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Discover Kuching from the comfort of Ariva Gateway Kuching |
Ariva Gateway Kuching ideal location makes it easy to discover the history and culture of Kuching and the surrounding regions.
Fort Margherita Completed in 1879, Fort Margherita commands a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak River. It had a location chosen to overlook the long stretch of river approaching Kuching. Named after the wife of the second Rajah (Charles Brooke), Ranee Margaret, it was built in the defensive castle style of the late English renaissance. Fort Margherita has been converted into a Police Museum and many of its old cannons, cannon balls, guns, pistols, swords and other vestiges of its artillery still exist. The Police Museum has a display of old police weapons, reconstructed opium dens and scenes of hanging and other forms of criminal punishment.
Kuching WaterfrontThe Waterfront used to be an important place in the founding of Kuching. It is now transformed into a landscaped esplanade. Take a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront to explore its historical buildings and admire the modern sculptures, open-air theatre and the musical fountains.
Sarawak MuseumWithout doubt, Sarawak Museum is one of the finest in Southeast Asia. Completed in 1891, the museum has a European facade with Queen Anne-style dormors windows in its roof and it houses the most comprehensive ethnological, archaeological and natural history collections on Borneo.
The Astana (Istana)The Astana (Istana), which lies in regal splendour across the river, is a majestic building with romantic history. The second Rajah, Charles Brooke, built this palace in 1870 as a bridal gift for his wife, Ranee Margaret. Then known as the Government House, it is actually three separate buildings fused into one, with each connected to the other by short and narrow passageways. First occupied by Charles Brooke in 1870, it was the private residence of the second Rajah. It has undergone substantial alterations and renovations and today, it is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak.
Tua Pek Kong TempleThe oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak, the Tua Pek Kong Temple is believed to have been around since 1843 although official records only recognized its existence in 1876. One of the city's prominent landmarks, the Chinese pay homage to the Tua Pek Kong deity here for peace and prosperity. This temple is situated at the traffic light junction near Jalan Bazaar.
Bako National ParkHead off on to the unbeaten path when you drive 30 minutes from the civilisation of Kuching to a village built on stilts, called Kampung Bako. Then hop on a 20-minute boat ride, out into the China Seas to reach one of Malaysia's little treasures – Bako National Park.
Sarawak Cultural VillageSarawak is one of the states of Malaysia nestled on Borneo Island; it is a state acclaimed for its cultural diversity, featuring several native tribes coexisting in harmony with the locals. At the foothills of Mount Santubong sits the all important cultural hub of Sarawak, the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Borneo Nature and WildlifeLocated in Southeast Asia, Borneo is the world's third largest island and is divided among Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are located on Borneo Island, which in total is home to around 19 million people.
Damai BeachOne of two Malaysian states in Borneo, Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state and is also known as the Land of the Hornbills, since many species of the rather large beaked birds are found here. The capital of Sarawak is Kuching, located along the banks of the famous Sarawak River.
Jong's Crocodile FarmWhen holidaying in Kuching, be sure to visit Jong's Crocodile Farm. Home to more than 1,000 crocodiles, the farm provides a natural breeding environment for these large reptiles. The size of the crocodiles at the farm varies from small minuscule babies to massive ones. The crocodile enclosure is surrounded by a metal fence, allowing visitors to safely observe these reptiles up close.
Wind CavesThe magnificence of nature can be enjoyed in all her splendor when visiting the Wind Cave. Located approximately 45 minutes away from the Kuching city center, the Wind Cave is part of a nature reserve known as the Wind Cave Nature Reserve. Covering an area of 6.16 hectares, this reserve consists of the cave itself and the surrounding forest area which forms a section of the Bau limestone belt in southwest Sarawak. The beauty of the site has attracted streams of tourists from Kuching looking to explore nature and enjoy a relaxing day out.
Gunung Mulu National ParkWhen staying in Kuching, be sure to make a trip to the breathtaking Gunung Mulu National Park that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000. Absolutely spectacular in scenery, the park displays the awe inspiring beauty of Mother Nature, attracting crowds of locals and tourists looking for an unforgettable and adventurous day out.
Islamic MuseumThe Islamic Museum is a mainstay of culture in Kuching. The building used to be the James Cooke Malay College and is a distinctive one by reason of having timber walls and a brick roof. Said to be the only one of its kind found in Sarawak, it comprises a rectangular layout with seven galleries converging around two courtyards linked by a single walkway. Each gallery displays a thematically different collection of artefacts and relics pertaining to some aspect of the spread of Islamic culture throughout Malay-Indonesia and its influences on Sarawak.
The Charles Brooke MemorialCharles Anthoni Johnson Brooke born in Somerset, England on the 3rd of June 1829 and learnt his ABC at Crewkerne Grammar School before joining the Royal Navy. Charles Brooke later married Margaret Alice Lili de Windtin 1869. The couple reportedly had six children; however, only three of them managed to survive infancy. Vyner of Sarawak, Bertram, Tuan Muda and Harry Keppel Brooke, Tuan Bongsu were the fortunate ones who lived relatively long and prosperous lives. After being appointed by his own uncle as the Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke continued the good work of his uncle which primarily focused on converting the rather savage way of the locals to a more acceptable form of living by eradicating the practices slavery, piracy and head hunting and introducing a civilised a more civilised lifestyle. However, this was no easy task, as ritualistic practices such as head hunting were not frowned upon as malicious acts against humanity but as cultural rights which were at times performed by religious individuals of the community.
Several years after his death, a granite obelisk was created in 1924 in memory Charles Brooke and his immortal legacy. This 6 meter tall monument is one of the most iconic sights of Kuching which consists of several figurines representing the prominent races that call the country home. The visitor will also be able to see several plaques which carry important details relating to Charles Brooke as a leader.
A number of other sites of historical importance can be found scattered throughout the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. The capital of Sarawak, Kuching is fast gaining a reputation as one of the finest destinations for holiday makers. Somerset Gateway provides excellent family accommodation in Kuching for those in need of a well furnished, elegantly decorated residence in the city.
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ROOM RESERVATION
Ariva Gateway Kuching
No 9 Jalan Bukit Mata, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Hotel Reservations
Hotline : + 60 - 82 - 250 958 (24-hour)
Sales Enquiry
Tel : + 60 - 82 - 250 958
(Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm)
General Manager
Tel : + 60 - 82 - 250 958
Email : Kuching.Enquiry@stayariva.com
Hotel Fax : + 60 - 82 - 259 958
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