KUCHING.....the capital of Sarawak.....the largest state in Bako National
Park, Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Mulu
National Park, Niah Caves, Batang Ai longhouses, Damai beach and
other 'fantastic' sites within the adventurous state of Sarawak.
From the moment you step off the plane and drive through the city to your
hotel, you will notice that Kuching has a manicured look. The streets are
clean and the atmosphere laid back. The city is basically free from heavy
traffic and the pace is slow. One thing you will also notice is the sense of
strange excitement that comes over you, like you have been taken back in
time. Perhaps it is knowing that you have arrived at a place where
traditions and rituals still hold true to the locals. Perhaps, it is that you
have set foot on lands where headhunters used to roam.
Park, Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Mulu
National Park, Niah Caves, Batang Ai longhouses, Damai beach and
other 'fantastic' sites within the adventurous state of Sarawak.
From the moment you step off the plane and drive through the city to your
hotel, you will notice that Kuching has a manicured look. The streets are
clean and the atmosphere laid back. The city is basically free from heavy
traffic and the pace is slow. One thing you will also notice is the sense of
strange excitement that comes over you, like you have been taken back in
time. Perhaps it is knowing that you have arrived at a place where
traditions and rituals still hold true to the locals. Perhaps, it is that you
have set foot on lands where headhunters used to roam.
Sampans for hire at the Waterfront
The Waterfront in Kuching
| Shops along Main Bazaar |
Sarawak is famous for its pottery. Just outside Kuching
along Penrissen Road you will find pottery and earthen
ware factories that are worth out at the potters wheel.
along Penrissen Road you will find pottery and earthen
ware factories that are worth out at the potters wheel.
Click on the play button above to see the potter at his
craft - Yong Huat Earthenware Factory
craft - Yong Huat Earthenware Factory
The stomping grounds of headhunters of long ago is now the exciting
Main Bazaar, the Waterfront is a promenade along the southern river
bank. It stretches for about a kilometre with the the opposite end.
At the Waterfront you can also take a sampan (boat) ride across river. For
just pennies, ride the sampan across the river to see the Astana (palace)
built by Charles Brooke in 1870. It is now the official residence of the
Governor of Sarawak. While crossing the river, ask the boatman his
opinion on how the city Kuching (which means cat in Malay) got it's name.
Main Bazaar, the Waterfront is a promenade along the southern river
bank. It stretches for about a kilometre with the the opposite end.
At the Waterfront you can also take a sampan (boat) ride across river. For
just pennies, ride the sampan across the river to see the Astana (palace)
built by Charles Brooke in 1870. It is now the official residence of the
Governor of Sarawak. While crossing the river, ask the boatman his
opinion on how the city Kuching (which means cat in Malay) got it's name.
| The detention center for prisoners now houses Sarawak's historical and cultural treasures |
| Charles Brooke to fight off pirates sailing up the Sarawak river. It is now a Police Museum. |
The street known as Little India is really a pedestrian mall. If souvenirs
this is another place to go. Walking along Little India souvenirs this is
another place to go. Walking along Little India can be quite fascinating.
Some of the things you see can take
this is another place to go. Walking along Little India souvenirs this is
another place to go. Walking along Little India can be quite fascinating.
Some of the things you see can take
Anyone who has ever been to Sarawak has had this thought especially
when the tattoos from these parts actually have a meaning or a right of
passage. I was almost at the tattoo artist Ahhhh.....escaped!
when the tattoos from these parts actually have a meaning or a right of
passage. I was almost at the tattoo artist Ahhhh.....escaped!
Meet Ernesto Kalum (right) and a fellow tattoo artist from the Borneo
Headhunters Tattoo and Piercing Studio on Wayang Street. The first
tattoo studio in Malaysia to provide professional standard tattooing
service, they promote the rich of the Iban community for centuries. Ever
since it's conception, the studio has received many achievements. You
can view their website www.borneoheadhunter.com or stop by and see
their place of business.
Headhunters Tattoo and Piercing Studio on Wayang Street. The first
tattoo studio in Malaysia to provide professional standard tattooing
service, they promote the rich of the Iban community for centuries. Ever
since it's conception, the studio has received many achievements. You
can view their website www.borneoheadhunter.com or stop by and see
their place of business.
The Borneo Headhunters Tattoo and Piercing Studio on Wayang St.
As you can see, Kuching is quite the fascinating place. I was there for a
couple of days and I really loved it. In fact, I am going back and this time to
cover the Rainforest Festival!
So, if you are interested in going to Kuching, let me put you in to see
Kuching and the surrounding sites is to use a 'Car & Guide' like I did. Just
email me at info@fantasticinternational.com.
