak songket weaving, Tanoti also produces contemporary works of art that are also visually stunning and rich in texture.

Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street

Adjacent the Waterfront, the Main Bazaar is the oldest street in the city and the heart of old Kuching. It has some superb examples of Chinese shophouse architecture, many of which have been occupied by the same family for generations. These families still pursue traditional occupations such as tin-smithing, carpentry and petty trading. Kuching’s highest concentration of antique and handicraft shops are to be found here, and shoppers can rest between bargaining sessions in a number of old-fashioned coffee shops with panelled walls and marble-topped tables. [Source: sarawaktourism.com]

Located just behind the back street, which is parallel to Main Bazaar, the Carpenter Street has a similar selection of small traders and coffee shops, as well as food stalls and two Chinese temples. Having a rich cultural heritage, with a historical building, this street is a venue for Mooncake Festival every year. The whole area oozes charm and character. For aficionados of heritage buildings, there is a row of perfectly preserved 19th century Chinese houses at the nearby Upper China Street (off Leboh China).

Well-established outlets on Main Bazaar include Native Arts, Nelson’s Gallery, Rainforest, Sarawak House, Atelier Gallery and Arts of Asia, all offering quality antiques and handicrafts at reasonable prices. Prices of handicrafts are not always fixed so you may have to bargain. If you have the time it’s best to shop around and get a rough idea before buying. Certain antiques require an export permit from Sarawak Museum. Most art and craft shops close on Sundays. Artrageously Ramsay Ong, 94 Main Bazaar. Showcases the talents of Ramsay Ong, one of Malaysia’s leading painters, as well as a range of work from local and occasionally international artists. They also stock a fine selection of prints, cards, handicrafts and other collectibles.

Jalan Satok Sunday Market

The affectionately-called Satok Market, which is operational on Saturdays and Sundays, is now located at Medan Niaga Satok effective in January 2013. It is renowned for the native ladies who set up shop here selling fruit and vegetables, but there are also many good Chinese and Malay stalls. Goods on offer include handicrafts, forest produce (including delicious wild honey), pets of all descriptions, orchid plants, live fish, and a whole range of local snacks and delicacies.

The market is a must for weekend visitors, as it is very colorful and always teeming with shoppers. The best time to go is Saturday night or early Sunday morning. It is now located adjacent to Kubah Ria, a popular eatery fronting the Sarawak river.

This vibrant Sunday market along Jalan Satok, comes alive Saturday afternoon when local traders from the outskirts of Kuching peddle their wares. Catch a glimpse of the fat squirming grubs, sieet, or unique wild ferns "midin" and other jungle produce sold in makeshift stalls by the roadside, or simply on empty rice sacks lain on the ground. The place truly comes alive with a riot of colors, smells and dialects as the locals converge to buy their weekly produce.

Traders sell handicrafts, clothes, fresh produce, food and drinks and much more. This is also an excellent excuse for picture taking opportunities. Take an outing to the market, and be prepared to face a bevy of smiles, fierce haggling and friendly faces in the true Sarawakian warmth and charm.

Getting There: By Foot or Taxi: The Jalan Satok Sunday Market is at the junction of Jalan Satok and Jalan Palm, opposite the Miramar Cinema. Buses 4a and 4b from the Matang transport Company bus station on Jalan P. Ramlee or from the post office go to the market. It is a 5 minute bus ride.

Food in Kuching

Malay food served in Sarawak is generally not as spicy as that served in Peninsular Malaysia. If you like your food really spicy, just ask for extra chilli. There are not many Malay food outlets in the city centre, but adventurous gourmets can take a taxi or white minibus to the Jln Semariang — Jln Santubong area of Petra Jaya, where there are literally dozens of small family-run Malay restaurants, mostly operating from their own homes (evenings only).

Open Air Market, Jln Khoo Han Yeang. The grand-daddy of eating establishments in Kuching, the Open Air Market, has plied its trade for over a century and, despite a recent renovation, it seems like little has changed in that time. A selection of Chinese and Malay food stalls. Some reasonably priced seafood and noodle stalls operate late into the evening. Famous for beef noodles, rice porridge and fresh soya bean milk.

