Kuching
is the capital
city of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state situated on the island of Borneo. In
Kuching city, you will be astonished bythe beauty of the green environment. The
people here are kind and friendly and will assist tourist who needs help. The
tourist attractions are located nearby and there's no need to take a taxi or bus
to enjoy the wonders of Kuching.
In the city, there is a river separating the north and the south called the "Sarawak River". Riding a sampan along the Sarawak River is an unforgettable experience. From the river, you can get a spectacular view of the Malay Kampungs (Villages) with a gorgeous mountainous background. You also get to see a far distant view of the 19th century Chinese shop houses, the Malay mosque, the square tower and the attractive Margherita Fort. In Kuching, there are old Chinese temples, Brooke era buildings with unique architecture, waterfront park, observation towers and museums. There is a wide range of accomodations ranging from budget hotels to luxury 5 star hotels. After a long day, you can feast yourself with local delicacies such as seafood, chicken rice, Malay Nasi Lemak and chinese noodles. Kuching's name is originated from many sources. In the Malay language, Kuching means cat. Some sources say that Kuching originated from the Chinese word "Gu Chin" which means harbour. Another sources say that Kuching is named after a lychee like fruit called Mata Kuching (Cat's eye).
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Kuching has a long history as a trading centre which, over the centuries has brought people from various countries to settle in the area. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Europeans and others have joined the many indigenous groups of the region to create a city which a rich and unique cultural heritage. Before the 19th century, Sarawak was a typical Malay principality under the control of the Sultan of Brunei. Sarawak was peaceful place. However, there were some tyrant officers (Sultan Representitives) from Brunei. Many Sarawakians were forced to pay high tax and local officers were sacked without any reason. These caused a large demonstration against the Brunei Empire. James Brooke, a rich English Adventurer was asked bythe Sultan of Brunei to stop the demonstration in Sarawak. The demonstrators were no match to James Brooke's yatch, the Royalist. As a sign of appreciation, the Sultan of Brunei appointed James Brooke as Governer of Sarawak. James Brooke requested British Navy assistance to protect his position. He then chased out all Sultan Brunei's officers from Sarawak. With anger, the Sultan of Brunei tried to stop James Brooke but Brooke attacked the Sultan first. The Sultan was forced to sign an agreement and Sarawak was fully handed over to Brooke. From then onwards, James Brooke became the first English Rajah of Sarawak. The arrival of James Brooke, who become the first English Rajah of Sarawak, marked the beginning of Kuching as an important administrative centre and consolidated its role as a port. His successor, Charles Brooke, 1868-1917, was responsible for many of the historic buildings still associated with the waterfront. Since 1963 when Sarawak became part of the Federation of Malaysia, Kuching has changed and developed into a flourishing modern city.
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Kuching Waterfront The Waterfront, now transformed into a landscaped esplanade, was an important place in the founding of Kuching. Take a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront to explore its historical buildings and admire the modern sculptures, open-air theatre and the musical fountains. While doing so, imagine the scene back in 1839, when English adventurer James Brooke first landed here and created history in Sarawak. |
Tua Pek Kong Temple The oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak, the Tua Pek Kong Temple is believed to have been around since 1843 although official records only recognised its existence in 1876. One of the city's prominent landmarks, the Chinese pay homage to the Tua Pek Kong deity here for peace and prosperity. This temple is situated at the traffic light junction near Jalan Bazaar. |
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Main Bazaar This row of 2 storey shophouses is located on one of Kuching's oldest streets dating back to 1864. Nowadays it can be considered as an 'antique arcade' not only because of its old-fashioned facade but also for the variety of antiques and handicrafts to be found here. Souvenir-hunters can seek out an assortment of traditional brassware, pottery, ceramics, tribal arts and much much more. |
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Kuching Divisional Mosque One of the city's most striking landmarks, this mosque was completed in 1968, on the site of an old wooden mosque built in 1852. Its splendid gilded cupolas can be seen majestically above the Kuching skyline. All visitors are required to dress respectfully and non-Muslims are not allowed to enter during prayer times. |
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India Street Mall | ||||||
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Sarawak Steamship Building Built in 1930, this was previously the office and warehouse of the Sarawak Steamship Company. Extensively restored, its now houses a restaurant, a fast food outlet and a convenience store. |
