Kuching Mosque

The Kuching Mosque is one of the city's most important landmarks,with its idyllic riverside location and its multiple gilded cupolas.Although a relatively modern building (1968), its design is faithfulto traditional Islamic architecture, and it is set in an ancientMuslim cemetery on the site of an old wooden Mosque. The Mosqueand its grounds are open to visitors, but they are asked to dressrespectfully and not enter the Mosque during prayer times.

The Kuching Mosque previously functioned as the State Mosque,but this role has now been taken over by the splendid new StateMosque, with an unusual modern single cupola design, across theriver at Petra Jaya. Another interesting Mosque can be found inGambier Street, completely hidden away by rows of shophouses.This Mosque originally served the Indian Muslim community in Kuching,and is the oldest Mosque in the city.

Kuching History

Kuching history is basically Sarawak history. In the early 19th century, it was under the control of Brunei Sultanate. The people of Kuching revolted against the Sultanate in 1836. It was at this time that James Brooke, an Englishman arrived with his well-armed ship. The Sultan asked for his help and the rebellion was put down. As a reward Kuching was awarded to James Brooke. Kuching (or rather Sarawak, one of the States in Malaysia) under the Brooke's rule gradually expanded to its present size. In 1941, Japanese invasion ended the Brooke's rule. After the Japanese's surrender in 1945, Sarawak became British colony. In 1963 Sarawak gained independence by becoming one of the States of the new country, Malaysia.

Tua Pek Kong Temple

The oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak, Tua Pek Kong Temple, is believed to exist since 1843 although official records only recognized its existence in 1876. The Tua Pek Kong is one of the city's sacred temples for Chinese to pays homage to deity for peace and prosperity. This temple is situated at the traffic light junction near Jalan Bazaar across the Kuching Waterfront.



Its located at the junction of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Main Bazaar. Its famous celebration is the Wang Wang which commemorates the spirit of the dead.

Sunday Open Market

Sunday Open Market A vast variety of handicraft items are available in Kuching such as woodcarvings, beadwork, bamboo and rattan products, and woven cloth, hats, baskets, sleeping mats and pottery, all created in the distinctive designs individual to each ethnic group. The Sunday Open Market is a particularly enjoyable spot to browse.

Cat Museum

Cat Museum is housed at the Kuching North City Council is the world's first museum devoted to cats. Here you can find a large range of exhibitions of cats including pictures, books, souvenirs and etc.

Sarawak Chinese Museum

Located at the Waterfront, the Chinese History Museum is built in 1912. The museum houses displays tracing the settlement of the Chinese in Sarawak. Exhibitions include the early trading routes, initial migration from various regions of China, traditional trading activities, political history and the involvement of the Chinese community in modern, multi-racial Sarawak.

Sarawak Islamic Museum

The Sarawak Islamic Museum occupies the Maderasah, a concrete and brick building recognized as the only one of its kind in the state. Built in 1930 along Jalan P. Ramlee, it was originally meant to be a college for higher Malay Studies. Today it is the first Islamic museum established in South East Asia. It presents a clear picture of the rich historical heritage and special culture of the Muslim community in Sarawak and throughout the Malay-Indonesian archipelago. The museum consists of seven galleries set around a central courtyard garden, each with a different theme ranging from Islamic artifacts from around the region, the separate fascinating collections of old coins, weapons, costumes, pottery, textiles to the jewelry from the Islamic world. This museum is located behind the new wing of the Sarawak Museum across the road.

Brooke Memorial

Charles Brooke is the second Rajah of Sarawak who has major roles in Kuching history. The memorial of him located in front of the Court House. It is the 6 meter high granite obelisk which was commission in 1924. At the corner of the obelisk is a bronze panel of four figures representing the Sarawakian community which is the blend of Chinese, Dayak, Kayan, and Malay.

The Pavilion

Located next to the Round Tower, built in 1909, is the Pavilion. Regarded as something of an architectural enigma, its design is reminiscent of buildings in the Southern states of America - a mixture of late English renaissance and colonial architecture. It served as a General Hospital until 1947. It is currently undergoing

General Post Office

Built in 1931, this building stands majestically with its imposing neo-classical style and impressive Corinthian columns. In contrast to its ornate faзade with semi-circular arches, ornamental columns capitals and friezes, the back of the building is plain and unadorned. Deep parapet walls of plain design hide the pitched root. A colonnaded portico serves as a corridor in front of the building. This building will soon be converted to the Sarawak Art Museum.

