For a first evening in Kuching, I would start where the city’s river story is still visible under your feet: the Kuching Waterfront. This is less a single attraction than a south-bank thread connecting old shopfronts, boats, food, civic buildings and the walk across to Darul Hana. The riverfront was once Kuching’s working edge, where the nineteenth-century trading port met the Sarawak River. The modern promenade emerged from the 1993 redevelopment of that old edge, which is why the walk feels layered rather than designed as one giant photo set: five-foot ways and historic buildings sit beside lighting, fountains and newer public space. [image: 1781056982336-02_kuching_waterfront_panorama.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons I would begin near Main Bazaar or the Old Court House while there is still daylight. Across the water, The Astana, Fort Margherita and the State Legislative Assembly building turn the opposite bank into a history lesson; the river also explains why Kuching grew here in the first place. When the light softens, the same route becomes a local evening space for strolling, festivals, street performances and families—not just an international visitor’s viewpoint. [image: 1781056983557-04_kuching_waterfront_promenade-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The most useful choice is whether to keep walking or take the river. A penambang can save time and give you the water-level view, while Darul Hana Bridge lets you cross on foot and look back at the old city. Boat fares, cruise departures and return arrangements are operator-dependent, so ask before boarding; the promenade itself is free, but an evening plan should not assume every stall or boat runs late. [image: 1781056981757-01_kuching_waterfront_night-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Allow 60–90 minutes for a relaxed walk, or two to three hours if you add the bridge, food and a boat. Midday can be hard in the humidity, while late afternoon gives you old façades, river traffic and sunset before the lights come on. Parking around the old town tightens during events, so walking from a central hotel or using e-hailing is usually easier; carry rain protection because river weather changes quickly. [image: 1781056982809-03_kuching_sarawak_river_sunset-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons [image: 1781056984562-04_kuching_waterfront_promenade2-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The Waterfront is worth prioritising for a first-time international visitor because it gives context to several other stops at once. Anyone expecting a quiet, empty boardwalk may be disappointed at festival time, but a traveller willing to follow the river’s working history into the evening will find the route keeps changing as the light does.

Sarawak TVET students brought home a runner-up finish at an international robotics championship in Taiwan — proving Malaysian technical talent can shine on the world stage. Students from Matang Vocational College (KVM) competed in the STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026 at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei from May 30-31. They won the Finalist Alliance Award in the League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) category. The championship drew top robotics teams from multiple countries, challenging participants in robot design, programming, engineering, and strategic problem-solving. KVM's team advanced all the way to the final round before securing second place. The League of Mecha-Clash requires teams to build robots capable of completing tasks through both autonomous operation and manual control. Success depends not just on technical skill but on teamwork and real-time coordination with alliance partners. KVM said the achievement reflects the dedication and perseverance of both students and mentors throughout the preparation period. It also highlights the ability of Malaysia's TVET students to compete internationally in robotics and emerging tech. [image: 1781053387272-robotics-team.jpg] KVM's robotics team with their award in Taiwan. The college hopes this international recognition will inspire more students to pursue excellence in TVET — especially in robotics, automation, and AI. Location: Matang Vocational College (KVM), Kuching / Taipei, Taiwan Details: Runner-up (Finalist Alliance Award), STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026, League of Mecha-Clash category Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/06/10/sarawak-tvet-students-earn-global-accolade-for-robotics-excellence-in-taiwan/ What do you think?

When a museum day has to carry the weight of a whole region, I would start at Borneo Cultures Museum beside Padang Merdeka. It is not merely the biggest-looking building in town: its five floors move from rivers and childhood to ecology, changing time and the objects people desire. [image: 1780970697186-garden_view_small.jpg] Source: Wikimedia / Wikipedia The building opened in March 2022 as Sarawak’s flagship cultural institution, taking over the central-city museum role while the historic State Museum undergoes its own long transition. That change is visible in the galleries: “Love Our Rivers” gives children an entry point, “In Harmony with Nature” links daily life to the environment, “Time Changes” makes history a process rather than a date list, and “Objects of Desire” lets material culture do the talking. [image: 1780970684989-interior1.jpg] Source: Prestige Singapore The independent visitor response is strongest when the displays are treated as a route, not a photo backdrop. Interactive media and more than a thousand objects help first-time visitors, but the scale can also tire anyone who tries to read every label. I would allow two hours, more for a serious visit, and start upstairs or follow the gallery sequence before the building fills. Travellers wanting a small quiet museum may find it too large; families, rainy-day planners and visitors with only one cultural afternoon get much more from it. [image: 1780970698552-display_shot-resized.jpg] Source: KuchingBorneo From the Waterfront or Main Bazaar, walk across the old-city streets to Padang Merdeka; parking and e-hailing are easier than treating this as a drive-by stop. Current published hours are 9:00–4:45 on weekdays and 9:30–4:30 on weekends and public holidays, with last admission at 4:00, but holidays, exhibitions and ticket rules can move. Check the museum’s current notice before committing to the final hour. The auditorium and event spaces also mean a public programme can change the feel of a visit without making the museum closed. [image: 1780970699095-island_drum-resized.jpg] Source: The Island Drum I would pair it with the State Museum grounds, Old Court House or a slow walk across Padang Merdeka, then stop before cultural fatigue sets in. The museum is worth prioritising for international visitors who want context quickly, but its real strength is the connection between landscape, community and objects—not the claim that it is simply “the largest.” [image: 1780970699603-jgw_exhibit.jpg] Source: Just Gone Wandering Give the galleries enough time to change your route through Sarawak, and the five-storey building becomes a useful beginning rather than a checklist ending.