Coffee-shops with their attendant food-stalls are dotted all over town. Some of the most interesting and traditional ones are found around Jln Carpenter, Main Bazaar and Padungan Road. The coffee shops on Lebuh Temple are conveniently located near the budget hotels on Jln Green Hill, and serve a wide selection of dishes, including good roasted chicken rice and beef noodles at Green Hill Café.

Food courts at Shopping Malls:
Bazaar at the Spring
Sia Food court at Cityone Mega Mall
Food court at Merdeka Plaza
Food court at Boulevard Shopping Mall
Food court at Vivacity Megamall

Restaurants in Kuching

Food Trail | Kuching’s unique local dishes
Dawn to dusk food trail | Kuching’s unique local dishes
Handmade Beef Noodles | Nyan Shin 24, Upper China Street
Kueh Chap, Kedondong Juice | Lau Ya Keng foodcourt 19, Carpenter Street
Kolo Mee | Nam Sen 17, Market Street
Belacan Beehoon | Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre Padungan Road
Mixed Pork Soup | Noodle DescendAnts 188, Padungan Road
Kek Lapis (Halal) | Dayang Salhah 40, Kampung Gersik

Sago Linut, Ayam Pansuh (Bamboo Chicken) | My Village Barok 7, Kampung Boyan
Gula Apong Ice Cream | DP 59, Padungan Road
Fried Dabai Rice | Warong Nusantara 21-22, Jalan Bukit Mata
Petai Belacan, Tempoyak Fish, Daun Ubi | Le Pau Ban Hock Road
Manok Gulai Terung Asam, Grilled Three Layered Pork | The D’yak Jalan Simpang Tiga
Prawn / Fish Umai | Absolute Tribal 78, Jalan Tabuan
Beehoon Cangkuk Manis, Belacan Midin | Top Spot Jalan Bukit Mata
Sarawak Laksa | Chong Choon Cafe Jalan Abell

Mee Sua | Four Happiness cafe Jalan Chan Chin Ann
Sarawak Laksa (Halal) | Mom’s Laksa Jalan Haji Taha
Mee Mamak (Halal) | Aroma Café Jalan Tabuan
Roti Canai | The King’s Curry Jalan Rumbia
Kopi C (Sarawak Coffee) | Black Bean Coffee 87, Ewe Hai Street
Ayam Penyet (Halal) | RJ Ayam Bakar Jalan Abell
Fish Soup (Halal) | Kanteen Koperasi Museum Sarawak Taman Budaya
Mee Jawa (Halal) | Mee Jawa Rabak 86, Main Bazaar

Aladin Cafe, 37 Jln Ewe Hai (Carpenter Street). Arguable the best chicken rice in Kuching.

Jubilee, Madinah and Malaya restaurants (all on Jln India) serve a range of Malay curries and vegetable dishes. The Jubilee also serves good roti canai and murtabak.

Malay and Indonesia food can be found at: 1) Rex Cafe, Main Bazaar. Good mixed rice, rojak, mee Jawa and laksa. Kampung Boyan, 2) Arif Hotel Open Air Food Court (Jln Haji Taha), in business since the 1953. This area is a favourite with Malays, halal options are the standard. The more unusual ‘Sup Tulang’ is a good choice in the food court itself, as well as ‘Roti Canai’ and ‘Ayam Penyet’. 3) Rumah Hijau, Rubber Road. Best selection of regional Malay food in town, including ayam penyet, ayam percik & etc. Close everyday Friday. 4) Riung Kuring, Dagok Road, behind RHB Kulas Road. Authentic sundanese & Minagkabau dishes. 5) Kubah Ria, river front location next to Satok Weekend Market. Over 40 Malay and Chinese stalls serving local specialties.

