10 Things Locals Want You To Know About <b>Kuching</b> | GOAWAY.sg - Come Sarawak |
- 10 Things Locals Want You To Know About <b>Kuching</b> | GOAWAY.sg
- Previous <b><b>Top seafood restaurants in kuching</b> <b>...</b> - Come Sarawak
- <b>Top</b> Spot <b>Seafood</b> Food Court ... - Come <b>Sarawak</b>
- 5 things to do in <b>Kuching</b> during the rainy season | Darwin on the <b>...</b>
| 10 Things Locals Want You To Know About <b>Kuching</b> | GOAWAY.sg Posted: 14 Jul 2015 11:26 PM PDT Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is the most populous city in the state and is a popular foodie destination for tourists. Jackson Sim, who was born and raised in Kuching, lets us in on the less-known treasures of his hometown. We were midway through lunch, talking about must-visit-or-you'll-regret-it destinations, when Go Away editor Deborah dropped a bomb on me. "Jackson, you have to write about Kuching's 10 most interesting things for Go Away!" I knew I couldn't say no, so here we go. Truth be told, I'd rather not write about my hometown because I don't want it to be overcrowded. Not that it would be, as many have claimed there isn't anything to do in Kuching. However, contrary to popular belief, there is actually plenty to do in Kuching. Here are 10 things that I, a proud Kuchingite, want you to know about Kuching: 1. There are many stories behind its name.
Kuching, spelled in old Malay, means cat in the language. While the city itself is dotted with many cat statues that have become perfect #selfie companions for tourists, it's but only one of many reasons why it's named as such. Many locals believe it's named after the fruit, mata kucing, while others have said it could've been named after a hill in the city, Bukit Mata Kuching. 2. The city's best seafood restaurants can be found atop a carpark complex.
If you're craving for fresh seafood and delicious local grub, you don't have to travel too far out. In fact, some of the best seafood restaurants can be found on the rooftop of a carpark complex right smack in the middle of the city's golden triangle. Its name? Top Spot Food Court along Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching. 3. Everyone has their favourite Sarawak laksa stall.
Just like how one should never get into an argument with Singaporeans on which stall serves the best chicken rice, one should never do the same with Kuchingites when it comes to Sarawak laksa. Many stalls sell different renditions of this unofficial "official state dish", and everyone has their favourite. So, I shall not start a fight and leave you with this piece of advice: try them all, have it for breakfast every day when you're in Kuching, and then decide which one you like best. 4. Kuching does great fusion food with tomato noodles.
Aside from kolo mee and Sarawak laksa, the dish most Kuchingites miss most when they're away from home is tomato noodles. A simple dish of fried noodles made fragrant with wok hei is topped with Westernised, gravy-like tomato sauce and served with chicken or pork slices, prawns, fish cake, and mustard greens. 5. We have too many roundabouts! Ask any Kuchingite, especially those who drive, and they'll tell you the same thing. We have way too many roundabouts in the city! However, the number has reduced drastically in recent years. Roundabouts are harder to navigate, and with the increase of vehicles on city roads, the powers that be have replaced many of the roundabouts with crossroads with traffic lights. This helps reduce the number of traffic jams and accidents. 6. It's called Sunday Market but it's open from Friday to Sunday.  Sunday Market Image Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board Even though most households buy their groceries from air-conditioned supermarkets these days, many still prefer to shop at the Sunday Market. Reason 1: You get fresher and cheaper produce. Most of the stall owners are farmers as well so all the vegetables (including the famed midin, a type of edible fern native to Sarawak) and fruits that you buy are grown organically. They're cheaper too because you're buying direct from the source. Reason 2: You get to eat while you shop. Be it the local version of the min jiang kueh or chicken satay or vadai, you can have a walking dinner! You'll be spoiled for choice by the wide variety of stalls selling cooked food. Reason 3: You'll get to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. The colours, the sights, the sounds, and the interaction of the locals – here's where you see what truly makes Sarawak, Sarawak. 7. Sarawak is the land of superlatives.  Image Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board I'm not kidding when I say Sarawak is the land of superlatives – we're the largest state in Malaysia; the state is bigger in land size than all states in Peninsula Malaysia combined, we have the most diverse ethnic groups, we speak more than 45 languages and dialects, we have too many rivers, too many caves, the world's largest flower, the world's largest cave chamber, and we have way too many national parks too! 8. Yes, we have too many national parks!  