时间有限时，我会把婆罗洲文化博物馆排在古晋文化路线前面：它就在 Padang Merdeka 旁边，五层展厅可以把河流、生态、历史和各族群的日常放进同一个下午。 [image: 1780970697186-garden_view_small.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia / Wikipedia 这座馆于2022年3月开放，成为砂拉越的旗舰文化机构，也接过市中心博物馆的主要角色；旧砂拉越博物馆则进入另一段转型。展厅不是把文物逐件堆起来：“爱护我们的河流”让孩子从水域进入故事，“与自然和谐共处”把文化放回环境里，“时代变迁”说明历史会移动，“欲望之物”则让生活用品说出身份和选择。 [image: 1780970684989-interior1.jpg] 来源： Prestige Singapore 逛这里最适合按路线看，而不是每一面墙都当成拍照背景。互动展示和上千件物件照顾第一次来的旅客，但五层楼也会让只想快速打卡的人疲惫。我会预留至少两小时，认真读展签就再加时间；家庭、雨天行程和只有半天认识砂拉越的外国旅客会最有收获。只喜欢小而安静展馆的人，可能觉得规模太大。 [image: 1780970698552-display_shot-resized.jpg] 来源： KuchingBorneo 从河滨公园或 Main Bazaar 步行过来，可以顺着老城街区接到 Padang Merdeka；若自驾，先考虑停车，不要把它当成路边下车拍照点。目前公开开放时间为星期一至五9:00至4:45，周末及公共假期9:30至4:30，最后入场4:00；假期、特别展览和票务规定可能调整，出发前要看博物馆最新通知。馆内还有礼堂和活动空间，遇到公开活动时，参观动线和气氛也可能不同。 [image: 1780970699095-island_drum-resized.jpg] 来源： The Island Drum 我会把它和旧砂拉越博物馆园地、Old Court House 或 Padang Merdeka 慢走排在一起，但不会贪心塞满所有展层。对外国旅客来说，它很适合作为快速建立砂拉越背景的第一站；真正值得的不是“全马最大”这句标签，而是看见河流、社区和物件如何互相连起来。 [image: 1780970699603-jgw_exhibit.jpg] 来源： Just Gone Wandering 给展厅一点时间，它会替你重新安排接下来认识古晋的路线。

Kuching has plenty of cat statues, but the Cat Museum is where the joke becomes a full collection. My advice: treat it as a quirky indoor stop, not a reason to build an entire day around Bukit Siol. The museum sits inside the DBKU headquarters on Bukit Siol, away from the usual Waterfront walking route. That location is the first thing to plan for: it makes more sense by car or e-hailing than as a casual add-on while exploring old Kuching. [image: 1780884416332-kuching_cat_museum_entrance.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Inside, the collection moves between cat-related art, advertising, stamps, toys, cultural beliefs and natural-history material. Some displays feel nostalgic rather than high-tech. I do not see that as a deal-breaker, but visitors expecting a modern interactive museum should set expectations correctly. [image: 1780884416567-interior_view_of_kuching_cat_museum.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Who will enjoy it most? Cat lovers and families will get the easiest fun from it. The collection is broad enough for a slow browse, while the unusual theme gives children plenty to point at. If museums are not normally your thing, the novelty can still carry a short visit. [image: 1780884416787-666_-_kuching_cat-museum.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons My honest verdict: worth doing when you have transport, spare time or need an indoor option. If your Kuching schedule is only one day, I would prioritise the Waterfront–Main Bazaar area and Borneo Cultures Museum first, then add the Cat Museum if the theme genuinely appeals to you. [image: 1780884421939-cat_museum_001.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Practical planning Operating check — 2026-08-23: DBKU's current page lists 9:00am–4:30pm Monday–Sunday, except public holidays. I found no closure, relocation or upgrading notice on the official page today; hours can still change, so verify before leaving. Location: DBKU headquarters, Bukit Siol, Petra Jaya Getting there: Around 15–20 minutes by car from central Kuching when traffic is light Time needed: Roughly 45–90 minutes for most visitors Access: The museum is on an upper floor; use the building lift and follow DBKU signage Before going: Confirm current opening hours, public-holiday arrangements and admission with DBKU Best pairing: Petra Jaya, the north bank, Fort Margherita or a later Waterfront stop [image: 1780884422139-cat_museum_002.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Would I recommend it to everyone? Not automatically. But for cat people, rainy-day planners and anyone who enjoys odd little museums, it is one of Kuching's most distinctive stops.

