Cultural Kuching
'The cultural capital of Borneo’ is how many think of Kuching, but don’t expect another Luang Prabang! Kuching is far more modern and pragmatic. Capital of Sarawak, it’s a very enjoyable city to visit for a few days. There are direct flights from Kuching International Airport to most places of interest on the island.
Sitting on the banks of the Sarawak River, Kuching has a fascinating Colonial history. The family of British adventurer-turned-Rajah, James Brooke, ruled here until 1946, and there is still much evidence of this in the city. Today, Colonial architecture sits side-by-side with fascinating Chinese temples and modern-day hotels.
Nearby, you can visit the Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Here you can see rescued orang-utans in 653 hectares of tropical rainforest. It’s not as well known as the Sepilok Sanctuary in Sabah, but the centre undertakes essential work to rehabilitate orang-utans orphaned or injured by the rapid deforestation of Borneo, which is usually thanks to oil palm plantations.
There are plenty of options to make donations towards the orang-utans’ welfare – why not join Selective Asia in adopting an orphan? Visit www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk for more details.
Kuching delivers tradition and charm in abundance.