"Kuching - Cat City" Kuching by wufei

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state situated on the island of Borneo.

In Kuching city, you will be astonished by the beauty of the green environment. The people here are kind and friendly and will assist tourist who needs help. The tourist attractions are located nearby and there's no need to take a taxi or bus to enjoy the wonders of Kuching.

In the city, there is a river separating the north and the south called the "Sarawak River". Riding a sampan along the Sarawak River is an unforgettable experience. From the river, you can get a spectacular view of the Malay Kampungs (Villages) with a gorgeous mountainous background.

It has justly been described as the most attractive city in Southeast Asia. Or, as one visitor described it: "It's like living in a garden."

James Brooke

Kuching, its name means cat in Malay, has all the modern amenities without losing its old world charm. Multi-storey buildings blend with structures from colonial days and the colorful Malay and Chinese shop houses.

Kuching has a long history as a trading centre which, over the centuries has brought people from various countries to settle in the area. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Europeans and others have joined the many indigenous groups of the region to create a city which a rich and unique cultural heritage.

Before the 19th century, Sarawak was a typical Malay principality under the control of the Sultan of Brunei. Sarawak was peaceful place. However, there were some tyrant officers (Sultan Representitives) from Brunei.

Many Sarawakians were forced to pay high tax and local officers were sacked without any reason. These caused a large demonstration against the Brunei Empire

James Brooke, a rich English Adventurer was asked by the Sultan of Brunei to stop the demonstration in Sarawak. The demonstrators were no match to James Brooke's yatch, the Royalist.

As a sign of appreciation, the Sultan of Brunei appointed James Brooke as Governer of Sarawak.

James Brooke requested British Navy assistance to protect his position. He then chased out all Sultan Brunei's officers from Sarawak. With anger, the Sultan of Brunei tried to stop James Brooke but Brooke attacked the Sultan first.

The Sultan was forced to sign an agreement and Sarawak was fully handed over to Brooke. From then onwards, James Brooke became the first English Rajah of Sarawak.

The arrival of James Brooke, who become the first English Rajah of Sarawak, marked the beginning of Kuching as an important administrative centre and consolidated its role as a port.

His successor, Charles Brooke, 1868-1917, was responsible for many of the historic buildings still associated with the waterfront.

Since 1963 when Sarawak became part of the Federation of Malaysia, Kuching has changed and developed into a flourishing modern city.

• Pros:Small town, All attractions in the city is very near by.
• In a nutshell:Nothing much to hoo haa in the city unless goto National Park