古晋到处都有猫雕像，但猫博物馆才是把这座城市的“猫梗”变成完整收藏的地方。我的建议是：把它当成一个有趣的室内行程，不必为了它单独排满一整天。 博物馆位于 Bukit Siol 的古晋北市市政局（DBKU）总部，并不在河滨公园那条游客步行路线。这个地点必须先考虑：自驾或叫车最方便，不适合从老街顺便走过去。 [image: 1780884416332-kuching_cat_museum_entrance.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 馆内收藏横跨猫主题艺术、广告、邮票、玩具、不同文化中的猫信仰，以及部分自然历史资料。有些展柜走的是怀旧路线，不是现代互动展馆。我不觉得这是致命缺点，不过如果你期待的是高科技体验，最好先调整预期。 [image: 1780884416567-interior_view_of_kuching_cat_museum.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 谁会最喜欢？ 猫奴和亲子家庭最容易逛得开心。主题够特别，小朋友会有很多东西可以看；成年人也能从海报、纪念品和文化资料中慢慢找细节。平时不爱逛博物馆的人，也可能因为题材够特别而愿意停留一阵。 [image: 1780884416787-666_-_kuching_cat-museum.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 我的真实判断是：有交通、有空档，或下雨需要室内行程时值得去。 如果你在古晋只有一天，我会先排河滨公园、Main Bazaar 和婆罗洲文化博物馆；确定自己真的喜欢猫主题，再把这里加进去。 [image: 1780884421939-cat_museum_001.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 实用安排 地点： Petra Jaya、Bukit Siol 的 DBKU 总部 交通： 从古晋市中心出发，交通顺畅时约15至20分钟车程 建议时间： 大多数人约45至90分钟 入馆： 博物馆位于高楼层，可使用电梯并跟随 DBKU 指示 出发前： 向 DBKU 确认最新开放时间、公共假期安排及入场规定 顺路组合： Petra Jaya、北岸、Fort Margherita，之后再回河滨公园 [image: 1780884422139-cat_museum_002.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 我不会把它列为每个人都必须去的景点；但对猫奴、雨天行程和喜欢冷门小博物馆的人来说，它确实很有古晋特色。

Kuching residents report discoloured tap water as Sarawak Water rushes to fix pipeline issues Residents across several areas in Kuching Division have been complaining about murky, discoloured water coming from their taps over the past days. Sarawak Water confirmed it has mobilised its operations and technical teams to carry out intensive flushing works (water pipe cleaning) at affected locations. According to the agency, the issue is believed to be caused by muddy water and sediment disturbances within the distribution pipeline system — triggered by changes in water flow and ongoing stabilisation of the water supply system. "Sarawak Water is treating this matter seriously, and continuous field monitoring is being conducted to ensure that conditions return to normal as quickly as possible," the agency said in a Facebook post. Affected areas: Kuching Division (multiple locations) Status: Ongoing — flushing works underway, monitoring continues [image: 1780880739940-kuching-water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Has your area been affected?

[image: 1780812153192-ssciex-aerial.jpeg] Sarawak's first interactive science centre opens Phase 1 on July 29, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, a mirror maze, water play zone and more. Located at Jalan Stadium on a 10.97-acre site, the Sarawak Science Centre Interactive Experience (SSCiEX) will welcome visitors starting July 29. Phase 1 covers the Ground Floor and Level 1 galleries, while Level 2 and 3 will follow later. What's Inside Visitors can explore galleries covering physics, engineering, earth science, biology and technology. Key attractions include: Animatronic dinosaur gallery 🦕 Water play zone Mirror maze Forces, light and sound exhibits The centre also offers daily science theatre shows, live demonstrations, lab sessions for schools, a Maker's Space, community farming zones and an on-site hostel for visiting school groups. Background The project was approved by the Sarawak government in 2019. Planning started in 2022 with Singapore Science Centre helping develop the Strategic Master Plan, incorporating Sarawak's natural environment and cultural identity into the visitor experience. Construction progressed in 2024, with exhibit fabrication and installation in 2025. This is a Sarawak government initiative under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at nurturing STEM interest through interactive learning. Location: Jalan Stadium, Kuching Opening: July 29, 2026 (Phase 1) Source: DayakDaily Who's planning to visit?

Fort Margherita is the white fort most people photograph from Kuching Waterfront. If you ask me, the better plan is to cross the river and understand why it was built, instead of treating it as part of the skyline only. Charles Brooke, Sarawak's second White Rajah, completed the fort in 1879 and named it after his wife, Margaret. Its position on the north bank gave it a clear view of river traffic approaching Kuching, while its English-castle design made it stand out from the surrounding landscape. [image: 1780797976442-fm1_thumb.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The battlements, central tower and enclosed courtyard still make the defensive purpose easy to read. The details are more interesting when you slow down: the river-facing position, controlled entrance and walls were practical security, not just decorative architecture. [image: 1780797977119-fm2-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The Brooke Gallery is the main reason to enter The fort now houses the Brooke Gallery, which follows Sarawak's history under the Brooke dynasty through documents, objects and family material. I would not frame that period as a simple royal adventure. The gallery is more useful when read alongside the experiences of Sarawak's communities, colonial power and the political changes that followed. [image: 1780797977586-fm3.jpg] Source: Urbanist Wanderer For visitors who like buildings, the fort itself may be enough. For anyone trying to understand old Kuching, the exhibition gives the stop its real weight. I would allow at least an hour rather than rushing in for one photo. [image: 1780797977815-fm4.jpg] Source: Asian Itinerary How I would plan it Cross the Darul Hana Bridge from the Waterfront, then continue towards the fort; or use road access through Petra Jaya Wear shoes suitable for steps and uneven surfaces Combine it with the north-bank river view, The Astana exterior and a walk back across the bridge Check Brooke Museums for current gallery hours, ticket prices and temporary closures before going Avoid making a special trip late in the day without confirming the last admission time [image: 1780797978084-fm5.jpg] Source: Tripadvisor My verdict: one of Kuching's better heritage stops if you give it context and time. The view is a bonus; the real value is seeing how the fort, river and Brooke administration fitted together.

Fort Margherita 就是大家从古晋河滨公园望过去时，经常拍到的白色城堡。如果是我，我会过河真正走进去看看，而不是只把它当成天际线的一部分。 砂拉越第二任白人拉惹 Charles Brooke 于1879年建成这座堡垒，并以妻子 Margaret 的名字命名。它位于砂拉越河北岸，可以清楚观察进入古晋的河上交通；英式城堡外形，也让它在周围环境中非常显眼。 [image: 1780797976442-fm1_thumb.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 城墙、中央塔楼和封闭庭院至今仍能让人看懂它当年的防御功能。慢慢看会比较有意思：面对河流的位置、受控制的入口和高墙，本来就是实际保安设计，不只是为了好看。 [image: 1780797977119-fm2-resized.jpg] 来源： Wikimedia Commons 真正值得进馆的是 Brooke Gallery 堡垒内现在设有 Brooke Gallery，通过文件、物件和家族资料介绍 Brooke 王朝时期的砂拉越历史。我不会把这段历史简单包装成“王室冒险故事”；配合砂拉越各族群的经历、殖民权力和之后的政治变化一起看，才更完整。 [image: 1780797977586-fm3.jpg] 来源： Urbanist Wanderer 只喜欢建筑的人，堡垒本身已经够看；想了解老古晋的人，展览才是这趟行程真正的分量。我会预留至少1小时，不建议进门拍一张照就离开。 [image: 1780797977815-fm4.jpg] 来源： Asian Itinerary 我会怎样安排 从河滨公园走过 Darul Hana Bridge，再前往堡垒；也可从 Petra Jaya 驾车进入 穿适合走楼梯和不平地面的鞋 顺路看北岸河景、The Astana 外观，再走桥回到市区 出发前向 Brooke Museums 确认最新开放时间、票价和临时关闭安排 不要在傍晚很迟才专程过去，除非已经确认最后入场时间 [image: 1780797978084-fm5.jpg] 来源： Tripadvisor 我的判断：只要愿意花时间理解背景，这里是古晋比较值得去的历史景点。 河景只是加分，真正的价值是看懂堡垒、砂拉越河和 Brooke 政权之间的关系。

Tbh when I first went to Sarawak Cultural Village, I thought it'd be one of those "for tourists only" places... Turns out it's way bigger than I expected — 17 acres of actual living museum, not just display. Every traditional house has real people inside doing crafts, cooking traditional food, telling their stories. Spent the whole afternoon there and still didn't cover everything. Here's what I think are the best bits [image: 1780726693527-resized_scv_bridge.jpg] Source: Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) The Orang Ulu longhouse is the most photogenic spot. High ceilings covered in beadwork and murals, super vibrant colours. Someone was playing traditional instruments when I walked in — the atmosphere was genuinely something else. [image: 1780726694256-resized_scv_deck.jpg] Source: Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) The bamboo walkway outside the Iban longhouse is another great photo spot. That bamboo bridge? Almost every shot looks like it could be a cover photo. [image: 1780726694918-resized_scv_lamps.jpg] Source: Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) The handicrafts around the village are really well made — bamboo lampshades, beadwork, wood carvings. Good quality souvenir material. [image: 1780726696248-resized_scv_hall.jpg] Source: Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) The stone carvings outside the Bidayuh longhouse caught my eye too. Spent a good 10 minutes just looking at the patterns. [image: 1780726696630-resized_scv_carvings.jpg] Source: Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) Don't miss the cultural performances — twice daily at 11:30am and 4pm. Traditional dance, music, and costumes. The energy live is something you can't capture on a phone. Practical Info ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Address: Pantai Damai, Santubong, Kuching (about 35 mins from city centre) Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm) Tickets: Malaysian - Adult RM95 / Child RM65 Non-Malaysian - Adult RM135 / Child RM85 (Cheaper online, above is walk-in price) ️ Combo with lunch available: RM138 (Malaysian adult) Real Reviews ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ "Very educational and interesting to learn about the different ethnic groups in Sarawak... the cultural dance performance is a must-watch!" — Azreen S. (Google Maps) "The staff are very friendly and explain their culture in each house. The bamboo bridge area was the highlight for me, really beautiful scenery." — Wei Ling C. (Google Maps) "Best place to bring overseas visitors. You can get a good overview of Sarawak's main ethnic groups in half a day. Just bring water, there's a lot of walking." — Kenji T. (TripAdvisor) RM95 might feel steep for locals, but if you've got friends visiting Kuching, this is the kind of place everyone should experience at least once. I've been three times and noticed something new each visit. Have you been? Worth it or not? Drop your thoughts below

