Exploring Malaysia 
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
The Cat Statue & Cat Museum
A magnificent statue of a cat stands at the junction of Jalan Pandungan, Jalan Central Timur and Petanak Central Market. It is symbolic of the capital’s name, which means ‘cat’ in Malay. This famous landmark was unveiled in 1988 to celebrate Kuching’s declaration of city status. The Cat Museum located on Bukit Siol, houses more than 2,000 cat artefacts and memorabilia.
Chinese Museum
The museum building itself holds historical interest being built in 1912 and having served as a court for the Chinese community from 1912 to 1021. Converted to a Museum in 1993 it now displays exhibits which showcases the rich history of Sarawak’s ethnic Chinese groups.
Sarawak Cultureal Village
The Sarawak Cultural Village, about 40 minutes by road from Kuching at Pantai Damai and Santubong, is also known as the ‘Living Museum’. It was set up to preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage. Here you will see models of houses that represent every major group, such as the longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Penan hut, a Melanau tall house, a Malay house and a Chinese farmhouse. Every building has members of the various ethnic groups dressed in their traditional costumes and carrying out their traditional activities like processing sago and making handicrafts. They will also perform their traditional dances for visitors..
The Sarawak Craft Council provides the leadership required in developing handicrafts in Sarawak. Threads from all over Asia are woven into ethnic Sarawakian crafts. Local craftsmen keep the legends of each ethnic group alive. Wood carvings, beadwork, weaving basket work, ceramics, are all made by the local people, are now becoming famous throughout the world for their artistic uniqueness.
The Sarawak Cultural Village also has a theatre where you can enjoy multi-cultural dance performances. Restaurants and handicraft shops are also handy if you need to grab a bite or get some souvenirs.
Sarawak Longhouses
Longhouses offers a glimpse into a way of life that is in many ways a model for communal living. The most accessible longhouses belong to Sarawak's Iban tribe (also called the Sea Dayaks) and are situated off the Skrang, Lemanak, Batang Ai and Rejang River areas.
Kuching Main Bazaar
The oldest street in the city is also the Main Bazaar which is considered an ‘antique arcade’. Made up of a row of old shophouses with old-fashioned facades dating back to 1864 here you will find a bewildering array of handicrafts and other local specialities.
Kuching Mosque
Completed in 1968, it was built on the site of an old mosque built in 1852. The mosque's magnificent gilded domes rise high above the city's skyline making it one of Kuching's most striking landmarks. Its majestic silhouette can be seen for miles around.
Bintulu Mosque
A modern uniquely designed mosque sits in beautifully landscaped surroundings. A striking feature is the man-made gushing waterfall adorned by fountains which enbance the serenity of the Mosque which has aptly been named ‘Masjid Assyikirin’ or Gratefulness to God.
Tua Pek Kong Temple
This magnificently decorated temple is located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. It is believed the temple was built in 1843 but according to official records, its existence was only recognised in 1876. The oldest Chinese temple in Kuching, it is most busy during the Wang Kang festival each year, which commemorates the deceased.
