Things to see and do Kuching

Opened in 2022, this vast museum houses an impressive collection of arts and crafts from Borneo's various communities. In a highly successful scenography and flamboyant architectural setting, traditional costumes, weapons, ceramics and musical instruments bear witness to the rich traditions of the region. The museum also features interactive exhibits on farming practices, handicrafts, dance and local ceremonies. An essential starting point for discovering local culture.

Founded in 1891 by rajah Charles Brooke and renowned as one of the finest exhibitions in Southeast Asia, this museum boasts an exceptional ethnographic collection. At the rajah's invitation, anthropologist Alfred Wallace, a contemporary of Charles Darwin, worked for two years to open the museum. Following Sarawak's independence in 1963, naturalist and archaeologist Tom Harrison, then on secondment to the museum, contributed to its renown when he discovered a 39,000-year-old skull in the Niah cave in the center of the region.

On the second floor, photographs dating from the late ^19th and early ^20th centuries show the various Dayak tribes in traditional dress. Primitive arts and crafts from the longhouses are also represented: trophy skulls from the days of the headhunters, masks worn for harvest festivals, fertility rites, spiritual dances and funeral ceremonies. Those with a sinister appearance, revolting eyes and oversized ears are reserved for macabre dances.

A gallery features kramen, precious wooden totems carved and erected by the Orang Ulu at the entrance to their homes to protect them from evil spirits. Some of these traditions still survive today, such as basket-making and certain animist beliefs. So, before staying in a longhouse with a tribe, a visit to the Sarawak Museum is essential for a better understanding of these precious cultures.

At the foot of Mount Santubong, this cultural village offers visitors faithful reproductions of the habitat and lifestyle of seven ethnic groups and communities living in Sarawak. Visitors are invited to discover the lifestyles of the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Melanaus, Penan, Chinese and Malays. Inside each house, a representative of the community guides the visitor through the architecture, habitat, traditions and crafts: they practice their art, play music, shoot blowpipes or weave, cook and prepare sago. Although a re-enactment is always artificial, this one is worth the detour for its actors' willingness to share their customs with you in a living way. The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the project is run by the communities and their representatives, not by a profit-driven private company. What's more, the diversity of the tribes and communities also informs us about the history of Sarawak's settlement. In a half-day visit, you can get a broad overview of Sarawak's diversity, something almost impossible in a single trip to Borneo. The tour ends with a 45-minute folk dance show held in the late morning and afternoon. A stop at the restaurant, where you can sample local specialities at reasonable prices, is a must.

The fantastic Rainforest World Music Festival (www.rwmf.net) is held here every year in late June/early July.

This company, located at Pontoon^No. 12 on the Waterfront, offers half-hour or hour-long excursions. We appreciate the small, low wooden boats, which are more intimate and relaxing than the usual cruisers. It's the perfect way to admire the city from the water, without getting exhausted, but beware of the mosquitoes at dusk! Don't hesitate to speak directly to the staff if you have any special requests, such as a private tour or outside the posted times.

This pink building, constructed in 1912, served as a court of justice for the Chinese community until 1921, when it became the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Kuching. Today, the Chinese History Museum traces the life of Sarawak's various Chinese communities from the early ^19th century to the era of the White Rajahs. On display are musical instruments, beautiful ceramics from the Ming dynasty, jade handicrafts and various works of art. If you enjoy your visit, don't hesitate to make a donation as you leave the museum.

Completed in 1879, at the same time as Fort Margherita, the Tour Carrée was originally a prison. Executions of those condemned to death were held here. The tower was transformed into a fort, and in the absence of vindictive enemies, it became a ballroom for Sarawak army officers. Today, the building facing the Sarawak River and the regional parliament is a restaurant, Le Magenta. Next door, you'll discover where the Rajahs disembarked when they crossed the river on their way from the palace to the court of justice.

This superb complex of colonial-style buildings was initiated by Charles Brooke in 1868. He wanted to provide better conditions for the members of his central administration. The building was in operation for over a century, from 1871 to 1973. The clock tower was added in 1883 and the memorial to Charles Brooke, which stands in front of the building's entrance, in 1924. The memorial was requested by the son of the second white Rajah, who ruled Sarawak from 1868 to 1917. Today, the complex is a tourist attraction.

Perched atop a small hill, just opposite the Waterfront and the Museum of Chinese History, this impressive temple is the oldest in Kuching. It dates back to 1770, but its history is only really documented from 1843 and the accession of the White Rajahs. It was one of the few buildings to survive the great fire of 1884 and the Japanese bombardment during the Second World War. It is said to have the best location in the whole city according to the principles of feng shui, and this is what has kept it intact.

"For many years, India Street and the surrounding area were a favorite haunt of Indian merchants. Now entirely pedestrianized and covered, it will delight lovers of exotic fabrics. Take India Mosque Lane, a dark, cramped passageway, and you'll see Kuching's first mosque, built by Muslims from South India in 1837. On the other side, you come to Gambier Street, which faces the river. Full of life, you'll find a wide selection of spices that will immerse you in the fragrant world of Indian cuisine.

Welcome to the MV Equatorial, an attractive ship built in 1990 that offers sightseeing cruises along the river. On board, you'll enjoy commentary by a guide introducing the city's attractions, a performance of local dance and/or music, refreshments and excellent comfort. The tour takes in the Astana, the Old Courthouse and the Great Mosque, as well as lesser-known sites such as the superb home of the former Minister of Defense, and offers unique panoramic views. An excellent way to discover Kuching.

Located 23 km south-west of Kuching, Siniawan, with its old wooden buildings, is a village that has retained its old-world charm. Be sure to visit the ancient Shui Yue Gong temple dedicated to Guanyin. On weekend evenings, Siniawak comes alive with the night market in the main street. Under the red Chinese lanterns, locals and visitors gather to enjoy the wide variety of specialties on offer. An excellent way to spend an evening is to feast on local specialities and immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere.