Introduction to Kuching, Malaysia

On the whole, KUCHING – the capital of Sarawak – is underrated by visitors. Most unfortunately only stay for a day or two to organize trips to Bako national park, the longhouses and the interior. It may be long enough to pick up on Kuching's appeal but not to fall for its special magic. It is a highly attractive place: the courthouse and Astana (palace) still serve their original purpose, while the commercial district – in the heart of the old town – is a warren of crowded lanes and home to Kuching's Chinese community. Main Bazaar, the city's oldest street, sports the remains of its original godowns, now converted into shops but still overlooking Sungei Sarawak, Kuching's main supply route since the city's earliest days when the Rajah Brookes ran the territory. The city is culturally as well as architecturally exciting and has one of the finest museums in Southeast Asia. The city keeps late hours too: the eastern waterfront area around the Hilton Hotel and Holiday Inn is full of bars, pubs and plazas. But what's really unique about Kuching is its atmosphere. It is at once both buzzy and laid back, vibrant and mellow: a town where people are rarely too busy to introduce themselves and ask you where you're from. It's quite a unique place in fact, even for friendly Malaysia.

Information by Rough Guides

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