Chinese Food in Kuching

Kuching has a huge selection of Chinese food outlets, from simple noodle stalls to full-blown banqueting palaces. Many of them feature regular food promotions — see local press for details. 1) Lau Ya Keng Chinese Food Centre, Carpenter Street. A wide range of Chinese food stalls. Excellent fish balls and pork satay, fish and prawn soup and Sarawak Laksa. 2) Café Harapan, Harbour View Hotel. As well as the usual hotel coffee shop favourites, serves an interesting selection of Foochow-style noodle dishes originating from Fuzhou in Southern China. 3) Fook Hoi in Jln Padungan is an old-fashioned coffee shop, famous for its Sio Bee and Ha Kau (pork dumplings). Daytime only.

4) Harbour Court, end of Jln Chan Chin Ann, turn right to the stall with the red sign and Chinese characters — the home of Foochow noodles. The ‘Daud Special’ is one of the heartiest breakfasts in town — thick noodles served in a delicious herbal soup with enormous chunks of chicken. 5) Jong Siang Teng, 68 Carpenter St. Serves Hokkien-style noodle, pork leg rice and chicken rice. Daytime only. 7) Juat Siang Café, 34 Carpenter St. Good beef noodle soup. Daytime only. 8) Li Garden, (1st Floor, Hock Lee Centre) famous for its Peking Duck and other high-quality Cantonese dishes. Booking essential in the evening. Take a taxi. Tel: 340785.

9) Life Café (108 Ewe Hai Street) signature dish of spicy noodles or “malak miam” which remains the top favourites since the first outlet at Ewe Hai Street was established more than 15 years ago. Tel: 411754. Opening Hour: 11:00am till 10:00pm. 10) Oriental Park Cafe has been operating since 1962, it was first operated by present owner uncle. Oriental Park Cafe are located near Old Cathay Cinema building at Lorong Cathay. Cathay Cinema is very popular during 60’s till late 90’s. This coffee shop served only noodles, such as Kolo mee, Kway Tiaw and Beehoon (Dry or soup). The slice bbq pork meat serve with the noodle are especially made recipe by the owner.

Pubs, Bars and the Popular Entertainment Area in Kuching

Kuching has entertainment and nightlife to suit most tastes. Socialising in Kuching is often done in restaurants and coffee shops. Normal pubs usually charge around RM 8-10 for a beer. Live music pubs, hotel bars, plush karaoke lounges and trendier bars are usually RM 12 upwards. Most places have “happy hours,” with discounts or 2-for-1 offers. Unless otherwise stated, outlets are open daily from around 5:00pm to 1:00 am (2:00 am Friday and Saturday). The main city-centre areas to find pubs and bars are in and around Taman Sri Sarawak, Padungan Road, the Travillion Mall (Jln Petanak) and Jln Bukit Mata. The listings below are only a small selection of city centre pubs and bars.

1) The Cottage, Jln Bukit Mata. Friendly corner pub with a good selection of wines and reasonably priced Kilkenny draught stout. Lunchtime till late. 2) The Granary Kitchen + Bar has an iconic look and feel, and is one-of-a-kind in Kuching. You can find us at 23 Wayang St. Find out more at ; website: thegranary.my 3) Jambu Tapas Bar, 32 Crookshank Road. Tel: 082-235292. Cosy terrace bar located in the garden setting of a colonial style bungalow. Closed Mondays. 15 mins walk from city centre or take a taxi. https://; website: facebook.com/pages/Jambu-Restaurant-Lounge.

4) Rainforest, Taman Sri Sarawak, opp. Hilton. Noisy, sweaty hip-hop and R&B bar, popular at weekends with a very young and boisterous crowd. 5) The Ruai Bar, 3 Jln Green Hill. Laid back ethnic style bar run by a friendly Iban family. Youngish, mostly Dayak crowd enjoy welcoming visitors. Huge selection of music on the PC (a great place to top up your i-Pod), cheap beer, and authentic longhouse food served most evenings. 6) Tanju, Simpang Tiga.; 7) Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar, Carpenter Street.

