my Kuching Klikz

Re-activation of blogspot...my Kuching Klikz

2011-11-22T07:13:00.001-08:00

BBQ Chicken Wings at Satok

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

You can get hundreds and hundreds of barbecued chicken wings at Satok night market where there are plenty of hawkers selling local food delights available every night (6.00 pm - 12.00 pm)

Satok Busy Hours

2009-07-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

It's the daily late afternoon jam when office workers rush to return home. This is the section of Satok Road leading towards the Bridge that connects Satok to the main administrative centre of Sarawak called Petrajaya.

Flowering Trees of Kuching - July

2009-07-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

This month of July I see that the Bungor or Queen's Flower ( Lagerstroemia speciosa) that lined Palm Road are exhibiting very showy and bunchy flowers of pink and purple. There are isolated planting of this tree across river ( Petrajaya) but the best location to see them is at Palm Road where they are planted on both sides of the road for at leat a half kilometer long. Besides Kuching city the other good location is found along the lengthy stretch of road from Santubong Bridge to the village of Buntal where they are planted on both sides of the highway.

Purple variety

Pink variety

The above picture is taken on the long stretch of road from Santubong Bridge to Buntal Village. The Bungor tree originated from the humid jungle of Burma, Sri Lanka and India. In Malaysia they are primarily seen as landscaping plants on major or broad roads. Their beautiful flowers that are held on panicles could last for weeks. Peculiar to this tree species is the shedding of the tree barks which leave a yellowish mottled surface on the trunks. Generally it is best to plant these trees in areas where the water table is high, damp or wet locations.

Dark Clouds

2009-07-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Dark Clouds over Kuching Waterfront area ( to the right)

Public Toilet

2009-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm talking about public toilets here. In my hurry to enter and leave public toilets in Kuching, this one is an exception. It is nicely decorated with the Japanese Bambo plant and the floor is always dry, thanks to a blower. Guests are charged 20 sen (RM 0.20) per entrance. Location : Satok Market Area.

Kuching Waterfront Shophouses

2009-07-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

I went to the Kuching Waterfront yesterday and took pictures of a few section of the shop houses that lined the waterfront area. These shop houses are filled with lots of souvenirs and handicraft works from Sarawak. It's a main tourist attraction area. Before I took shots of these colourful shophouses and can be seen here. Back from the city, I had the itch to try painting them in mixed media ( felt pen and water colour) . Well, feast your eyes!!

Kuching Waterfront Shop house, 18x14cm, mixed media.

Funky Kuching Bugs

2009-07-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

My camera phone managed to kilkzz in time these tiny funky bugs at my garden in Kuching. I have yet to find out the name for these insects. For those of you out there who knows, pplease drop a line.

Views of Kuching Waterfront

2009-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Views of the Kuching Waterfront.

Colourful Sampans

2009-07-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

What strikes me today was the strong coat of new colours these 'sampans' or small river ferry boats at the Kuching Waterfront. So let the colours do the talking.....

Hot, Flat and Battered

2009-07-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

The World is Flat. It's Hot and Crowded for some. But today's menu is no less different. The chicken breast after being deep fried is hammered or battered, hit and flattened and served hot. Hot as in recently fried and hot with a most appetising chilli hot sauce. This new menu about town is called "Ayam Penyek". In Malay 'ayam' means chicken and 'penyek' refers to the act of hitting or battering causing something to be flattened as in this instance, the chicken breast meat. Thus how the menu gets its name. With a lunch plate costing RM 6 it is a popular choice here judging from the crowd that normally request for it. The menu consists of half-boiled vegetables as salad, rice and a tiny bowl of soup. But really to enjoy it you've got to eat with your right hand and fingers for that extra finger-licking good experience. I tried and loved it.

Colourful Hibiscus

2009-07-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Walking around the Sarawak Musem Garden this afternoon, I was able to capture a few more samples of flowering hibiscus plants as shown above. Hope they can be a source of inspiration for today. Have a beautiful weekend.

The Quest for Difference

2009-07-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is something uniquely Kuching. They call it a 'Cat's City ', after all Kuching means cat in Malay. In fact, Kuching has 2 ( two ) city mayors for that matter. They build scooters like the one above in Kuching and sell them for the domestic as well as export market. These scooters are marketed under the name of "Demak".

