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.