Kuching to have more tourist attractions

KUCHING: More tourist attractions can be expected here in the next five years.

They include a water show at the Kuching Waterfront as well as an English tea house and a cascading waterfall at Fort Margherita in Petra Jaya.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had appropriated funds to erect these facilities though he had not informed the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) about it.

“There will be water sprouting from our river in front of the new DUN (State Legislative Assembly Complex), not just water but also music.

“And for Fort Margherita, we will build a tea house and a cascading waterfall with music in front of it (the fort),” he said at the Chap Goh Mei Festival 2018 at the India Street Pedestrian Mall here Saturday night.

Abang Johari pointed out that the ‘water sprouting’ facilities planned at the Kuching Waterfront would be something like the Spectra at Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

As for Fort Margherita, he said a tea house will be built in front of the fort.

He added that a cascading waterfall with music had also been planned to be built near the proposed tea house.

“The tea house is for the people and visitors to enjoy, like the westerners. Fort Margherita is the legacy of the Brookes, and so we want to build an English tea house.”

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Thousands converge on Kuching Waterfront for Sarawak Regatta finals

KUCHING: Thousands of people, locals and foreigners alike, thronged the Kuching Waterfront yesterday for the final day of the 10-day Sarawak Regatta 2017.

The highlight of the finals was the highly-anticipated crowning of this year’s ‘Raja Sungai’ (King of the River) – the honour of which went to Team Landas 11, earning them RM10,000.

The representatives of the Land and Survey Department were racing neck-to-neck with their rivals from Yayasan Sarawak, who placed second.

Landas 11 clocked seven minutes and 40 seconds – five seconds ahead of Yayasan Sarawak.Placing third was Team Landas 31, which recorded seven minutes and 54 seconds.

Another attraction at this year’s Sarawak Regatta – themed ‘Race for Harmony’ – was the newly-opened Darul Hana Bridge, spanning over Sarawak River – almost above the finishing line.

Spectators took the opportunity to take up spots along the pedestrian bridge to have a better view of the races.

The grand event yesterday was graced by Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, who was greeted by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and also Culture, Arts, Tourism, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

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Sarawak Tourism Board relocates Visitor’s Information Centre to Old Courthouse

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB)’s Kuching Visitor’s Information Centre (VIC) has been relocated to the Sarawak Tourism Complex at the Old Courthouse here.

STB acting chief executive officer Mary Wan Mering, in a statement yesterday, said the relocation of VIC was necessary in the board’s efforts to better accommodate visitors’ needs by strategically stationing STB tourist coordinators where they would be easily accessible to provide tourism information and guidance.

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

The VIC is also scenically located on a significant heritage site, with the complex’s main building, the Old Courthouse, which dates back to 1871 when it was the seat of the state government.

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Asean International Film Festival Award - All set for the night

KUCHING: The biennial Asean International Film Festival Award (Aiffa) 2017 from May 4 to 6 have kicked off a series of exciting events and activities up till the big night.

Aiffa is in its third edition and all the 10 Asean countries will be taking part in the festival.

Aiffa festival director Livan Tajang said the organiser would promote the event through exhibitions and press conferences in Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila.

“We are receiving film entries now and this will be up for competition during the festival.

“We are talking to accomplished filmmakers and students of film as well as engaging partnership with international and regional film community and local business people,” she said at a press conference.

Café crawl, which is informal talks by local and international filmmakers, will be conducted at three selected cafes in Kuching from May 4 to 6. Film chats and screenings are among activities to be held during the sessions. This event is open to public.

“These are the people who moved beyond Asean region and win awards internationally.

Now they contribute by educating other Asean filmmakers.

“We would like to groom aspiring filmmakers so that they can become professionals.

“We also want to provide a platform for the younger people to learn more about films,” Livan said

Besides film festival and awards, the public will be treated to free public screening of movies at the Godown amphitheatre Waterfront Kuching, on weekends next month.

