Kuching, on the banks of the Sarawak River is the capital and most populous city in Sarawak East Malaysia. It is located in the northwest of Borneo Island of which Sarawak is a part. Having had an interesting past including a period when Sarawak was ruled by a ‘White Raja,’ Kuching has some colourful and impressive historical sites.
The Sarawak State Museum modelled on a town hall in Normandy is one such site. Opened in 1891 and extended in 1911 it is the oldest museum in Borneo. It has the most comprehensive archaeological, natural history and ethnographic collections in Borneo. The Astana, though not accessible to the public, dates from 19th century. Currently it is the residence of the Governor of Sarawak and formerly the palace of the ‘White Rajahs’. Other historical sites include Kuching’s main bazaar where some of the streets and shops date from the 19th century, the old courthouse, the oldest private school in Borneo and Padungan Street the Chinatown of Kuching built in the 1920s.
The Kuching waterfront is popular with locals and visitors. A kilometre long riverside esplanade offers river views, food stalls and panoramic city views that encourage hanging out particularly in the evenings. An observation tower, musical fountains and an open air theatre add to the attractions here.
The best attractions are Sarawak’s wildlife parks that are quite close to Kuching. Bako National Park, Kuching Wetlands National Park, Semenggok Wildlife Centre with its orangutan orphanage and rehabilitation centre, Satang Island Marine National Park and turtle conservation area, Gunung Gading National Park with its Rafflesia flowers are some of the popular day trip destinations.
40 minutes out of the city by car is Santubong beach resort and Damai beach with its resorts and white sandy beaches and snorkelling opportunities in pristine waters. The Sarawak Cultural Village, four hours away from Kuching offers a fascinating example of Sarawak’s cultural diversity and its arts and crafts. The Borneo Highlands is also within easy reach of Kuching and offer a chilly place to get away from the tropical heat at 1000 meters above sea level. For the inveterate shopper Kuching has hypermarkets, mega malls and malls that offer a range of merchandise that will not fail to satisfy.
For those who wish to get to know the people of the city getting together with the Hash House Harriers for two hour weekly runs or bike trips, joining a traditional cooking class and tasting local food from food stalls around the city and attending the Sunday Market at Satong seem like good options. The city can be explored by car, bus, shuttle vans, bicycles, motorcycles and river taxies.
In the heart of the city close to shopping and dining destinations, federal government offices and with easy access to other important destinations, Citadines Uplands Kuching offers studio to two bedroom serviced apartments Kuching that are ideal accommodation for business and leisure visitors. Such a service apartment in Kuching is thoughtfully furnished and offers modern amenities for business, leisure and relaxation.