Kuching Transportation

According to ASIRT: “ Roads are in fairly good condition. However, many develop potholes in the monsoon season due to heavy rains. Roads leading to the city are being upgraded. Trans- Borneo Highway connects the city to major cities in Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. Traffic is congested, especially during rush hours and on Saturday mornings. Currently, many intersections are roundabouts. Due to increasing traffic levels, roundabouts are being replaced with traffic lights, flyovers and underpasses. [Source: Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), 2007]

Taxis are readily available near larger hotels and at taxi stands (areas where taxis wait for passengers). Taxis are difficult to hail. Pick up taxis near hotels, by phone or at the taxi stand near Electra House at the end of India Street. Taxi drivers do not use meters. Agree on fare before boarding.Chauffeur-driven cars, 4WD vehicles and vans are available. Few agencies offer self-drive vehicles. Avoid unlicensed agencies, which are often uninsured. Rental cars are available.

Kuching International Airport, 11 kilometers (7 miles) south of the city. Buses and taxis provide transport to the city. Purchase taxi coupon from the Taxi Coupon Counter. Fare increases 50 percent after midnight. Buses may be in poor condition and may lack air conditioning. Mini-buses (“van sapu”) provide transport. City Tram is a free bus service provided by Kuching hotels. Buses run on the hour and go to major local sites. Obtain City Tram sticker and route map from hotel lobby. Bus stops on local routes usually have signs. Express boats provide transport to neighboring cities and islands. Tambang boats provide transport across the river.

The regional express bus terminal is on Jalan Penrissen, south of the city. Terminal may be called “4 and a half miles.” Terminal serves Regional buses to cities near Kuching and long-distance buses to major cities in Sarawak and to Pontianak in Indonesia. Buses for destinations close to Kuching leave from different locations in city center. Sarawak Transport Company’s green and yellow buses serve the Kuching area and southwestern Sarawak cities. Buses leave from Leboh Jawa.

Inter-city buses leave from the Regional Express Bus Terminal on Penrissen Road. Chin Lian Long Bus Company’s blue and white buses and Regas Transport's beige buses serve routes within the city and its suburbs. Petra Jaya Bus Company’s yellow buses with black and red stripes go to Bako, Damai and Santubong. Buses leave from the open-air market near Electra House. Matang Transport Company's yellow and orange buses go to Matang and Kubah. Buses leave from Saujana Car Park.

Sights in Kuching

Kuching Mosque is a fixture of the Kuching landscape. Previously known as the State Mosque of Sarawak and nicknamed ‘Masjid Lama’ (Old Mosque), the present structure was built in 1968 to replace an original wooden one built in 1852. Best seen from the river, its gilded cupolas make it one of the city’s most striking landmarks, particularly at sunset. Visitors to mosques are requested to dress respectfully and remove their shoes. Non-Muslims are not allowed enter during prayer times.

Tua Pek Kong Temple is Kuching’s oldest and most impressive Chinese temple. Situated on a foothill with commanding view over the river and Main Bazaar, the ornately decorated Tua Pek Kong Temple is said to have the best Feng Shui location in the city so it is no surprise that it was one of the few buildings that survived the 1884 Great Fire of Kuching, It is believed to date back to 1843 and has been on official records since 1876. Various traditional festivals are held here every year, including the famous Wang Kang Festival to commemorate the dead: Address: Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching

Tun Jugah Pua Kumbu Museum is located on the 4th Floor of Tun Jugah Tower. Run by the private Tun Jugah Foundation, it houses a superb collection of Iban pua kumbu textiles, both antique and modern, as well as exquisite Iban silverware and jewellery. You can also watch the weavers at work, or even learn the craft yourself (if you have a year or two to spare). Visitors are very welcome, but large groups should make an appointment beforehand: Address: Level 4, Tun Jugah, 18, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,, 93100, Kuching, Contact Tel: +60 82 239672, Website: website: tunjugahfoundation.org.my/

The Upside Down House Kuching is a one-of-a-kind interactive gallery that aims to give visitors, a whole new fun experience with the illusion of being in an upside-down house. The Upside Down House Kuching is suitable for all ages and it is definitely a fun place for families, making it an ideal tourist attraction for local and foreign tourists alike. This building is situated next to Tune Hotel in the main town area, along the famous Kuching Waterfront.

