Kuching And Sarawak Offer A Great Wealth To The Visitor
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 population of Kuching stands around 640,000 making it the fourth largest city in Malaysia. The name is thought to have come from the Malay word for cat - Kuching, or Kucing being the modern spelling.
The last Raja of Sarawak - Sir Charles Vyner Brooke - who regained power after the surrender of the Japanese forces then ceded it to the British Crown in 1946. Still more turmoil was to come when there was an "undeclared war" between the British and President Sukarno's Indonesia. Finally Sarawak was given independence in 1963 after which it formed part of Malaya, alongside Singapore.
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.
Further disruption was to take place when there was an "undeclared war" caused by President Sukarno of Indonesia who wished to claim Sarawak for himself, but his efforts to do so were resisted and put down by the British.
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.
In my opinion, at the moment there is not too much to attract the tourist to the city, although the number of hotels that have been springing up all over would suggest otherwise. Its a quaint city, sitting upon the banks of the River Kuching, but one key aspect to it is that it can be used as a base to travel throughout the beautiful Sarawak State. If you like scuba diving or just bathing then Sarawak offers some very fine spots.
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.