Square Tower

Unbelievably the Square Tower, intentionally built as a detention camp for prisoners in 1879, was later converted into a fortress and a dance hall. Today it is a multimedia information center and video theater providing information on Sarawak's tourist attractions.

Sarawak Steamship Building

Originally was an office and warehouse of the Sarawak Steamship Company, built in 1930, now it is extensively restored and houses a restaurant, fast food outlets and a convenient store.

India Street Mall

Along India Street, which is designed as a pedestrian walkway, are a variety of shop-houses trading colorful textiles, clothing, crockery and other essentials in a manner which has not changed much in the past decades. Bargaining is very much a way of life here

Civic Centre

The best views of Kuching and the surrounding can be taken here from the viewing platform at the top of the building. Restaurants and canteens as well as a pub are also available. The Civic Center Complex also houses a Planetarium and a Public Library.

This project comprises a tower block, a utility block, a multi-purpose hall and planetarium. Special features include a 22m diameter dome structure above the planetarium theatre, 47m long facade columns supporting the restaurant and observation floor at high level, and elliptical steel trusses with polycarbonate roofing above the tower.

The Main Bazaar

This row of 2 story shop-houses is located on one of Kuching's oldest streets dating back to 1864. This place is considered as an 'antique arcade' not only because of its old-fashion faзade but due to the fact that a large collection of antiques and handicrafts are also found here. This is the place you can see examples of Chinese shop-house architecture, many of them, occupied by the same family for generations. Souvenir-hunters can also seek out an assortment of traditional brassware, pottery, ceramics, tribal arts and many more.

Sarawak Museum

Originally built in 1891 to house and display arts and crafts of the indigenous people of Borneo, the Sarawak Museum has gained a reputation for having the single most comprehensive collection of Borneo artifacts to be found anywhere. After massive extension, the Sarawak Museum now straddles both sides of Jalan overhead pedestrian bridge. The original 1891 building was designed in style of a Normandy townhouse and was extended to its present structure in 1911. The new wing, just across the road, was built in the 1970s and has a reconstruction of life in the prehistoric Niah Caves. There is a bookstore and souvenir shop here as well.

Old Court House

The Courthouse, built in 1874, is another landmark. Now that the courts have moved to their new home across the river to Petrajaya, this building is vacant, awaiting a new lease of life no doubt. The layout of the courthouse complex is U-shaped. The middle portion has a walkway, which is a busy thoroughfare. Past this portico, and you are in the midst of traffic and numerous shophouses selling a variety of goods. Yet another landmark is the Pavilion, a square building built in 1909. It served as the General Hospital until 1947.It was renovated recently and will soon be home to the textile museum. As Kuching city centre is so compact, one can easily walk from the waterfront to the Sarawak Museum. Meandering through these shophouses one eventually reaches the Sarawak Museum. On route to the museum, you will past through India Street, now pedestrianised. It's called India Street because of the concentration of Indian traders selling all things Indian from spices to cloth. There also shops selling sundries, textiles, jewellery and souvenirs.

Other Brooke architectural heritage sites are the General Post Office built in 1931, and the Round Tower built in 1886. The purpose of this tower is a bit of a mystery. Some sources states that it was built as a fort but it eventually became a dispensary. Both are within walking distance from the Waterfront.

Fort Margherita

Completed in 1879, Fort Margherita commands a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak River, with a location chosen to overlook the long stretch of river approaching Kuching. Named after the second Rajah, Charles Brooke's wife, the Ranee Margaret, it was built in the defensive edifice/castle style of the late English renaissance.

Fort Margherita has been converted into a Police Museum and many of its old cannons, cannon balls, guns, pistols, swords and other vestiges of its artillery can still be seen. The armory still exists as does the condemned prisoner's cell. The Police Museum has a display of old police weapons, reconstructed opium dens and scenes of hanging and other forms of criminal punishment.

