Just a 35 minute drive outside of Kuching will take you to the Sarawak Cultural Village where you can learn all about the different indigenous groups that live in this part of Malaysia, as well as take in a range of local crafts and buildings. There are live demonstrations which will teach you ancient techniques such as weaving, bamboo carving, and bead making and you can also tour this model village and check out all the architecture. Just some of the sights on offer include a traditional Chinese farmhouse as well as a Penan hut, Iban longhouses, and a Malanau Tall House and the site sprawls over 17 acres so there is a huge amount to see and do here if you fancy an easy day trip out of the center of Kuching.
The most iconic part of Kuching, without a doubt, is its scenic waterfront which is where all the main action happens. This part of town would have been used by warehouses in the days of old, but now you will find a pretty walking path that flanks the water and offers you amazing views over the main sights in town such as the Astana and the majestic Fort Margherita.
At night this is the place to see and be seen, and many young couples from Kuching choose this spot for a leisurely romantic stroll. You will also find a selection of small cafes here and although the prices are a little higher than in other spots, the views more than make up for it. Astana is the Malay word for Palace and this iconic building dates from during the time of Charles Brooke who was also known as the Second White Rajah of Sarawak. The Astana is now the official home of the Governor of Sarawak but it was originally built as a wedding gift for Ranee Margaret, the wife of Charles Brooke.
The complex is made up of three different bungalow areas which are joined by walkways and the Astana enjoys panoramic views over the waterfront of Kuching. As this is an official state residence however, visitors are not permitted to enter the Astana grounds and you will have to make do with admiring this historical gem from afar. Kuching means cat in Malay, and as you will soon discover on a trip here, this is a city obsessed with cats.
To that end, make your way to the Cat Museum where you will learn all about the historical and cultural significance of these felines with over 2, cat-related exhibits on show. Some of the highlights include a cat in mummified form that hails from Egypt and is said to date back 5, years as well as a mounted example of a Bay Cat which is a kind of wild feline that is indigenous to the island of Borneo.
Certainly if you are looking for a quirky attraction to visit on a rainy day in Kuching then this is hard to beat. Kuching Mosque used to be known as the State Mosque of Sarawak so you may still hear it referred to by this name occasionally.
The original building would have been constructed as far back as and was made of wood, although it has since been upgraded and the building that stands now was completed in The mosque is decorated in pretty pink and white designs and is topped with a large gold dome that glints under the fierce Malaysian sun.
If you only have time to visit one museum in Kuching then the Sarawak Museum is an excellent pick. The museum also has the claim to fame of being the oldest in Borneo and was founded in under Charles Brooke. The museum is housed in a huge building that dates from the Victorian period and is, somewhat surprisingly, modeled on a traditional Normandy townhouse.
If you are interested in the culture of Sarawak, then the museum is a treasure trove of antiquities that include tribal weapons, models of longhouses, and a plethora of stuffed animals. Another highlight is a model of the Niah Caves which are thought to be the source of the first human settlement in Borneo. The Main Bazaar is actually something of a misleading name as this actually refers to a row of traditional shop houses that line the main street in Kuching.
The shop houses face the water and this is the place to come if you are looking for souvenirs or traditional arts and crafts. Some of the items you are likely to find here include beautiful beads and jewelry as well as textiles that show off the intricate weaving techniques of the indigenous groups here. In additional to the many tribal communities here, Kuching also has a sizeable Chinese population and to that end you will find a number of Chinese buildings in the city including the Tau Pek Kong Chinese Temple which is an important place of worship for the Chinese community.
The temple is said to date from which makes it the oldest of its kind in Kuching and you can expect to find a riot of color here as well as intricate carvings that tell the stories of the various Chinese deities.
Bako National Park has the claim to fame of being the oldest national park in Sarawak and sprawls across almost 3, hectares of land. Cameron Highlands is the place to watch stunning tea fields. Boh Tea Plantation is the biggest in the country and the views over there are to die for. Enjoy a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone at the plantation restaurant, while enjoying magnificent panoramas. Perhentian Island is one of Malaysia's best kept secrets.
Actually consisting of two small islands, both offer similar accommodation and both are surrounded by crystal clear sea water, with perfect scuba diving and snorkeling conditions. Go enjoy island life to the fullest! Langkawi Island has everything you need for the ultimate beach holiday. White powdery beaches, a wide range of hotels and resorts, delicious food and a huge amount of sights and attractions. You can easily spend a whole week and still long for more.
Taman Negara is one of the oldest primary rainforests in the world and due to its close proximity to Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, travelers can reach this pristine jungle fairly easily. Highlights consists of jungle hikes, a canopy walk, night safari's and river cruises.
Lake Kenyir the biggest man made lake system in Malaysia. Over the years it has evolved into a unique ecosystem with many sights and even a chance to spot wildlife like monkeys, elephants, hornbills and much more. Some even spotted the elusive black panther along the shores. Kuching is the capital of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. Being the most populous city in the state of Sarawak over Many travel brochures refer to Kuching as 'Cat City'. There's a small chance that Kuching actually does derive from the Malay word for cat kuching as this word was not used on Borneo to refer to cats at all pusak.
The cat museum and other associations with cats have been largely a recent phenomenon, part of a modern effort of tourism. Current findings tell a different story; the name derives from a small river named sungei kuching. Kuching is a gateway to numerous great attractions in Sarawak. The main religions of the citizens are Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. Malays practice Islam and all Malays are Muslim by definition but the local Malays have greater respect for other religions as religion is not an issue among Kuchingnites.
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 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.
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.
Sarawak is a unique and enjoyable tourism destination, and Kuching is the ideal base from which to go exploring.
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