City Attraction


One of the main attractions in the city center is the Kuching Waterfront. Eating and entertainment facilities as well as a number of preserved old buildings decorate the 900m stretch of waterfront. Opposite the waterfront, lie spectacular views of the historical buildings and villages.

One of these historical building, opposite the Waterfront (in front of Hilton Kuching) is Fort Margherita, which is named after Charles Brooke's wife, Ranee Margaret. Built in 1879, it was meant to guard Kuching's river from pirates. Now, it accommodates the Police Museum. Sampan (small boat) can be taken from various Waterfront jetties to reach the Fort and beautiful cruise ship can be seen taking visitors on tour around the river.

Across the Sarawak River from the Square Tower is the Astana. In 1870, Charles Brooke built it as a bridal gift to his wife, Margaret. Nowadays, it is the official residence of the Head of State of Sarawak. Across the road from the Square Tower is the old Court House. It was built in 1871 as an administration center for the Sarawak government and was used until 1973.



Picture : Waterfront


Picture : Astana

The Chinese History Museum is opposite the Tua Pek Kong temple. It contains exhibits that trace the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Open daily from 9am to 6pm (closed Fridays). Further down in the Waterfront is the Sarawak Steamship Building, built in 1930. It used to house the offices and warehouse of the Sarawak Steamship Company. Currently, it contains restaurants.

In 1883, a colonial-baroque Clock Tower was added and the six-meter high granite statue of the Charles Brooke Memorial in 1924. Another addition to the Court House complex is the Pavilion Building, built in 1907, and was used for many years as the General Hospital. The Round Tower near the Court House was originally intended as a fort (1886). However, it was never completed.

From the Court House, cross over to India Street, to experience a part of Kuching's streetlife. India Street is filled with shophouses selling various kinds of goods, especially textiles. Mid-way down India Street is a narrow passageway that leads to Jalan Gambier. This is where the fruit, vegetable and fish markets as well as the spice merchants are located. In the middle of the passageway is a small Mosque. The Kuching's Muslim Indian community originally built it in the mid -19th century. Head on to the Kuching Mosque, previously the State Mosque. Built in 1968, it is a particularly striking landmark. (Note: Visitors to mosques must dress respectfully and remove their shoes. Non-Muslims may not enter during prayer times.


Move on to Tun Haji Openg Road where the Sarawak Museum (free admission; open daily from 9 am to 6 pm except Fridays), are regarded as the best in the region. The main building was built in the 1890's, is connected by an overhead bridge across the road to a new wing, which was opened in 1983. Totems, woodcarvings, musical instruments, prehistoric artifacts and ceramics are among the items displayed. In the museum grounds are countless indigenous plant and trees.
 


Picture : Sarawak Museum

The Kuching Aquarium, next to the Museum, features marine life found in Sarawak waters. It also contains the Botanical Gardens, and the Heroes' Memorial. From the Kuching Aquarium, visit the Islamic Museum (open daily from 9 am to 6 pm daily except Fridays) at Jalan P. Ramlee. Its seven galleries document Islamic achievements in several fields and display costumes, artefacts, etc. Going southwards along Tun Haji Openg Road brings you to an Anglican Cathedral, and then at McDougall Road, you will encounter the Bishop's House, Kuching oldest building, and built in 1849. Further down is the Main Post Office. It was built in 1931 with neo-classical style and Corinthian columns.



Picture : Main Bazaar Street


From the Main Post Office, turn into Main Bazaar, the oldest street in the city and the heart of old Kuching. It has excellent examples of Chinese shophouse architecture, many of which are still occupied by the same family for generations. Coffeeshops, stores selling jungle produce, handicraft shops overflowing with artifacts and souvenirs attract both shopper and browsers. It has the highest concentration of antique and handicraft shops. Parallel to Main Bazaar is Carpenter Street, and provides similar shops.



Picture : Padungan Road
 


Another street life to experience is Padungan Road, filled with Chinese shop houses, built in the 1029's and 30's. The Great Cat of Kuching is located at the junction of Padungan Road and Central Road. For those interested in textiles, visit the Pua Kumbu Museum, found on 4th Floor, Tun Jugah Tower, at Tunku Abdul Rahman Road. The museum is run by a private foundation and contains an excellent collection of Iban pua kumbu textiles, antique and modern, as well as exquisite Iban silverware and jewellery. Visitation is strictly by appointment only. (Please call the curator at 239672 between 9am -12pm, 1-4:30pm).

                
Picture : Lanterns at Tua Pek Kong Temple

The Tua Pek Kong Temple, diagonally opposite the Chinese History Museum, is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching built in 1876.


Picture : Great Cat of Kuching

Further away from the city center is the Civic Center. It offers the best all-round views of Kuching and the surrounding area. The complex is also home to the Planetarium and a Public Library. Petra Jaya, the northern part of Kuching, is home to government buildings, the Timber Museum, Cat Museum and the Forestry Department. The Cat Museum is devoted to all things feline. Every year, there is also a Meow Festival (Cat Festival).

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