Browsing: Cultural & Heritage

The historic town of Siniawan Old Town is located in the Bau District, approximately 21 kilometres from Kuching, or about a 40-minute drive from the state capital. With a history spanning more than a century, the town is well known among Sarawakians for its rustic charm, cultural heritage, and rows of traditional wooden shop houses. During the daytime, a visit to Siniawan Old Town offers a glimpse into what Sarawakian towns looked like over 100 years ago. The wooden shop houses that line the streets, though aged and weathered, still stand proudly as reminders of the town’s rich past. These…

The Central Police Station Kuching is one of the most historically significant law-enforcement buildings in Kuching, reflecting the development of modern policing during the early 20th century in Sarawak. Constructed in 1931, the police headquarters was built to replace the earlier police station located at the Round Tower along Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg (formerly known as Jalan Rock). The new building was designed using reinforced concrete, a relatively modern construction method at the time, reflecting the government’s intention to establish a more permanent and durable administrative facility. The structure functioned as the main operational base for the police force…

The Borneo Cultures Museum is a landmark cultural institution located in Kuching, Sarawak. Recognised as the largest museum in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia, the museum showcases extensive collections highlighting the history, arts, and cultural heritage of Sarawak’s diverse indigenous communities, as well as other societies across the island of Borneo. The museum was developed under the Sarawak Museum Campus project, implemented as part of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan. It was constructed on the former site of Dewan Tun Abdul Razak, which was demolished to make way for the new development. The total project cost amounted to…

The Japanese Cemetery Kuching is a quietly preserved historical site located about 100 metres behind the Telekom office along Jalan Batu Lintang, Kuching. Established around the early 20th century, possibly circa 1902, this cemetery reflects an important chapter of Kuching’s multicultural history. The cemetery gate was constructed in 1940, and further upgrading and maintenance works were carried out in 2016 to preserve the site. The cemetery is well maintained, with approximately 40 tombstones standing in peaceful surroundings. Many of those buried here were young individuals originally from the Shimabara and Amakusa regions of Kyushu, Japan, who were believed to have…

The administrative history of Kanowit District was first recorded with the construction of Fort Emma in 1851. Fort Emma was named in honour of the younger sister of Rajah James Brooke. It was originally built as a defensive structure to protect the settlement from attacks by the Iban people from Ulu Rejang, the Rajang-Melanau communities, and other groups living along the riverbanks. Initially, Fort Emma was located in the town centre, and most of its structure was built using bamboo. After its completion, the fort was once captured by the Dayak people. Several years later, it was relocated to a…

The Square Tower (Kuching) is a historic structure built in 1879 during the Brooke era. Located at Pangkalan Batu on the southern bank of the Kuching River, near the eastern end of the Kuching Waterfront, the tower stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past. The building features the coat of arms of the Brooke administration, reflecting its historical significance during the era of the White Rajahs in Sarawak. Today, the Square Tower remains one of Kuching’s notable heritage landmarks, attracting visitors interested in the city’s rich history and riverside scenery. Location Map: Where to Stay in Kuching: Book…

Carpenter Street is one of the most renowned heritage streets in Kuching, celebrated for its well-preserved colonial-era shophouses, cultural charm, and lively local ambience. Situated in the heart of the historic old town, Carpenter Street is a key destination along Kuching’s heritage trail. The street showcases traditional Chinese shophouses that have been thoughtfully preserved and repurposed into cafés, souvenir outlets, local dining establishments, and independent businesses, reflecting the city’s rich multicultural legacy. Strategically located near several major attractions, including historical temples, museums, and the waterfront, Carpenter Street offers visitors an ideal opportunity to experience the harmonious blend of history, culture,…

Tugu Pahlawan Kuching, also known as the Memorial Monument, is located behind the Sarawak Museum. The monument was built to honour and commemorate the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives during conflicts involving Sarawak. Serving as a symbol of remembrance and respect, Tugu Pahlawan stands as an important historical landmark reflecting the region’s wartime history and the courage of those who defended the land. Surrounded by the cultural and historical atmosphere of the museum area, the monument offers visitors a quiet place for reflection and appreciation of Sarawak’s past. Location Map: Book your Travel:

Chinese History Museum Kuching located along the scenic Kuching Waterfront is housed in a historic building constructed in 1912. Originally used as a community court by the local Chinese community until 1921, the building was later managed by the Sarawak Chinese Chamber of Commerce before being converted into a museum in 1993. Today, the museum stands as an important cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Its mission is to educate younger generations about the struggles, heritage, and values passed down by early settlers. Visitors can explore galleries that showcase the journey…

Fort Margherita is the building which was built in the 1879 was named Margherita after Renee Margaret who was the wife of Sir Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak. The building design was based on an English Renaissance fort and palace. Under the second Rajah, it was used as a defence fort for the army, an armoury store, a prison and central control. It was once a Police Museum and now, it is conserved as historical museum (The Brooke Gallery). Opening Hours: Admission: Contact Info: Location Map: Where to Stay in Kuching: