Kuching Waterfront atau Tebingan yang kaya dengan pelbagai aktiviti dan menjadi antara satu tempat rehat nyaman…juga dikenali sebagai ‘People’s Place”.

Ia dianggap sebagai ‘halaman rakyat´ di kalangan pelancong asing berikutan destinasi berkenaan menjanjikan seribu satu pengalaman tidak terdapat di tempat lain.

Tidak hairanlah kunjungan ke Kuching dikatakan tidak lengkap jika tidak singgah ke Kuching Waterfront, sekali gus menikmati panorama indah Sungai Sarawak.

Sejak Kuching Waterfront yang mengunjur sejauh satu kilometer di tebing Sungai Sarawak dirasmikan pada September 1993, lokasi itu tidak pernah sunyi dikunjungi penduduk tempatan serta pelancong dalam dan luar negara yang berulang kali menjadikan bandar raya ini sebagai destinasi percutian setiap tahun.

Sesuai kedudukannya di tengah pusat bandar raya ini, Kuching Waterfront mudah dikunjungi kerana kebanyakan hotel penginapan sama ada bertaraf bintang atau hotel bajet terletak tidak jauh dari lokasi berkenaan.

Keindahan landskap atau seni taman dan keunikan reka bentuk Kuching Waterfront yang dikelilingi beberapa bangunan bersejarah dapat dilihat dari tingkap hotel bertaraf antarabangsa yang menghadap Sungai Sarawak.

Bagi mereka yang lebih gemarkan hotel bajet, terdapat beberapa hotel seumpama itu di kawasan berhampiran, namun tempahan perlu dibuat lebih awal kerana kerap sesak dengan pengunjung.

Di kawasan berkenaan, pengunjung berpeluang menikmati makanan dan minuman di kawasan susur pejalan kaki di benteng sungai sepanjang satu kilometer.

Dari aspek sejarah, Kuching Waterfront yang pernah menerima pelbagai anugerah seni bina landskap itu akan menceritakan segala-galanya kepada pengunjung tanpa perlu menghabiskan masa membelek lipatan sejarah di arkib atau perpustakaan.

Ini kerana setiap langkah di sepanjang tebing itu akan membongkar segala kisah silam dan menarik mengenai Sarawak.

Di sepanjang tempat berjalan kaki di tebingan itu, ada diletakkan penerangan ringkas mengenai catatan sejarahnya.

Tidak cukup dengan penerangan ringkas di atas laluan pejalan kaki, di kiri kanan tebingan itu juga tersergam bangunan bersejarah seperti Astana Negeri, bangunan yang dibina Charles Brooke pada 1870 sebagai hadiah perkahwinan kepada isterinya, Ranee Margaret.

Buat masa ini, Astana menjadi kediaman rasmi Yang Dipertua Negeri Sarawak.

Pemandangan di kawasan terbabit juga menjadi lebih menarik berikutan siapnya bangunan baru Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak.

Square Tower di Kuching Waterfront dulunya digunakan untuk meninjau pergerakan musuh. Ia yang dibina pada 1879 dikenali juga sebagai Rumah Pasung di kalangan penduduk tempatan kerana dikatakan pernah dijadikan pusat tahanan pada zaman pemerintahan Brooke.

Bagi mereka yang gemar menonton wayang dan bermain bowling, tentunya sebuah pusat beli-belah di Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman bersebelahan Sungai Sarawak di Kuching Waterfront menjadi pilihan.

Amat dicadangkan anda yang melawat Tebingan Kuching ini agar berjalan kaki untuk merasai sendiri pengalaman di sekitar kawasan ini…

*Tempat menarik berdekatan:

Muzium Cina(hanya di tepi waterfront), Riverside Majestic Hotel, Parkson Ria, Hilton Hotel, Grand Margeherita Hotel, Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex, Tun Jugah Shopping Complex(terdapat food court di tingkat paling atas), Main Bazaar(kraftangan Sarawak), Indian Street(pusat fabrik dan macam2).

LOCATION:Along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in downtown Kuching Selatan. This landscaped esplanade along the southern bank of Sungai Sarawak starts from the area frontingCrowne Plaza Riverside and The Riverbank Suites, and ends somewhere before the Kuching Wet Market.

DESCRIPTION:There are a number of unique characteristics that have made the Kuching Waterfront as popular as it is today. Opened in 1993, it is regarded as one of the best examples of urban regeneration and rehabilitation projects in Asia. I do concur with such fact, especially after seeing how the river beautification project has successfully created a lucrative atmosphere for business and leisure, judging from the number of revitalised old shop houses and international-class hotels sprouting within 500 metre radius from the Waterfront (examples: China Street, India Street). If only more cities in Malaysia can emulate this.