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Thousands to converge on Kuching Waterfront for Sarawak Regatta

KUCHING: Thousands are expected to converge on the Kuching Waterfront today to witness one of the state’s oldest sporting events, the Sarawak Regatta, which first started in 1872 during the Brooke rule.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will declare open the event which carries the theme ‘Race for Harmony’ before noon.

Yesterday, around 800 paddlers entered the heat for 16 categories of the race being contested to determine their position for the finals on Sunday.

Among the categories are: Balok seven-paddler (men, local), Bidar 20-paddler (men, international), Bidar 10-paddler (men, local), Bidar 30-paddler (men, international) and the Mix International Kenyalang (15 men and five women).

Also to be held from 3.15pm Sunday will be the finals of the Bidar 30-paddler (men, international) category. The winner will be crowned Raja Sungai (River King), which is the climax of the Sarawak Regatta.

Meanwhile, the whole 1.3km stretch of the Kuching Waterfront has been bustling since a week ago with the launch of the handicraft bazaar and the two-day International Dragon Boat race over the weekend.

With lots of activities and attractions in place, locals and tourists alike are seen strolling and immersing themselves in this unique Sarawakian event.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the closing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Kuching Resident Shukarmin Chasemon, told reporters on Thursday, that response to the boat race was very overwhelming.

Apart from local Malaysians, participants from Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and United Kingdom are also competing in this year’s regatta.

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Higher participation in Sarawak Regatta 2016 — thanks to haze-free weather

KUCHING: The haze-free weather is the likeliest factor that contributes to the increase of participants in this year’s annual Sarawak Regatta.

Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina recalled that the state capital was badly affected by terrible hazy conditions last year, resulting in many participants to pull out from the event due to health concerns.

“This year, we are blessed with a fine weather; which is why we can see around 800 participants taking part in 46 events in this year’s regatta. Last year, the number of participants was well below 800,” he told The Borneo Post at Kuching Waterfront yesterday.

Ranum also said the organisers were more prepared this time around, noting that they kept improving year after year.

Notably, he also mentioned about the shift in the running of the regatta to November, beginning this year. Prior to this, the event was usually held in September.

Ranum, who witnessed the inaugural Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu in October, said there was a possibility that the Sarawak Regatta might add more categories into its lineup of races as a way to attract more international teams.

This, he opined, would make the annual event grow exponentially as one of the state’s premier tourism products.

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Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race - Dragon’s eyes dotted to launch race

KUCHING: The eye-dotting of the dragon performed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday marked the start of this year’s Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

This Chinese traditional ceremony to cleanse and bless the paddlers and their boat symbolises the awakening of the dragons.

The annual Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race held at Kuching Waterfront will witness 26 teams from 11 countries battle in this year’s Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

The race to coincide with Kuching Waterfront Festival is to be held from Nov 11 to 13 while the iconic Sarawak Regatta, which is better known to foreign participants, is to be held from Nov 18-20 with the theme ‘Race for Harmony’.

Countries competing in the dragon boat race are Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The flag-off of the 3-day regatta is at the Square Tower on Nov 11 with the finish line at the city’s Chinese History Museum.

Malaysia will also send teams from Sarawak, Sabah and Penang for the race which is divided into two main categories — local and international.

Under the international category are four sections — men’s open (crew of 12), men’s open (crew of 20), mixed open (crew of 12) and mixed open (crew of 20).

The local category is solely the Men’s Open (crew of 20).

About 800 people are expected to be involved in the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race as participants, out of whom 628 are foreigners.

The Sarawak International Dragon Boat race will be conducted under the International Dragon Boat Federation’s (IDBF) competition regulations and rules of racing.

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Dragonboat race set to heat up Sarawak Regatta 2016

KUCHING: This year’s Sarawak Regatta is expected to host more international participants, especially in the dragonboat race.

The annual event – organised by the Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry – will be run at the Kuching Waterfront from Nov 11 to 20 and this time, the theme is ‘Race for Harmony’.

The dragonboat race is set to gather rowers from Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Britain throughout the three days beginning the flag-off at the Square Tower on Nov 11, with the finish line at the city’s Chinese History Museum.

