Sarawak ~ Kuching I

Kuching

Kuching, the capital (which means "Cat" in Malay), is without doubt the most pleasant and interesting city in Borneo. It is hilly, leafy and has a very pleasant riverside area. The river is a focal point of  the town and features a graceful, European style esplanade- the Kuching waterfront, with views across to the Astana (the Palace), and Fort Margherita.  

The town contains many beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, historic buildings, traditional Chinese shop houses, colourful markets, various Chinese temples, a striking state mosque and has one of Asia’s best museums.

The Waterfront

Restored on a reclaimed land by the Sarawak River, the Waterfront consists of a 900­metre long esplanade with wooden benches, food stalls and restaurants. A motorised boat or sampan can be hired at the Waterfront for a cruise along the Sarawak River The Main Bazaar, also facing the Waterfront, has rows of arts and curio shops packed to the brim with fascinating Borneo crafts.

The Astana

The Astana which lies in regal splendor across 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 by short and narrow passageways. First occupied by Charles 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.  

Sarawak Museum

This is one of the best museum in Asia and it should not be missed. Originally built in 1891 to house and display arts and crafts of the indigenous people of Borneo, the Sarawak Museum has gained a reputation for having the single most comprehensive collection of Borneo artifacts to be found anywhere.

It consists of  two sections, old and new, connected by a footbridge. The old wing was opened in 1891 and the new wing is modern and air conditioned. The original 1891 building was designed in style of a Normandy town-house and was extended to its present structure in 1911. The new wing just across the road, was built in the 1970s and has a reconstruction of life in the prehistoric Niah Caves.

Location: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg

The Sarawak Islamic Museum 

A concrete and brick building recognised as the only one of its kind in the state. Built in 1930, 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 artifacts from around the region and separate fascinating collections of old coins, weapons, costumes, pottery, textiles and jewelry from the Islamic world. This museum is located behind 

the new wing of the Sarawak. 

Location: Jln. P. Ramlee.  

Cat Museum

It is the only one of its kind in the world this museum will delight cat lovers. Several small galleries feature among others the benefits the cats have bestowed on their owners as well as a large range of exhibits of cats including pictures, books, souvenirs and etc.

Location: At the Kuching North City Council

The Pavilion

Built in 1909, it is regarded as something of an architectural enigma. It's design is reminiscent of the buildings in the southern states of America - a mixture of late English renaissance and colonial architecture. It served as a general hospital until 1947.