Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cool Kuching

AMONG the many cities in Malaysia, many believe that Kuching is one of the coziest.

While Kuching may be the largest city in the state of Sara­wak, it is also one of the few cities that is best discovered on foot. Reserve a few days for the city and wander around the streets of the "Cat City", as it is fondly known.

Although many believe that the city got its name from the word 'kuching' (cat), it is more likely that it was derived from the Chinese word for port (cochin). Whatever the case may be, these days the name Kuching is often synonymous with the feline creatures.

One of the best ways to enjoy what Kuching has to offer is by browsing through the classic shops and cosy restaurants and taking time to find out what the city has to offer.

There are, however, many spots to visit to get to know Kuching and the surrounding areas better.

Some of the must-see places to include on your itinerary is the one-stop Sarawak Cultural Village. Known as a living mu­seum, the Sarawak Cultural Village is the epitome spot of heritage of the major ethnic groups in Sarawak.

Located 40 minutes driving time from Kuching, it showcases and celebrates the various lifestyles amidst 14 acres of land. The village is also the spot for the annual Rainforest World Music Fesival, held annually in the month of July.

This visit will offer a chance to see and experience Sara­wak's rich culture diversity - including the Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Penan, Malays and Chinese - all in a day. At the end of the cultural-centric visit, visitors will have the opportunity to witness cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment in a 45-minute time-frame.

For those who like to know the historical aspects of the state, head down to The Sara­wak Museum.

Housed in a two-storey building completed in 1891, the museum displays local na­tive arts and crafts as well as a collection of local animals, said to be spearheaded by famous naturalist Alfred Wallace.

The ground floor of the museum hosts the natural his­tory collection and specimens of Sarawak's fauna and other animals, all professionally prepared and mounted for display.

The west wing compromis­ing of the Shell exhibition is where visitors can find out the history of petroleum in Sara­wak, while the first floor offers a display of ethnographic artifacts including models of longhouses of the many eth­nic groups in the state, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps as well as handicrafts.

Fans and lovers of cats must not miss going to the Cat Museum. Initially displayed for show for the first time at the National Museum, Kuala Lum­pur in 1987, the cat artifacts were brought over to Kuching under the care of Sarawak Museum.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Cool Kuching
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