Malaysia will also send teams from Sarawak, Sabah and Penang for the race, which is divided into two categories – local and international.

Under the international category, there will be four sections – Men’s Open 12-Crew and 20-Crew, as well as Mixed Open 12-Crew and 20-Crew; while the local category will only have one, namely the Men’s Open 20-Crew.

Judges for the dragonboat race will be officers from the International Dragonboat Association, who will also assess the event for it to be included in the International Dragonboat Regatta.

Meanwhile, the boat race event running from Nov 18 to 20 is divided into open and closed categories.

The closed category will consist of ‘Tambang Berdayung’ (small boats with paddles), ‘Tambang Berinjin (small engine-powered boats), Men’s Balok (open narrow boats) Seven-Paddler, Men’s Bidar (narrow, closed-end boats) 10-Paddler, Women’s Bidar 10-Paddler, Men’s Bidar 20-Paddler (Inter-Division), Men’s Bidar 20-Paddler (Government Agencies and Corporations), Men’s Bidar 30-Paddler (1km), and Men’s Bidar 30-Paddler (Petra).

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Sarawak Regatta a welcome boost for tourism

KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta - Kuching Waterfront Festival on Nov 11-20 will bring positive impact to the state’s tourism industry and the economy.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the regatta would bring great impact to Kuching and the state in general with the participation of 7,000 paddlers comprising among others 800 international paddlers from 26 teams participating in the International Dragon Boat Race category.

“The regatta will result in increase of consumption due to the presence of huge number of tourists. 

This is part of our efforts to transform our economy through tourism which is a growing industry,” Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture told a press conference at Wisma Sultan Tengah in Petra Jaya yesterday to announce the Sarawak Regatta 2016 carrying the theme ‘The Race For Harmony’.

Abang Johari added that the state could not rely on oil and gas only, but had to diversify through tourism and other sectors.

The regatta, he added, would also provide a platform for the state to showcase its diverse culture.

Meanwhile, countries expected to take part in the International Dragon Boat Race from Nov 11 till 13 are Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and United Kingdom.

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Sayang Sarawak - new river cruise service launched

KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), has launched a new river cruise service – the ‘Sayang Sarawak’ catamaran – making the convention centre the first in Malaysia to offer meeting and event service on cruise.

The catamaran, built in the state, will ply two routes – from Kuching Waterfront to BCCK and from Kuching Isthmus marina bay to the mouth of Sungai Sarawak at Muara Tebas.

It can accommodate about 40 persons theatre style on the lower deck and 30 persons cocktail fashion on the upper deck. The cruise packages can be customised according to requirements set by clients.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with STB to create a niche product for the business events market. BCCK is the first convention centre in Malaysia to offer meeting and event service on cruise. This latest addition to our range of service will enhance delegate experience as business and social events can now be conducted on water rather than being confined to brick and mortar.

“The cruise will take conference delegates pass quaint villages, verdant jungles and wetlands along the Sarawak River – this experience is one of a kind in Malaysia, if not the world. We are looking forward to offering this innovative product to our local and foreign clients by bringing our meeting and event services with our food and beverage on board the Sayang Sarawak,” BCCK chief executive officer Eric van Piggelen said at the launch of the cruise service at Kuching Isthmus marina jetty here yesterday.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to witness the launch.

“This cruise will offer new tourism products on what we can offer in Kuching,” he said when officiating.

To intensify Sungai Sarawak as a tourism product for the city, he mentioned that under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the state was considering to beautify the river including the section at Kuching Waterfront.

In addition, a cascading waterfall will be built at the compound of Fort Margherita to beautify the area and it will be installed with lighting for greater scenery effect at night, he said.

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Food and crafts at Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival

KUCHING: There will be a food and crafts festival at Kuching Waterfront from Sept 18 to 27 in conjunction with Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2015.

A total of 359 entrepreneurs from all over the state will be involved in the 10-day event.