I want you to have a 'Fantastic' experience in Kuching.
couple of days and I really loved it. In fact, I am going back and this time to
cover the Rainforest Festival!
So, if you are interested in going to Kuching, let me put you in to see
Kuching and the surrounding sites is to use a 'Car & Guide' like I did. Just
email me at info@fantasticinternational.com.
I want you to have a 'Fantastic' experience in Kuching.
Little India pedestrian mall
Rows of spice shops
| Sarawak Museum - Established by Charles Brooke 1891 |
Sarawak Pottery
Attention shoppers! Just across from the Waterfront is the Main Bazaar!
Here you can find baskets, blowpipes, textiles, swords, tribal ear-rings,
spears, local jewelry, antiques, and souvenirs of all kinds. Come on
down!
Here you can find baskets, blowpipes, textiles, swords, tribal ear-rings,
spears, local jewelry, antiques, and souvenirs of all kinds. Come on
down!
Sunset on the Waterfront in Kuching
| The Astana (palace) along the Waterfron was built residence of the Governor of Sarawak. |
| Some facts about Sarawak Sarawak is made up of 28 ethnic groups of which the Iban is the largest followed by the Chinese, Malays, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu and the rest. The Brooke family (British) ruled Sarawak from 1841 to 1946 and you can see the many references around Sarawak, especially in Kuching, that relate to the Brooke family also known as the 'White Rajahs'. |
Some 'watering holes' on the Waterfront
If there is anything a
shopper loves, it is a
bargain. You can't go
wrong here at the Main
Bazaar. With rows and
rows of shops to browse
through, time can get
away from you. Antique
lovers will have a hard
piece to ship back home.
Do we have to have
dinner tonight? I haven't
finished shopping yet!
shopper loves, it is a
bargain. You can't go
wrong here at the Main
Bazaar. With rows and
rows of shops to browse
through, time can get
away from you. Antique
lovers will have a hard
piece to ship back home.
Do we have to have
dinner tonight? I haven't
finished shopping yet!
Housed in a colonial building, this gallery of handicraft is
also a center that preserves the traditional arts.
www.sarakraf.com.my
also a center that preserves the traditional arts.
www.sarakraf.com.my
| Sarawak River Cruise |
| A Unique Experience in Kuching .....says the brochure. Harbour Cruises show you their view of Kuching from the river. The sunset cruise hour and a half. While on board the ship, light refreshments are served. Listen to the DJ spin some music and talk about the sites along the way. Included in the price of the ticket is a cultural dance. This is a great opportunity to take some awesome sunset pictures!!! www.cruises.com.my |
Exploring Kuching is relatively easy. If you are a guest at the Hilton
Kuching, which is right on the Waterfront, all you have to do is step out of
the hotel and walk across the street to start your 'walking tour'....after
breakfast of course....at the Waterfront Café ....of the Hilton Hotel. With
river views, wireless Internet access, and a Steakhouse that serves
some of the best steaks in town (so plan to have dinner there), the Hilton
Kuching is the place to stay.
Kuching, which is right on the Waterfront, all you have to do is step out of
the hotel and walk across the street to start your 'walking tour'....after
breakfast of course....at the Waterfront Café ....of the Hilton Hotel. With
river views, wireless Internet access, and a Steakhouse that serves
some of the best steaks in town (so plan to have dinner there), the Hilton
Kuching is the place to stay.
Along the Waterfront is where you can also catch a glimpse of family.
During it's time, the fort was used to fight off pirates that unusual story on
how the fort got it's name. Perhaps it is another question for the boatman.
No waterfront is complete without a jetty and ship for a sunset river
cruise. Kuching is no exception. So, plan to take this cruise if you have
some time. The boat ride up and down river takes about an hour and a
half, and you get to see a little of 'Malaysian life' along the banks of the
Sarawak river.
During it's time, the fort was used to fight off pirates that unusual story on
how the fort got it's name. Perhaps it is another question for the boatman.
No waterfront is complete without a jetty and ship for a sunset river
cruise. Kuching is no exception. So, plan to take this cruise if you have
some time. The boat ride up and down river takes about an hour and a
half, and you get to see a little of 'Malaysian life' along the banks of the
Sarawak river.
| For more information on Sarawak... Sarawak Tourism Action Council www.motour.gov.my or Sarawak Tourism Board www.sarawaktourism.com |
| By Travelling Gecko |
| Cede Prudente and North Borneo Safari Exclusive Pkg for Fantastic Malaysia |
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| Fantastic Malaysia |
| Beautiful places, beautiful people, beautiful Malaysia |
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| Working with Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council Malaysia |
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| Attractions |