Letter to Editor
I HAVE been seeing a lot of great places to see in Sarawak in the media and decided Kuching would be a great place to start for a solo expedition as Sarawak is safe, Kuching lies between modernity and abundance of heritage. And it is a clean city with great food!
In the heart of Borneo lies Kuching, steeped in rich culture, teeming with natural wonders, and brimming with excitement.
Kuching has a little bit of everything just for everyone, whether you’re seeking culinary delights, immersive cultural experiences, or adrenaline-pumping activities, Kuching offers a tapestry of experiences that promise to make any holiday truly unforgettable.
For me, the City of Cats has quickly become one of my favourite cities, and I can’t wait to return for more.
The Kuching Waterfront is a must-visit, offering breathtaking sunset views and leisurely walks.
Exploring the Sarawak River with a boat ride to witness Malay kampungs, Fort Margherita, and Astana is breathtaking. As night falls, the waterfront transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub, featuring water shows and delectable local cuisines.
For unique souvenirs, I headed to the Main Bazaar near the Kuching Waterfront. This bustling market boasts a treasure trove of ethnic handicrafts and antiques. Stroll through old-fashioned Chinese shophouses and indulge in treats at charming cafes.
The quirky world of the Upside-Down House, located near Tune Hotel was a delight! This Sarawak attraction provides a playful backdrop for memorable photos with its upside-themed rooms, offering a chance to unleash creativity with loved ones.
It is easy to immerse oneself in Kuching’s stunning beaches, including Damai Beach, Pasir Panjang Beach, Rambungan Beach, and Pantai Puteri, offering a laid-back vacation experience.
Explore resorts like Damai Beach Resort or Permai Rainforest Resort, each offering unique experiences from sea-facing rooms to nature adventures.
I saw an Orang Utan at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve for the first time in my life. This rehabilitation centre provides insight into the lives of these incredible creatures, with daily feeding sessions offering an up-close encounter with orangutans and native bird species.
I was also enchanted by the Fairy Cave, one of Kuching’s most popular attractions. As you step into the cave, marvel at the moss-covered interiors, stalactites, and stalagmites that create a mesmerising spectacle. Witness the magical play of light filtering through the cavernous chambers, earning these caves their whimsical and mystical name.
With all that Sarawak has to offer, one prominent factor hindering its ability to attract more visitors is the issue of connectivity and airfare affordability.
This challenge became all too real during my recent semester break when I proposed a short getaway to my friends from Sydney.
Eager to share the wonders of my home country, Malaysia, and particularly Sarawak, with them, I was dismayed to find no direct flights from Sydney to Kuching. Instead, all available routes required a stopover in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
What began as a plan for a group expedition with 10 friends quickly dwindled to just five, as half of them opted to spend their getaway in KL, reasoning that since their flight would stop there anyway, they might as well make the most of it.
This situation highlighted the inconvenience and deterrent of multiple layovers, discouraging potential travellers from exploring Sarawak’s treasures.
As disheartening as this was, it wasn’t just my international friends facing this challenge. Even as a local, I found the cost of flights to Sarawak prohibitively expensive, ranging from RM500 to over RM1,000.
This exorbitant pricing seemed unjustified for a journey within the same country, especially considering the wealth of experiences awaiting visitors in Sarawak.
With upcoming festivals in Sarawak like the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival in June, it’s bound to attract people from across the world.
However, existing issues like air connectivity and increasing airfares can quickly become a turnoff, potentially leading to missed opportunities for attracting visitors.
It’s crucial that local flight operators promptly address these issues to ensure that traveling to Sarawak remains accessible and appealing to all.
The realisation that such a gem like Sarawak remains out of reach for many due to accessibility and affordability issues stirred a deep desire for change within me.
Sarawak offers so much to discover, from its rich cultural tapestry to its breathtaking natural landscapes, and it’s an experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy.
I hope that in the future, concerted efforts will be made to address these challenges and implement viable solutions.
By improving connectivity and making airfare more affordable, we can open the doors to Sarawak’s wonders to a broader audience, ensuring that its beauty and charm are accessible to all who dream of experiencing them firsthand. – Feb 16, 2024
Noreen Jazz
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Ticket2U
