The Culture and Entertainment in Sarawak, Malaysia

Kuching is a showcase of many different and interesting arts, cuisine, fashions, traditions and lifestyles, as a result of multi-racial nature of the population. Its rich and unique cultural heritage is displayed throughout the city and full splendor visible during the celebrations and festivals of the respective ethnic group throughout the year. The age old traditional heritage of the main ethnic groups in cultural presentations is preserved and exhibited at the Sarawak Cultural Village at Damai which is 30 minutes drive from Kuching.

Kuching is well known for its Laksa Sarawak and Kolok mee, a local noodle specialty, available in various eating outlets in the city. Popular evening cuisines include all types of seafood as well western and local specialties are served in the various restaurants, food stall and hotels. As in other towns in Malaysia, there is a plethora of delicious food in Kuching as exemplified in the fast food restaurants, hawker stalls, coffee shops and restaurants all serving mouth watering delicacies at reasonable prices.

A wide range of recreational activities awaits those who wish to unwind after a hard day's work. Kuching Waterfront is a great favorite place for Kuching resident and tourist to stroll in the evening and weekends. Situated along the Sarawak River, the waterfront is beautifully landscaped and has food and souvenir stalls as well as musical fountains Kuching also has museums, art galleries, bowling alleys and cinemas where one can relax.

Outside the city there are several places of interest to explore. To the north is the Damai peninsular with hotels, scenic beaches, golf course, majestic Santubong Mountain, and seafood restaurants in the vicinity of quaint fishing villages. About 37 km to the west is the Bako National park where one could go for jungle trekking and enjoy beautiful beaches while admiring the rich fauna and flora.

The wildlife Conservation Centre at Semenggok, 20 km south of Kuching is a rehabilitation centre to prepare Orang Utans for their natural life in the forest. Other wildlife conservation and recreation areas are also available in Matang Wildlife and its vicinity to the north west of the city.

Exploring the region to the south and east of Kuching brings visitors to the towns of Serian, Bau, Lundu and beyond. The attractions include the green scenery at Mayang and the cool refreshing waterfalls and pools at Ranchan. The latest craze is shopping for Indonesian goods and handicrafts in the border towns of Tebedu and Serikin.