The Sarawak River

One of my favourite views of Kuching is that of the Sarawak River. The familiar image of the "teh si" coloured waterway meandering gracefully through downtown Kuching, with the Matang or Santubong mountains in the background, is one that evokes feelings of peace and tranquility (for me at least).

In the old days, boatmen used to row their little "tambangs" to ferry people across the river for as little as 5 cents per passenger. These days, the boats are more often than not motor powered and I'm sure the price is a lot more than 5 cents.

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I can even imagine that much of this broad scenery (apart from that DUN monstrosity) remaining relatively unchanged since the day when the adventurer James Brooke sailed down the river in "The Royalist".back in 1839, about 170 years ago ...

Just look at this painting from the early 1800s ...

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I also like the look of Fort Margherita, nestled among the foliage. This fort was built in 1879 by the Second White Rajah, Sir Charles Brooke, and named after his wife, the Ranee Margaret. It was supposed to protect Kuching from marauding pirates and other enemies. Fort Margherita is also where during my childhood n the sixties, the 8 o'clock cannon was fired every night without fail.

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Added later

I also took a tambang trip across to the kampong side of the Sarawak River. Here are some more photos ...

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Well, enjoy the pictures. I'll add a few more once I get them.

Whether you are living in Kuching or staying overseas, do share your recollections of the sights and sounds of this lovely place.