Kuching Main Bazaar & Waterfront 31 Jan 2011

After the Studio Family Portrait Shooting, our family went to the Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront.

It 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 as Kuching Main Bazaar, one can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

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.

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.

All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. It is the way how local live their life – simple and easy life…