The Magnificent of Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching is the hub of the Malaysian district of Sarawak. Its the largest city of Sarawak and fourth largest in Malaysia, with a population of around 640,000. The city status was awarded in 1988 and most people believe that the name Kuching is from the Malay word for cat.

For over a hundred years Sarawak belonged to the British, where before this time it was under Dutch and Portuguese control from the mid 17th century. It was gifted to a British adventurer by the name of James Brooke after he helped the Sultan of Brunei control and eradicate a rebellion.

From 1941 until September of 1945 the Japanese held control over Sarawak and Kuching, during the Second World War. At this time the British Raja took refuge in Melbourne, Australia, and returned to Kuching in 1945 to regain control. He then ceded it to the British Empire in 1946.

Thereafter there was an "undeclared war" between the British and President Sukarno of Indonesia. President Sukarno believed Sarawak should belong to Indonesia but the British resisted his attempts to gain control.

The name of the city has never been entirely clear as to its origin but as mentioned many people believe its from the Malay word for cat. Other thoughts are that it came from the Indian word "Cochin" which means port. Then there is the theory its from the fruit called mata kucing, which means cats eye. A further line of thought is that the name comes from "old well" in Chinese.




Regardless of where the name came from, to be honest, in my opinion the city of Kuching does not offer too much to the tourist, although the number of hotels springing up now is incredible! Kuching though is a great base for those who wish to travel around Sarawak, which is well worth seeing.

If you like wildlife and beautiful scenery and do not mind the heat and humidity then Sarawak is a wonderful place to explore and learn. If you enjoy diving there are some great scuba diving spots around the coast and the beaches tend to be golden and beautiful, ideal for sun worshippers and bathers a like.

Aquaria KLCC, The Astounding Seaworld

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, nestling the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest twin towers in the world. The city offers myriads of tourist hotspots, from aquariums to theme parks, landmarks to temples as well as many zoological parks.

One of the top educational and family attractions in Kuala Lumpur is the Aquaria KLCC, sitting below Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the heart of the city. This superlative aquarium houses over 20,000 aquatic and land fauna of over 250

species, originating from all parts of the globe. Be ready to encounter flying stingrays, fierce tiger sharks, endangered hawksbill turtles and the electrifying eels. Embark on a journey to discover the diverse species on the planet, starting from a highland with a beautiful cascade, passing through Malaysian rainforests and meandering streams.

When you reach the coast you will be greeted by mangroves and a school of baby sharks and sting rays.
Aquaria KLCC offers something beyond regular aquariums as some of its living exhibits can be touched, such as the ones in the Touch Pool. After passing the coast you will reach the simulated coral reefs. Here you will capture the striking sight of vibrant small fish bustling about gorgeous coral polyps of all shapes and sizes.

After the reefs you take a dive into the deepest oceans, with the help of the 90 metre long travelator, a moving walkway that takes you to the climax of Aquaria KLCC tour. You will be surrounded by deep ocean life, where numerous species from the most elusive to the most fearsome dwell.The animated ambience at the Aquaria KLCC will give you a real diving experience, surrounded by all these amazing fish, swimming in the turquoise waters. The thrill and excitement doesn't stop from there. Aquaria KLCC offers a special attraction called Aqua Theatre. Here you will watch live feeding sessions of various species including sharks and piranhas besides hair-raising stunt shows of experienced divers.If you wish to learn more about this fascinating world and its inhabitants, Aquaria KLCC provides interactive kiosks and Discovery Zones to sate your curiosity. And that's not all. The place also features a range of retail shops including the Atlantis Gift Shop. Here you can shop for a host of items like fashions and accessories, toys, gifts and souvenirs. As for dining, Aquaria KLCC has several cafes and restaurants offering a great variety of choice food and cuisines.

Find your accommodation at a Kuala Lumpur hotel and drop by the Aquaria KLCC for an ultimate deep sea adventure and much more. Nestled in the heart of business and shopping districts in the city centre, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur will be a good choice for spending your holiday. Start by exploring the nearest Kuala Lumpur attractions including Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC Mall, Chinatown, Bird Park and so much more, conveniently from here.