Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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seafood in a rich and spicy coconut gravy, or the Sarawak black pepper steak, which is a
house specialty. Entrees are reasonably priced betw een RM10 and RM35 ($2.90-$10/
£1.80-£6.30).
Attractions
The Astana and F ort Margherita
At the water front by the S quare Tower, you'll
find water taxis to take you across the river to see these two reminders of the White Rajas
of Sarawak. The Astana, built in 1870 b y Raja Charles Brooke, the second raja of S ara-
wak, is now the official residence of the governor. It is not open to the public, but visitors
may still walk in the gardens. The best view of the Astana, however is from the water.
Raja Charles Brooke's wife, Ranee Margaret, gave her name to Fort Margherita, which
was erected in 1879 to protect the city of Kuching. Inside the great castlelike building is
a police museum, the most inter esting sights of which ar e the depictions of criminal
punishment.
Across the Sarawak River from town. Fort:
&
082/244-232.
Free admission. Daily 9am-5pm.
Chinese History Museum
Built in 1911, this old Chinese Chamber of Commer ce
building is the perfect venue for a museum that traces the histor y of Chinese communi-
ties in S arawak. Though small, it's centrally located and a conv enient stop while y ou're
in the area.
Corner of Main Bazaar and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Free admission. Daily 9am-5pm.
Main Bazaar
Main Bazaar, the major thoroughfare along the river, is home to Kuch-
ing's antiques and handicraft shops. If you're walking along the river, a little time in these
shops is like a walk through a traditional handicrafts art gallery. You'll also find souvenir
shops, tour operators, and a fe w restaurants.
Along the river. Free admission.
Sarawak Cultural Village
What appears to be a contrived theme park turns out
to be a r eally fun place to learn about S arawak's indigenous people. B uilt ar ound a
lagoon, the park re-creates the various styles of longhouse dwellings of each of the major
tribes. I nside each house ar e r epresentative members of each tribe displaying cultural
artifacts and performing music, teaching dar t blowing, and showing off carving talents.
Give yourself plenty of time to stick ar ound and talk with the people, who ar e recruited
from villages inland and love to tell stories about their homes and traditions. Performers
dance and display costumes at 11:30am and 4:30pm daily. A shuttle bus leaves at regular
intervals from the Holiday Inn Kuching on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Kampung Budaya Sarawak, Pantai Damai, Santubong.
&
082/846-411.
Adults RM60 ($17/£11), children
RM30 ($8.70/£5.40). Daily 9am-5pm.
Sarawak Islamic Museum
A splendid array of M uslim artifacts at this quiet and
serene museum depicts the histor y of Islam and its spr ead to Southeast Asia. Local cus-
toms and histor y are also highlighted. Although women ar e not required to cover their
heads, respectable attire that covers the legs and arms is r equested.
Jalan P. Ramlee.
&
082/244-232.
Free admission. Sat-Thurs 9am-4:30pm; Fri 9am-12:45pm and 3-5pm.
Sarawak Museum
Two branches, one old and one ne w, display exhibits of the
natural history, indigenous peoples, and culture of Sarawak, plus the state's colonial and
modern history. The two branches ar e connected b y an o verhead walkway abo ve Jalan
Tun Haji Openg. The wildlife exhibit is a bit musty, but the arts and artifacts in the other
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