Kuching, Capital city in Sarawak, Malaysia
Kuching sits on both sides of the Sarawak River, connecting modern shopping centers with covered markets and colonial buildings along the waterfront. The city spreads into two administrative zones with separate councils and reaches the edge of tropical rainforest.
James Brooke made the settlement his capital in 1841 after the Sultan of Brunei granted him land for military support. The city remained under Brooke family rule until 1946, then became a British Crown Colony before joining Malaysia in 1963.
The name comes from the Malay word for cat, which visitors notice in statues and symbols around the city center. Chinese temples stand beside Muslim mosques, while the old riverside quarter features colonial shophouses and family-run businesses.
The waterfront promenade and main bridges over the river help visitors orient themselves, while boat crossings connect both sides of the city. Morning visits work well for outdoor walks, since afternoon tropical showers arrive frequently.
The Borneo Cultures Museum opened in 2022 with several floors dedicated to indigenous communities and traditional crafts from the region. The collection displays tools, textiles, and everyday objects that show how people live in the rainforest.
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