Then, while driving home from the city yesterday I was in time to take this picture of the 'Beetle' car, with its tail exposing its engine power. Interesting exposition, I thought.

Colourful Buildings

2009-06-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

In the distant is the Kuching Mosque where I attended Friday prayers today. The colourful building on the right is a multi-storey car park-cum-food court.

Shady Park

2009-06-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I parked my car here while I performed the Friday prayers at a Mosque near by today. The rain trees have created a cool and shady micro-climate in the mini park.

Driving Rubber Road, Kuching

2009-06-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

What's Looking Up?

2009-06-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

THe web of branches against the blue sky made me run for my camera handphone. Here's the view looking up the Yellow Flame tree. Location: Car Park near Kuching Mosque.

Kayan Burial Hut

2009-06-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

About 150 years ago, the Kayans of Sarawak used to inter ( bury ) their dead ones in big burial huts called "Salong" . Though the custom is not practised now, the 'totem pole' in which the bones are kept ( in special jars) can be seen around the Sarawak Museum gardens in Kuching. They can come in single trunk or double-trunk poles. The picture above shows one that is double-trunk. Standing about 10 meters from the ground the "Salong" can last for hundreds of years due to the enduring 'belian' wood that is used to carve the designs.

Flowering Trees of Kuching - Jun

2009-06-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

I notice the Trumpet trees are beginning to flower profusely in some parts of Kuching this month. This picture I took along the road facing the RTM building . There are two varieties grown in Sarawak now viz the white and pink flower varieties. The Trumpet trees ( Tabebuia) have big flowers that are trumpet to bell-shaped and have spectaular colours in shade of white, pink, red or yellow.

Tabebuia alba bearing white flowers.

Location: Road facing RTM Building, Kuching.

Flowers of Kuching - Hibiscus

2009-06-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Flowering Trees of Kuching - May

2009-06-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

Below are pictures of flowering trees in Kuching for the month of May,2009.

Rain Tree flowers in Close Up ( Enterolobium saman )

Rain Tree in Long Shot

Flowers of the Tembusu in Close Up ( Fagraea fragrans )

Tembusu Tree in flower

Flowers of the Golden Shower in Close Up ( Cassia fistula )

The Golden Shower Tree in full bloom

Flowers of Kuching - Varieties

2009-06-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

Below are the flowers that I have planted at my Kuching garden. For your eyes only.

Sepenuh ( Eurcycles amboinensis)

Costus woodsoonii

Pink Canna hybrid

Pink Frangipani ( Plumeria rubra)

Flowers of Kuching - Hibiscus

2009-06-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Kuching Flowers - Anthuriums and Orchids

2009-06-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kuching Flowers- Coleus

2009-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Aerobic dancing

2009-04-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's aerobic dancing outside the Sarawak State Library I saw yesterday. I noticed there were more ladies than men and they seemed to enjoy it because they participated voluntarily. These aerobic sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the week between 4.30 pm - 6.00 pm when the sun is slightly low in the horizon and the weather much cooler.

Living Crafts

2009-04-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

There is a tiny lane by the side of Carpenter Street in Kuching where I took these pictures today. Carpenter Street runs parallel to the Kuching Waterfront. Two subjects that drew my attention was a Chinese craftsman who seemed very adept in the art of making hardware items that has been mastered over generations. Along this narrow lane called 'Bishop's Gate' there is a small colony of these artisans who are still carrying out the age old tin smiting business. The early Chinese artisans who have honed their skills using tin have upgraded themselves through years of practise to newer materials like mild galvanised sheets and more recently thin stainless steel sheets. When I asked one of them ( pix above) how long he has been in the business, he told me in no uncertain terms " Fifty Years". Judging by his skillful hands ,deep concentration and precise execution I have no doubt that that he really talked the walk and walked the talk.
Further down the 'Bishop's Gate' lane a wall of paintings crowded the narrow five-foot way. Paintings by local artists were displayed for sale. By the look of it , the spirit of commerce is thriving well on Bishop's Gate lane. It's interesting to see how local artists have risen to the occasion too by demonstrating their talents in support of the growing tourism business around the Kuching Waterfront area.

