Parklane Lodge - A Slice of Nature in the Heart of Kuching

Kuching, it's name means "Cat" in malay, is the capital of the East Malaysian State of Sarawak. It is the most populous city in the state of Sarawak and the fourth largest city in Malaysia and is situated at the banks of the Sarawak River on the North-Western part of the island of Borneo.

The climate in Kuching is tropical, moderately hot and receives substantial rainfall. Kuching is the wettest city in Malaysia. The wettest times are during the North-East Monsoon months of November to February. The average temperature is around 23 °C in the early hours of the morning and rises to around 32 °C in the mid afternoon.

The city is considered one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia and was voted as one of the world's healthy city, recognised and awarded by both United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) and by the Alliance for Healthy Cities (AFHC) in Suzhou, China.

Kuching (Cat) Statues at the heart of the City

Native Iban Dance

The population of just over half-a-million is made up of mostly of Chinese, Malays, Ibans, Indians and other ethnic groups. The Dayaks, the grouping of local indigenous tribes, can be categorized into Ibans, Bidayuhs, Melanaus and Orang Ulu, among others. Kuching City is proud of the fact that generally all races are able to live in harmony.

A majority of people in Kuching are capable of communicating in Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language) and English. English is widely spoken in Kuching. The dialect of Malay spoken in Kuching is known as Bahasa Sarawak (Sarawakian Malay Language), which has lexical differences with the dialect spoken in Peninsular Malaysia.

All within close proximity to Parklane Lodge, are several museums such as the well-known Sarawak Museum, Chinese Museum, Cat Museum, etc, which are definitely not to be missed when visiting Kuching. Interesting landmarks and sites are the Astana (the Rajah's former palace) & Fort Margherita, both of which are situated across the Sarawak River which is just a couple minutes ride with a sampan (see pic on right). Also along the river, The Tua Pek Kong temple and Main Bazaar offers a colourful fusion of old and new world delights. The Kuching waterfront, which is really a riverside esplanade and commercial heartland of the city, and offers a pleasant walk in the evening. When you are tired of strolling, you can test your bargaining skills at the old shops on the opposite side of the waterfront will gladly sell you all manner of 'antiques' and tradecraft.

Some other interesting areas near the centre of town include Padungan Street, which is the main Chinatown area of the city. Shops here appear virtually unchanged from 20 years ago, and offer fascinating insights into life as it was then. Meanwhile, Carpenter Street and India Street still maintain their old world charm. The old Courthouse building forms the link between Carpenter Street and India Street, and is well worth a quick stroll as you re-live the faded colonial splendour (now restored and modernised). The many well-manicured parks dotted around the city are also great to visit. Kuching is also noted for it's intense and beautiful sunsets, often complimented by tourists as "one of the most beautiful in the world".

Please check out the locality of Parklane Lodge to pinpoint the locations of the above mentioned features as well as other places of interest.

Sarawak River by Sampan

View From Bako National Park

Venture further from the city centre to discover numerous natural attractions including the Bako National Park and the Semenggoh Wildlife Center which places an Orang Utan (man of the jungle) orphanage and rehabilitation program. For a walk on the wilder side, Jong's Crocodile Farm is home to dozens of species of local crocodiles as well as various other forms of wildlife. Be sure to not miss feeding time of the crocodiles!

Also not to be missed is a visit to one of several local Dayak Longhouses, where guests are graciously welcomed, quite often with a drink or two (or three) of Tuak, a rice wine which is a delicious local delicacy.

The staff at Parklane Lodge will be happy to provide you with the necessary information for you to visit these attractions and can even arrange a personal guide to travel with you for very affordable rates.

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