by Rahmah Ibrahim
In conjunction with meeting Sarawak MNRA members for lunch on 9 September, we planned to tour Kuching town and other historical and tourist favourite places.
Greeted by the designated Tour Guide cum Driver upon our arrival at Kuching Airport, he introduced us to the local Restoran Serapi for lunch with various choice of menu includingthe famous local Mee Kolok. After the heavy meal we then proceed to hotel for check in.
Soon after Hotel Check in we started our exploration of Kuching. About one hour drive from Kuching, we arrived at Rumah Panjang Annah Rais (Longhouse Village). One of the major remaining Bidayuh longhouses where visitors can tour the village and even participate in homestays. We were greeted with a traditional welcoming drink called Tuak (wine from fermented rice).Upon arrival we registered and were invited to explore the village.
Later, we arrived at the Ketua or Head House. Many human skulls placed in the cage. Head hunting was part of the longhouse community culture for funeral activity. The head of the deceased was collected and stored in a cage to end the mourning period followed by some ritual practices. There are three longhouse structures here. The original longhouse was built over a century ago. The longhouses are divided into various small houses or apartments and facing each other and there is the common living area. Each unit in the longhouse represent one family house or apartment. The uniqueness of the long house is they share the same roof and living area but have their own privacy.
Jalan2 in Kuching City
We spent some time visiting the State Legislative House (Dewan Undangan Negeri). Next we proceed to the Orchid Garden which is situated near to the parliamentary house and Astana.
The Orchid Garden has beautiful landscape. It is divided into two areas. The nursery and display area which house around 75,000 plants and 85 Hybrid. A Paradise for orchid lovers.
The favourite Normah orchids are the most popular besides the other Borneo orchids. For your information, Normah orchids is the State Flower of Sarawak.
Try crossing the Sarawak River by Boat ride from Waterfront to the Orchid Garden with water splashing and beautiful blue sky. Awesome.
Kuching Factory
Since we are in Kuching City we took the opportunity to visit the Nestle factory. Unfortunately factory is closed. No Production activity due to Public Holiday (TYT or Governor Birthday). Managed to take a few poses for future remembrance.
Pasar Serikin
Serikin is a small Bidayuh town in Kuching Division. The town is located about 15 km from Bau town and 80 km from Kuching city. Serikin is located on the border of Indonesia and Malaysia. Serikin is well known weekend market for local and tourist. The market attracts many people from far and near to buy goods from Indonesia.
Many product variety are available from fresh food to home décor. The price set by the seller are slightly on high side and the bargain must be good.
Gua Angin (Bau Sarawak)
Gua Angin or Wind Cave is situated around one hour drive by road from Kuching City to Bau town. Wind Cave Nature Reserve is a limestone cave situated on the western part of Sarawak. The cave can be easily accessible by road. When entering the cave the dripping water from the ceiling of the cave can be heard and it created a humid environment. Stalagmites and Stalactites and flowstones are present in the cave. There are many bats nest around. There are five entries to the cave with the shortest entry at Passage No.2, about 120meter long. The brightness from the sun make our movement quicker to reach the end or exit. Pictures taken to keep memory of the visit.
Before returning to Kuching City stop by at Tasik Biru in Bau Town for sightseeing.
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We had pleasant stay in Kuching City and we look forward for another visit soon. The Jazz Festival in September is One of the highlights of the Year’s Event.
Goodbye Kuching, till we meet again.
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