I HAVE always lamented coming back to Kuching for my semester holidays.
Aside from frequenting the cinemas or kopitiam, I have no idea where else to go.
But my first visit to the recent Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) changed my perception about my hometown which actually has a lot to offer.
I was assigned to cover the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 for three days.
The Bazaar was held in conjunction with RWMF 2011 at Sarawak Cultural Village to showcase arts and crafts from around the globe.
As I read the word ‘craft’ on the festival programme, my eyes lit up – it’s a perfect excuse to satisfy my craving to shop for handicrafts.
It has been years since I went to the Sarawak Cultural Village.
As I walked toward the Melanau Tall House where the Bazaar was held, the view of the Village took away my breath and filled me with awe.
Lush green rainforest surrounds the village, guarded by pristine Mount Santubong.
The gorgeous view was reflected by the placid lake in the centre of the Village.
I whip out my camera phone to capture the moment.
At the Bazaar, the soothing sounds of sape, played by a local musician on a nearby stage, welcomed local and foreign visitors alike.
The laid-back tempo seemed to slow down time, and offered a relaxing ambience.
The afternoon sun was scorching hot but the visitors were protected by Mother Nature with the thick foliage of the rainforest.
Being at the Bazaar felt like reverting back to the old days.
Many traditional crafts and games were displayed.
There were Malay children in their traditional Baju Melayu expertly spinning the gasing (traditional wooden top) while an elderly Malay man was in deep concentration, sculpturing a wooden doll with a sharp knife. Nearby, two women were sitting on the wooden floor, busy frying kuih bahulu in a wok.
The apetite-whetting aroma of these cakes filled the air and placated my growling stomach.
As I browsed around to find good bargains, I realised the wide array of the local handicrafts was more than an excuse to shop.
They showed an amazing display of Borneo’s rich and diverse cultures.
Every ethnic group has different crafts, artworks and jewellery yet when displayed together, the beautiful resemblance is evident.
Borneo handicrafts use a lot of colours, and when put together on one table, they are an amazing sight to behold.
An explosion of colours lit up the place — sunny yellow ethnic jewellery, fire-like orange beads, ocean blue ethnic pendants, deep green bamboo coin banks and brown and red weave baskets — all arranged neatly at the display tables.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching
.Aside from frequenting the cinemas or kopitiam, I have no idea where else to go.
But my first visit to the recent Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) changed my perception about my hometown which actually has a lot to offer.
I was assigned to cover the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 for three days.
The Bazaar was held in conjunction with RWMF 2011 at Sarawak Cultural Village to showcase arts and crafts from around the globe.
As I read the word ‘craft’ on the festival programme, my eyes lit up – it’s a perfect excuse to satisfy my craving to shop for handicrafts.
It has been years since I went to the Sarawak Cultural Village.
As I walked toward the Melanau Tall House where the Bazaar was held, the view of the Village took away my breath and filled me with awe.
Lush green rainforest surrounds the village, guarded by pristine Mount Santubong.
The gorgeous view was reflected by the placid lake in the centre of the Village.
I whip out my camera phone to capture the moment.
At the Bazaar, the soothing sounds of sape, played by a local musician on a nearby stage, welcomed local and foreign visitors alike.
The laid-back tempo seemed to slow down time, and offered a relaxing ambience.
The afternoon sun was scorching hot but the visitors were protected by Mother Nature with the thick foliage of the rainforest.
Being at the Bazaar felt like reverting back to the old days.
Many traditional crafts and games were displayed.
There were Malay children in their traditional Baju Melayu expertly spinning the gasing (traditional wooden top) while an elderly Malay man was in deep concentration, sculpturing a wooden doll with a sharp knife. Nearby, two women were sitting on the wooden floor, busy frying kuih bahulu in a wok.
The apetite-whetting aroma of these cakes filled the air and placated my growling stomach.
As I browsed around to find good bargains, I realised the wide array of the local handicrafts was more than an excuse to shop.
They showed an amazing display of Borneo’s rich and diverse cultures.
Every ethnic group has different crafts, artworks and jewellery yet when displayed together, the beautiful resemblance is evident.
Borneo handicrafts use a lot of colours, and when put together on one table, they are an amazing sight to behold.
An explosion of colours lit up the place — sunny yellow ethnic jewellery, fire-like orange beads, ocean blue ethnic pendants, deep green bamboo coin banks and brown and red weave baskets — all arranged neatly at the display tables.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching
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