KUCHING WATERFRONT

The Kuching Waterfront is the local point of the town and features a graceful, European-style esplande with viewa across to the astana (the place) and Fort Margherita. Formerly this 1 km stretch was home to many warehouses, which were closely associated with the mercantile trade of this city. The design of the waterfront has incorporated traditional Iban cultural motifs, evident in the mosaic tiles on the pavements.

The waterfront has of course undergone several transformation since the 19th century - from a small settlement with a few atop buildings, to a busy port with warehouses and wharves, to the landscaped riverside walk it is today. The waterfront is now also home to modern sculpture, an open-air theater and a musical fountain.

There are also numerous rotunda rest point along the way. Mid-way down the stretch sits the Hornbill fountains, a modern steel sculpture, depicting Sarawak's national bird, the hornbill. Its play of light is rather arresting at night. Just further down, on the left hand side is a building, which houses the Chinese Museum. Members of the chinese community built this building in 1912. The waterfront also features an open-air eatery and a theater. The theater is housed in the former Sarawak steamship company warehouse. The tourist information office is also situated here. Cultural activities are held here especially during Gawai (the native harvest festival) in June each year and Cat City Featival, held annually in August. For another perspective on the town, hire a boat and float down the river either by day or night - the sunset is fantastic.