几年前第一次去 Sarawak Cultural Village 的时候，老实说我以为就是那种「给游客看的文化村」... 结果走了半天，发现整片园区比想象中大太多，17 英亩的面积，我一整个下午都走不完。而且不是那种假假的展示，里面每一间传统屋子都是真的有人在里面做手工艺、煮传统食物、讲自己的故事。 来说说我觉得最值得看的几个点 [image: 1780726693527-resized_scv_bridge.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 第一个是 Orang Ulu 长屋，也是最出片的一间。进去就看到高高的天花板挂满 beadwork 和壁画，颜色超丰富。还有人在现场吹传统乐器，那个氛围是真的有 feel。 [image: 1780726694256-resized_scv_deck.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) Iban 长屋外面的竹制步道也很有意思，走在上面能拍到很多好看的角度。那个竹桥拍出来的照片几乎每张都可以当封面。 [image: 1780726694918-resized_scv_lamps.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 园区里的手工艺品也很有特色，各种竹编灯罩、珠串、木雕。做工很细致，也很适合买来做手信。 [image: 1780726696248-resized_scv_hall.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) Bidayuh 长屋外面的石头雕刻也很有特色，我在那边站了十几分钟看那些纹路。 [image: 1780726696630-resized_scv_carvings.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 必看的是每天两场的文化表演（11:30am 和 4pm），传统舞蹈 + 音乐 + 服装，现场看效果是手机拍不出来的震撼。 实用资讯 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 地址：Pantai Damai, Santubong, Kuching（距离市区约 35 分钟车程） 开放时间：9:00am - 5:00pm（最后入场 4:00pm） 门票： 大马公民 - 成人 RM95 / 小孩 RM65 非大马公民 - 成人 RM135 / 小孩 RM85 （官网买票更便宜，以上是 walk-in 价格） ️ 可以在园区买带午餐的票，RM138（大马成人） 看看真实的评价 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ "Very educational and interesting to learn about the different ethnic groups in Sarawak... the cultural dance performance is a must-watch!" — Azreen S. (Google Maps) "工作人员很友善，每间屋子都会介绍他们的传统文化。最惊喜的是竹桥那边的风景，真的很美。" — Wei Ling C. (Google Maps) "带外国朋友来超有面子的一条线，半天就能大概了解砂拉越主要的民族。唯一要注意的是记得带水，园区里走路挺多的。" — Kenji T. (TripAdvisor) 老实讲，RM95 对本地人来说不算便宜，但如果你有外地朋友来古晋，这里是那种「一生人一定要去一次」的地方。我自己去了三次，每一次都看到不一样的东西。 你们去过了吗？觉得值得吗？留言分享一下

Kota Sentosa family terrorised by loan sharks after son's RM7,000 debt balloons to RM30,000 — arson, threats, and a family living in fear. A Kota Sentosa family has filed five police reports after illegal moneylenders allegedly threatened them and set fire to their house and vehicle over a RM7,000 loan taken out by their son. The son has gone into hiding, leaving his elderly parents to face the consequences alone. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap accompanied the couple to meet Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu today after the family began receiving threats and experienced arson attacks. According to Yap, the lenders are now demanding around RM30,000 in settlement — nearly four times the original amount. [image: 1780726648584-loan-arson.jpg] Yap (left) with the couple at the Kuching District Police Headquarters. Photo: Wilfred Yap's office. Location: Kota Sentosa, Kuching Details: The family's son borrowed RM7,000 from unlicensed moneylenders who now demand RM30,000. The family's house and car were set on fire. The son is in hiding. Five police reports have been lodged. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/illegal-loan-turns-into-nightmare-as-family-faces-threats-arson-over-sons-rm7000-debt/ What do you think?

