Kuching is easily one of Malaysia’s most endearing cities, though for anyone visiting – from almost anywhere – it involves boarding a plane. But once you arrive, there is plenty to keep you occupied and entertained. Sarawak, the larger of the two East Malaysian states, is called “The Land of the Hornbill” on account of the many hornbill species which live there, and has a rich history of human habitation stretching back for millennia.
Most visitors to Sarawak begin their travels in Kuching, or indeed may confine their entire stay to the capital city. Although the city’s name mimics the Malay word for ‘cat’ – and Kuching plays this up, too, with plenty of cat statues and murals scattered around the city – it is thought more likely that the name actually derives from the Chinese word for ‘port’ – gu chin or cochin.
The best introduction to Kuching is surely its scenic and enjoyable riverfront, a stretch of walkways, parks, and assorted vendors and eateries that extends about one kilometre along the city-side bank of the Sarawak River. Up until quite recently, most travel across the river involved a very inexpensive boat ride, with wooden boats and water taxis called per auk tambang ferrying passengers back and forth, and to and fro.
Overview
Kuching is the capital of the East Malaysian State of Sarawak. Kuching is the most populous city in the state of Sarawak and the fourth largest city in Malaysia Nestled on the banks of the Sarawak River, the capital, Kuching, retains the old-world charm of its romantic past. The river is the 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 narrow, bustling streets near the river are crammed with ornate temples, markets, historic buildings and traditional Chinese shop houses selling local handicrafts. Kuching also lays claim to nine museums, many within walking distance of each other. No other city in Malaysia displays its charm with such an easy grace as Kuching, the capital of Sarawak.
The city is cut almost in half by the meandering Sarawak River – its lifeline since time immemorial and where it all began in 1839. Its skyline is a mix of minarets and domes, ornate temple roofs, church spires, fortress, towers, modern and colonial buildings – all set amidst a profusion of greenery against the dramatic backdrop of the inky-blue Santubong and Matang Mountains. A tour of Kuching will take you from the era of the White Rajahs to the present day.