Damai Beach

Forty minutes from Kuching, Damai - Sarawak's premier beach resort area - offers sandy beaches and pristine jungles, together with numerous leisure activities. Three resorts provide a full range of water sports, jungle trekking and cultural options. These include visits to local longhouses, a chanpionship Arnold Palmer-designed course and superb seafood restaurants perched on stilts along the shore.

Many tours and day trips leave from Damai including those to the nearby Sarawak Cultural Village and Bako National Park. Trips to interesting Malay fishing villages, nearby islands and river cruises around the Santubong Peninsula can also be arranged.

About Kuching City

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. For another persective on the town, hire a boat and float down the river either by day or night - the sunset is fantastic.
The narrow, bustling streets near the river are crammed with ornate temples, markets, historic buildings and traditional Chinese shophouses selling local handicrafts. Kuching also lays claim to nine museums, many withing 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, moden and colonial buildings - all set amidst 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. Visit the world reowned Sarawak Museum,many of the Brooke Legacy (White Rajahs) - Fort Margherita, Square Tower, Astana and Court House, Satok Suspension Bridge, Cat Gallery, CAt Monument, Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, the old State Mosque and to the hottest leisure spot in the City, The Kuching Waterfront Esplanade.

Sarawak Cultural Village

Popularly known as the "Living Museum", the Village is showcase of a kaleidoscope of Sarawak's cultural and traditions. This award winning living museum offers and excellent exposure to the local cultures and lifestyles.

On a 17-acre site, it host several replica buildings representing the seven major ethnic groups in Sarawak. Each building is staffed with members of the various groups in traditional costumes, carrying out traditional activities and a story teller who is an expert in describing their traditional cultures and lifestyle.
Demostration of art works and multi-cultural dances can be seen while toursing the Village. There is also a good restaurant and a handicrafts shop-on-site.

The Village is accesible via a 30minutes drive from Kuching or a 5 minutes walk from the Damai Beach Resorts. Opens daily from 0900-1730 hrs. Dance performances are performed at 1130 hrs and 1630 hrs at the Village threatre.

Kuching Waterfront

One of this is the waterfront area by the Sarawak River, an excellent starting point for exploring the city. Formerly this 1 km stretch was home to many warehouses, which were closely associated with the mercantile trade of this city. In the early 1990s this stretch was redeveloped to serve as a recreational venue to both locals and tourists alike. The design of the waterfront has incorporated traditional Iban cultural motifs, evident in the mosaic tiles on the pavements. There are also numerous rotunda rest points along the way. Mid-way down the stretch sits the Hornbill fountain, a modern steel sculpture, depicting Sarawak's national bird, the hornbill. Its play of lights is rather arresting at night. Just further down, on the left -hand side is a building, which houses the Chinese Museum. Members of the Chinese community built this building in 1912.

The waterfront also features an open-air eatery and a theatrette. The theatrette is housed in the former Sarawak Steamship Company warehouse. The tourist information office is also situated here. Cultural activities are held here especially during Gawai (the native harvest festival) in June each year and Cat City Festival, held annually in August. The stroll along waterfront will bring you to the Square Tower sandwiched between two rows of fountains. This Tower built in 1879 during Charles Brooke's reign (1868-1917) has served amongst other things as a prison and as a dancing hall in the past. Presently it is a museum showcasing its rich history. Outside of the Square fort is a 3 storey high viewing tower, which offers a panoramic view of the waterfront, and views across the Sarawak river, the Malay villages, the Astana and Fort Magherita. This view is particularly memorable during early mornings and evenings.

Jong's Crocodile Farm

See the friendly ambience of Sarawak's Football icon - "Bujang Senang" the crocodile. Set amidsts the tropical fruits trees and lush greenery is a home to over 1,000 crocodiles. It serves as a perfect sanctuary for this fearsome reptiles where they are kept in an enclosure designed and built similarly to their natural habitat. Apart from the corcodiles, it also houses other wildlifes such as the bear cats, civets deers, pytons, hornbills, gibbons and other fascinating animals which are found in Sarawak. The Farm is accessible from Kuching via a 40 minutes drive through picturesquare countryside.

You can find lots of other animals apart from crocodiles.