Page 149 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK
147
The India Street entrance to Kuching’s artfully concealed Indian Mosque.
River opposite Waterfront. Also along Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol.
Some of Sarawak’s finest treasures, these self- contained, intact villages thrive within a modern city and contain some superb examples of traditional Malay architecture.
MALAYSIA CHINA FRIENDSHIP PARK
Jalan Song
This ornamental and recreational park celebrates the long and historic friendship between Malaysia and China. It is popular
with local joggers. Its
main features are a large ornamental fishpond with fountains, and a statue of the famous Chinese explorer Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho).
MATANG FAMILY PARK
Jalan Lundu-Sempadi, Matang, 22km from Kuching An outdoor picnic site
and activity centre in an attractive rainforest setting with pleasant walking trails and jungle streams.
Open: Daily, 8am~5pm
REDEEMS CULTURAL CENTRE
Jalan Kampung Apar- Segong
A community based cultural centre (complete with baruk skull-house and bamboo botanical park) showcasing
the Bidayuh cultures and traditions of the Singai area. (See also pages 66 and 120) Homestay available.
T (082) 462 757
Open: By appointment.
SARAKRAF PAVILION
(See page 130)
SARAWAK CRAFT COUNCIL
Sarawak Handicraft
Centre, Round Tower, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg Handicraft centre featuring local craftspeople, fine craft items for sale, library & video resources on Sarawak crafts. T (082) 245 652 / 252 241 www.sarawakhandicraft. com.my
Open: Mon-Fri, 8.30am~4.30pm
Closed: Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
(See page 134)
SARAWAK STATE LIBRARY
(See page 136)
SARAWAK STEAMSHIP BUILDING
Kuching Waterfront
This 1930’s office and warehouse building now houses the Kuching Waterfront Bazaar, with stalls selling handicrafts
and souvenirs, as well as
a Lebanese Restaurant. Across the road, the Sarawak
Steamship Company’s office has a gallery tracing the history of the company.
SARAWAK TOURISM COMPLEX
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg The Sarawak Tourism Complex comprises the
Old Courthouse, the Round Tower and the former Secretariat Building. The courthouse was built in 1871 as the seat of Sarawak’s government, and was used until 1973. Magnificent
belian (ironwood) roofs
with beautiful detailing inside and out contain the Sabati Women’s Museum and the Visitor Information Centre, as well as event and function rooms. The Round Tower, originally planned as a fort (1886), then used as a dispensary, is nowadays the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council.
SQUARE TOWER
Kuching Waterfront
This stone fort, a prominent Waterfront feature, was
built in 1879 to replace its wooden predecessor, which was burnt down in the 1857 gold miners’ rebellion. It has been used as a prison and a dance hall, amongst others.
THE ASTANA
Jalan Astana, on the North Bank of the Sarawak River. Access via sampan from the Waterfront. Built in 1870
The Astana in Kuching, the palace built for Rajah Sir Charles Brooke in 1870. It is now the official residence of Sarawak’s Governor or Yang di-Pertua Negeri.