Malaysia > Wandering through Kuching

Shortly after six in the morning, the plane lands at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I say goodbye to Alvin, who quickly explains that I will probably need to take a train to the other terminal for my connecting flight. On the way to immigration, I also meet other travel companions. Together, we pass through customs and search for the gate for the next flight. Indeed, the train takes me to the other terminal.

Malaysia - The new Sarawak parliament building in Kuching stands prominently on the riverbank

Through gate B5, I board the flight to Kuching shortly afterward. From the window, I have a beautiful view of the Malaysian Peninsula and striking cloud formations. A little after ten, I step onto Borneo with both feet. I collect my duffel bag from the luggage carousel. Outside the airport, Emile is waiting for me. He is the tour leader for this trip. I exchange money at an airport exchange office right away, so I at least have some ringgits on hand. Once the entire travel group is assembled, we drive by bus to the hotel in Kuching. Omar also introduces himself. He is the local Malaysian guide for the trip and enthusiastically talks about the program. He speaks good English, but I need a moment to get used to the local accent. Because he holds the microphone very close to his mouth, he is sometimes difficult to understand.

Malaysia - The sidewalk in front of shops in Kuching is actively used for trade

After a short rest in my hotel room, I walk in the afternoon toward the Kuching riverside boulevard along the river of the same name. Kuching is the largest city in Malaysian Borneo, with about 300,000 inhabitants. “Kuching” means “cat” in Malay. Accordingly, there are several cat statues in the city. The buildings are varied. High-rise buildings dominate the skyline, and I notice that a lot of attention is given to architecture. Several beautifully shaped buildings tower above the city. In stark contrast, the simpler houses of ordinary residents stand right next to them, mostly one or two stories high and often poorly maintained. Traffic in the city is busy. Since people drive on the left, extra caution is needed when crossing the street. Along the Kuching River, a walking promenade has been built. From the promenade, I see small boats functioning as water taxis, ferrying passengers to the north side of the river. Here, the striking parliament building rises above the trees. To the right, hidden among the trees, is Margherita Fort. To the left lies the palace that Charles Brooke had built in 1879 to celebrate the arrival of his wife in the city. Along the promenade, I pass the Chinese Tua Pek Kong Temple, the oldest building in the city. Inside are images of Chinese gods, and incense burns for worship. At the square clock tower and the courthouse, I leave the river and make my way toward the grand mosque. I turn into Carpenter Street, full of furniture makers, and then enter the Chinese district.

Malaysia - The gateway to China Town in Kuching

Some men on a terrace point out that there is a Chinese temple above the restaurant. I climb the stairs to the fourth floor. The oppressive, humid heat becomes increasingly noticeable. Once at the top, I take off my shoes. The small temple is worth visiting and also offers a beautiful view over the city. In the afternoon, Emile gives a briefing at the hotel. He explains that it is officially the rainy season in Malaysia and advises keeping a poncho handy for often short but heavy showers. He promises that the travel days will generally be short. We will move several times by boat or plane, which makes the trip varied. At the end, Emile gives tips for the two-day excursion to Bako National Park. Only the necessary luggage for these two days will be taken along. After the briefing, I head back to the boulevard. In a restaurant with a view of the Kuching River, we have a group dinner. After eating, I stroll along the boulevard. The lights of the parliament building reflect in the river. The streets are lively and bustling. Before going to bed, I pack my luggage for the next two days, then quickly crawl into bed.