Square Tower Built in 1879 as a detention camp for prisoners, the Square Tower was later converted into a fortress and then a dance hall. Today it is a multimedia information centre and video theatre providing information on Sarawak's tourist attractions |
General Post Office This 1931 building stands out majestically with its imposing neo-classical style and impressive Corinthian columns. In contrast to its ornate facade with semi-circular arches, ornamental columns capitals and friezes, the back of the building is plain and unadorned. Deep parapet walls of plain design hide the pitched root. A colonnaded portico serves as a corridor in front of the building. This will soon be converted into the Sarawak Art Museum. |
Round Tower Constructed in 1886, the reason for the building of the Round Tower remains a mystery. Because of its structure, it is claimed the building was meant to serve as a fort in an emergency. Instead it became the Dispensary and was then used bythe Labour Department until 1980. It now houses a section of the Judicary department. In earlier days, the Round Tower was strategically located to provide an excellent view of the town. |
The Pavilion Next to the Round Tower is The Pavilion, which was built in 1909. Regarded as something of an architectural enigma, its design is reminiscent of buildings in the southern states of America - a mixture of late English renaissancce and colonial architecture. It served as a General Hospital until 1947. It is currently undergoing renovation to be turned into a textile museum. |
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The Court House The Court House was built in 1874 to bring together all government offices and be the venue for all state ceremonies. State council meetings were held here from the fifth council meeting in 1878 until 1973. Befitting its status, this is an impressive building with belian (iron wood) roof and is decorated with beautiful engravings reflecting local art form. It now houses the High Court, the Magistrate's Court and several government departments. Back in 1847, this was originally the site of a missionary which was turned into a judicial administration office. It was demolised in 1858 and two more buildings were put up in its place before the Court House came into being. |
Fort Margherita Completed in 1879, Fort Margherita commands a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak River, with a location chosen to overlook the long stretch of river approaching Kuching. Named after the second Rajah, Charles Brooke's wife, the Ranee Margaret, it was built in the defensive edifice/castle style of the late English renaissance. Fort Margherita has been converted into a Police Museum and many of its old cannons, cannon balls, guns, pistols, swords and other vestiges of its artillery can still be seen. The armoury still exists as does the condemned prisoner's cell. The Police Museum has a display of old police weapons, reconstructed opium dens and scenes of hanging and other forms of criminal punishment. |
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The Astana The Astana which lies in regal splendour accross the river, is a majestic building with romantic history. The second Rajah, Charles Brooke, built this palace in 1870 as a bridal gift for his wife, the Ranee Margaret. Then known as the Government House, it is actually three separate buildings fused into one, with each connected to the other byshort and narrow passageways. First occupied byCharles Brooke in 1870, it was the private residence of the second Rajah. It has undergone substantial alterations and renovations and is today the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak. |
Brooke Memorial The Brooke Memorial is located at the front of the Court House. The 6 metre high granite obelisk was commissioned in 1924 to honour the 2nd Rajah, Charles Brooke. At the corner of the obelisk is a bronze panel of four figures representing the Sarawakian community: Chinese, Dayak, Kayan and Malay. The colonial baroque Clock Tower behind the memorial was added in 1883. |
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Chinese History Museum Located at the Waterfront, this museum is devoted to the Chinese community of Sarawak. It exhibits the routes of early trading, migration from various provinces of China, early pioneers, trading formation, political history and Chinese associations. |
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Cat Museum The Cat Museum at the Kuching North City Council is the world's first museum devoted to cats. Here you can find a large range of exhibits of cats including pictures, books, souvenirs and etc. |
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Sarawak Islamic Museum The Sarawak Islamic Museum occupies the Maderasah, a concrete and brick building recognised as the only one of its kind in the state. Built in 1930 along Jalan P. Ramlee, it was originally meant as a college for higher Malay Studies. Today it is the first Islamic Museum to be established in South East Asia. It has seven galleries exhibiting Islamic artefacts from around the region and separate fascinating collections of old coins, weapons, costumes, pottery, textiles and jewellery from the Islamic world. This museum is located behind the new wing of the Sarawak Museum across the road. |
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