On the Damai road, Sarawak Cultural Village is the point where I would choose between a quick beach stop and a half-day cultural detour. The village exists to make Sarawak's many living traditions legible to visitors who cannot travel upriver to meet every community, but its strength comes with a clear limit: this is a carefully staged introduction, not a substitute for a real longhouse visit. [image: 1780625516874-cv1-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) Opened in 1990 as a Sarawak Economic Development Corporation project, the 17-acre living museum arranges seven full-size traditional house forms around a walkable landscape. The Bidayuh headhouse, Iban longhouse, Orang Ulu house, Penan hut, Melanau tall house, Malay house and Chinese farmhouse are not random photo props; their different heights, materials and layouts show how climate, river life and social space shape architecture. [image: 1780625517126-cv2-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) I would slow down at the demonstrations rather than collect every building. Weaving, sape music, food and craft explanations give the replicas a human layer, while the twice-daily performance turns the route into a shared stage. That is the memorable part for families and first-time visitors; travellers wanting an unfiltered community encounter may feel the boundaries of a tourism presentation, and should pair this with respectful real-community travel elsewhere. [image: 1780625517458-melanau-resized.jpg] Source: Flickr / Tim Mansfield (CC BY) From central Kuching, allow about 45 minutes by car and keep a return plan; public transport is not the easy option. The current visitor guide lists 9:00am–5:00pm opening and shows at 11:30am and 4:00pm. Recent published rates list Malaysian adults at RM95 and non-Malaysian adults at RM135, with child prices lower, but tickets and packages can change. Arrive before the show, walk the houses, then leave time for Damai or Santubong rather than trying to force both performances into one rushed loop. [image: 1780625517908-bamboo_bridge.jpg] Source: Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) I would send overseas visitors here when they have one free morning and want a readable first encounter with Sarawak's cultures. I would warn anyone who dislikes heat, staged interpretation or walking between buildings that the ticket will not turn the visit into an intimate village stay. The value is in seeing how architecture, music and craft are presented together—and then knowing what the presentation cannot replace. [image: 1780625517978-village_overview-resized.jpg] Source: Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) That balance is why the village earns a place on a first Kuching route: useful, vivid and deliberately framed. Would you spend the extra time on the houses, the craft demonstrations or the afternoon show?

[image: 1780552949479-energy-link.jpg] Sarawak is set to become Borneo's energy powerhouse — with an undersea cable project capable of supplying electricity to four countries including Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the federal government and the Sarawak government are jointly pursuing a major cross-border energy initiative. Speaking at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) in Kuala Lumpur, he said the plan involves laying undersea cables to transmit Sarawak's surplus energy to regional markets. "This joint proposal with the Sarawak government utilises a very large energy capacity and provides an undersea route to meet energy needs in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, as well as Sabah up to the Philippines and Indonesia," said Anwar. Sarawak currently operates three hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 GW — enough to power about three million households daily. A fourth plant is under construction as part of the state's target to hit 10 GW generation capacity by 2030. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari had previously revealed the undersea cable linking Sarawak to Singapore would span roughly 720km, mostly through Indonesian waters, and is expected to be commercially operational by 2031. Location: Kuching / Kuala Lumpur Details: Cross-border undersea cable energy initiative covering Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

If I had to design a Kuching day for a visitor who keeps asking, “Where do we actually meet Sarawak?”, I would drive towards Santubong before the heat builds and use Sarawak Cultural Village as the day's cultural spine. It compresses a huge geography into one walk, but the details are worth more than the slogan. [image: 1780538578622-scv_main.jpg] SCV entrance The village was created as a living-museum project in 1990, and its seven house types explain why “Sarawak culture” is plural. A raised Iban longhouse, a Bidayuh headhouse, an Orang Ulu house, a Melanau tall house and the smaller Penan, Malay and Chinese structures make climate and community visible in wood, height and shared space. That is the first story a traveller can physically read before hearing a performance. [image: 1780538589481-scv_panoramio-resized.jpg] Panoramic view of the village The second story is what changed when a living tradition became a visitor route. Guides and craft demonstrations keep the place from being empty scenery, while the lake, paths and scheduled stage show make the experience easy to follow. It is excellent for a first orientation, children and visitors with limited time; it is less satisfying for anyone who wants to observe ordinary village life without a timetable. [image: 1780538589985-scv_village11.jpg] Traditional architecture inside the village I would arrive around opening, spend the first stretch inside the houses, and choose one show rather than designing the day around both. The site is about 35 km from Kuching and current visitor information lists 9:00am–5:00pm, with shows at 11:30am and 4:00pm. Allow at least three hours, wear shoes for uneven paths and keep water handy. Ticket prices, lunch packages and show arrangements can change, so confirm the live booking page before paying. [image: 1780538590304-scv_cultural2-resized.jpg] Cultural dance performance For international visitors, the practical trade-off is simple: one paid, organised stop gives a broad cultural frame, but it cannot replace a community-led trip into the interior. Pair it with Damai beach or a Santubong viewpoint if you want a full day; if your interest is only a stage performance, arrive for the show and spend the rest of the day elsewhere. [image: 1780538590861-scv_cultural1-resized.jpg] Traditional handicrafts on display I like this version of the stop because it makes a complicated region approachable without pretending the shortcut is the whole journey. What would make you stay longer: a house explanation, a craft session or the music?

