Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
82
An Hui Motor
G3
83
Bus Asia
F4
A3
A3
Sights
The main attraction here is the city itself. Leave plenty of time to wander aimlessly and
soak up the relaxed vibe and charming cityscapes of areas such as Jln Carpenter (Old Ch-
inatown), Jln India, Jln Padungan (New Chinatown) and the Waterfront Promenade.
Sarawak's excellent museums are free.
WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The
south bank
(along Main Bazaar & Jln Gambier; river cruises RM20)
of Sungai
Sarawak, from the Indian Mosque east to the Hotel Grand Margherita Kuching, has been
turned into a watery promenade, with paved walkways, lawns, flowerbeds, a children's
playground, cafes and food stalls. It's a fine place for a stroll any time a cool breeze blows
off the river, especially at sunset. In the evening the waterfront is ablaze with colourful
fairy lights and full of couples and families eating snacks as trans-river
tambang
(small
passenger ferries) glide past with their glowing lanterns. The loveliest panoramas are from
the bend in the river across from the Hilton. Several companies offer
river cruises
(RM20). The water level is kept constant by a downstream barrage.
The promenade affords great views across the river to the white, crenellated towers and
manicured gardens of the Astana; hilltop Fort Margherita, also white and crenellated; and,
between the two, the Sarawak State Assembly, with its dramatic, golden pointy roof.
Chinese History Museum
(cnr Main Bazaar & Jln Wayang; 9am-4.45pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat, Sun & holi-
days)
Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, the Chinese History Museum
provides an excellent introduction to the nine Chinese communities - each with its own
dialect, cuisine and temples - who began settling in Sarawak around 1830. Highlights of
the evocative new exhibits, inaugurated in 2011, include ceramics, musical instruments,
MUSEUM