The festival also features 10 stalls by members of East Asia Inter-regional Tourism Forum (Eatof).

Sales will be from 8pm to 10pm.

The festival is aimed at introducing and promoting local food and crafts, as well as acting as a platform for networking and exchange of ideas and business strategies.

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Sarawak Regatta different this time

KUCHING: The iconic Sarawak Regatta will be very different this year compared to last year’s, says Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this year’s regatta would be held for two weeks, from Sept 18 to 27.

“The regatta itself will only be held from Sept 25 to 27, but during the two weeks there will be a lot of activities happening along Kuching Waterfront and the Tourism Complex area, especially from Sept 22 to 24, such as crafts and food festival which will feature food from Myanmar, Korea, Japan and Indonesia. All states in the country will be participating as well.

“For the dragon boat regatta, a total of 550 international participants from countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brunei, Singapore, Philippines and 318 local participants would be there,” Abang Johari told a press conference at his office in Wisma Sultan Tengah here yesterday.

He added that there would also be a lot of activities happening across the Kuching Waterfront in Kampung Boyan, Kampung Gersik and Kampung Surabaya such as competitions organised by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) related to food and culture every night until Sept 27.

“Meanwhile, the actual regatta will be held from Sept 25 to 27, and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is expected to declare it open while Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will close the event.

“Other activities to look out for during those two weeks are the Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street as well as a lantern procession, Abg Johari said.

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MASwings offers promotions to selected destinations

KUCHING:  MASwings is offering X-Fares promotions from as low as RM21 to selected ATR domestic destinations to mark the launch of its ‘The New Beginning’ celebration starting today.

During this promotion, passengers travelling from Kuching get to enjoy all in one-way fares to Bintulu, Sibu, Miri, Mulu and Kota Kinabalu from as low as RM80; with the same promotion for passengers travelling from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Labuan including travellers from Miri to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Mulu and Labuan.

MASwings’ second edition of X-Fares promotions are up for grabs from now until June 23, with the travel period from Feb 6 to June 30 this year. The RM21 base-fares are not inclusive of airport taxes, fuel and insurance charges, which start from RM59 one-way, subject to MASwings terms and conditions.

The public could visit MASwings exhibition booth at Kuching Waterfront today and tomorrow to check out its promotions. The above offers are also available through MASwings/Malaysia Airlines ticketing offices, 24-hour Call Centre at toll-free 1300 88 3000 and website www.maswings.com.my.

“The New Beginning event is held to thank the people of Sarawak and Sabah for supporting the airline since its conception in 2007.

“We attracted about 10 million passengers over the past eight years and want to ensure MASwings become an icon for the people here as it belongs to Sabah and Sarawak.

“We continue to emphasis safety and improve our service to customers,” MASwings chief executive officer Capt Ritzerwan Rashid told a press conference at Hilton Hotel here yesterday.

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Call for nomination of Kuching Waterfront to become Unesco World Heritage site

THE Social Development Ministry has proposed for Kuching Waterfront to be nominated for Unesco World Heritage List next year.

Its minister Tan Sri William Mawan said this in his winding-up speech yesterday, hoping that the historical interchange as well as the interaction between human and architecture, arts and culture here could qualify the site for the nomination.

“I believe that the history and charms of old buildings, culture and way of life, as well as the ambience created by the blend of the old and modern, could create a distinct identity for Kuching city and Sarawak,” he said.

Mawan, who is also Pakan assemblyman, also encouraged private building owners to register their heritage properties with the Sarawak Museum Department to ensure that more of the state’s historical assets such as Brooke Dockyard, the old State Mosque and Padang Merdeka together with its centuries-old ‘kapuk’ (silk cotton) tree, would be protected under existing laws.

On the development of the Heritage Trail Project and Sarawak Museum Campus, the minister informed the august House that the full design of

these projects was still being finalised, with the ground work expected to commence by year-end.

“A new Museum of Modern Sarawak to be located at the north bank of Sarawak river in the Heritage Square, is also being designed.