You will be able to view inside a modern house, fully equipped with a living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, children bedroom and a home office in a new perspective — upside down! As part of the main town area, you’ll also be able to browse in our well stocked gift shop, show-casing our own merchandise, local artisan works and souvenirs. A visit to the upside-down house guarantees to be one of your most memorable experiences and it is a must-see attraction that you should cover in your Sarawak itinerary. The Upside Down House is located just opposite the Hilton Hotel, with signage around the area leading to it. They may have a promotional price for locals, with Adults paying just RM12 while children, the elderly and the disabled paying just RM8 for entry. For non-mykad users, the price is set at RM20 for Adults and RM 15 for children, elderly and disabled.

Kuching Waterfront

Kuching Waterfront (south bank of Sarawak River) is best place absorb Kuching’s vibes. During the daytime, it offers scenic views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river; but night-time is when it really comes alive! It seems like half of the city is out meeting friends, watching a show, or just shooting the breeze. For something different, why not try jetty-hopping along the river on the local Penambang boats, and savour the different sights, sounds (and delicacies!) between the two riverbanks.

A result of a major restoration and land reclamation project, Kuching Waterfront today is the most popular meeting place in the city. Drab warehouses have been replaced with an almost 900 meters long esplanade, beautifully landscaped and dotted with wooden benches, food stalls, restaurants and entertainment facilities. A number of older buildings have been preserved and incorporated into the design, including the Chinese History Museum, the Sarawak Steamship Building, an open-air theatre and the Square Tower. Modern additions to the Waterfront include a restored Chinese pavilion, colorful musical fountains, and a number of modern sculptures.

Open in November 2017, the Darul Hana Bridge is become one of popular places of attraction among local and tourist. With a modern design, the bridge has links Kuching Waterfront with the north side of the river and make it more easier to make a visit to Astana Building or Orchid Garden. For those who loves to take pictures, standing here in the bridge during the sunset or in the evening when all the lights up will make your photo really stunning.

There are many Malay Kampungs (traditional Malay villages) on the north bank of Sarawak River, next to Fort Margherita).. One of the more famous ones is Kampung Boyan. For a special experience, arrive from the opposite bank on a local Penambang (river taxi). Then, explore the villages and savour the variety of traditional Malay snacks, dishes and seafood as you enjoy the sunset against the skyline of Kuching on the other side. While you’re there, do check out the famous Kuih Lapis (layered cake).

Thus far, these villages are relatively untouched and less visited compared to the other destinations, which is surprising as they have some of the most beautiful examples of traditional and modern Malay architecture. There are some other superb Malay houses around Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, behind the Kuching Mosque. Both these areas are particularly noteworthy as they are self-contained, intact communities that exist within a modern city. Getting There: You can cross to the north bank by land or via a Tambang or Penambang (river taxi) from the Waterfront and disembark near Fort Margherita.

Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita (on the Waterfront) was built in 1879 to guard Kuching’s river approaches from pirates. In the old days, a canon shot was fired from here every evening to mark the end of the government work day. Named after Charles Brooke’s wife, Ranee Margaret, it is a unmistakable landmark along Sarawak River. As the Fort is situated within the police training barracks, visitors may be asked for some form of ID.

The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, was officially opened on September 24, 2016 coinciding with the 175th anniversary of the founding of State. Housed in a Fort named after James Brooke’s wife, Rani Margherita, the gallery’s irreplaceable historical documents, artefacts and arts from the White Rajah’s era, wrapped in steep history and preserved in time. The gallery also includes new addition such as a portrait painting of Rentap painted by the local artist, Alena Murang, depicting the man who was a hero to some and a villain to others.