如果要替第一次来古晋、一路问“到底在哪里认识砂拉越”的游客排一天，我会趁天气还没太热开往山都望，把砂拉越文化村放成这天的文化主线。它把很大的地理范围压缩在一条步道里，但真正值得看的不是那句口号，而是眼前每一座屋子为何长成这样。 [image: 1780538578622-scv_main.jpg] SCV 入口外观 文化村在 1990 年作为活博物馆项目出现，七种民居说明“砂拉越文化”从来不是单数。伊班高脚长屋、比达友头屋、乌鲁屋、马兰诺高脚屋，以及本南、马来和华人建筑，在高度、木料和共享空间上各有不同；游客不用先读一大段历史，就能从建筑看见气候、河流和社区关系。 [image: 1780538589481-scv_panoramio-resized.jpg] 园区全景 第二层故事，是传统进入旅游路线后发生了什么。屋内讲解和手工示范让园区不至于只剩空景，湖边步道与固定表演则把复杂内容变得容易跟上。带孩子、时间有限或想先建立文化地图的人会觉得清楚；若期待没有时间表的村落日常，就会发现这里是经过编排的学习入口。 [image: 1780538589985-scv_village11.jpg] 园区内传统建筑 我会开门后先走一轮民居，再选择看一场表演，不会为了两场表演把整天切得太碎。地点距离古晋约 35 公里，当前资料列出 9:00am–5:00pm，表演为 11:30am 和 4:00pm；预留至少三小时，穿适合不平步道的鞋并带水。票价、午餐配套和演出安排可能调整，付款前要确认最新订票页面。 [image: 1780538590304-scv_cultural2-resized.jpg] 传统舞蹈表演 对外国游客来说，取舍很直接：一次有组织的付费行程，能在半天内建立砂拉越文化的宽度，却不能取代社区带领的内陆旅程。想排完整一天，可接 Damai 海滩或山都望观景点；如果只对表演有兴趣，选一场看完就走，不必勉强逛到闭园。 [image: 1780538590861-scv_cultural1-resized.jpg] 传统手工艺品 我喜欢文化村的地方，是它让一个复杂地区有了入口，同时没有必要假装入口就是全部。你会因为哪一项多留一小时：长屋讲解、手艺示范，还是音乐表演？

When I have one hot Kuching afternoon to spend indoors, I would start beside Padang Merdeka and let the Borneo Cultures Museum set the pace. The useful question is not whether the building is big; it is whether five floors can help a first-time visitor understand Sarawak without turning the visit into a checklist. [image: 1780020366019-01-front-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The museum opened in March 2022 as Sarawak's flagship cultural institution, taking over the central-city role once associated with the older State Museum. That change matters: the galleries are designed as a journey through living relationships rather than a row of detached antiques. The river gallery gives children a starting point, while the nature, time-change and material-culture floors connect landscape, history and everyday choices. [image: 1780020366976-02-garden-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons I would move upward slowly. The upper floors make the building's modern craft-inspired design feel like part of the story, and the collection's 1,600-plus objects give the broad themes something tangible to hold on to. A visitor interested in rivers, textiles, foodways or how communities adapt to forests will get more than a photo stop; someone expecting a small room of royal relics may find the multimedia approach less intimate. [image: 1780020367935-03-museum-2024-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Plan two to four hours, especially if travelling with children or using the interactive displays properly. It sits next to Padang Merdeka, so walking from the old-town museums is simple; driving or a short ride-hail is easier in the heat. The current public listing gives weekday hours of 9:00am–4:45pm and weekend/public-holiday hours of 9:30am–4:30pm, with last admission at 4:00pm. Holiday closures, exhibitions and fees can change, so check before setting off. [image: 1780020368791-04-backyard-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons For an international visitor, this is one of the strongest rainy-day anchors in Kuching because it gives context before a trip to a longhouse, national park or cultural village. I would not rush through it in an hour just to claim it was done; the better route is museum first, Padang Merdeka and old town after, with enough quiet time for one gallery to stay in your head. [image: 1780020369707-05-tugu-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — View from Tugu Pahlawan The museum works when you treat it as a map of Sarawak, not a giant building to conquer. Which floor would you give the most time to on your first visit?

