Kuching E Book

Sarawak : The Land of H LEGEND Lake Places of Interest River National Park Road International Border Bt. Bukit/Hill Town G. Gunung/Mountain State Capital P. Pulau/Island Mountain Airports SOUTH CHINA SEA Mukah Dalat Tanjung Datu Rajang Belawai Sibu SA National Park Maradong Kanowit Gunung Gading Binatang SAMPLEPesang National Park Gunung Santubong Sarikei Biawak NationaSlaPnatrukbongLundKuSibuucrBahanikno NgationaSlimPaurnkjan Saratok Lanjak Entimau Kubah Betong Wildlife Sanctua Batang Ai Semenggoh Lubok Antu National Park Simanggang Tebedu Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Hornbills SABAH BRUNEI Lawas Bangar Limbang Miri Long Pa Sia Long Semado Lambir Hills National Park Marudi Gunung Mulu Kg. Kuala Niah National Park Ba Kelalan Niah Caves G.Mulu National Park 2375 Bareo Simalajau Loagan Bunut Long Lelang CELEBES National Park National Park SEA Bintulu Belaga ARAWAK Kapit ary SAMPLEINDONESIA N 0 30km

BEYOND KL : SAMPLESARAWAK

History of Sarawak BEYOND KL The Land of the Hornbill has a long, illustrious history, stretching back to 40,000 years ago. Evidence of such is thanks to the discovery of ancient human remains, discovered during an excavation in a cave system, along with imagery of ancient beliefs painted on the cave walls. At this time, people lived off the land, forming a hunter gatherer society. Around the 16th century, most of Sarawak was occupied by the Bruneien Empire, which for a time was self governed by the Sultan of Brunei’s younger brother, Sultan Tengah. At the time, Sultan Tengah had attempted to claim the right to the throne of Brunei, saying that he is the true heir as he had been born after their father had been named prince. Having anticipated such a reaction, the Sultan of Brunei declared that he was to be the Sultan of Sarawak, as it had merely been a territory administered by Brunei. Still, Sultan Tengah managed to consolidate his power in Sarawak. This was before he was killed by one of his very own followers in 1641. Upon his death, the Sultanate of Sarawak also perished along with him, as the land was consolidated into Brunei, making him the first and also final sultan to govern. Despite his relatively short-lived empire, Sultan Tengah still managed to leave his mark in history, thanks to having established positions in the Sarawakian administration system that can still be seen today. Back in the early 19th century, however, the hold the Brunei Sultanate on Sarawak had loosened, thanks to internal strife for the throne, colonial expansion of European powers, and a heavy problem with piracy. They only held authority along the costal regions of Sarawak, where the posts were held by Malay leaders, who were also semi-independent from Brunei. Lands away from the coast suffered from the tribal wars fought by the Iban, Kayan, and Kenyah people, attacking one another over their competition for land. Eventually, the discovery of antimony ore in the region of Kuching lead to progress in that area in order to increase ore production. Such a thing caused the Brunei Sultanate to demand higher taxes from Sarawak, leading to unrest. This is where James Brooke, the eventual first White Raja of Sarawak, came into the picture. SAMPLE

BEYOND KL Fun Facts About Sarawak (Kuching) 1. Why Kuching is named ‘Kuching’. Every traveler worth their salt would have learned that ‘Kuching’ translates into ‘Cat’. And if it weren’t clear enough, the various statues and the affectionate nickname “City of Cats” would have certainly clued you in! But though the city has embraced their love for our feline companions, it certainly wasn’t the reason why the city was named so (As cute as that idea might be!) Despite the various fanciful stories on how the name came to be, the most likely reason was this: ‘Kuching’ may have been derived from the word ‘Cochin’, which was used to refer to a trading harbor in China and British India. From there, the leap is not very far. 2. Modern Longhouses? There is still a misconception where Sarawakians are still either living in the treetops or in olden longhouses still built in the middle of uncharted forest, lacking modern amenities. This is certainly not true, as many longhouses have actually been developed and look more akin to a long terrace house. They’re also fitted with modern supplies too, like electricity and water. You may even be planning to book a room in one! 3. Cleanest City in Malaysia. Kuching is definitely known for this, recognized and awarded by the United Nations, World Health Organization, and Alliance for Healthy Cities. It’s a little like how cats are known to be very clean animals. 4. No ‘Wrong Way’ about it! In Kuching, there is no ‘wrong way’ to head to your destination! No matter your route, there will always be a road that will lead you to your destination, thanks to the many shortcuts available. When in doubt, ask a local! 5. Kuching has a REALLY big roundabout. And how! They can surround space the equivalent of one and a half football fields, making it more than ample space to build houses and plant trees within the circle. Imagine simply living within a large roundabout and watching all the cars go by. There are even some famous SAMPLEcat statues situated within these roundabouts… like the Padungan Roundabout Cat Statue!

Sarawak Traditional Dishes 1Belacan Bihun 6Laksa BEYOND KL Fried Oyster 7Midin 2Pancake Kek Lapis 8Manok Pansoh Terung Dayak 3Sarawak Umai (Dayak Brinjal) Dabai 4 9Bihun Cangkuk 5 SAM10PLEManis