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Malaysia Travel Guide

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

Written by: Sarah Bennett

Sarawak happens to be the biggest state located in Malaysia. And it is also one of those 2 states, which are positioned on the Borneo Island that is well known for the exotic orangutan territory rainforests. The populace of Sarawak includes Chinese, Malays, Eurasians, Indians and different local tribes like Dayak, Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Kedayan, Orang Ulu and Penan.  Every clan has its typical unique language, culture, traditions, and food, which are not seen in any other areas of Malaysia.

What makes Sarawak really attractive is the availability of some national parks that showcase almost everything starting from the vast cave systems to the coastal swamp forests. Besides, Sarawak also preserves the most diverse as well as the richest ecosystems of this world. For the travelers, here are numerous scopes for extended or short treks both outside and inside the protected areas. Besides, travelers here can also visit the remote longhouse communities.

Here are the details of 8 underrated Sarawak destinations that one can visit: 

Kuching Waterfront 

This is the place where James Brooke, the 1st white skin Rajah set foot in Sarawak for the first time. Therefore, the Sarawak Government later spent a good amount of money to reconstruct the waterfront as well as to reclaim the parts of Riverside, which happened to be the crossing area for all the villagers to cross the river using small boats. At present, this waterfront is a wonderfully landscaped esplanade beside Sarawak River along with a few entertainment areas and eateries. Besides, there are a few sculptures, historical buildings and a watch tower present in that area. 

 

 

Old Museum of Sarawak

sarawak museum

It is the historic of museums located in Borneo, which was mainly sponsored by Charles Brooke, the 2nd Rajah and it got inaugurated in the year 1891 in order to display local arts crafts. Therefore, this place was renovated with a few additions to the present structure. At present, this museum houses a complete collection of historical information and tribal artifacts of Borneo. But, this museum is now temporarily closed until 2020 for refurbishments. 

Cat Museum

sarawak borneo kuching cat museumsarawak borneo kuching cat museum

Kuching- the capital of Sarawak is known popularly as the cat city and it is quite rightly said. This city houses one cat museum on Bukit Siol at the Petra Jaya opposite the Sarawak River. For every cat lover, this place works as a wonderful assortment of cat keepsakes starting from Garfield and Hello Kitty to the cat of Matthew Flinder and other popular felines. Here the visitors can enjoy exploring the photos and exhibits of all cats. Apart from that, they can also choose some souvenirs from the gift shops. 

Taman Budaya

It is a public garden located in Sarawak. This place used to be a reservoir previously for storing water. Due to this reason, this place is known as the Kuching Reservoir to local people. It is located near the Old Sarawak Museum and it is mostly used by people for walking and jogging. The hilly landscape of Taman Budaya makes this garden more attractive. 

Sarawak Islamic Museum

islamic heritage museum

This museum is located at the back of the Dewan Tun Razak. Previously, this place was a school namely James Brooke Malay College. Later this place was used as the Teachers Training College for studying Malay. Seven galleries are there in the museum. Each of these features items and artifacts regarding Islamic Civilization including coins, weapons, costumes, and jewelry. 

Kuching City Mosque

At this place, a wooden mosque was constructed in the year 1852. Later that mosque was destroyed and in the year 1968, the Kuching Mosque was constructed in that location. The best thing about this mosque is that it has a great blend of Italian and Midwestern architecture. Therefore, this place is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Kuching. 

Tua Pek Kong Temple

 Seeing Kuching City on Foot

Constructed in the year 1843, this building is counted on as the oldest of Chinese temples in Sarawak. The temple is also considered as an important milestone situated in the central part of Kuching city close to the Sarawak River. During celebrations and other important religious celebrations, Chinese worshippers gather in this temple in order to pray for their wellbeing. 

Fort Margherita

fort margheritafort margherita

This fort was constructed in Sarawak in the year 1879 throughout the period of British Colonization for protecting the Sarawak city from outside attacks. The fort was called after Ranee Margaret – the wife of Charles Brooke. It is mainly located on the bank of the Sarawak River can easily be sighted from the Kuching Waterfront. The actual structure of this fort with the cannons, guns, cannon balls, prisoner’s cells and other important structures are still there. Now, the old Fort has changed into the police museum with the display of opium dens, weapons and various types of criminal punishments.

