Sep 2003 : Kuching

Title: KC’s 2003 Staff Trip to Kuching, Sarawak.

When: September 2003

About The Trip:

Purpose: KC’s 2003 Staff Trip to Kuching, Sarawak

Days/Nights: 4 Days 3 Nights

Arrangements: Travel Agent / ~~Self-guided Tour~~

Route: KUALA LUMPUR – Kuching SARAWAK (3 nights) – KUALA LUMPUR

Traveling Method & Time:

Kuala Lumpur – Kuching = aeroplane (≈ 2 hours)

Kuching (city) – Semenggoh = a hired touring bus (40 minutes)

Semenggoh – Kuching (city) = a hired touring bus (40 minutes)

Kuching (city) – Santubong = a hired touring bus (40 minutes)

Santubong – Kuching (city) = a hired touring bus (40 minutes)

Kuching – Kuala Lumpur = aeroplane (≈ 2 hours)

Details:

Sarawak, located in the southern part of East Malaysia (Borneo) is a place all about culture, adventure and nature. For decades, it has been known for its rich tropical landscape, mighty rivers, unique fauna and flora, remote islands and intriguing caves. Sarawak is also home to at least 27 ethnic groups with different language, culture and lifestyle.

Historically, Sarawak was a part of the Sultanate of Brunei before it was ceded to British adventurer James Brooke on September 24, 1841 as a reward for helping in bringing about a peaceful settlement facing Bidayuh rebellion against the Sultan of Brunei. He ruled the state as his personal kingdom from then on, marking an onset of three generations of the Brooke family rule. The Brooke family administration came to and end when Japanese came to occupy Sarawak in 1941.

Kuching (means ‘cat’ in Malay language) is the capital as well as the most populous city in Sarawak. It has a tropical rainforest climate and is considered one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia. It was voted as one of the world’s healthiest cities, recognised and awarded by both United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

1. Sarawak State Museum – It is the oldest museum in Borneo sponsored by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak. Established in 1888 but only opened in 1891, the museum showcases local native arts and crafts, collections of local flora and ethnographic artifacts such as models of longhouses and musical instruments of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak.

2. Kuching Cat Museum – It is a cat museum in Kuching was founded in 1993. There are more than 2000 exhibits, artifacts, statues about cats from all over the world showcased here in the museum.

3. The Kuching Waterfront – The beautifully landscaped waterfront is an approximately 1km long riverside esplanade and it offers excellent views of Fort Margherita and The Astana (the former palace of the White Rajahs and currently the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak). Jogging path, colourful market stalls, attractive cafes and bistros are set along the riverside and are open until midnight. Located not far from the waterfront is the Main Bazaar. Sarawak River Cruise is a fantastic way for you catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset while sailing along the tranquil Sarawak River on a clear late afternoon.

4. Cat statues – Kuching is well known for many large traffic circles or roundabouts. Statues of cats are placed in the centre of most of the roundabouts.

5. Fort Margherita & Orchid Garden – It is an old fort built by Charles Brooke (White Rajah of Sarawak) in 1879 situated on a hill across the Sarawak River, near Kuching city. The fort, built in the style of English castle, is an important landmark and monument in Sarawak’s history which goes back to the Brooke Dynasty. The purpose of the construction of this building is to protect Kuching from attack by pirates.

Fort Margherita can be reached via road or river. It is just a 15-min drive along Petra Jaya or a short river cruise from Pangkalan Batu, in front of Main Bazaar on Kuching Waterfront. The small boats / water taxis that carry passengers across the river are called ‘penambang‘. Located conveniently within walking distance are The Astana and The Orchid Garden.

6. The Sunday Market at Satok – Do check out the Sunday Market at Satok which operates during weekends. Here, you will find a large diversity of items for trade and an abundance of stalls offering delicious Sarawak cuisine like Laksa Sarawak and Mee Kolo.

7. The Main Bazaar (Chinatown, Carpenter Street & Indian Street) – Located not far from the Kuching Waterfront, the Main Bazaar (comprised of Chinatown, Carpenter Street and Indian Street) is a very long row of shophouses for you to shop Sarawak souvenirs and handicrafts.

8. Kuching Civic Centre – It is situated at Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching city. This is a 3-building complex with an umbrella-shaped roof and perhaps, the best place to get a 360° aerial view of Kuching City. The viewing platform is available for public access during daytime, served mainly by two bubble lifts.

9. Old Court House – The courthouse is one of the most attractive landmarks in Kuching and it was built in 1874. It was built to bring together all government offices and as the venue for all state ceremonies. The Clock Tower that stands elegantly at the entrance of the Court House was built in 1883 and it is still working. The Charles Brooke Monument (the 2nd White Rajah of Sarawak) was constructed in the vicinity in 1924. Surrounding the Charles Brooke Monument are warriors and leaders from different ethnic groups in the State such as Iban, Melanau, Chinese and Malay.

10. Semenggoh Wildlife Center – The centre is located about 20 km south of Kuching and is situated within the beautiful Semengoh Nature Reserve. In 1975, the centre was established for the rehabilitation of confiscated and surrendered wild animals. This is a temporary home for various endangered wildlife of Sarawak, especially hornbills and orang utans that were rescued from captivity.

11. Sarawak Cultural Village – Sarawak is rich in history and heritage and is also known as Land of The Hornbills. The population of Sarawak comprises of local ethnic groups (such as Melanau, Penan, Iban, etc), Malays, Chinese and Indians living together in harmony for more than a century. The daily life and architecture of the Sarawak’s ethnic groups are showcased at the Sarawak Cultural Village, located on the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong in Santubong, approximately 35km from Kuching city. The longhouse tour, the 45-minute cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment are the things you will not want to miss during your visit to Sarawak.

12. The Potteries of Kuching – Pottery factories in Kuching are well known for its ethnic design pottery. Do visit at one of the factories and learn how the potteries are made. Some factories will even allow you to try your hand at creating your own designs.

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