This gallery was a joint project of the Sarawak Museum Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as Mr. Jason Brooke, the grandson of the last Rajah Muda and the Director of The Brooke Trust. Getting There: You may take a Penambang water taxi to the Fort from various Waterfront jetties on the south bank. Facebook: https://; website: facebook.com/pages/Fort-Margherita/

DBKU Orchid Garden

DBKU Orchid Garden (opposite the Kuching Waterfront) The 15.4 acre property strategically located in the vicinity of the historical Astana and Fort Margherita. The Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly building) is nearby. Crossing the Sarawak river on a wooden boat known as ‘Penambang’ is an interesting way to get to the garden, which was is developed and is managed by DewanBandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU).

The DBKU Orchid Garden is divided into two major areas, made up of the nursery and the display area, which house a total collection of 75,000 plants comprising of 82 genera. Among the most famous Borneo orchids found in the garden are the Normah Orchid (Phalaenopsis Bellina), Sarawak’s state flower, the Lady’s Slipper (Paphiopedilum Sanderianum), Coelogyne Pandurata — the green and black flowered orchid, Bulbophyllum Beccarii — the flower with stinking smell and the Vandal Dearei — a fragrant flowered orchid.

The DBKU Orchid Garden is open everyday except Mondays from 9:30am to 6:00pm. Admission to the garden is free. Getting There: By boat across Sarawak river from the Kuching Waterfront to Pangkalan Sapi. The garden is a short 5-minute walk up the road By taxi / car / coach from city centre to Jalan Astana, Petra Jay, The garden is developed and managed by DewanBandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU)., Tel: 6082-446688

Chinese History Museum

The Chinese History Museum (on the Waterfront opposite the Tua Pek Kong temple) traces the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Exhibits include the early trade routes, initial migration from various regions of China, geographical distribution, the early pioneers, traditional trading activities, the formation of trade and community associations, political history and the involvement of the Chinese community in modern, multi-racial Sarawak.

The museum building was formerly the headquarters of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sarawak, but was opened to the public in 1993 as a place where tourists can learn more of the Chinese people that resided in Sarawak from decades past. The Chinese museum is in itself full of history, seeing that it was a venue for discussions and trials involving the Chinese in Sarawak. At present, the building houses many artifacts of past eras and contains many memorabilia of Chinese affairs during the time of Charles Vyner Brooke who is popularly known as the White Rajah in Sarawak history.

The Chinese History Museum does not charge an entrance fee to those wanting to take a look at Sarawakian Chinese history. It is open from Sundays to Thursdays and closed on Fridays and can be easily accessed since it is located just across Tua Pek Kong temple. Here you will find a lot of musical instruments, jade pieces, Ming Dynasty ceramics, and many more artifacts that reflect the life of the Chinese in the early 1900’s.

The Chinese in Sarawak in the early 1900’s were allowed to manage and deal with their own affairs, and although they were in fact under the rule of the Rajah, they had the freedom to govern themselves and preserve their culture and tradition. Proof of this is the number of artifacts present in the Chinese museum. Many readings and photos depicting Chinese life and culture during the early 19th century can still be viewed up to this day, thanks to the excellent preservation efforts of the museum’s staff and personnel. Although there are no entrance fees, you can give a small donation in order to support the preservation and the operations of the museum.

Cat Museum

The Cat Museum (in Kuching North City Hall Headquarters Building, Petra Jaya) is owned by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). There are 2000 exhibits, artifacts, statues about cats from all over the world. The museum covers an area of 1,035.9 square meters on top of the hill called 'Bukit Siol' which overlooks Kuching. The Cat Museum is also involved in research, documentation, promotion, education and awareness of historical heritage issues related to cats. According to Malaysian, Japanese and Chinese beliefs, the cat is a lucky animal.

The Cat Museum is the world’s first museum devoted to all things feline. Cat lovers will find a range of exhibits, photos, feline art and cat souvenirs; over 4,000 of them The museum grew from a collection of cat artefacts acquired from the National Museum which displayed them in one of its galleries in Kuala Lumpur. These collections were bought to Kuching City by the Sarawak Museum and displayed for the first time on 1988 at the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak. The collections were officially handed over to Kuching North City Hall on the completing of DBKU Headquarters building in 1992, in which the museum is situated.

