SARAWAK
CULTURAL VILLAGE
Sarawak
cultural village is a 45-minute drive from the city. This attraction
is the best place for a tribal experience, and there are many
traditional tribal buildings found at the cultural village, from
simple nomadic shelters to native longhouses. Visitors will get to
meet indigenous people from different tribe, including the Ibans,
who were known to be headhunters over a century ago. Enter their
dwellings for a hands-on experience with native crafts, primitive
hunting weapons and other activities.
THE ASTANA
On
the other side of the river is the Astana, a palace and the
residence of Sarawak's Head of State. It was built by Charles Brooke
in 1870 and was used as his residence. It is comprised of three
buildings connected to each other by passageways.
FORT
MARGHERITA
Fort Margherita was built
in 1879, while the island was under British rule, in order to protect
the city from attacks. It was name after Charles Brooke's wife, Renee
Margaret. It stands on the other side of the Sarawak River and can be
seen from the Kuching Waterfront. The original structure together with
its cannons, cannon balls, guns prisoners' cells and more-still
remains. The old fort ha been converted to a Police Museum that has a
display of weapons, opium dens and different forms of criminal
punishment.
THE OLD COURT HOUSE
The Old Court House was
built by the second rajah, Charles Brooke, in 1871. This impressive
complex was used as government offices, and for council meetings and
state ceremonies. The Old Court House is now a heritage buildings and
is used as a tourist information center.