The Waterfront is also known as The People Place (there are plenty of sign boards to attest to this coined term) mainly because the project was apt dedicated for the lovely people of Sarawak, especially those in Kuching, who certainly deserve a world-class attraction. If you get the chance to do a morning walk along the esplanade on Saturdays or Sundays, you will see a lot of local volunteers cleaning up the area as part of the community programme to instill the sense of belonging of this river beautification project.

The project is also considered beneficial to the city because it effectively beautify the landscape. With the influx of local and foreign tourists to the Waterfront, you can witness the shop houses in neighbouring streets being repainted into colourful themes, a number of street malls emerged and fancy commercial outlets began to operate. This is

certainly a far cry from the previous years in 1980s and early 1990s, during which the city in general, was in a sorry state of disrepair, and I quote from their website:

"..the old riverfront characterized by dilapidated godowns and jetties, dirty mud flaps and eroded riverbanks were transformed into a beautiful landscaped and bustling Waterfront. This Metamorphosis has acted as a catalyst to the development and improvement in the adjacent areas in that the ripple of economic revitalization is felt through improved land values, enhanced environment and general amenity throughout the city."

There are a number of sights to be enjoyed from the Waterfront. At the various jetties along the path, you can witness the unique sampans (wooden boats, also known astambangs) crossing the width of the river to the other side. Other than that, you can see plenty of eating places, most of them are opened only at night, the Sarawak Steamship shopping bazaar selling mostly handicrafts (those tikar Sarawak are really to die for, to be honest), an old fortified prison called the Square Tower which has been repainted, two multi-level gazebos that give rise to a great view of the city skyline as well as the Waterfront itself, and across the river are the Astana (the official residence ofYang Dipertuan Negeri ie: the head of state of Sarawak) as well as Fort Margherita, a well-preserved colonial citadel.

Note that the 1st phase of Kuching Waterfront runs only about 1 kilometre along the south riverbank. During my visit, the extension (supposedly the 2nd phase) is currently under construction. Eventually, the Waterfront will get longer and even more urban regeneration projects will take place in Kuching.

Lokasi.Terletak di Kuching, Hilton Kuching dekat dari Tua Pek Kong, Museum Sejarah Cina, dan Benteng Margherita. Yang juga dekat dari adalahMuseum Sarawak dan Museum Islam Sarawak.Fasilitas Hotel.Hilton Kuching memiliki klub olahraga, kolam renang luar ruangan, ruang sauna, dan sauna. Fasilitas bisnis pada properti bintang 4.0 ini mencakup pusat bisnis, ruang rapat kecil, dan layanan sekretaris. Hotel di Kuching ini menyediakan restoran, kafe, bar tepi kolam, danbar/ruang duduk. Parkir tamu tersedia dengan biaya tambahan. Fasilitas pertemuan dilengkapi dengan ruang serbaguna, ruang rapat/konferensi, dan fasilitas banquet. Staf dapat menawarkan katering acara, layanan bisnis, bantuan tur, dan penukaran valas. Fasilitas tambahan mencakup kolam renang anak-anak, klub anak-anak, dan lapangan tenis.

Kuching Waterfront

More than any other feature, the Waterfront epitomizes how Kuching has modernized itself without losing any of its charm.

Kuching is a riverine city. Its location on the Sarawak River was chosen not only for its strategic and commercial importance, but also for its enchanting natural beauty. In days gone by the river was the city's main highway. The river still retains its importance and picturesque charm in the modern era. Present day life is still concentrated on the waterfront.

A meander on the Kuching waterfront is a walk through time; from Kuching's humble, ancient origins, to its status as a modern city. No visit to Kuching would be complete without a stroll on the modern esplanade, or to sit, relax and experience a Sarawakian sunset.

There have of course been many changes since James Brooke's time, but there are still many landmarks that are legacies from the White Raj. For the first time visitor, it would be easy to imagine the scene in 1839 when James Brooke first landed in Kuching, and started a new chapter in the annals of Sarawak's history.

The Waterfront has of course undergone several transformations 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 theatre and a musical fountain.

Several buildings, originally built in the 19th and early 20th centuries to cater to Kuching's earlier development as a port and administrative center, have been restored to their former glory and are worth visiting, starting with the Sarawak Steamship Building.

Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront Sarawak

Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront in Sarawak has to be the most visited place in town as it is the

number one place to shop for souvenirs, handicraft and also to enjoy the beautiful views of the Sarawak

River or simply dine at one of the restaurants or cafes along this place which is also known as the Kuching

Esplanade. Known to locals asKuching Main Bazaar, you can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the

shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Kuching Main Bazaar shops

Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman road.

Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, Adventure tours and the most popular which is the

Longhouse Visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two storey old pre-war colonial buildings.

Kuching Main Bazaar Handicraft Shop

Apart from the tour services offered here, there are a number of other interesting shops to visit   along the

Main Bazaar which are the Handicraft Shops, Souvenir Shops, Restaurants and even at one end, the

famous Goldsmith Row. This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed

local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area. Chinatown is just

around the corner if you should know. 

The beauty about the Kuching Main Bazaar is that the place remains as original as it can be with not much

modern development on the main street thus showcasing some of the best and finest ethnic crafts found in

Borneo. A number of art shops, collectible shops and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are

into this sort of thing. I for one, always spend a good 3-4 hours here just browsing for additional pieces to

feed my ethnic collection of weapons. All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here

too.

Kuching Main Bazaar old goldsmith shop selling craft

Some of the older shops have been converted into souvenir shops selling a mix of items. There was one

shop which sold raw Sarawak Pepper while half of the shop sold interesting curios. The best times to

explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6pm.

Kuching Waterfront Sarawak River Cruise Boat

When you cross the main street towards the river, there is a beautiful walkway about a kilometer long. It is

here that you will find various cafes, stalls and even restaurants but the river. It is here too where one can

ride the Sarawak River Cruise boats or take the famous Sarawak Sampan Taxis across the river which

usually costs RM0.50 cents (US$0.15).

The Sarawak River Cruises depart daily at about 5.30pm and costs RM60 (US$20) for adults while children

pay half price. Some tour agents from the Main Bazaar sell these tickets as well or you can inquire directly

from the jetty where the cruise departs.

On occasion, you will see people fishing bu the river though there are some no fishing signs along the

waterfront. This one chap was seen handling four fishing rods at one go. Very interesting so I waited to see

what he caught. After ten minutes, nothing came up and I moved on.

Kuching Waterfront walkway

Walking along the waterfront in the evenings are the best if you like sunsets. Sometimes, the beautiful

Sarawak Sunset can be quite impressive but on my many visits here, I never got a chance to catch one

though I have seen some really nice ones from other photographers who patiently waited day by day for that

magical moment. Also, take note of some of the sculptures which are placed along the waterfront. some of

them are quite interesting.

There is also a kiosk for the Sarawak Tourist Association along the Waterfront here so if you need

information about Sarawak, you can just walk in and get help. They are open from 9am till 5pm.

Main Bazaar shop arch painted in ethnic motifs

Back on the main street, if you walk along the old shop house five foot walkway, you will be greeted with

various types of archways cleverly decorated and painted to attract potential business. Most of them are

painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives. Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items

would be there and one could find something really worth getting. Do not worry if the items are too big to

carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.

Kuching Main Bazaar souvenir shops

One thing I always make a point to stop and get are local handicraft souvenirs. There are a ton of them

around and many with unique choices. Most of the beaded items come in form of necklaces, bracelets and

earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior

Shield.

Kuching Waterfront at night

Kuching Waterfront is also a beautiful place at night as it is lighted well from one end to the other. Various

vendors are seen along the main walkway selling all sorts of 'interesting' items. Food kiosk are abundant at

various points while couples and tourist flock to enjoy the walk along here. A number of make-shift stalls sell

souvenirs and crafts too but at a slightly higher price than the usual shops. The place usually simmers down

around 9pm so, avoid going late as there is nothing to look forward to then. Be advised of snatch theft or

robbers after dark along the waterfront too. 

On a side note, there are a few hotels located just near the Sarawak Waterfront namely The Hilton

Kuching, Tune Hotels by AirAsia and Holiday Inn Kuching. For food, I would easily

recommend Khatulistiwa Cafe and Restaurant. This very unique circular establishment cannot be missed

as it resembles one of the Sarawakian Tribes, the Bidayuh people's Warrior House called the Baruk. They

serve a good fusion of Sarawakian delicacies, Asian flare and Western food here. If you have been told of

the famous Sarawak Laksa noodles, you can try them here too. Prices are above the coffee shop rates.

General Kuching Main Bazaar questions answered;

What is the best time to visit the Kuching Main Bazaar - 10am till 6pm 

Bargaining at Kuching Main Bazaar - You may bargain, but not too much. Something within reason. 

Cash or Credit Cards - Most Art galleries and craft shops accept credit cards. Small vendors accept cash.

Can large items be shipped for me - Most places offer shipping services back to your country for a fee.

Can I photograph the ethnic items - Most craft dealers will not allow this but then again, ask politely. 

Can I book Tours here - A number of tour agencies are found here so yes.

The Kuching Waterfront has also won some awards since it opened and below are some of them;

1994 - National Project Award in the Civic Design Category 

(Awarded by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture)

1994 - Merit Award in the Overseas Category 

(Awarded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture)

1994 - Excellence on the Waterfront/ Waterfront Centre Annual Award

(Awarded by the Waterfront Centre, USA)

Map to Kuching Main Bazaar/Waterfront

http://www.etawau.com/HTML/Kuching/WaterFront.htm

http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Sarawak/guide_kucwater.htm

http://www.sedctourism.com/kuching_waterfront.asp