Kuching
Located on banks of the Sarawak River, Kuching was shaped by the British "White Rajah" Brooke family that ruled as a dynasty until the state became a British Crown Colony in 1945. Chinese and Malay architecture dates back to this period. Many inhabitants still live in stilt houses in water villages.
Attractions
Sarawak Museum - Originally built in 1891 to house and display arts and crafts of the indigenous people of Borneo, the Sarawak Museum has gained a reputation for having the single most comprehensive collection of Borneon artefacts to be found anywhere.
The Brooke Memorial is located at the front of the Court House. The 6 metre high granite obelisk was commissioned in 1924 to honour the 2nd Rajah, Charles Brooke. At the corner of the obelisk is a bronze panel of four figures representing the Sarawakian community: Chinese, Dayak, Kayan and Malay.Historical Fort Margherita - Built in English colonial style, the fort has been converted into a police museum and contains a collection of weapons, uniforms and memorabilia of the Japanese occupation. Colonial Law Court - Once the seat of government for the White Rajahs, the building was in use until 1973, when the new government complex was completed.Astana (Istana) - This palace is the official residence of the governor of Sarawak and is only open to the public at the end of Ramadan.Round Tower - Located behind the Supreme Court, this tower was built in 1886 as a dispensary and potential fort in case of emergencies. It is now used by the Judicial Department. Bishop's Residence - Near the Anglican cathedral stands the oldest surviving residence in Sarawak. It was built in 1849 entirely of wood for the first Anglican Bishop of Borneo, Dr. McDougall. Masjid Bandaraya - This gilt-domed old state mosque stands near the market on the former site of a 19th-century wooden mosque.Civic Center - On the south side of the river is this peculiar-looking building - Kuching's attempt at the avant-garde. The Civic Center complex houses an art gallery with temporary exhibits, mainly of local art. Malaysia's first planetarium is also part of the complex.
Shopping
Kuching is known for tribal handicrafts and textiles. The major shopping areas include the Riverside Complex, Main Bazaar and Sarawak Plaza. Of interest may be woodcarvings, beads, paintings, batiks, antiques and pepper.
Food
Malaysian food can be very spicy. If you like hot food, you will be completely delighted by what Kuching has to offer. Dishes are mostly based on rice or noodles and served in small bowls, along with a soup.
Currency
The currency used is called the Ringgit Malaysia (RM).
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