Kuching: The Cat City of Borneo

• HelloSelamat petang
  [suh-lah-mat puh-tahng]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-mat ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [bah-ee. dahn ah-wahk]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh chah-kahp bah-hah-sah eeng-geh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu?
  [boh-leh sah-yah lee-haht meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
• Cheers!Yam seng!
  [yahm sehh-ng]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBoleh saya bayar?
  [boh-leh sah-yah bah-yahr]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [pehr-gee jah-oo jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya nak beli...
  [sah-yah nahk beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sah-yah huhn-yah tehng-ohk tehng-ohk]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koo-rang-kahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahn]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (sepuluh)
  [poo-kool suh-tuhng-ah (suh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [ah-lah-maht-nyah dee mah-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjuk saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook sah-yah dee peh-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-tuh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh)]

The city of Kuching was officially founded in 1839 by Sir James Brooke, an English adventurer who became the first White Rajah of Sarawak. Brooke was granted the region by the Sultan of Brunei as a reward for his help in quelling a rebellion. The name 'Kuching' is believed to be derived from the Malay word 'kucing', which means cat, although this is a subject of debate among historians.

The Brooke Dynasty ruled Sarawak for over a century, from 1841 until the Japanese occupation in 1941. Under their rule, Kuching grew from a small village into a thriving city. They introduced a unique system of governance that blended Western and local traditions, and they are credited with bringing stability and development to the region.

During World War II, Kuching fell under Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945. The city was a strategic military base, and many of its inhabitants suffered under the harsh regime. The Batu Lintang camp, a Japanese internment camp for civilians and POWs, was located in Kuching and is now a significant historical site.

After the Japanese surrender in 1945, Sarawak was ceded to the British Crown by the last White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke. Kuching became the capital of the British Crown Colony of Sarawak, and it remained under British administration until Sarawak gained independence and joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

Kuching is renowned for its cultural diversity, with a rich tapestry of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Dayak cultures. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, festivals, and cuisine. The annual Rainforest World Music Festival, held just outside Kuching, celebrates this multicultural heritage and attracts visitors from around the globe.

Today, Kuching is a vibrant city that harmonizes its historical charm with modern development. The Kuching Waterfront, for instance, is a popular attraction that combines scenic beauty with historical landmarks such as the Astana, Fort Margherita, and the Sarawak Museum. The city continues to grow as a center for tourism, culture, and commerce in East Malaysia.

Kuching is accessible via Kuching International Airport (KCH), located about 11 kilometers south of the city center. The airport serves domestic flights from major Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, as well as international flights from Singapore, Jakarta, and Pontianak. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or book a ride-sharing service to your accommodation. Alternatively, there are buses that connect the airport to various parts of the city.

Kuching has a range of transportation options. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are widely available and convenient for getting around the city. Public buses operated by Kuching City Public Transport (KCPT) connect key areas, but schedules can be irregular. Renting a car is an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. For shorter distances, cycling is popular, and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful throughout Kuching, and currency exchange services can be found in shopping malls and major tourist areas.

Kuching is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded places and tourist spots like the Waterfront and Main Bazaar. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and be cautious when using ATMs. Areas like Padungan have reported higher crime rates targeting tourists, so exercise extra caution.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Kuching has several hospitals, including Sarawak General Hospital and KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, which provide emergency medical services. Pharmacies can be found in most shopping areas for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be patient and queue politely. Don't eat or drink in public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile or a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and street food. Don't use your left hand to eat, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kuching like a local, visit the local markets such as Satok Weekend Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss a river cruise along the Sarawak River for stunning views of the city. For a unique experience, explore the nearby Bako National Park and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat.