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Awaiting Your Return From
Shore Excursions
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Archaeological excavations at the Niah Caves
south of Miri indicate that this site may have been occupied for more than
40,000 years. Small scale barter prior to the 6th century existed in Borneo
and grew to large scale traffic with both China and Siam by the 12th and
13th centuries. Both the Srivijaya Empire in Sumatra and the Majapahit
Empire, its Javanese successor, exerted strong influences until they fell to
the Muslim states in the 15th century and Sarawak became the southern
province of the Brunei sultanate.
The history of Sarawak as a state began in the 1840s when the English
adventurer James Brooke helped put an end to disturbances during the Brunei
rule over what is now Kuching. Brooke was installed as the Rajah to reign
over the territory from Tanjung Datu to the Samarahan River. Brooke was
succeeded on his death by his nephew, Charles Brooke, in 1868.
The name Kuching, which means cat in Malay, appears to have first been
used in 1872. Charles Brooke ruled until 1917 and in turn was succeeded by
his son, Charles Vyner Brooke. It was this third White Rajah who in 1941
enacted a new constitution establishing self-government for Sarawak. This
initial effort for political independence was nullified by the 1942 Japanese
invasion of Borneo. In 1946, after the Japanese surrender, the Rajah and his
council voted to cede the country to the British Crown. Sarawak moved
steadily toward self-rule; in 1963, Sarawak, together with Sabah, Singapore
and the Federation of Malaya, joined the Federation of Malaysia.
Kuching escaped bombing in World War II; it retains much of its old
charm, with Chinese shops lining the narrow streets. Today, Kuching is by
far the largest city in the state of Sarawak. The city is divided by the
Sarawak River; the south is a commercial and residential area dominated by
Chinese while the north shore is predominantly Malay in character with the
old kampong houses lining the river. The recently renovated riverfront area
provides a pleasant area for strolling, dining or taking a boat ride.
Kuching, Malaysia, Shore
Excursions
KUC-1 Semenggoh and Kuching City 4.5 hours
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat or umbrella are suggested. Extensive walking is
involved at Semenggoh. Walkways at Semenggoh are wooden boardwalks. This
tour will have an early departure time.
KUC-2 Sarawak Cultural Village 4.5
hours
The site is explored on foot. We recommend wearing
lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes. Don't forget to bring your
camera or video camera.
KUC-3 Kuching City Sightseeing 4.5
hours
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat or umbrella are suggested.
Extensive walking involved at Semenggoh. Walkways at Semenggoh are wooden
boardwalks. This tour will have an early departure time.
KUC-4 Semenggoh Orangutan Center
(Time not specified.)
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat or umbrella are suggested.
Walkways at Semenggoh are wooden boardwalks. Extensive walking involved. |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
