Announcement

1. Complementary pick up shuttle from Kuching Int. Airport to Riverside Majestic Hotel will be provided on 16th September 2018 (Sunday) at 3.00 p.m and 8.00 p.m (only TWO rounds). Those participants who wish to use the service should inform to us earlier.

2. Half day Kuching City-tour Trip will be held on the second day of iDECON 2018 (18th September 2018 Tuesday - 1.30 p.m - 6.30 p.m). Complementary limited seats are provided (open for ONLY 35 seats). ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. Those participants who interested to join for the tour should register during the conference registration.

Short Trip Activities

7thiDECON2018 Short Trip Activities – Kuching, Sarawak

 

Selected Destination (Near Conference Venue - Riverside Majestic Hotel)

The capital city of Sarawak is Kuching, the largest city in Borneo. The locals here fondly called their city 'Cat City' because 'Kuching' means 'cat' in Malay. The climate here is that of a tropical rainforest which is hot and very humid most of the time. Though the city is small, it is the main holiday destination in Sarawak because there are many interesting places to see and visit here.

Discover the best things to see and do in Kuching, East Malaysia during our 7thiDECON2018 Short Trip Activities!!!

 

  1. Cat Statue

Welcome to Kuching, the purr-fect city that pays homage to our feline friends. A large statue of a family of felines, the giant cats come in all colours and patterns. Make sure all 7thiDECON2018 participants stop by to snap plenty of pictures.

Cat Statue, Kuching

  1. Kuching Waterfront

The Kuching Waterfront was where the first white rajah, James Brooke, first landed in Sarawak. It is now a beautifully landscaped esplanade along the Sarawak River with some eateries and entertainment areas. There are some historical buildings, an observation tower and other sculptures in the area. Among all are Sarawak Dun Building and Jambatan Darul Hanna, where 7thiDECON2018 participant can enjoy the whole view of Kuching City.

Kuching Waterfront

3.    Kampung Boyan

This sedate, old-time Malay kampung (village), filled with joyously colourful houses and a profusion of flowering plants, is a world away from the glitz and bustle of downtown Kuching, to which it’s connected by boat. The waterfront area has two roofed hawker centres as well as other Malay-style eateries likes Mee Kolok and Laksa Sarawak. At here, 7thiDECON2018 can enjoy shopping for traditional Sarawak layered cake (kek lapis) and salted Terubok fish (Ikan Terubok Masin). Those participant who wish to cross the Sarawak River could enjoy the Perahu Tambang at a very cheap fare. 

4.    Tua Pek Kong Temple

Built in 1843, this red building is the oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak. It is a major landmark located in the heart of Kuching near the Sarawak River.

Tua Pek Kong Temple

5.    Main Bazaar

A few minutes' walk from the Tua Pek Kong Temple and Kuching Waterfront is the Main Bazaar, which is one of the oldest streets in Kuching. The Main Bazaar area has a row of two-storey shophouses that runs parallel to the main road and the waterfront. These old shophouses were built before World War II. Here, 7thiDECON2018 participants can find a variety of native handicraft items, from necklaces, bags, and wood sculptures to rattan mats, baskets, ceramics, pottery items and native hunting weapons. Happy Shopping!!

 

6.    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 building and is used as a tourist information centre. In front of the Old Court House complex are the Clock Tower and Charles Brooke Memorial.

The Old Court House

 

7.    Round Tower

Just opposite the Kuching General Post Office is another heritage site, the Round Tower, which was constructed in 1886. It is believed that the building was constructed to serve as a fort, but it was used as a dispensary instead.

Round Tower

8.    The Pavilion

The Pavilion is next to the Round Tower. This building was used as a medical centre after it was built in 1907. The Japanese used the place as their headquarters during World War II. After the war, the building was used by various government departments. The Textile Museum is located in the Pavilion building. There, you will find a collection of local textiles and traditional costumes of the people of Sarawak. Interesting information on the making of textiles, accessories and costumes are displayed in the galleries.

The Pavillion

9.    Square Tower

The Square Tower on the waterfront, built in 1879, was initially used to house prisoners. It was later converted into a fortress and then used as a dance hall. Now, this building is one of the tourist attractions in Kuching and is used as an information centre for visitors.

Square Tower

10. Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita was built in 1879 during the British colonisation in order to protect the city from attacks. It was named after Charles Brooke's wife, Ranee Margaret. It stands on the other side of the Sarawak River and can be seen from the Kuching Waterfront.

Fort Margherita

11.  The Astana

Also 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 during the British rule. It is comprised of three buildings connected to each other by passageways.

The Astana