Friday, March 6, 2009

Kuching Waterfront

A visit to Kuching is incomplete without visiting its scenic attraction, the Kuching Waterfront.

Khatulistiwa Cafe and Restaurant with its Bidayuh's Baruk architecture. This is basically the starting point for the Kuching Waterfront.

There are a few work of art and sculptures around the Waterfront. I particularly like the cat sculptures.

This sculpture is the work of Ramlan Abdullah. The tripod structure embedded in the solid rock symbolizes the stability and strength of Sarawak State. Each of the sub components in this structure signify something and is well explained in the embedded plaque.

Convenient food and drink stalls can be found along the waterfront. Souvenir and handicraft stalls usually will be available at night.

Malay villages (kampungs) across the Sarawak River. The villages can be reached by taking the boat (sampan) for a fee of RM0.50

Fort Margerita and the DUN complex stood elegantly across the river

The new DUN complex is actually the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex. The construction is almost complete

The Astana, just next to the new DUN complex is where the head of the state resides. Built in 1870 by Charles Brooke as a bridal gift to his wife Margaret.

Sarawak River Cruise is available for RM60 for adult and RM30 for children. Depart from Kuching Waterfront jetty at 5.30pm

The cruise ship, Equatorial

Views of Kuching high rise buildings from the waterfront.

Some interesting history and the layout of the city in 1870.

Chinese History Museum (open from 9am-4.30pm except for 1st day of public holiday) is located at the waterfront. This structure used to be Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building which once used courthouse for Sarawakian Chinese. The White Rajah at the time wish the Chinese to manage their own affair and hence the construction of this colonial squarish building.

Just opposite the Chinese History Museum is the Tua Pek Kong Temple. This is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching.

View of Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman from the Waterfront

By the way, the new budget hotel, Tune Hotel is just a stone throw away from the Waterfront. Tune Hotel is exactly opposite Hilton Hotel.

Crocodile structure water canon

Towards the end of the waterfront

This observation tower at the other end of the waterfront is closed during my visit here.

Some word of caution. There had been many reports of snatch thefts and robbery at the Waterfront, especially at night. I personally been at the Waterfront once for 3 nights in a row without any incident. I been told I was just lucky and was advised to stay away from the waterfront, especially at night.

12 comments:

WC_kw said...

Hey you came to Kuching, pretty cool pictures you took there...
Should come and check me out...
Give me a call when you are nearby...
My mobile is in my facebook profile

escape said...

the legislative building is so cool! your culture molded that type of architecture.

lifesignx said...

Daily favor mission completed!

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Josephine said...

The Khatulistiwa Cafe and Restaurant looks like a huge bird cage...
lol

Anonymous said...

pretty cool real pictures again! hope to visit there as well.. i'm just too far! hehe.. :)

Unknown said...

been to waterfront 15 years ago during church mission trip,,, got chance must sure go again,,,,

hey what camera you use or your skill is good, either one, it is just good, la

Borneo Falcon said...

I just use normal digital camera, the Olympus mju 800, 8 megapixel.

David Chong Property(M) said...

Nice view In kuching!! already 2 months din back, dunno how's kuching looks like lor, lolx!!

Melanie said...

Home sweet home! Kuching is the best place in the world!

Kev said...

ya. it does bring back sweet memories. The waterfront looks much better now compared to 10 years ago.

foongpc said...

I didn't know Kuching is so nice! I like the cat sculptures too!

This Sarawak River cruise sounds interesting! Is there a tour guide on the cruise to show us landmarks and their history?

Borneo Falcon said...

Indeed there is a tour guide while onboard the ship, highlighting the landmarks and history behind it