Bako National Park Image Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board At last count, we have 30 national parks scattered throughout the state, with another 10 wildlife reserves and four wildlife sanctuaries. Most of these national parks are for day visits but there are some where you can stay and camp overnight. Bako National Park, about a 45-minute drive and 30-minute boat ride away from Kuching, is one of my favourites and coincidentally the oldest one. Those who wish to take a #selfie with the Rafflesia, you'd want to visit Gunung Gading National Park in the small town of Lundu, a two-hour drive from Kuching. The Sarawak Forestry's website has more information. You can also learn how you can contribute to help protect the forests – the state's natural environment is unfortunately the victim of illegal loggings. 9. Cross the Sarawak River for only 50 sen.  Fort Margherita Image Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board Almost everyone in Kuching drives because our public transport can be a little unreliable, but there are still some who prefer to take the river taxi ("perahu tambang" in Malay) along Kuching Waterfront to get across the Sarawak River. And you can too! For only 50 sen (or less than SGD0.20) per way, you can hop onto one and get across the river in a mere five minutes. I recommend catching the boat at sunset as you'll get to catch a brilliant view of the fading sun across the city skyline. However, if you're planning to visit Fort Margherita (once a defence fort and today, a historical museum) located across the river, it's best to save the sunset boat ride for another day as the museum closes at about 4pm daily. 10. Kuching will have its first #HeritageRace on 5 December
I recently competed in the second Heritage Race along Balestier Road, and found out that my hometown will have its first this December! There will be plenty of sights to conquer – the Tua Pek Kong temple, the various historical locations along Kuching Waterfront, the shophouses at Carpenter Street, the open air market opposite Electra House, and more! Time to go home (and win the race)! To learn more about this upcoming race, bookmark www.heritagerace.com now. Ok, that's all.  Go AwayGo Away accepts contributions from readers for all sections across the site. Please email your story proposal (not more than 200 words) to enquiry@goaway.sg. Only shortlisted writers will be contacted. All published pieces will be paid a token fee. We regret to inform that we will not be able to respond to proposals that do not make the shortlist.  |
| Previous <b><b>Top seafood restaurants in kuching</b> <b>...</b> - Come Sarawak Posted: 26 Feb 2015 12:42 PM PST
There're lots of choices to stay in Malaysia, so it's tough to decide where to stay? Mid-range hotels and 5 stars hotels with Chinese, Indian or Malaysian traditional cuisine and cozy rooms are easily available for vacationers/visitors anywhere in cities. You can enjoy luxury hotels or resorts located on islands. Accommodation is so cheap in Malaysia, you can easily get a room for $ 3 to $ 9 USD/night. Private rooms are available for $ 11 to $ 20 USD/night. You can camp in Taman Negara and can save lodgings cost. Anyways, here're some suggestions. Lone Pine Hotel, located Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, posses welcoming staff, stunning swimming pool, lip-smacking food, and calm atmosphere with beautiful sea views. You can get a huge variety of cocktails in bar corner. Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang Island, is a fantastic family resort, offers services such as water sports, tennis court, delicious food, pools, cozy rooms, hospitable staff and family entertainment center. Its cuisine includes Bar & Grill pizzas and seafood, tea/coffee, snacks, pastries.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is a fantastic hotel with superb services. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, suspended pool and delicious Malaysian food make it more worthy staying. Tanjong Jara Resort, located on Batu, Dungun, is one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia, offers services such as Spa village, Pools, tennis court, delicious dining out, air-conditioned rooms, seafood and bar. You can spend a relaxing morning with coffee and newspaper on the beach. Berjaya Tioman Resort, located in Pulau Tioman, is a traditional Malay style resort, offers services like pools, golf, tennis court, spa, coffee, snacks, global drinks, tasty food, air-conditioning cozy rooms and water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling etc. The Majestic Hotel, Majestic Malacca, Cameron Highlands Resort and Sama-Sama Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, Mega Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel and Imperial Palace Hotel in Miri, Seven Terraces, Yeng Keng Hotel, Museum Hotel and Hotel Panega are also wonderful places to stay in Malaysia. As far as meal is concerned, you can have it in restaurants, western hotels , cooking own when living in camping or as a street meal and just have to pay $1 to $3 USD /head for street meal, $4 to $6 USD/head in restaurants while western food is a bit expensive. Malaysia is a Muslim country that's why drinks are expensive here. Anyways, here are some suggestions of restaurants for you. Dining in the Dark, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is an amazing restaurant deeply into darkness and offers delicious food including soups, desserts etc.