“In this respect, we need to document our history in an orderly manner, in enabling us to chart our developmental progress and achievements since independence,” he added.

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142nd Sarawak Regatta comes to a close

KUCHING: The four-day 142nd edition of the Sarawak Regatta ended yesterday as thousands of spectators gathered on both sides of Sarawak River throughout the day to view the races, a strong sign of how the event will continue for the longer run.

Enraz Cahaya Zen won the much coveted King of the River (Raja Sungai) title after beating 14 other boats in the Men’s 30 paddler category.

The win enabled the team to grab the Head of State Challenge Trophy from last year’s winning team ‘Jang Karaton’.

In second place was Landas 6 while trailing closely behind was Yayasan Sarawak.

Present to give away the prizes was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who was accompanied by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Naroden Majais and Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

A total of eight categories had their finals yesterday, among them the 1km Men’s 30 paddler, Men’s 15 paddler and Men’s 20 paddler.

The Sarawak Regatta this year was held on a larger scale as it included side events such as the Dragon Boat Race which attracted paddlers from Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Taiwan and Indonesia.

The grounds of Kuching Waterfront were also filled with other programmes such as the Malaysian Crafts Promotion and Food Festival, Eatof Food Festival and the ‘Gendang Melayu’ competition.

The annual event saw various teams participating.

It is en route to being an international event in the coming years as hinted by Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem during his speech at the launch of the event on Saturday.

The finale of the Sarawak Regatta or Dragon Boat Race made the whole Kuching Waterfront area jam-packed with spectators.

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Sarawak allocated RM45 mln for tourism products

Ministry of Tourism and Culture deputy secretary general Rashidi Hasbullah said this amount is considered high for any state.

He said the ministry also allocated RM42.31 million for heritage projects nationwide.

“Of the allocation, only RM2.3 million has been spent so far. Therefore, Sarawak can apply for the fund if there are other historical sites or buildings that need to be conserved,” he said before handing over the newly restored Fort Margherita to Ministry of Social Development principal assistant secretary Sebastian Sujang yesterday.

Rashidi pointed out that the Fort Margherita conservation project was approved under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) while the state could bid for more funds under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).

He said the vicinity of Fort Margherita could be further beautified to attract both local and foreign visitors.

Apart from the RM2.3 million Fort Margherita project, the ministry through its National Heritage Department also approved RM4.1 million to construct a walking path along the Kuching Waterfront up to Kampung Sourbaya.

Rashidi also handed over the completed walking path project to Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) during the simple ceremony.

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Fort Margherita back to former glory

KUCHING: Fort Margherita is expected to attract more foreign tourists to the state now that conservation work on the building has been completed.

Ministry of Social Development principal assistant secretary Sebastian Sujang said prior to the 14-month conservation project worth RM2.3 million, the historical building received up to 100 foreign tourists daily.

As such, he believed Fort Margherita, now equipped with the Brooke Gallery, which exhibits artefacts from the Brooke and British colonial era, would be able to draw in more visitors.

“The Brooke Gallery will serve as an added value to Fort Margherita, which is an iconic landmark and historical building in the city of Kuching. I was made to understand some 80 to 100 foreign tourists came to Fort Margherita even when it was just an empty building before this.

“Fort Margherita is iconic for it is located near the Kuching Waterfront and within the vicinity of the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex. We hope more visitors will come after the conservation work,” he said before Ministry of Tourism and Culture deputy secretary general Rashidi Hasbullah handed over Fort Margherita to the Ministry of Social Development yesterday.

Sebastian pledged that the ministry together with the Museum Department would play a proactive role in preserving historical structures throughout Sarawak.

“The Sarawak government is committed to preserving historical buildings and heritage across the state. This is to ensure that every historical monument will stand for generations to come,” he said.

Built by the second Rajah Sir Charles Brooke in 1879, the design of Fort Margherita is based on that of a late English Renaissance castle.

The iconic landmark was named after his wife Ranee Margaret Brooke, whom he married in 1869.