Modelling Shot

2009-04-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

At the Spring shopping mall a group of students from the Limkokwing Creative Technology University were busy clicking their cameras focussed on a walk-in model. They were searching for aspiring models to participate in their 'Breeze Model Search ' project. A brave attempt by the girl and an encouraging trend for young students who dare demonstrate their skills to the street.

Room On Top of The Stairs

2009-04-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

As I entered the entrance of Carpenter Street yesterday I couldn't help but sing 'Room on Top of the Stairs'.

Green setting

2009-04-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

I spent a cool afternoon in the shades of these trees yesterday. This small urban park is situated within the Kuching Watefront area.

China Street

2009-04-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

This narrow lane is an off shot from the main Carpenter Street. Called 'Upper China Street' it is reminiscent of the early days of Kuching when streets were narrow and shop houses were the homes, business premise and playground all-in-one for the immigrant Chinese.

Longest Row of Cannas

2009-04-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is about the longest stretch of cannas grown in Kuching. It is about 200 m in length and planted with three colourful shades of cannas -red, yellow and orange. The building in the center of the picture belongs to the Kuching City North. Cannas belong to the broad family of bananas and ginger in that they have rhizomes. Over centuries, they have been cross-breeded and now many hybrids are available having varied colours and mixture. Cannas love the open sun and require heavy manuring and removal of spent leaves or stems if they are to exhibit their true colours and bright appeal.

Selling History

2009-04-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

You can sell history of Old Kuching. At the Satok Sunday market this morning I stumbled upon a stall that sells old photographs of Kuching . They come in various sizes and all pictures are laminated. Most of the pictures appear to be reprints or photocopies of the originals. Apparently they are a lot of admirers as well as buyers to the stall.

Golden Shower

2009-04-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

In the middle of Mile 7 town center where the above mini-park is I noticed today a row of Golden Shower ( Cassia fistula) trees that are in full flowering. The bright yellow flowers are in heavy clusters and sometimes envelop the whole tree. Being deciduous they will be left without leaves for a while after the flowering season is over. Flowers last for a few weeks and then fall on the ground below forming a thin yellow carpet .

Pak Tambang

2009-04-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

This relief sculpture depicts the unsung heroes of the Sarawak River. Made of bronze and mosaic and approximately 2m x 3m in size it is dedicated to the many generations of boatmen ( Pak Tambang) who have dedicated their lives for the safety and comfort of residents and visitors they successfully ferry daily. 'Tambang' refers to the small boat that they row or paddle (before) but now powered by a small inboard engine to cross the still waters of the Sarawak River around the Kuching waterfront area. This sculpture is located at the Kuching waterfront area.

Showing off true colours

2009-03-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Coleus planted in a long planter box.

In Kuching I noticed that the coleus or botanically known as Solenstemon are very popularly grown as a house garden plant. This city seems to have the perfect climate to grow them. Indeed as seen above they prefer the direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Grown mainly for their colourful foliage, the stems are succulent and therefore require heavy watering. They love to be fertilised with manure and after a week of application will show off their true colours which are extremely eye-catching.

Above, coleus are planted as edging plants and continually pruned as a ground cover.

A light green and yellowish coleus variety in mixed planting.

Sunday Flowers

2009-03-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

On any Sunday in Kuching you can feast your eyes with a vast collection of flowers and colourful foliage. The happening is as always at the Satok Sunday market . Orchids, Hibiscus, Bougainvilleas, Roses, Coleus and many more varieties of indoor plants and fruit trees are in abundance to cater for the diverse interests of garden enthusiasts or hobbyists. It is a great place to see the latest additions of plants for the eager consuming Kuching crowd.

At one corner of the market I was impressed by this rich collection of bougainvillea species. The colourful bracts of the bougainvilleas make up for their small significant flowers.

The above is my prized possession of the day, a begonia rex species. The colourful foliage with 'batik-like' impressions on the leaves are indeed awesome. The varying colours and patterning are a show of nature's masterly handiwork. Nature will forever continue to amaze me.

This variegated draceana species ( Draceana fragrans 'Massangeana') will do fine as an indoor potted plant.

Overall, a perfect day for flower shopping.

The Rajah Brooke Birdwing Butterfly

2009-03-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

On the front wall of the Natural History Museum building at the Sarawak Museum garden I saw this giant replica of the Rajah Brooke Birdwing Butterfly ( Ornithoptera brookeana). The butterfly was named after the first white Rajah of Sarawak- Sir James Brooke by Alfred Wallace while on his travels to Sarawak in the middle of the 19th century.

