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 Kuching,
one of the most enjoyable and absolutely delightful cities in Malaysia,
is one of the cities visitors should not fail to place on their
itineraries. Besides being filled vast expanses of landscaped parkland,
a vibrant waterfront culture, and historic buildings, the city of
Kuching is also an excellent place to set up base for exploring Borneo’s
stunning surrounding national parks.
What to See in Kuching
 1.
Fort Margherita
Built in the year 1879 by Charles Brooke, Fort Margherita once guarded
the approach to Kuching by sea pirates. Today, it now houses the Police
Museum. There is also an orchid garden just a short walk from the fort
and through the police barracks towards the western jetty. The garden
will certainly delight all its guests with over 100 orchid species on
display.
 2.
Markets
Sunday morning markets see villagers sleeping overnight at their stalls
the night before in preparation for the day’s trading scene. The smells
of coriander, ginger, and other various herbs fill the air with a heady
scent. Piles of mangoes, custard apples, bananas and some obscure jungle
fruits m ay
also be found stacked basket upon basket tempting market goers with
their luscious sites and even more delicious taste.
Fresh fish and meats occupy one section of the market while more exotic
fare like wild boar and goat meat may be found in another market
section.
 3.
Museums
Considered to be one of the best in Southeast Asia, the Sarawak
Museum is divided into two equally interesting exhibition halls
connected to each other by a footbridge.
The old wing, which was opened in1891, has magnificent totem
 poles
carved from single tree trunks, ferocious masks with semi-demonic
visages, and explanations of the symbolism and value of tattooing and
body art among the Malaysian tribes. There is also a display of
longhouse construction styles including a walk-in replica of the
traditional longhouse.
The new wing is focused on exhibits of more contemporary nature. Behind
the Sarawak is another interesting museum, the Islamic museum, which
features exhibits relevant to the Islamic belief and artifacts valued by
Muslims in their faith.
 4.
Waterfront Tours
No visit to Kuching is ever complete without taking a stroll along
Kuching’s waterfront with its beautifully carved footpaths, happily
dancing fountains, and very well laid out lawns and gardens. Nighttime
sees the waterfront ablaze with colorful lights and people feasting on
various gustatory fares being offered at the food stalls.
Daytrips Around Kuching
 1.
Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
For a chance to see semi-wild orangutans up close visit the Semenggoh
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Tel. 442180; adult RM3; Time
12.45pm&2-4.15pm). The center attempts to rehabilitate orangutans,
monkeys, honey bears and other creatures that have been orphaned or
illegally caged. Try to coincide your visit with feeding times (8.30am
to 9am and 3-3.15pm) and pick up a free permit from the visitors
information center.
Semenggoh is 32km south of Kuching. To get there, take STC bus No. 6,6A,
6B or 6C from Kuching(RM 2, 40 minutes, eight departures daily from
7am-2pm). Tell the driver you wish to get off at the Forest Department
Nursery, then follow a boardwalk through the forest to the center (about
30 minutes). The last bus back to Kuching passes Semenggoh at 4pm.
 2.
Bako National Park
Bako National Park protects an unspoiled promontory between the mouths
of the Sungai Sarawak and Batang Bako. It’s a beautiful spot where rocky
headlands are indented with clean beaches. Bako is most famous for its
wildlife, including the rare proboscis monkey.
Continually gaining popularity with day-trippers – bookings are
essential on weekends and during school holidays. Register for the park
upon arrival at the boat dock in Bako Bazaar. From Bako Bazaar it’s a
30-minute boat ride to park headquarters (Tel. 011-225049) at Telok
Assam, where you’ll find accommodation and criteria. The office is about
100m along the shore from the landing dock. Permits and accommodation
can be organized at the Kuching visitor’s information center. Be sure to
take large vats of mosquito repellent.
Where to Stay at Kuching
1. St Thomas Diocesan Rest House
Located behind the Anglican church, the rest house is a sprawling,
peaceful building set high on a hill and surrounded with the most
fascinating views. The over-all feel is like that of a boarding house
with comfortable, albeit fan only rooms, with a shared bathroom on the
ground floor.
2. B&B Inn
The B&B has pretty basic rooms and is located just a little way from the
Ting & Ting Supermarket. It is pretty close to all the tourist
attractions, has clean and very acceptable facilities and a very helpful
reception desk for organizing tours.
3. Kuok Pin Hotel
The hotel boasts of clean, spacious rooms with private, attached
bathrooms, in-room phones, television and very friendly owners.
4. Telang Usan Hotel
Sarawak’s first hotel, owned and managed by Orang Ulu (Upriver People)
is another very popular option for accommodations in Kuching. Aside from
fairly basic and clean facilities, the hotel offers
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