EXPLORE KUCHING CITY
Kuching, capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo, is a bustling, diverse city of old colonial buildings and modern towers. Along its Sarawak River waterfront are shophouses selling handicrafts, food vendors and an esplanade with views of 19th-century landmarks: the Astana, former palace of the White Rajahs, and Fort Margherita, built to thwart pirates.
TOURIST ATTRACTION WITHIN THE CITY
EXPLORE THE CITY
Main Bazaar/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.
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).
Kuching Waterfront
Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sarawak River, is THE place to sample the city’s cosmopolitan 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.
Old State Mosque/
Pink Mosque
Previously the State Mosque of Sarawak and an integral part of the Kuching landscape, the Kuching Mosque; affectionately known as ‘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.
Note: Visitors to mosques are requested to dress respectfully and remove their shoes. Non-Muslims may not enter during prayer times.
Tua Pek Kong
If you ever wanted to visit an old Chinese temple, this is it. Sitting on a foothill and commanding the view over the river and Main Bazaar, the ornately decorated Tua Pek Kong Temple, which was one of the few buildings that survived the 1884 Great Fire of Kuching, is said to have the best Feng Shui location in the city. 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.
Textile Museum Sarawak
The textile museum showcases authentic textiles made by the main ethnic communities of Sarawak. Visitors follow an exhibition flow of how a finished product such as weaving came about. Also on display are contemporary work of designs based on traditional weaving and design techniques. Traditional costumes and fashion accessories used in ceremonies are also on display.
The architecture is an attraction in itself. It is a combination of English renaissance and colonial theme. Rectangular in structure, the Pavilion Building as it is known, was first constructed in 1907 a medical center. The 3-storey building later became the headquarter of the State Education department. The museum opened n August 2005.
TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to time your visit with the closing hour.
Sarawak Tourism Complex
Formerly known as the Court House Complex, it was built in 1871 as the seat of Sarawak’s government, and was used for this purpose as late as 1973. It is a superb collection of buildings, with magnificent belian (ironwood) roofs and beautiful detailing inside and out, reflecting local art forms. The colonial-baroque Clock Tower was added in 1883 and the Charles Brooke Memorial in 1924. The complex also includes The Pavilion Building – a piece of old New Orleans transplanted to Kuching, completed in 1909 used for many years as the General Hospital and now transformed into Sarawak’s Textile Museum – and The Round Tower, originally planned as a fort (1886), then used as a dispensary, and nowadays the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council. Following restoration of the original buildings and redevelopment, this important heritage site (situated at the junction of Main Bazaar and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, facing the Waterfront) reopened in 2003.
Fort Margherita
Fort Margherita is an old fort built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak situated in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The fort is an important landmark and monument in Sarawak's history which goes back to the Brooke Dynasty. The fort, built in the style of an English castle, was designed to protect Kuching from attack by pirates.
Kampung Boyan/Malay Village
There are many authentic Malay Kampungs (traditional Malay villages) along 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).
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Meanwhile, 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.