Sunrise,sunset

2009-03-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Below are two views from our house at Kuching. The sunrise is seen from the back of the house and the sunset from the front garden.

On both views the mountains and hills form the distant backdrop.

Sunrise

Sunset

Swimming Pool

2009-03-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

The swimming pool at Damai Resort Beach hotel, Santubong.

End of Road

2009-03-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Driving around the village of Santubong we came to the end of the road that saw the beach and this modern country villa. The Mount Santubong and the blue sky provided a magnificent backdrop.

White Bougainillea House

2009-03-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Took a left turn before reaching Damai Resort. And came down to the village of Santubong. Followed the road that encircled the village and met this white bougainvillea house. Malay houses here are either constructed as one level or two. Older houses are made from timber, while newer ones of concrete and brick walls. At the far background is the Mount Santubong.

Damai Resort

2009-03-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

This hotel apartment nestled snugly on the foothills with lush greenery and peaceful surrounding. The place: Damai Resort, Santubong, 40 minutes drive from Kuching city.

The split level carpark harmonises with the sloping terrain and the tropicalness evident from the coconut palms, green mountains and blue sky.

Arches of Petra Jaya Mosque

2009-03-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

The hundreds of tall column arches of the Petra Jaya Mosque are seen reflected on the clean terrazzo floor. I performed the Friday prayers here this afternoon.

Another view of the open air section of the Petra Jaya Mosque.

Damai Beach

2009-03-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today I took a 40 minutes drive to the coastal area of Kuching. The place is Santubong and at the Damai Beach there we spent the afternoon in the hot sun,warm breeze and peaceful surroundings. The coconut palm with its swaying leaves against the green backdrop of Mount Santubong was a perfect post card image of a tropical vacation.

CU of the Coconut Tree

Commodity trading

2009-03-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

Just outside a shop at Gambier Road a notice board welcomes farmers to sell their commodity there. The two commodities the licensed buyer is interested in are pepper and cocoa.

Batik Sarawak

2009-03-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Along India Street I saw yards of Batik Sarawak material displayed in front of the shop, Fabriko. The flowing floral-like designs above are peculiar of one of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak called the Orang Ulu, comprising the Kelabits,Kayans, Kenyahs,etc. These designs are either printed or hand painted on silk, cotton or polyester.

Jalan Satok

2009-03-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

This is the main Jalan Satok or Satok Road. Satok Road is a major shopping, banking and eating area in Kuching. On weekends city folks flock here to do their weekend shopping at the Sunday market which kick off on Saturday afternoon till Sunday morning. Daily in the evening one of the car parking spaces will be turned into a hawkers food centre .

Vespa sprint

2009-03-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

It was a vintage Vespa sprint scooter I saw last Sunday at the Satok Sunday market. Many shoppers had a closer look at the old faithful. Judging from the registration plate number, the scooter must have been on the road for 50 years now. The proud owner now uses it as a 'traveling' shop selling small items like pickled fruits, sweets, packet drinks, tea and coffee satchets.

Yellow Saraca flowers

2009-03-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

On a stretch of road at Taman BDC I came across these beautiful yellow blooms of the Yellow Saraca ( Saraca thaipingensis). This is a short tree and grows very slowly. Therefore I think this species is ideal for house gardens, small roads and parks. The flowers are fragrant.

CU of the Yellow Saraca flowers, that typicaly offshot from older branches.

Lines and colours

2009-03-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

Against the clear blue sky protrudes two white roofing structure of the godown amphitheatre ( foreground) and the pinnacle of the new Sarawak State Legislative assembly building is the far background. Here I attempt to make a simple composition using straight and curved lines and three colour hues.

Chinese Temple near Kuching Waterfront

2009-03-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

Located near the Kuching waterfront area this Chinese temple has become a popular tourist attraction these days. Built sometime in 1876, the temple houses the deity 'Tua Pek Kong' - a paternalistic god among the many gods in the Chinese pantheon.

