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The DIY Adventure example below promises an immersive experience, blending sightseeing, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. Through this enriching journey, we not only deepen our understanding of Sarawak's diverse society but also enhance our knowledge, emphasizing the significance of tolerance and cultural appreciation.
Source : Expedia
Day 1: Arrival and Old City Exploration
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Upon arriving at Kuching International Airport, kick-start your adventure by choosing between renting a car or booking an e-hailing service to whisk you away to your hotel in the heart of Kuching City.
Pro tip: If you need an eSIM data plan during your stay in Malaysia, various options are available at the airport and if you rent a car, make sure the car is fully fueled...)
After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along Gambier Road, where history and culture intertwine at every turn. Navigate your way with the help of Google Maps and enjoy the art of the following landmarks::
Astana: Behold the grandeur of the Astana, the official residence of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Sarawak, majestically situated on the north bank of the Sarawak River.
Source : Expedia
Tua Pek Kong Temple: Delve into the city's Chinese heritage at the oldest temple in Kuching, nestled near the waterfront.
The Old Courthouse: Immerse yourself in history at Kuching's Old Courthouse, evidence of a rich civilization in the past.
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Before sunset, don't miss the chance to soak in the serene ambiance along the iconic Sarawak Riverfront or opt for a unique experience aboard the Sarawak River Cruise.
Sarawak River Cruise Source : Expedia
Sarawak River Cruise
The Sarawak River Cruise offers a fantastic journey down memory lane along the Sarawak River. The route will take you past numerous historical landmarks such as the Astana, built as long ago as 1870, the Brooke Dockyard (1912), the Kuching State Mosque (1847), the Old Court House (1874), the Square Tower (1879), Main Bazaar (1864), the Chinese Museum (1912), Fort Margherita (1879), and the Malay villages along the riverbanks.
A cruise on the Sarawak River is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the city – not to mention the beautiful sunset that provides a gorgeous backdrop to your journey.
After disembarking from the cruise, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the waterfront stalls. For personal recommendations, head to my favorite kiosk, "Wayne" owned by the former MAS employee, Mr. Waine bin Mazlan.
Conclude the day with a relaxing retreat to your hotel.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel or at the stall outside the hotel before embarking on a cultural odyssey. Check out from your accommodation and head to the Borneo Cultures Museum, Sarawak Museum, and Islamic Heritage Museum, all conveniently located within walking distance or a short drive away.
Borneo Cultural Museum Source: SARAWAK MUSEUM DEPARTMENT
Borneo Cultures Museum
Start with the Borneo Cultural Museum because it is easy to get off or park here.
The Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia's largest and Southeast Asia's second-largest museum, opened in 2022 adjacent to the Sarawak Museum (Old Building) in Kuching. Visitors can explore the 5-storey museum, which may take 1 to 2 hours. With over 1,000 artifacts, the museum showcases the rich culture and history of Sarawak, including shamanism ritual items, ancient vases, traditional costumes, and the top part of the 'Niah Lady' skull dating back 35,000 years. Human skulls, collected since Brooke's ruling, are also on display, symbolizing headhunting practices and supernatural beliefs. The museum's 5 floors house various galleries, each offering unique insights into Sarawak's heritage and traditions. This educational destination is particularly beneficial for students, providing valuable opportunities to learn about Sarawak's diverse cultural heritage and history.
Sarawak Museum Source: SARAWAK MUSEUM DEPARTMENT
Sarawak Museum
After the Borneo Cultures Museum, walk to the Sarawak Museum. Besides ethnology, this museum also featured zoological specimens found in Sarawak. Animal skeletons, shells, and replica taxidermy animals are displayed in airtight glass casings. Almost lifelike, rare and extinct wildlife includes lizards, different species of hornbills, leopards, and wild cats.
** taxidermy : the art of preparing and preserving the skins of animals and of stuffing and mounting them in lifelike form.
Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum Source: SARAWAK MUSEUM DEPARTMENT
Islamic Heritage Museum
Wrap up your museum tour with a visit to the Islamic Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the Islamic faith and its influence in Sarawak. The museum was originally constructed as the James Brooke Malay College school building. It was then later changed to the Sarawak Malay Madrasa in 1930. In 1992, the building was converted into the Islamic Heritage Museum on May 22, 1992. The museum exhibits the history and culture of the Muslim community in Sarawak and the Malay archipelago, such as the development of Islam.
Nasi Goreng Dabei & Midin Belacan Source FB Barong Tinuk
After enriching your cultural experience, enjoy lunch with a new experience at Barong Tinuk located at Jalan Merdeka, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching. Be sure to call the restaurant (016 862 8945 or 019 818 8145) ahead of time to notify of your arrival and make reservations for dishes such as 'linut,' 'umai,' and 'sayor midin,' for a truly authentic dining experience. Before that, call the e-hailing service for pick-up.
After lunch, explore Mira Cake Central (Mira Cake House) at No.185, Q309, Taman Foong Joon, 93050 Kuching for the famous Sarawak ‘Kek Lapis’. The distance between Barong Tinuk and Mira Cake Central is about 10 to 15 minutes' walk - Use Google Map for easy navigation. On the plus side, this walking tour will allow you to stop at the Jambatan Gantung Satok - a famous suspension bridge in the city of Kuching. Otherwise, you can drive or choose an e-hailing service from Barong Tinuk to Mira Cake Central.
When at Mira Cake Centra, across the street is Kubah Ria, where you can shop for exotic Sarawak dishes such as 'ikan terubok masin' or 'terong dayak' or 'terong asam', an exotic vegetable to be added in ‘asam pedas’ dishes.
After finishing this mini shopping, drive or book an e-hailing service to the Cat Museum in Bukit Siol, Kuching.
DBKU Cat Museum Source: DBKU
Cat Museum : The DBKU Cat Museum is the world's first Cat Museum. Cat lovers will find a range of exhibits, photos, feline art, and cat souvenirs. The museum is housed on the ground on the City Hall building, spread over four galleries covering a total area of 1,035 sq meters.
Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak, Kuching Source : FB Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak
End today's journey in the city of Kuching with a stopover at the Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak, Kuching for prayers or a brief stopover or both.
Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak : This mosque has the design concept of a mosque in Istanbul. The roof is rectangular in shape. It is equipped with a main dome and forty small domes. The main dome is decorated with mosaics and tiles while the inside is placed with filigree with geometric motifs. The pillars that support the small domes look like the position of the hands during prayer. Colorful glass mirrors are attractive decorations that can highlight the beauty of this mosque. The entire floor of this mosque uses a marble finish that can cool the atmosphere when inside.
After that, continue the adventure to your hotel in Santubong, located near the sea to enjoy the beautiful sunset view today, before visiting Kampung Budaya Sarawak (Sarawak Cultural Village) the next day.
Pro tip:
1. If you are e-hailing from Mira Cake Central, ask them if they can drop you off at the hotel in Santubong after a short stop at the Cat Museum and Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak, and book them to pick you up from the hotel the next day for the Airport transfer. Don't forget to ask for their phone number.
2. For a hotel in Santubong, choose a distance close to the Sarawak Cultural Village or a hotel that offers a free shuttle service to/from the Sarawak Cultural Village.
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Day 3: Sarawak Cultural Village Experience
Commence your day with a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, either by a leisurely walk or hotel transfer.
Sarawak Cultural Village Source : Expedia
Sarawak Cultural Village
Sarawak Cultural Village is an award-winning Living Museum that spans across 17-acres of land just across from Damai Beach Resort and Hotels. Experience Sarawak in Half-a-day at Sarawak Cultural Village and learn about the local culture and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak.
At Sarawak Cultural Village, there are replica buildings representing every major ethnic group in Sarawak mainly the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay & Chinese. All buildings are staffed with members of the ethnic groups in traditional costume and carrying out traditional activities. The staff act as storytellers who describe and interpret their way of life. They will happily pose with you for photos too!
Return to the hotel to check out, and head to Kuching International Airport, ending your DIY adventure filled with new knowledge and experiences about Sarawak..
Pro tip: Your departure flight is recommended to be scheduled after 6 p.m.
Happy adventuring!