Written by: Sarah Bennett
“Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE”

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Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

Written by: Sarah Bennett

Sarawak happens to be the biggest state located in Malaysia. And it is also one of those 2 states, which are positioned on the Borneo Island that is well known for the exotic orangutan territory rainforests. The populace of Sarawak includes Chinese, Malays, Eurasians, Indians and different local tribes like Dayak, Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Kedayan, Orang Ulu and Penan.  Every clan has its typical unique language, culture, traditions, and food, which are not seen in any other areas of Malaysia.

What makes Sarawak really attractive is the availability of some national parks that showcase almost everything starting from the vast cave systems to the coastal swamp forests. Besides, Sarawak also preserves the most diverse as well as the richest ecosystems of this world. For the travelers, here are numerous scopes for extended or short treks both outside and inside the protected areas. Besides, travelers here can also visit the remote longhouse communities.

Here are the details of 8 underrated Sarawak destinations that one can visit: 

Kuching Waterfront 

This is the place where James Brooke, the 1st white skin Rajah set foot in Sarawak for the first time. Therefore, the Sarawak Government later spent a good amount of money to reconstruct the waterfront as well as to reclaim the parts of Riverside, which happened to be the crossing area for all the villagers to cross the river using small boats. At present, this waterfront is a wonderfully landscaped esplanade beside Sarawak River along with a few entertainment areas and eateries. Besides, there are a few sculptures, historical buildings and a watch tower present in that area. 

 

 

Old Museum of Sarawak

sarawak museum

It is the historic of museums located in Borneo, which was mainly sponsored by Charles Brooke, the 2nd Rajah and it got inaugurated in the year 1891 in order to display local arts crafts. Therefore, this place was renovated with a few additions to the present structure. At present, this museum houses a complete collection of historical information and tribal artifacts of Borneo. But, this museum is now temporarily closed until 2020 for refurbishments. 

Cat Museum

sarawak borneo kuching cat museumsarawak borneo kuching cat museum

Kuching- the capital of Sarawak is known popularly as the cat city and it is quite rightly said. This city houses one cat museum on Bukit Siol at the Petra Jaya opposite the Sarawak River. For every cat lover, this place works as a wonderful assortment of cat keepsakes starting from Garfield and Hello Kitty to the cat of Matthew Flinder and other popular felines. Here the visitors can enjoy exploring the photos and exhibits of all cats. Apart from that, they can also choose some souvenirs from the gift shops. 

Taman Budaya

It is a public garden located in Sarawak. This place used to be a reservoir previously for storing water. Due to this reason, this place is known as the Kuching Reservoir to local people. It is located near the Old Sarawak Museum and it is mostly used by people for walking and jogging. The hilly landscape of Taman Budaya makes this garden more attractive. 

Sarawak Islamic Museum

islamic heritage museum

This museum is located at the back of the Dewan Tun Razak. Previously, this place was a school namely James Brooke Malay College. Later this place was used as the Teachers Training College for studying Malay. Seven galleries are there in the museum. Each of these features items and artifacts regarding Islamic Civilization including coins, weapons, costumes, and jewelry. 

Kuching City Mosque

At this place, a wooden mosque was constructed in the year 1852. Later that mosque was destroyed and in the year 1968, the Kuching Mosque was constructed in that location. The best thing about this mosque is that it has a great blend of Italian and Midwestern architecture. Therefore, this place is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Kuching. 

Tua Pek Kong Temple

 Seeing Kuching City on Foot

Constructed in the year 1843, this building is counted on as the oldest of Chinese temples in Sarawak. The temple is also considered as an important milestone situated in the central part of Kuching city close to the Sarawak River. During celebrations and other important religious celebrations, Chinese worshippers gather in this temple in order to pray for their wellbeing. 