Call me ' Nenas Manis'

2009-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

At a roadside stall in Kampung Buntal these 'nenas' ( Malay word for pineapple) caught my attention. Three of those were sold at RM 2 and you can mix you choice. The top variety is called Nenas Johore and below it is Nenas Sarawak. Both of which I would like to describe as 'manis', another Malay word for sweet.

Hanging handkerchiefs

2009-02-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

These white to light purple young leaves hang like long handkerchiefs from the the tip of the yellow saraca ( Saraca thaipingensis ) tree branches. I saw two stretches of roads at the BDC housing estate this morning which have these mature trees in their initial blooming stage.
In India a close relative of this tree is the Ashoka tree ( Saraca asoca ) underwhich it was believed Buddha was born and as such the tree is considered sacred among adherents of the Buddhist faith.
The variety we have here has bright yellow flowers which are fragrant, especially at night. This is an evergreen tree and is considered small as they very rarely reach more than 20 m. Over the years I have observed one specimen at the Sarawak Museum gardens and to my knowledge have been there for more than 15 years now and still retain a height of not more than 6m. I think this tree is a rarity even though it is native to this part of the world. As such I think it is good if other places in Sarawak emulate the planting of this species mainly for its unique look and blooms.

Close up of the bright yellow blooms of the saraca.

The flowers are attactive to bees and birds.
A characteristic of the saraca is its peculiar habit of having blooms emerging on the sides of older branches as seen here.

Red Japanese Bridge

2009-02-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

The Kuching Reservoir Park is a popular jogging, walking, exercise and picnic venue for many Kuching residents and visitors. Its lush greenery and many ponds provides much tropicalness to the area. I find the red Japanese bridge a pretty focal point and provides a strong element of interest to the park. The reservoir was built more than 100 years ago to store and filter water for the consumption of Kuching's town population then. Now it functions wholly as a public park.

Spinning Tops

2009-02-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I came across a show and performance of spinning tops at the Kuching Waterfront's amphitheatre area. Most of the spinning tops were from the various ethnic groups of Malaysia. At the centre of the picture is one that is still spinning on a chair. A Kelantanese spinning top called a 'gasing' can spin for as long as two and a half hours.

A Star is Born

2009-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

At the Kuching Waterfront's amphitheatre was a cultural performance by the school kids of SRK Buyong, free for all to see. The young singer does her vibes with the aid of karaoke and an excellent sound system while friends danced to the contemporary pop music.

While a star can be born with a golden voice another can just rise from a tapping feet. The young school children put on their best costumes, smiles and talent to the accompaniment of a traditional Malay 'zapin' dance.

India Street

2009-02-19T03:24:00.000-08:00

The Indian Muslim community does brisk business at India Street where they specialise in imported textiles, books and magazines especially Islamic religious books, currency exchange, restaurants and spices. Walking past their crowded shop that overflowed into the five-foot way I could smell the rich aroma of perfumes and freshly cooked curries. A must visit when in Kuching. The presence of a large variety of businesses carried out by the Indians here have made the venue popularly known as 'Little India'.

Hawkers Food Centre at Satok

2009-02-19T02:52:00.000-08:00

Not to be misssed in Kuching is the nightly hawkers food centre at Satok. It's my favourite haunt for satay, mee, soup, burgers and barbecued chicken and the popular ' ikan terubok'.
In the day time the site is a car parking lot but come 6.00 pm it metamorphosed into a food centre ala hawkers style. Business hours end in the wee hours of the morning.

At this stall one can get a variety of barbecued items like finely sliced and spicely marionetted chicken meat the locals call 'satay' hence the stall is normally referred to as a 'satay' stall and the operator/owner the 'satay man'. Traditionally the 'satay man' uses an organic fan made from local palm leaves to blow the burning charcoal. However increasingly many opt for the electric fan which does the job just as well minus the romanticism.

Historical pillars of Kuching

2009-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

Entrance to the Sarawak Tourism Complex

Kuching has more than its share of historical buildings in Sarawak. In fact I think more than. Compared to Bintulu for instance where there is none. Therefore a walk around downtown Kuching city is a journey into the past when the Brookes and then the later British colonialists constructed buildings in the tradition we name today as the 'colonial style'. The above entrance arch serves as balcony to what was before the Court House. As I walked in through the balcony I was impressed by the tall round columns that hold the ceiling of the verandah past the balcony space as seen in the picture below.