Black Forest, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, offers German cuisine. Kebaya, located on Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang Island, offers good services and food. Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery, located on Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, is a good place for families, lovebirds, special occasion or groups. You can enjoy Bar, Asian and Eclectic cuisine here until late night. Top Spot Food Court, located Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching is a family restaurant, offers best seafood and opens until late night. Jambu Restaurant and Lounge, located on Crookshank Road, Kuching is a restaurant offers best pasta in town. It also deals with Bistro, Bar for cocktails and Tapas etc. Black bean, The Heritage, Tribal Stove and Bella Italia are also superb restaurants in Kuching with the fantastic setting near river. La Casa Kuantan, Crocodile Rock Pizza & Grill Restaurant, Satay Zul, and Dallah Restaurant in Kuantan offer great services with superb cuisine. Malaysia is a country with many attractions or points of interests and more exciting thing is those are quite cheap. Here're some suggestions, and you must visit those places once you are in Malaysia. Birch Memorial Clock Tower, located in one of the biggest cities of Malaysia named "Ipoh". Here're plenty of attention-grabbing sights such as museums, temples and historical buildings.
Galeria Perdana, Rice Museum, and Padi Langkawi, in Langkawi, are amazing places with precious stuff and collection, to visit. Langkawi is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and plenty of interesting sights. Ave Stella Maris Catholic Chapel is a beautiful church. Langkawi Wildlife Park and Underwater World are educational and exciting places with lots of fun. The Islamic city "Kota Bharu" is a great city with royal places, museums, and plenty of other eye-catching sights. Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful park in oldest rainforest Taman Negara. It's a place with lots of activities like trekking, safaris, and canopy walks.
Islamic Art Museum, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Bridge, Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Thean Hou Temple, and Lake Garden Parks are some suggested amazing places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Mount Kinabalu National Park, is the best choice for hiking, this Park is full of fun and will never disappoint you on your visit. Malaysia is a land of festivals and celebrations as multicultural people exist here. Tourists or vacationers can enjoy these festivals almost every month of the year. Here are some suggestions for our visitors. Tamil Community celebrates festival named "Thaipusam". It's a unique festival that is worth seeing. It can be best observed at Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang, in Januanry. Chinese New Year is celebrated in February and last for 15 days. You can enjoy lion dances, fireworks, and delicious Chinese meal. In April, Good Friday and Malaysia Water Festival are celebrated. Wesak Day, and Harvest Festival are celebrated in May. June is a month with amazing festivals like Hari Gawai and Dragon Boat Festivals. July and August are the months with festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Independence day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival. September becomes more colorful with Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali Festivals of Lights, and Christmas are celebrated in October, November and December. Malaysia is not less than a heaven for shopaholics. Super international brands have covered Malaysian market and have luxury stores here. Sales at shopping mall attract many tourists every year. Mega Sales held on Christmas and Independence Day and last up to two months. Utama, BB Plaza, Fahrenheit88, Lot10, Plaza Low Yat, Suria KLCC and Sogo are some remarkable shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.
ICT@Komtar, Island Plaza, Midlands One Stop, Plaza Gurney, Prangin Mall, Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay are some suggested shopping centers in Penang. Langkawi Fair is a beautiful place for a shop in Langkawi. Malaysia is a country with beaches. Therefore, beach holidays can be enjoyed all around the year. Summer season is mild, and usually climate is pleasant in Malaysia so you can visit it in all seasons. Anyhow, December and January are two peak tourists' seasons. From June until August is also a good time to enjoy beaches activities.
