Kuching capital of Sarawak is always a favored destination. This happens to be my first visit in the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. This place is well known for its flora and fauna. We were there to experience the local aspects of the province.

Our first stop was an interesting local market in the border village called Serikin which connects Malaysian Sarawak with Indonesian Kalimantan. This village is home to Bidayuh people (name given to indigenous people in southern Sarawak and northern west Kalimantan).

Little over an hour’s drive from Kuching, took us to this border town and market happens here during the weekend. It was lively and colorful with Indonesians selling their products and delicacies. You could sense the crowd speaking Bahasa and feel the Indonesian touch.

The traders in the market are mainly locals of Kalimantan from across the border and some local Sarawakians. We had our lunch in the market itself and bought some stuff from the market as well

One could see furnitures, apparels, muslim prayer items, medicines, etc. It’s not much crowded and definitely something to experience if you like the life in border towns.

From there we visited a cave called Bau Limestone Cave. We climbed a bit to explore the cave. There is also a Buddhist Shrine here. Cave is beautiful with some bit of greenery and can find lot of bats inside. The steps there seems to lead us to another world and was different experience spending time inside the cave and to walk around exploring it.

This cave has a bit of history too. On May 1, descendants of the survivors of Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh were Skrang Ibans killed 2000 men on this day, they pray in memory of their ancestors and a memorial stone is also erected here.

Later on visited a beach side cafe to just relax for a while then moved on to the cultural center which depicts the Sarawakian culture. Right from people’s attire, how they build the house, their daily route, traditional works, occupation, etc. Also there is a dance show to showcase their tradition.

In the evening we visited the river front and took a cruise on the river. It takes you along the Sarawak assembly building and other government offices, some places of religional importance and many more. Can sit back and enjoy the sunset along with some good local food in the cruise.

Kuching is also known as the “City of cats”. Although no body really knows why its called so, it’s a delight to see the beautiful structures of cats built at many places as you go around the city.