About Kuching, Sarawak

About Kuching, Sarawak

Selamat Datai! Kuching, also known as the “Cat City”, has a rich history and diverse range of attractions that make it a captivating destination. As the administrative capital throughout the times of the Brunei Sultanate, the White Rajahs of Sarawak, and the British Colonial rule, Kuching has a fastinating blend of cultural influences. Sarawak itself boasts an impressive natural landscape with 37 gazetted national parks, 5 wildlife sanctuaries and 14 nature reserves, encompassing vast rainforests comparable to the size of Austria. This lush environment is home to iconic wildlife such as The hornbill, proboscis monkey and orangutan, as well as being home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. Sitting at the heart of Sarawak, Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a priceless gem with its stunning cave systems and limestone formation, offering an unforgettable adventure for visitors.

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Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary cultural richness, Sarawak provides a charming blend of history and modernity.

Explore world-famous national parks like Gunung Mulu and Niah, home to exotic wildlife. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene, visiting traditional longhouses and experiencing festivals like the Rainforest World Music Festival. The capital, Kuching, is a vibrant city with historical landmarks, such as the Astana, a former palace, and Fort Margherita, a colonial-era fort. Sarawak is a true gem for those seeking an authentic and enriching travel experience.

Culture

Bawang Assan Iban Longhouse

Bawang Assan is an Iban settlement of 9 longhouses dating from the 18th Century. The longhouses range from the very traditional to the quite modern, so visitors can get a good idea of how longhouses have evolved to keep pace with the times; and secondly, many of the older inhabitants can speak excellent English and are therefore superb interpreters of their culture.

Sarawak Pottery

Pottery made in Sarawak is of two distinctive types – one done by the Iban, Murut and Kelabit potters and the other by Chinese potters. Today, the range of Sarawak’s potters have improved vastly as they create ceramic stools, drinking water cisterns, decorative jars and vases, lamps, candle holders, ashtrays, teapots, mugs and even photo frames.

Bonita And The Beads

The indigenous people of Sarawak have since long ago been associated with beadwork for adornment as well as for ceremonial purposes. Here, beads tradition goes back to the very remote past. The variety of beads, the materials from which they are made, their colours and the values attributed, all make up an interesting conversation and discussion.

Adventure

Bako National Park

With its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, secluded beaches, and trekking trails, Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest of Borneo.

Gunung Gading National Park

Lundu town has so much to offer in terms of nature and adventure. Those interested in walking on trails set in lush greenery can head to Gunung Gading, a treasure trove of natural wonders. Visitors to Gunung Gading might also just be able to catch the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, in full bloom and glory.

Borneo Happy Farm

A farm that harvests sun and rain. Borneo Happy Farm (The farm) was founded on the concept of creating awareness of nature conservation. An attraction that harnessing the sun’s energy to produce electricity and harvesting rainwater to meet their water requirements.

Food

Satok Weekend Market

With its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, secluded beaches, and trekking trails, Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest of Borneo.

Sarawak Laksa

The late world-renowned American celebrity, Chef Anthony Bourdain was fondly remembered for promoting ‘Sarawak Laksa’ to the rest of the world. His constructive comments on ‘Sarawak Laksa’ popularised the dish, increasing its fame across the globe.

Kolo Mee

Famously known as one of Sarawak’s signature dishes, ‘Kolo Mee’ is a simple yet flavourful noodle dish typically served for breakfast. Topped with minced meat, slices of succulent barbequed pork, slivers of spring onions and fried onions, this Chinese dish is so popular that a Halal version has since been created.