Fort Margherita

fort margheritafort margherita

This fort was constructed in Sarawak in the year 1879 throughout the period of British Colonization for protecting the Sarawak city from outside attacks. The fort was called after Ranee Margaret – the wife of Charles Brooke. It is mainly located on the bank of the Sarawak River can easily be sighted from the Kuching Waterfront. The actual structure of this fort with the cannons, guns, cannon balls, prisoner’s cells and other important structures are still there. Now, the old Fort has changed into the police museum with the display of opium dens, weapons and various types of criminal punishments.

Written by: Sarah Bennett
“Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE”

Share
Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

8 Underrated Sarawak Destinations

Written by: Sarah Bennett

Sarawak happens to be the biggest state located in Malaysia. And it is also one of those 2 states, which are positioned on the Borneo Island that is well known for the exotic orangutan territory rainforests. The populace of Sarawak includes Chinese, Malays, Eurasians, Indians and different local tribes like Dayak, Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Kedayan, Orang Ulu and Penan.  Every clan has its typical unique language, culture, traditions, and food, which are not seen in any other areas of Malaysia.

What makes Sarawak really attractive is the availability of some national parks that showcase almost everything starting from the vast cave systems to the coastal swamp forests. Besides, Sarawak also preserves the most diverse as well as the richest ecosystems of this world. For the travelers, here are numerous scopes for extended or short treks both outside and inside the protected areas. Besides, travelers here can also visit the remote longhouse communities.

Here are the details of 8 underrated Sarawak destinations that one can visit: 

Kuching Waterfront 

This is the place where James Brooke, the 1st white skin Rajah set foot in Sarawak for the first time. Therefore, the Sarawak Government later spent a good amount of money to reconstruct the waterfront as well as to reclaim the parts of Riverside, which happened to be the crossing area for all the villagers to cross the river using small boats. At present, this waterfront is a wonderfully landscaped esplanade beside Sarawak River along with a few entertainment areas and eateries. Besides, there are a few sculptures, historical buildings and a watch tower present in that area. 

 

 

Old Museum of Sarawak

sarawak museum

It is the historic of museums located in Borneo, which was mainly sponsored by Charles Brooke, the 2nd Rajah and it got inaugurated in the year 1891 in order to display local arts crafts. Therefore, this place was renovated with a few additions to the present structure. At present, this museum houses a complete collection of historical information and tribal artifacts of Borneo. But, this museum is now temporarily closed until 2020 for refurbishments. 

Cat Museum

sarawak borneo kuching cat museumsarawak borneo kuching cat museum

Kuching- the capital of Sarawak is known popularly as the cat city and it is quite rightly said. This city houses one cat museum on Bukit Siol at the Petra Jaya opposite the Sarawak River. For every cat lover, this place works as a wonderful assortment of cat keepsakes starting from Garfield and Hello Kitty to the cat of Matthew Flinder and other popular felines. Here the visitors can enjoy exploring the photos and exhibits of all cats. Apart from that, they can also choose some souvenirs from the gift shops. 

Taman Budaya

It is a public garden located in Sarawak. This place used to be a reservoir previously for storing water. Due to this reason, this place is known as the Kuching Reservoir to local people. It is located near the Old Sarawak Museum and it is mostly used by people for walking and jogging. The hilly landscape of Taman Budaya makes this garden more attractive. 

Sarawak Islamic Museum

islamic heritage museum

This museum is located at the back of the Dewan Tun Razak. Previously, this place was a school namely James Brooke Malay College. Later this place was used as the Teachers Training College for studying Malay. Seven galleries are there in the museum. Each of these features items and artifacts regarding Islamic Civilization including coins, weapons, costumes, and jewelry. 

Kuching City Mosque

At this place, a wooden mosque was constructed in the year 1852. Later that mosque was destroyed and in the year 1968, the Kuching Mosque was constructed in that location. The best thing about this mosque is that it has a great blend of Italian and Midwestern architecture. Therefore, this place is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Kuching. 

Tua Pek Kong Temple

 Seeing Kuching City on Foot

Constructed in the year 1843, this building is counted on as the oldest of Chinese temples in Sarawak. The temple is also considered as an important milestone situated in the central part of Kuching city close to the Sarawak River. During celebrations and other important religious celebrations, Chinese worshippers gather in this temple in order to pray for their wellbeing. 

