Cat ching up with Kuching
For those looking to explore Bornean culture, a trip to Kuching should definitely be on the cards. Taking advantage of Royal Brunei Airlines’ recently launched direct flights to the city, we decided to hop onto the next plane and embark on a staycation of sorts; a cultural adventure exploring this tropical island we call home!
For first-timers to Kuching, we recommend a whirlwind city center tour to get your bearings and visit iconic landmarks such as the Tua Pek Kong Temple, the old Colonial Law Court House, and the Old State Mosque. The mosque, which was reconstructed in 1968, is a calming vision of pink and gold, and is best viewed from the river with the sun gleaming off its minarets.
Our accommodations were at the Grand Margherita Hotel, which to our delight is strategically located on the lively Waterfront Promenade that stretches to almost one kilometer long along
the Sarawak River, and is a popular spot for the locals on weekends.
Speaking of rivers, the Sarawak River Cruise is one for the romantics as you are carried down memory lane by way of the Sarawak River to get the best perspective on some of Kuching’s pivotal landmarks, with The Astana, Fort Margherita and the Brooke Dockyard being just some of the historical sights gracing the water’s horizon. Traditional tribal dances are also performed during the 90-minute cruise making it a full cultural experience as passengers enjoy the panoramic view of the riverbank.
There are many Instagramworthy locations around Kuching, and the iconic Cat Statue at the Waterfront intersection (situated right in front of The Grand Margherita Hotel) is definitely on that list. With Kuching directly translating to “cat” in the Malay language, there are a number of cat monuments around the city so be prepared to get a lot of feline feels during your trip!
If you’re searching for a more in-depth look into Sarawak’s colourful history, what’s a better place to turn to than the national museum? However, the Sarawak State Museum
recently announced its twoand-a-half year closure as it undergoes a major multi-million dollar facelift and prepares to emerge as one of ASEAN’S finest museums in 2020. But, fret not! The neighbouring Sarawak Art Museum is just as insightful an exhibition with its exquisite displays, multimedia exhibitions and captivating artwork.
But if you’re a sucker for more interactive activities, the Sarawak Cultural Village is definitely one for the books. Set on a 17-acre site, the living museum allows visitors to visit authentic replicas of the seven tribes’ houses as well as a chance to meet with the natives themselves. Provided with a “passport” to be stamped at every house stop, witness and engage in actual tribal activities such as blow pipe shooting with the Penans, eating deep fried rose cookies hot off the wok at the Iban house and watching ang koo kueh made from scratch at the Chinese house. The twice-daily cultural shows are also a must, so turn up at the theater at 11.30am or 4pm for a show you won’t want to miss!
With Sarawak being a minefield of culture, tradition and history, be sure to pay a visit to the Fairy Caves located just 22km away from the city center. With plenty of history and myths surrounding its mass of stalactites and stalagmites, the challenging hike through the caves isn’t your average walk in the (national) park. Further up the road, the Serikin Market, which spans a kilometer, beckons to the bargain hunter in you. Best known for its interesting location on the border separating Sarawak and Kalimantan, make your way here for some amazing market finds. And when you’re done stocking up, replenish at one of the many neighborhood restaurants nearby for some on-point chicken rice or a sip of refreshing three-layer ice tea.
While we didn’t get a chance to borrow a cup of sugar from our Bornean neighbours, we did get offered a sip of their special homebrewed tuak or rice wine upon purchasing entrance tickets to the Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse in Padawan. The longhouse provides a peek into the day-to-day life of the Bidayuh community today and provides a chance for visitors to buy some homegrown products.
With all there is to see and do in Kuching, there’s no doubt that you’ve been working up an appetite. Feast on local indigenous cuisine at the popular Lepau restaurant on Ban Hock Road or at Restoran Budaya Sarawak located in the Waterfront’s Steamship Building for authentic Kayan cuisines such as ayam pansuh, terung dayak and nuba laya. A visit to Kuching isn’t complete without a taste of its famous ice desserts from the legendary Swee Kang Ais Kacang on Jalan Haji Taha, which has been feeding the local sweet tooth community since 1963. While you’re there, take the opportunity to try out the hot, savoury dishes on the menu as well! Rojak, classic buttery toasts, char kway (Chinese yam cakes), beehoon belacan and laksa; the only thing standing between you and Sarawak street food is a briskly placed order. We suggest you get cracking!
All in all, our trip to the heritagedriven capital of Sarawak was a fulfilling one which ticked all the right boxes, leaving us wanting for nothing but a lazy cat nap under the sun to process the highlights of our stay. Brimming with culture, a tradition-infused culinary scene, shopping, culture and sightseeing, Kuching represents a hub of Bornean heritage that we can truly say is a pleasure to visit.
Our trip to Kuching was part of a media trip organised by Royal Brunei Airlines. Offering direct flights to Kuching four times a week, start planning your own trip by visiting www.flyroyalbrunei.com.