These columns look imposing and full of grandeur much inspired by the massive columns of Roman court house architecture. After the first Council Negeri meeting was held at Bintulu in 1876, all subsequent meetings from 1878 till1973 were held at this Court House. However very recently its was converted into Sarawak Tourism Complex building.

These pillars are tall probably 6 m high to my naked eye. I find the walkway or corridor rather narrow. In history, this building served as the General Post Office (1931) and still is albeit name change to Pejabot Pos Malaysia.

Iguana shedding skin

2009-02-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

At the Jong's Crocodile farm, I took this picture of iquanas that were displayed in their mini zoo collection. On second look I saw one iguana sheeding its skin ready for my klikz.

Most colourful building

2009-02-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today I notice contractors are busy doing renovation works to this multi-storey car park's ground floor space. The playful use of colours no doubt to me makes it the most colourful building in Kuching.

Cordyline Inflorescence

2009-02-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Walking around the city today I stumbled upon this flowering cordyline plant. It's not often that one encounters a cordyline plant inflorescence. Thus I was pleased to record this for posterity.

Location: Sarawk Tourism Complex area

River boat ferry

2009-02-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

You need to board this small river boat ferry, locally called 'perahu tambang' to cross the Sarawak River that meanders by the Kuching City centre area. Fare is RM0.50 per crossing. The still waters of the Sarawak river makes the crossing a breeze. The boat is powered by a small inboard engine.

Shophouse in Off Beat Colours

2009-02-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

It's interesting to see these days how shopowners in the city are willing to makeover their shop. The use of off beat colours add much lustre and live to the street. The square columns are made of bricks when at the time of their construction today's reinforced conrete technology were unheard of. I find the detailing on the pillars characteristic of the time just as the typical one floor building structure, of which the first floor was used as living accomodation for the shopkeeper's family. This is the traditional way of 'working from home', I guess.

Visit to a Crocodile Farm

2009-02-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Jong crocodile farm is about 25 km from Kuching City centre. It is easily reached by taxi . Here two types of crocodiles are bred in captivity, viz the saltwater or estuarine crocodile ( Crocodylus porpous) and the freshwater or inland crocodile ( Tomistoma schlegii ). The farm is a private undertaking by the Jong family. Above is one of the two ponds where feeding time is watched by visitors and tourists who pay RM 10 (adults) per entry. But I thought the charges were well worth it when you see their big collection of crocodiles and other animals in the mini zoo within the generous 25 acres site. I paid a visit to the farm on 10/2/09 at 3.00 pm to watch them feed these ferocious carnivorous reptiles, an ancient relic of the dinosaur family.

Don't run for the ladder if a crocodile chases you!

As part of the main show a whole chicken piece is lowered to the middle of the pond and the more adventurous of the crocs fight for the special prize of the day.

Juvenile crocodiles are kept in separate enclosures .
The farm is able to breed crocodiles after many years of trial and error. To date there are about 500 of them born at the farm.

Cobbler at Work

2009-02-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

Daring the hot sun, this cobbler worked intently on a lady's shoe by the sidewalk along Main Bazaar Road, Kuching.

Hibiscus Cultivars at the Museum Garden

2009-02-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

At the Sarawak Museum garden yesterday I saw these colourful blooms of the hibiscus. The red type hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is the national flower of Malaysia and is lovingly called ' Bunga Raya'. Many people believe that the hibiscus originated from east Aftrica. However there are claims that it has its origins in China and the Paciific Islands. Nowadays there are hundreds of cultivars and they can appear in various colours like below.

Corner Landscape Detailing

2009-02-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

Successive layering is achieved through proper use of plants and colours

Recently I have been interested on the treatment of landscaping corners around the Kuching waterfront area and other likely areas around the city. I always believe that at tight corners the landscaping details should enhance the engineering aspects of roadsides plus its aestethic appeal. A short walk around town indicated to me that some people have done quite a good job of planting details as shown above and below.

The red ixoras alert one's senses.

Location: Kuching Waterfront area

Corner at DBKU Building (Petrajaya) showing diverse shapes, heights and colours of plants (i.e.hibiscus,cordyline and palm)

Use of spathiphyllum and variegated dwarf ophiopogon help defines corners.

Location: Barrack Road

Orang Ulu Beadswork

2009-02-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

Pencil holder placed on a beaded table mat.