I assure you, your vacations to this country holding natural beauty, would be a treasured and unforgettable experience. |
| <b>Top</b> Spot <b>Seafood</b> Food Court ... - Come <b>Sarawak</b> Posted: 18 Aug 2015 09:57 AM PDT In Kuching we are still fortunate to be able to enjoy very good seafood at relatively reasonable prices. Though the variety can't compare to Kota Kinabalu, the quality and freshness of what we do get is usually pretty peachy. You can find seafood restaurants almost anywhere in Kuching, but if you are looking for Halal outlets then there are really only 2 options - Top Spot Food Court right in town centre - or Rock Road Seafood. Rock Road Seafood has been around for a very long time, and they haven't changed much except the decor has been incrementally upgraded over the years. This is one of the most popular restaurants with our local political class, especially during the State Legislative Assembly Seatings.   The ground floor of the restaurant is like a mini wet market. Here you can select the seafood and other items that you want, and let them know how you want the items to be cooked. You can also get them to weigh the items so you know exactly how much you will be paying - instead of getting a sticker shock later.    We ordered the usual - starting with stir-fried midin with garlic. It was very good.  The Sweet Corn Soup was one of the best we've had - very tasty and with chunks of fresh crab meat.  The Oyster Omelette was pretty standard - and with lots of oysters.  Buttered Prawns with Egg Floss - nicely done, with the prawns still tender and sweet.  The main reason we went there - Crabs in "Satay Sauce". This is one of their signature dishes, and it never disappoints. I don't know why the sauce is called "Satay Sauce" because it doesn't taste anything like its namesake, but is sure is tasty. We picked two of the largest crabs they had - and they were both excellent - with lots of fresh, sweet meat inside the gigantic claws.    The food at Rock Road Seafood has steadily improved over the years. Today I would say they are one of the best seafood places in town, but you will be paying a bit more then most other establishments. However since you get to actually pick the seafood yourself, you are getting what you pay for. |
| 5 things to do in <b>Kuching</b> during the rainy season | Darwin on the <b>...</b> Posted: 07 Dec 2014 01:02 PM PST Going to Borneo in December will allow you to escape the mosquitoes, but you will face heavy rains, humidity and high temperatures (around 30°C, still less than during the dry season). Kuching, also known as the cat city, is the wettest populated area in Malaysia, so be prepared for good showers :-) The humidity can be as high as 95%, so it can be a bit difficult to acclimatise at the beginning. But it's a compromise… you will get the rain, however, you will be free of the nasty bugs and mosquitoes. It think the deal is not so bad :-) We decided that we didn't mind the rain and went for it last winter and we had a lot of fun ! We were based in Kuching and stayed there for a week. I will share with you what you can do in the city despite the frequent rain showers :-) * Enjoying the food The food in Kuching is even cheaper than in Singapore and we've found the perfect place to enjoy delicious sea food : "Top Spot Restaurant". This is the place to be in Kuching !!! It's located on the roof of a garage, and it's like an open-air food court. Over there, lobsters, shrimps, crabs and octopuses are stored fresh on ice, and you can choose what you want to eat. The sea food can be cooked with garlic, butter or with fresh vegetables. It was wonderful and so cheap ! * Buying fruits in Satok Weekend Market If you go to Borneo during the rainy season, you have to know that it is also the fruit season. Going to the Satok Weekend Market during weekend is a good option to discover new fruits you've never heard about, such as rambutan or the jackfruit. For a few dollars, you get kilos of fruits, it is very cheap. I would not recommend taking a taxi to go there. We did it on our way to the market and it was a complete rip-off. * Walking along the waterfront promenade This promenade is very nice to do ! You will pass in front of a lot of shops selling local handicrafts, cafés and food stalls. If you want to go to the other side, you can jump onto a Tambang, a small wooden boat with a pitched roof covering wooden benches. It is something to experience :-) *Exploring Little India It is also nice to walk in Little India, especially if you want to by nice fabrics. There are also a lot of museums close-by to visit if you are that kind of person! :-) * Searching for Chinese temples Chinese temples are found everywhere in the town and are very colourful. You can find vivid paintings, well-decorated candle-holders and smell of burning incense ! Tua Pek Kong is located right opposite the waterfront and is the oldest temple in Kuching, but Hong San Temple was the best looking temple of the town in my opinion. Guan Thian Siang Ti temple is a Taoist temple close to little India, with a small tortoise pond inside. Kuching has many things to offer and you can easily spend a few days walking around, especially if you want to visit some museums. It is also possible to make some day trips, and I will talk a bit more about what we've visited around the cat city in a future post :-)  |
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