如果古晋下午突然下雨，我会从 Padang Merdeka 旁边的婆罗洲文化博物馆开始，而不是先追求“最大”这个标签。真正值得安排的问题，是五层展厅能不能让第一次来砂拉越的人看懂这里的河流、森林和生活怎样连在一起。 [image: 1780020366019-01-front-view-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons 这座馆在 2022 年 3 月开放，接过市中心文化机构的主位置，也让旧砂拉越博物馆进入另一段转型。这个变化会反映在展厅里：儿童展厅从河流切入，“与自然和谐共处”把文化放回环境，“时代变迁”让历史不再只是年份，“欲望之物”则让日常用品讲出身份和选择。 [image: 1780020366976-02-garden-view-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons 我会从低层慢慢往上走，不把每一件展品都当成打卡背景。馆内超过 1,600 件藏品和互动装置，让河流、织物、工具与社区故事有具体落点；喜欢自然、历史和生活文化的人会看得很顺，若只想看一间安静的古董陈列室，可能会觉得多媒体安排太丰富。 [image: 1780020367935-03-museum-2024-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons 这里靠近 Padang Merdeka，适合和旧法院、老博物馆园地及河滨步道排成一条市中心路线。第一次来我会留两至四小时，带孩子更不要压缩成一小时。当前公开开放资料列出平日 9:00am–4:45pm、周末及公共假期 9:30am–4:30pm，最后入场 4:00pm；假期闭馆、特别展览和收费都可能调整，出发前再确认。 [image: 1780020368791-04-backyard-view-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons 对外国游客来说，这里很适合作为 Bako、长屋或文化村之前的文化底图：先知道河流、森林和族群生活的关系，之后在户外看见相似元素时会多一层理解。我会把它和老城区散步接在一起，而不是逛完五层又匆忙赶下一站。 [image: 1780020369707-05-tugu-view-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons — 从 Tugu Pahlawan 拍过去的景色 它最好的看法不是“古晋有一栋很大的馆”，而是把砂拉越当成一张仍在变化的生活地图。你会先从哪一个展厅开始？

Most people I know in Kuching had the same reaction when I said I was finally going to Sarawak Cultural Village: "Oh, that place?" — half curious, half skeptical. A 17-acre living museum at the foot of Mount Santubong, about 35 km north of town, opened in 1990 as a wholly-owned project of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation. And yes, it looks like a tourist attraction from the car park. [image: 1779847477822-scv1.jpg] Source: TripAdvisor - Aerial view of Sarawak Cultural Village But walking through the gates changes the picture. Seven full-size traditional dwellings sit around a small lake — Bidayuh longhouse with its round headhouse, an Iban longhouse raised on tall stilts, the Penan forest hut, an Orang Ulu longhouse with its ornate painted facade, the towering Melanau tall-house, a Malay town house, and a Chinese farmhouse. Each one has a community member inside, wearing traditional dress, doing something real: weaving pua kumbu cloth, scraping sago, playing the sape, demonstrating blowpipe darts. They are not actors reading a script. They live in these communities and rotate through shifts. [image: 1779847478114-scv2.jpg] Source: Travel+Leisure Asia The twice-daily cultural show at 11:30 am and 4 pm is the main draw. It runs about 45 minutes and rotates through Iban ngajat dance, Orang Ulu sape music, Malay and Chinese performances, with moments of genuine humour and crowd participation. One performer balances a 20-kg block with his teeth; another pulls audience members up to learn a dance. The sape — often called the Borneo guitar — carries the music in a way that feels older than the village itself. What surprised me most was the Rainforest World Music Festival connection. The village grounds host this international event every June — 2026 dates were 26–28 June — and during the festival the longhouses become workshop spaces. If you come during RWMF the experience is completely different: you are inside a global music event while standing in a replica Iban longhouse. [image: 1779847478319-scv3.jpg] Source: TripAdvisor - Inside the village grounds The honest trade-off: this is a curated representation, not a real longhouse upriver where families actually sleep. If you have three spare days and can arrange a trip to a genuine Bidayuh or Iban community, skip the village. But most visitors do not have that time. For a half-day primer on Sarawak's ethnic diversity — with the convenience of paved paths, shade, air-conditioned spots and a lake view — the village does its job well. RM135 for non-Malaysian adults and RM95 for Malaysians is not cheap by Kuching standards. A full breakfast at a kopitiam costs under RM10 and Bako National Park entry is RM20. You are paying resort-attraction prices. Booking online through scvticket.com.my saves RM10. The admission-plus-lunch package (RM168 international, RM138 Malaysian) adds a buffet that is decent but not the reason to come. Getting there: about 45 minutes by car or Grab from central Kuching. No public bus goes door to door. Parking is free and ample. The Santubong Damai shuttle may work if you are staying in the resort area. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours to walk the loop and catch one show. Midday heat is real — bring water and sunscreen. The village closes at 5 pm and the last entry is before 4 pm so you can catch the afternoon show. [image: 1779847478600-scv4.jpg] Source: Travel+Leisure Asia - Chinese farmhouse replica If you would rather have an uncut, uncurated cultural experience, aim for a real longhouse visit or the Sarawak Cultural Village during RWMF. If you have a free morning and want context before you explore the rest of Sarawak, this is the stop. What would you choose — the curated version or the real thing? Drop a comment.