Discover Kuching

Kuching , a hidden paradise with a thousand mysteries and legends. Located on the West of Borneo island , it is the gateway to this" land of the head-hunters".A city which boasts of its rich cultural heritage and ancient histories , Kuching today stands tall as the capital city of Sarawak inhabited by a large number of ethnic groups , including Chinese , Malay ,Bidayuh , Iban , Dayak , Melanau , Lun Bawang to name but a few.

Initially a part of the Brunei Empayar , Kuching was later handed over to the British under the Brooke's family. Kuching has witnessed several major historical events in the past. From the days of the Rajah Brooke to the eras of struggling for independence till today, 49 years after independence , Kuching has underwent major development and progress. Yet , it still very much retains many of its image of the yesteryears.

There is no better way to explore Kuching than to take a stroll along Main Bazaar , the earliest shoplots established in Kuching. Strategically located along Sarawak River , with Fort Margherita guarding the safety from across the river , Main Bazaar was a beehive of commercial activities during its golden days. Many buildings back then was now gazetted under the government heritage , so a glance at it , Main Bazaar showcases an array of modern and colonial-style buildings. A perfect fusion of time. Every era is captured. Every part of history is written. Every pillar , every carving on the wall , every shop has a story to be told , to be uncovered. From the goldsmith to the blacksmith , from the tattoo 'sifu' to the antique shop owner , they are the ones that stood the test of time to tell the stories of the past.

Explore into each and every antique shop and you are bound to discover dozens of priceless gems. A wide variety of collections ranging from ethnic masks to chinese urns , no antique lovers will emerge empty handed. Do not hesitate to ask the proprietor for opinion and explanation. You never know what you will uncover. Behind every mask there lies a story of a hundred years , a mystery kept for generations or a history forgotten. A haven for adventure-seeker too.

For those less adventurous type , Main Bazaar is also a shopping paradise. Get the best bargain for the popular 'pua kumbu' , taste our famous sago biscuit 'tebaloi' or buy the famous traditional basket all in one shop.There will be endless surprises at every corner of the shop that keep you fascinated and make you yearn for more as you explore from shop to shop. Wooden frog that 'croaks' , door stopper that resembles a cat , spiky durian made of wood , you will be kept in awe by the craftsmen's creativity.

I am just an ordinary guy from Kuching. I do not work for the tourism board nor do i receive any pay for promoting Kuching. Just feel like unlooking these hidden treasures kept for too long a time.

Kuching...Meow!