Kuching, Sarawak and such

I was in Kuching in October...It's not something new for me as I've been there numerous of times but I thought it would be best to share it with others.

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, the Malaysian largest state located in the island of Borneo.

In brief the history of Sarawak...from the 14th century onwards, it was under the Sultanate of Brunei. Sir James Brooke became the first white rajah of Sarawak in 1841, as a reward from the Sultan. Sir James was later succeeded by his nephew, Sir Charles Brooke, and followed by his son Charles Vyner Brooke. Following the World War II, it was ceded as a British Crown Colony. In 1963, together with Sabah, and Federation of the Malay States, it formed Malaysia.

Anyway, for anyone who wishes to travel to Sarawak but do not have the luxury of time, it is best to start in Kuching. There are numerous historical buildings, a bulk constructed during the Brooke Raj (1841 - 1941).

You may want to start at the Kuching Waterfront. There's a historical walk that you may want to follow. It's indicated by the 13 bronze plaques located at the waterfront. Suggest that the journey starts from the Riverbank Suite, walking towards the Main Bazaar.

The waterfront:


From there, you would also be able to see part of the Fort Margherita across the river. The Fort was built in 1879, and most of it's existence it had served as the police headquarters.

As you walk further up, you'll be able to see the Astana.



The Astana was build by Rajah Charles Brooke in 1870, for his wife Ranee Margaret. It is now the residence of the Governor of Sarawak.

Other historical buildings that you can see along the way are the temple Tua Pek Kong, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

At the esplanade, you can't help but notice the Square Tower. It is located on the site of Kuching's first fort, which was burned down in 1857.



And about 50 metres away from the Square Tower, you'll notice another colonial building.



The above building is the court house, built in 1874. Now it serves as multi purpose centre.

If you want to get a unique local experience, you can take the boat ride across the river. Otherwise, you can check out the bazaar and also India Street. Also, walk past the court house and you'll see another colonial building i.e. the General Post Office, looking majestically with its Corinthian columns.

Walk further up, you'll reach the Padang Merdeka. Surrounding it are numerous historical buildings as well, such as the St. Thomas and St.Joseph schools, the Pavillion, and of course, the must see building of all is the Sarawak museum. It is said that the museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections in South East Asia.

I might have missed other buildings but it would be quite sufficient for the entire day. Be mindful to wear a good walking shoes as it'll be quite a walk.

Other things to check out in Kuching:
1. Climb the mount Santubong
2. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village (Good to start on cultural awareness of the multi ethnic people of Sarawak)
3. Buy the famous kek lapis Sarawak (layered cakes but with artistic designs)
4. Eat Laksa Sarawak
5. Seafood, seafood, seafood