Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, which is on the Malaysian part of Borneo Island.
Located in the southern part of the state, Kuching is the most densely populated (about half a million inhabitants) from all cities in the state and, perhaps, this is the best place in all Malaysia, at least for a tourist - thanks to a fairly developed tourist sphere. In the city, for the most part, Malays, Data (Aborigines Borneo), the Chinese of different origin and Indians live. In general, as everywhere in Malaysia.
In this city, Vitates a completely distinct spirit of colonial times. Sometimes, walking along the embankment on the banks of the Sarawak River to one of the fragrant delicious nights, it seems that you are walking along the Seine in Paris. Well, this, of course, is slightly exaggerated, but a certain cosmopolitan charm in Kuching is, it is different from other cities of Malaysia.
Also, Kuching boasts a very ethnically diverse population. Walking around the city, you will be stumbled on numerous Chinese shops, tattoo shops, trays with street food of Indian cuisine (so there are trees there are curry flavors that the head is spinning and the saliva flows).
The History of Kuching is in reality, the story of the whole Sarawak as a state, because to the era of James Brook, the first white Raja Sarawak, this territory was part of the Sultanate Brunei. Brooke, an English military and an adventure seeker (which, however, was born and grew up in India) played a very large role in the formation and development of Sarawak, so that the worship of this person can be seen in everything in the city, in particular, in architecture. The old court building seems to be reminded us that it is Brooke, who "brought" a system of legislation in Sarawak.
This nice small, James Brooke, got a great inheritance after the death of the Father, so, he quickly dressed up the ship and swam away from India, where he had already been from idleness, because after a break in the service for treatment it was not taken back. So, he swam on Borneo, moored in Kuching, and there, just the locals rebelled against Sultan. Brooke somehow achieved the world, wondered to Sultan and soon received the right to hold Sarawak. Moreover, he was proclaimed white raffle, because it hurts the masterfully fought by affairs. Brooke deserved the confidence of Sultan, because he successfully fought with pirates even developed the Code of Laws. The poor fellow Brooke, however, was constantly subjected to some accusation, for which he earned three stroke for the last 10 years of refuse, but continued to manage Sarawak. And his followers (naturally, relatives) later repeatedly expanded the territory of Sarawak at the expense of Brunei. In general, this Brooke became a prototype of several works of adventure literature. Impressive!
The bruk dynasty continued its domination over Sarawak to Japanese occupation during the Second World War. Then the last white rage handed over Sarawak Britain. During the reign of Bruks, the system of municipal services was noticeably improved and the foundations of the charming and strange city were laid, which we see today.
During World War II, Kuching was a place of strategic importance, since he had an excellent runway with which aircraft took off on their way to Singapore. To a large extent, everything went well until the city was occupied by Japan in December 1941 - it was difficult for the people of Sarawak. So far, those who survived those terrible days are talking about the events of those years. Partly about the war years can be found in Sarawak Museum . Kuching retained the title of the capital and after the Second World War, and is it to this day - the State Government meets in the city. By the way, since 63, Sarawak became independent and became part of the Malay Federation, along with his neighbor Sabach and Singapore.
Kuching is a great city for hiking, and if you suddenly get lost, just follow Embankment And from there get back much easier. The city stands on both sides of the Sarawak River, the north and southern part of the city are connected to each other two bridges. In the weekend on the waterfront you will see street artists and street musicians, as well as kiosks, where all sorts of baubles are sold. Plus, colored musical fountains with backlight. Very nice!
Next to the embankment is Chief bazaar of the city where tourists overflowing shops offers handmade products, souvenirs and postcards.
At the eastern end of the bazaar, you will see the old courthouse where it is now located Tourist information office and ticket booking ticket to Bako National Park. If you go further to this road, you will ultimately come to the entrance to the Sarawak Museum, but you will admire it Old mail building Left - even though it is old, but still working better.
If you go north towards the waterfront and turn to the right from the mail, you will find yourself on Street Jalan Carpenter ; Here you will find pretty affordable hotels and hostels, as well as large Chinese restaurants with sullen Chinese waiters. Stroll down Japane Carpenter, and you come to Temple Tua Pek Kong Temple (Tua Pek Kong Temple).
A little right - and now Jalan Green Hill , one more great place with inexpensive and very pretty restaurants.
You will notice that around the city is Sculptures of cats.
All this is because it is believed that Kuching is a feline city, and his name happened from the name of the Indian plant "Feline Eye" (Mata Kucing). Although most likely - from the Indian word "Kochin" ("Port"), because the city is indeed an important port. But, cats are so cat, we do not mind. By the way, in the city there is even Museum of cats . Romance!
This, of course, is not the only museum in the city, there is still Chinese Museum, Museum of Islam, Textile Museum . And still- beautiful temples and parks. Be sure to visit Chinese Quarter, Street of Carpenters and Indian Street - There is the aroma of the colonial city preserved best.
It can be noted that Kuching is one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities of Southeast Asia. And the most "wet" city of Malaysia, if you believe the synoptic. But it should not upset anyone, all Malaysia is very rainy, and it should not stand on the way to this beautiful city.