Top Five Things to Do in Kuching, Sarawak

Every international visitor to the island of Borneo wants to visit Sabah, and few show enough interest to venture into the next Malaysian state of Sarawak. Those who do will discover a pleasant and interesting contrast from its capital city, Kuching.

With a name that means 'cat' in Malay, the city sits on the river Sungai Sarawak. The city worship cats, with statues of cats in various states of play dotted around the city streets, and a museum located in a city hall that is dedicated to the furry felines. Besides the fascination about cats, the Cat City also has many attractions to keep the intrepid visitor busy and amused. Here, are the top five favorite spots to visit when in the capital of Sarawak.

1. Cat Museum

No doubt the number one attraction of Kuching, the cat museum boasts a collection of all things cat, including historical painting and cat food packaging. Photos of people with cat tattoos, famous people who owned cats and very bits and pieces about cats you can ever think of, are in the one room in a city hall outside the city. Admission is free, and visitors can get there by public bus 2B.

2. Stroll the streets for history

Kuching has a long history of English occupation and immigrant settlement. Sites such as Fort Margherita, Chinatown, Indian Street and various temples and mosques give interesting insight into the most multi-cultural part of Malaysia.

3. Feast on seafood at Top Spot Food Court

Fancy fresh, cheap seafood? Top Spot Food Court, has a selection of vendors where you can select your own seafood and choice of how they are to be cooked, at a fraction of the cost compared to a seafood restaurant. The venue is clean, and prices are good. Standard pricing means it's unlikely you'll be ripped off, but always check the pricing before placing an order, the vendors will tell you how much an item cost per kg, and let you know how much you'll need to pay for the item of your selection.

4. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village

Near the beaches of Damai, about 30 mins drive from Kuching centre, is the interesting Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum where a few different indigenous tribes are still living in the way their ancestors have always lived, and open their doors to visitors of the village. Participate in the demonstration activities and enjoy a cultural performance of colorful dances. Tour buses pick up from all major hotels in the city, and the day will cost you around RM120 per person, including entry fee into the village.

www.scv.com.my

5. Admire an orang-utan at the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Equivalent to the Sepilok centre in Sabah, this centre is not as touristy and not as crowded. Not only does it protect orang-utans, the centre also attempt to rehabilitate monkeys, honey bears and other orphaned/rescued wildlife they might come across. Arrange for a free permit at the visitor's centre in town.

For more information on Kuching and Sarawak, visit: www.sarawaktourism.com