Sarawak is increasingly famous for its beadswork. I find that the 'Orang Ulu' comprising in majority the Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit of Sarawak have developed a high level of artistry in their beadswork. Today I met a wholesale trader specialising in Borneo beadswork. Below are samples of modern beadswork available as souveniers at many of the local handicrafts shops in Kuching, Sarawak.

The motifs vary from mythical animals, birds, dragons and patterns from plant life like flowers, fern fronds and shapes of leaves. The patterns and motifs are typical Borneoan in origin and so is the choice of colours. The above rectangular table mats come in various sizes. Square ones ( 30x30cm) and large rectangular pieces ( 60x150cm).

Trinklets from beads like these are popularly displayed in cars.

Clothings at 50-70% Discount

2009-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

I came upon this bundle of clothings that are sold at 50-70%discount by the India Street sidewalk. The reason the shopkeepers here disposed them cheaply was due to the heavy rains and high tide that brought in the river waters creeping into the shophouses thus drenching the clothings . The clothings that got drenched were disposed by selling them at fantastic discounts. Last month Kuching received its highest rainfall in two days, equivalent to about 400 mm of rain. The amount of rain that Kuching normally received in a year ( over many years now) is only 300 mm. Well you can imagine how wet was Kuching when the equivalent of a year's rain was soaked into two days.

Street of Spices

2009-02-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Shopping for spices is made easy in Kuching. At Gambier Street are found many spices shops that are operated by Indian Muslims. Here spices from all over the world are sold in small outlets that encroached onto 5-footways and sidewalks. The place is bustling everyday and must have been like this in the early 19th century when 'gambier' a shrub widely cultivated in Sarawak was traded here for its extract used in dyeing and tanning of leather,hence its name 'Gambier Street'. Close up of a shop fully stocked with spices and related ingredients for making spicy dishes like curry.

Kuching in bronze

2009-02-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

At the Kuching waterfront is seen this bronze sculpture of a group of local cats. The city's named has been accredited to cats. One theory suggests that it derived its name from the spot where there were plenty of trees the locals here called 'mata kuching' that have seeds like cat's eyes. This spot close to where the city now is was a natural gathering place of ships and boats that came in to town to trade. Overtime the town was described by the river spot where the trading ships or boats berthed albeit by the shade of the 'mata kuching' trees. Another theory suggests that the prevalence of cats around the town had made people adopt the name 'Kuching' ( malay word for cat) to better describe the locality. Whatever theory you are inclined to follow it all boiled down to cats, cats,cats. Kuching is for cats.

A group of local cats in bronze in playful mood. Location: Kuching waterfront area.

Idyllic Kuching

2009-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Idyllic Astana

At the Kuching waterfront yesterday I noticed the idyllic Astana which is home to the Governor of Sarawak. In Malay the proper term to call the Governor is ' Tuan Yang Di Pertua Negeri '.

The still waters of the Sarawak River that meanders by it makes an excellent post card view.

These deep sea fishing trawlers are having a rest. Wait. You mean just opposite the residency?
Yes, they are berthed for many weeks here due to the dangerously high seas and the north easterly winds that have no mercy on small fishing vessels when they bash the coastal regions of Sarawak during the rainy monsoon season ( November to February) yearly.

Rice in pitcher plant

2009-01-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Among the Bidayuhs of Kuching pitcher plants are used as wrappers for glutinous rice.

Like the one above which I bought for RM0.50 a piece at the Serikin tamu, the rice cooked in the pitcher plant is indeed very tasty and aromatic. However, to make it even more appetising , crushed peanuts and a flavoured paste is added in. Yummy, yummy ,I love it!.

Looking up the trees

2009-01-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

By the end of this week I hope to be in Kuching. As a prelude to my next visit, I am looking up at Kuching's palm trees. These were taken during my last trip there. The above palm tree is exceedingly tall, reaching more than 25 m high. Called the giant fish tail palm ( Caryota no) it has leaves like the shape of fishes tail! The fronds can grow to 4 m long. But what fascinates me is its beautiful long yellow inflorescences which is about 2.5 m long. This palm is native to Borneo and as such its synonym is caryota rumphiana var. borneensis.