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Crafts expo complements Sarawak Regatta

KUCHING: A crafts exhibition is being held at Kuching Waterfront from now till Sept 7, in celebration of the annual Sarawak Regatta.

According to Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, the ‘Malaysia Crafts Promotion 2014’ stands as a key event in promoting local craft products to visitors.

“This year’s regatta will see 500 paddlers from 11 countries taking part. (As such) we are expecting a lot of overseas visitors over the next one week or two.

“The sales target for this year is RM750,000, even though we achieved RM1.1 million last year.

There are 81 entrepreneurs coming to exhibit their crafts products; 55 of whom are from Sarawak, 12 from Kelantan, five from Sabah, four from Selangor, three from Melaka and two from Perlis.

“We hope they (entrepreneurs) would know how to ‘entice’ people to buy from them. The purpose of the exhibition is to help these entrepreneurs improve their livelihood as well as to provide business opportunities to kampung folk as the raw materials needed to make these crafts come mostly from villages,” he told a press conference prior to officiating at the exhibition here yesterday.

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Sarawak Street Arts Carnival comes to life at Kuching Waterfront

KUCHING: Sarawak Street Arts Carnival opened yesterday at the Square Tower in Kuching Waterfront where various local, regional and international artistes and acts gathered to promote understanding and appreciation of cultures.

The two-day carnival was one of the four main events organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 that aimed to attract more tourists to the state and give a boost to the tourism industry.

Organised by state Ministry of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with state Culture and Arts Department, the carnival features live music, arts and crafts, food, dance, fashion show, clowns and many interesting programmes and activities.

With hundreds of musicians, crafters, dancers and artistes, the Kuching Waterfront comes alive this weekend.

Speaking at the launching, Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Haji Openg highlighted that art is a universal culture that can transcend boundaries of all kinds.

“Together with our invited guests from other countries, this carnival can showcase our unique culture in the state of Sarawak especially where people of all races and beliefs can live in peace and harmony,” he said.

“It gives us the opportunity to interact with one another especially our foreign guests through arts like music, crafts and dances. Through interaction, they are able to understand the values and morals behind our unique culture,” he added.

With such uniqueness, Abang Johari emphasised the spirit of 1Malaysia is in Sarawak because Sarawakians place great emphasis in upholding and protecting this unity.

“There are no religious or racial problems in Sarawak. Therefore, defend whatever that is good and distance ourselves from bad cultures,” he said.

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English couples first know of Sarawak while on cruise

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Ministry needs to put in more effort in promoting Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014 to the world as its reach fell a little short of England.

Two English couples met at the Kuching Waterfront recently did not know about the state, or Malaysia, and were here simply because it was one of the stops made by their cruise ship Adonia.

“We only learned about Sarawak from our cruise and not VMY 2014. Nevertheless, it is a good chance to escape the weather back home in North England as there is a lot of heavy rain and lots of water everywhere, while Sarawak is hot. We also tried the boat ride to go across from Kuching Waterfront,” said John Stenton, 76.

He said the boat ride was good as they both got to experience the natural transport of locals.

It was the first trip here for him and his wife Patricia, 71. Their previous stops included Penang, Melaka and Singapore and will stop in Brunei and Kota Kinabalu next among many other stops before returning to England on April 29.

Patricia noticed many cats around the city – many pregnant ones too – living up to its name of Cat City.

Another couple, Graham and Kathy Smith on the same cruise said coming to Sarawak was part of their cruise.

“This is our first time in Sarawak and our ship only stops here for a day. We find Sarawak quite nice and tidy, but the river needs a bit of cleaning,” said Graham.

The couple were spotted alighting from the ‘penambang’ (boat) at the Boyan-Gersik-Sourabaya waterfront.

He said they took a walk to take photos of the villages and the new State Legislative Assembly building before returning to Kuching Waterfront.

He will tell his friends and family of their experience in Sarawak and promote it as a vacation destination.

“I will recommend Sarawak as it is a different culture, the people nice and friendly and no hassle,” he said.

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