Fort Margherita

fort margheritafort margherita

This fort was constructed in Sarawak in the year 1879 throughout the period of British Colonization for protecting the Sarawak city from outside attacks. The fort was called after Ranee Margaret – the wife of Charles Brooke. It is mainly located on the bank of the Sarawak River can easily be sighted from the Kuching Waterfront. The actual structure of this fort with the cannons, guns, cannon balls, prisoner’s cells and other important structures are still there. Now, the old Fort has changed into the police museum with the display of opium dens, weapons and various types of criminal punishments.

Written by: Sarah Bennett
“Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE”

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Kuching VIC Relocating

Kuching VIC Relocating

KUCHING, Thursday: The Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) Kuching Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has been relocated to the Sarawak Tourism Complex, or the Old Court House.

“The relocation of the VIC is necessary in our efforts to better accommodate our visitors’ needs, by strategically stationing our tourist coordinators where they are easily accessible to provide tourism information and guidance,” said STB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mary Wan Mering.

The new location is located between the entrances to India Street and Carpenter Street as well as the Kuching Waterfront, making it easily found by visitors seeking information.

The VIC is also scenically located in a significant heritage site, with the Complex’s main building, the Old Court House, dating back to 1871 when it was the seat of Sarawak government.

The building still retains its original belian (ironwood) roofs, colonial Clock Tower and Charles Brooke Memorial.

The VIC’s operating hours are 9.00am to 6.00pm daily, except on public holidays, and can be contacted via email at [email protected].

VIC Kuching

Photo shows Tourist Coordinators at the new Kuching Visitor Information Centre, located at the Sarawak Tourism Complex or Old Court House.

 

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA-SARAWAK DIRECT FLIGHTS

Kuching-Melaka direct flight early next year
by Simon Ingka Crown, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on November 26, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: A direct flight connecting Kuching and Melaka may commence as early as next month or early next year.

Melaka Chief Minister Dato Sri Mohd Ali Rustam when announcing this yesterday said he was keen to see the flight become a reality, possibly three times a week.

“I am looking forward to see the Sarawak and Melaka state governments collaborate on the direct flight to Melaka in the best interest of both states,” he told a press conference.

Mohd Ali is in the state with the Melaka Foundation (YM) delegation and its board of directors to witness a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA/Pelita Holdings Sdn Bhd) and YM yesterday.

LCDA was represented by Senior Minister and Land Development Minister Tan Sri James Masing and two Assistant Ministers, Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz.

Also present was Senior Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who is also mnister of local government and community development, and second finance minister.

Mohd Ali said the route could boost tourism in both states.

“Melaka so far receives a total of 10.4 million tourists in 2010 with 20 per cent of them from overseas: Taiwan, Japan,China, Hong Kong, German, Switzerland and New Zealand.”

He said as of September this year, a total of 8.4 million tourists had visited the historical city, and the number is expected to reach 11 million by yearend. He said the proposed Kuching-Melaka flight could be shortened to one hour, compared to the one-and-a-half hour Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route.

“The flight is shorter than that to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Hence this could be an alternative route.”

At the moment, Melaka is chartering Firefly and Melaka Air flights to Pekan Baru and Medan City on the island of Sumatera in Indonesia. The flight connection had lured many tourists from the neighbouring country to the city.

“Sumatera is a big island and at least 10 per cent of the population are from high income families who choose Melaka as a holiday destination every year,” he said.

Mohd Ali said the Melaka state government was planning to construct a larger theme park to lure tourists.

“We are launching a wildlife park this afternoon (yesterday) and Hang Tuah Village theme park which portrays the era of the Melaka Sultanate.”

The state government would build the largest silat arena next to Hang Tuah theme park. Mohd Ali said the Melaka government would continue to cooperate with the Sarawak government to promote their tourism to the world, especially eco-tourism.

“Sarawak has a lot to offer the world – fantastic natural scenery and many others including the famous Rainforest World Music Festival. Mohd Ali said this was the first time the two governments were working together. I hope this will not be the last but open the way to many more joint ventures between the two states.”