For those of you who would like to watch craftsmen and craftswomen at work, then head to :
1. The Round Tower
This is right next to the Textile Museum and has craftsmen working on various crafts such as beading work, woodwork, weaving etc. this strange looking, fortified tower looks a little out of place; wedged between the old court house and the Pavilion which is distinctively colonial. What was Charles Brooke thinking when he commissioned this structure in 1886? I mean, why build a safe just to house the medical dispensary? That was what the Tower was used for..
Opening times: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Opening days: Daily
Located: Next to the old courthouse in town centre, opposite the General Post Office
Entrance fee: free
2. Sarakraf Pavilion
The craftwork showcased here includes woodcarving, ceramics, Sarawak Malay embroidery work known as 'keringkam', Sarawak Malay kain songket, Iban pua kumbu, pua sungkit, basketry, Orang Ulu and Iban beadwork.
The aim of the centre is to revive interest in local crafts amongst the people and in turn preserve this culture.
Those interested in the Orang Ulu musical intrument, the Sape. this is the place to visit just to witness how the beautiful instrument is made. Workshops are also conducted here for those interested to know more about the individual crafts.
Opening times: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Opening days: daily
Located: 78 Tabuan Road , Kuching. It's a little out of the way if you intend to walk, so catch a taxi.
Entrance fee: free
The Islamic museum
The much-revelled museum is housed in a building just behind the Sarawak Museum which was initially built as a school, fondly named James Brooke Malay College . In 1930, it was renamed Madrasah Melayu Sarawak - a college set up to train teachers in higher Malay studies. Missionary schools at the time were making good grounds in expanding the English language to the locals and with the establishment of this college, it was hoped that the Malay Language would also be sewn into the educational framework of the people. All that you'd want to know about Islam in Sarawak , the architecture, weaponry, decorative arts and such. make a few hours here.
Opening times: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Opening days: Everyday except Friday
Located: Jln P Ramlee, Kuching
Entrance fee: free
The Chinese History Museum
Good place to visit if you have an interest in the Chinese migration. It's amazing how different Chinese communities (normally segregated by the provinces and dialects) would arrive at the same place and eventually find a speciality; an industry; a craft that they would all aspire to make a fortune from.
Old sepia prints cover the walls accompanied by good, concise historical notes. Interesting Chinese musical instruments with some drum skins made from python, which according to old records and data - were abundant and fearless in the early days. 15ft pythons were not uncommon then and they'd add any moving target in their dinner menu, including pet dogs, chickens and wild pigs and some brave enough to admit - even men.
Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Opening days: Everyday
Located: Kuchig waterfront
Entrance fee: free
Courthouse & Brooke Memorial
visitor information centre at the old courts |
old courts |
The Courthouse used to be the seat of government during the days of the Rajahs. The current courthouse is the 3 rd to be built on this spot and was opened in 1874. Charles Brooke's daily routine was like clockwork. He would arise from bed to the boom of the cannon at 5.00am . Having dressed and breakfasted, he'd stroll down the Astana grounds and hop into his royal boat for a short trip across to the courthouse and there will start his workday.
brooke dockyard located near the courts |
Today, the state magistrate council, which was housed in this square, has been relocated to Petrajaya. The Courthouse's new lease of life was to be turned into a retail and information centre. To date, only one restaurant and the Visitors information centre has been set up leaving the rest empty. For those of you wishing to book your stay at the National Parks like Bako, it's best to make your bookings here at the information centre before going off on your trip. For others just wanting to pick up on some travel info..this is the best place to be. There are tour bookings, bus time schedules, officers behind the counter ever ready to help you plan your trip and even short videos to watch.just to give you a better idea of what you're in for.
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9.00am till 6.00pm ; Sunday/Public Holiday - 9.00am till 3.00pm
Opening times:
Location: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg
Tel: +6 082 410 944
Email: stb@sarawaktourism.com or vic-kuching@sarawaktourism.com
In front of the courthouse facing the Kuching waterfront is a memorial to Charles Brooke, erected by his son, Vyner in 1924.
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