Kuching
Kuching is the first division of the 10-administrative divisions of Sarawak. Kuching City is the capital city of Sarawak. It is managed by two local city councils, North Kuching City Council and South Kuching City Council. A river called “Sungai Sarawak” separates the north and south of Kuching. From the river, one can get a spectacular view of the Malay Kampungs (Villages) with a gorgeous mountainous background and a far distant view of the 19th century Chinese shop houses, the Malay mosque, the new State Parliament, the square tower and Margherita Fort.
In Kuching, there are old Chinese temples, Brooke era buildings, Waterfront Park, observation towers and museums. There is a wide range of accommodation ranging from budget hotels to luxury 5 star hotels. After a long day, you can feast yourself with local delicacies such as seafood, chicken rice, Malay Nasi Lemak, Laksa Sarawak, and a variety of Chinese noodles.
The city’s name is variously claimed to have originated from several sources. In the Malay language, Kuching means ‘cat’ (or feline). Some sources say that Kuching originated from the Chinese word "Gu Chin" which means ‘harbor’, or a similar name for ‘old well’. Another source says that Kuching is named after a lychee like fruit called ”Mata Kuching” (Cat's eye).
Kuching can be reached via air transport through Kuching International Airport. Many daily flights from Kuala Lumpur are available via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. Kuching has also direct flights to Singapore and some other countries in the region.
The official religion is Sunni Islam. There are also Christians, Buddhist-Taoists, Sikhs and followers of various traditional beliefs. Freedom of worship is respected.
