#23 Kuching, Sarawak

Division: Kuching, Sarawak
Towns in the division: Kuching, Bau, Lundu, Padawan and Sematan
Last time I was there: May, 2024 

The story:
The first time I set foot in Bumi Kenyalang was back in 1996.




I had just received my offer letter to join the Judicial and Legal Service -- a big moment, of course. But tucked inside that good news was another instruction: pack your bags and report to Kuching, Sarawak.

Just like that… life took a turn.

Even though it was my first time in Sarawak, it didn’t feel completely foreign. Since my matriculation days, I’d been close friends with a bunch of Sarawakian boys -- so the language, the culture… not entirely new to me.

In Kuching, I stayed with my good friend from UIA, Ben, and his family in Batu Kawa. My office was at the old court complex right in the middle of town -- proper old-school setting.

Food-wise, I was introduced very quickly to what makes Kuching… Kuching.

Places like Sugar Bun -- yes, that Sugar Bun -- which, believe it or not, was more popular than McDonald's over there. No joke.

But three places became instant favourites.

First, Hartz Chicken Buffet at Sarawak Plaza -- all-you-can-eat, dangerous territory 😄. Kopi O' Corner's next for local fare, including mee kolok. And then Top Spot Food Court… rows of seafood stalls that could make you hungry just thinking about it.



Even now, typing the name also can trigger cravings.

But my time in Kuching was short.

Before I could even settle in properly, I received my posting order -- off to Miri to serve as a Magistrate. Three weeks. That’s all I had. Punggung pun belum sempat panas.

In recent years -- both before and after COVID -- I’ve had the chance to “go back” to Kuching, this time with family.

The city is still as calm and charming as I remember… but now with new touches.

Places like the Darul Hana Bridge stretching across the Sarawak River -- very Insta-friendly, very different from the Kuching I first knew.


We even joined a 5km fun run during the Kuching Marathon 2022 — family style, nice and easy pace.



Some places change. Some evolve.

But Kuching…
will always have a place in my heart.

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