Most of the collection is displayed in four galleries. Gallery A contains: Santubong (The First Capital of Sarawak), How Kuching City got its Name?, Kuching City Gallery, White Rajah of Sarawak, Sarawak Governors, Sarawak Nationalist Heroes, Presidents of Kuching Municipal Council, Mayor of Kuching North and Kuching South, Present Kuching City, VIP Gallery, Introduction On Cats, Cats In Malay Community, Cats In Chinese Community, Cats In Orang Ulu Community, Maneki-Neko (Beckoning Cats), Cats In Japanese Community, Satoru Tsuda.
Gallery B contains: Arched-Back Cats, Cats Fight, Cats in Ancient Egypt, Cat Walk: Cat Nap Cats at Play, Thomas Stearns Elliot, Catfish, Nakahoma Minoru’s Cat Painting, Cats in Orient Art Collection, Cats In Modern Western Art, Cats in Stamp, Jane Yap Jian Yi’s Collection.

Gallery C contains: Five Age of Cat, Cat’s Cemetery, Caring and Holding a Cat, Whiskers, Cats’ Eye, Cats in Cards, Cats in Posters, Various type of the Breeds, Wild Cats of Borneo Gallery, Cat cave, Norwegian Forest Cat, Bengal cat, Cats In Music, Cats In Advertising, Cats in Medieval Period, Stray Cats.

Gallery D: Garfield goods collection, Cat Books Collection, Children’s Corner, Cat as Companion, Collection of Hello Kitty products, Sarawak Cat Gallery, Uptown Cat Contemporary Exhibition, Gifts from Cat Lovers.

Location: The museum is housed on the Lobby Floor of Kuching North City Hall Headquarters on the top of Bukit Siol (Siol Hill) at Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, Kuching. A fee of RM3 is charged for camera and RM5 for a video camera. Opening Hours : Monday — Sunday : 9.00am - 5.00pm (Except Public Holiday); Contact: Kuching North City Hall, Tel: 6082-446688 Tourism Malaysia Sarawak Office, Tel: 6082-246 575 / 775 Getting There: By Road: Heading towards Satok Suspension Bridge. Then proceed to the direction of Normah Medical Centre. After that turning to Jalan Semariang heading towards DBKU.

Sarawak Museum

The Sarawak Museum (both sides of Jln Tun Abang Haji Openg) has one of the best collections in Southeast Asia. The old wing, opened in 1891, is designed in the style of a Normandy town-house. It houses an exceptional ethnographic collection, some good natural history displays and a section on the oil industry in Sarawak. The exhibition of traditional wood-carvings on the first floor is magnificent. The new wing across the footbridge is used for events and exhibitions In the Museum grounds there is an Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens and the Heroes’ Memorial.

The Sarawak Museum Old Building was built in 1891 and was extended to its present form in 1911. The building was especially built to permanently house and display local native arts and crafts and collections of local animals as mainly encouraged by the famous naturalist, Alfred Wallace, who was then collecting specimens in the country. Since its inception, the building has undergone several renovations and alterations. It is rectangular, 44 x 160 with walls and pillars of bricks and roof of belian and concrete. It has European architecture of imposing edifice in Queen Anne style (Victorian period). The galleries are lighted by dormer windows on the roof which thus allow a great area of wall space.

During the Japanese Occupation, the museum was put under the direction of a sympathetic Japanese Officer. As a result, the museum suffered very little damage and remarkably little looting. Today, with carefully planned renovation and proper maintenance, this old building is used as the centre to exhibit collections on the natural history of Sarawak. The ground floor of the museum holds the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna — reptiles, mammals, birds, etc, all expertly prepared and mounted for display.

The first floor displays exhibits of ethnographic artifacts such as models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats, tribal weapons, tools, art, artifacts. and others. Open Hours Monday to Friday: 9:00am — 4:45 pm; Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: 10:00am — 4:00pm Closed: 1st Day of Main Public Holiday, T.Y.T Birthday, Labour Day & Malaysia Day. Admission: Free

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons,

Text Sources: Malaysia Tourism websites, Malaysia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.

Updated in August 2020