Visitors will quickly notice that Kuching has widespread architectural styles, ranging from repurposed British Colonial buildings, to traditional Malay structures, as well as modern day developments. At several points of interest, he integration of cultures has left a positive mark on local architecture that can be enjoyed by all One such location is that of Carpenter Street. Located near to the Kuching waterfront district, the area is made up of Chinese restaurants, bars and small shops, to name a few. The area amazes visitors with Chinese shophouses in traditional Chinese-style architecture: some of which have been a family home for generations. A bazaar fills up the street and launches many Chinese cultural celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year and Mooncake Festival.
A more modern example of architecture is the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building. Opened in 2009, the structure is made up of nine floors and is 27.7 meters high. Designed like a nine-point star, the building’s roof design is such that it resembles a Malaysian royal umbrella or ‘payung’. The building features a public gallery that is open to all on the ninth floor. The lower floors are closed to the general public, as they are actively used for legislative and governmental affairs. Visitors seeking a first-class view of the structure will realize the Kuching waterfront is a prime location for photos. This ultra-special building is a combination of Kuching’s traditional history and its modern perspective.
Another of the city’s famous landmarks is the Darul Hana Bridge. A link between the north and south sides of the city, it is nicknamed the ‘Harmony Bridge’ resemble the Yin and Yang via an S-shaped curve in the bridge’s construction. The bridge includes a pedestrian walkway, with several points for admiring the view or snapping picturesque photographs. It is also one of the best locations to gaze at the star-shaped State Legislative Assembly Building. More aptly called the ‘Golden Bridge’, it is 337 meters in length, with a lance-like tower holding the bridge’s cables tightly in place.
Landmarks of Interest
Carpenter Street
Address: Jalan Carpenter, 93000, Kuching
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost: N/A
Website
The New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building (Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak)
Address: Petra Jaya, 93050, Kuching
Phone: +6082 – 440 628
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Darul Hana Bridge
Address: Jalan Main Bazaar, 93000, Kuching
Phone: +6082 – 423 600
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website (not official)
