Kuching Old Courthouse

Kuching Old Courthouse is a four-block colonial structure with an iron wood roof and wide corridors lined with supporting columns. A clock tower was added at the entrance in 1883 and remains a defining feature of the building today.

Construction began in 1868 and finished in 1874 under the direction of William Henry Rodway, serving as Sarawak's main administrative center until 1973. The building marks a key period in the region's colonial governance.

The building blends British colonial design with local Dayak motifs visible in its ceiling patterns. Walking through the spaces, you can see how these two artistic traditions were brought together in the decoration.

The building now houses the Sarawak Tourism Complex with exhibition spaces and a restaurant open to visitors. Its location in central Kuching makes it convenient for exploring the city's colonial heritage.

An obelisk from 1924 stands near the entrance as a memorial to Rajah Charles Brooke, marking Sarawak's transition to new political structures. This monument reflects a moment when the region was reshaping its administration.

Location: Kuching

Inception: 1874

GPS coordinates: 1.55953,110.34492

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00