The above is the local livistonia palm species called the Malayan Fan Palm ( livistonia rotundifolia). It is distinguished by its brick-red spherical fruits. It can grow tall maybe between 15- 20 m high. Another recognizable characteristic is its palmate leaves which are rounded with tips divided. The inflorescences are also long, up to1.6 m.

It is my hope that in the coming trip I will gather more pictures and information about Kuching trees, palms included for a proposed book I am planning to launch by October this year.

Kuching's Historical Buildings - The Pavillion - Going 100.

2008-12-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Pavillion

It was somewhat a trip down memory lane for me when I visited the Sarawak Textile Museum during this trip to Kuching ( 1 Dec - 12 Dec). The present building was called 'The Pavillion' in the Brooke's days. The above picture was taken sometime in the mid 1900's when it became the Medical Headquarters. Years later it became the home of the Education Department before it was renovated to become the Sarawak Textile Museum , it is today.

A plaque attached to the side of the main door today indicates that the building was built in 1909 and thus will be 100 years old next year!

I will have more time to recourse to this building and the stories surroundng it in future. Even though it is now a textile museum, I have fond memories of working in this building for about two years ( 1978- 1979) when as a junior officer in the Sarawak Education Department I was entrusted to head the Educational Radio section of the Educational Mass Media Service whose main office was at this building then. Comparing the two pictures above it is interesting how intact the exterior character of the building is preserved.

Kuching's Cat Museum

2008-12-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

We took time to visit the Cat Museum at DBKU( Dewan BandarayaKuching Utara = Kuching North City Council) Building today. This is the entrance to the museum, located at the ground floor of the Kuching North City Council's Building. The Kuching North City Council's emblem also carries cats as icons.

The DBKU Headquarters with cats as part of the emblem.

BTW, Kuching = Cat in Malay.

Part of the models and relief sculpture of the big cat family of the animal kingdom.

A Cat Burglar at Work.

Stuffed Civet Cats and Spotted Leopard Cats ( in the background)

Cats, cats everywhere.

Children photo fitting...in cats costume.

Big poster of a theatretical play featuring... Human Cats.

View of Kuching City from the Cat Museum.

Discover the Treasure of Borneo Jungle

2008-12-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

Paid a visit to the Pitcher Plant and Wild Orchid Centre at Padawan today, some 30 minutes drive from Kuching city .

Below are pictures of the carnivorous plant called nepenthes or pitcher plants. There are about 30 species on display. From the picture below it is easy to imagine how small insects or animals( e.g. lizards and tiny frogs) can get trapped and drowned before they are absorbed into the plant as food.

Pitcher Plants

Here there are about 40 species of Sarawak or Borneo's wild orchids on display.Below are examples that caught my attention.

Wild Orchids

The above wild orchid is a species of the vanda called Phalaenopsis violacea which is highly scented and raised to the status of the state flower of Sarawak and given a VIP name - 'Normah Orchid' - after the name of the former First Lady of Sarawak.

Santa Claus and his Sleigh

2008-12-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Whiling away their time shopping at the 'Boulevard' shopping mall , visitors are greeted by Santa Claus with his sleigh of reindeers. I find this shopping mall has the best interior display for the Xmas shopping season so far in Kuching. However there wasn't any sign of last minute shopping yet as the crowd seemed quite normal and discounts weren't yet bottoming.

Sarawak State Library ( Pustaka Negeri Sarawak)

2008-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Paid a visit to the State Library to return the books I borrowed earlier. The library is situated on a vast green open space probably about 30 acres . The above picture shows the back part of the library which faces a man made lake.

Shopping for Scarves at Satok

2008-12-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

On Location: Satok Market

Take 1 : Mannequins in a Row

Take 2 : Fashionable Scarves On

Take 3 : Scarves named after latest Indonesian box-office film and song by the same title - 'Ayat- Ayat Cinta' ( Verses of Love )

T-Shirts of 'Kuching'

2008-12-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

The T-shirt says it all. Kuching is the capital of Sarawak. Coincidentally Kuching is also the local Malay word for cat. The story goes that when the early British traders set up shop in Sarawak in the middle of the nineteenth century, they used to park their ships and goods at a small river close to the existing Main Bazaar Road. Along this river were found numerous 'Mata Kuching' trees ( Dimocarpus longan malesianus) which bear fruits very much like the longan but smaller in size. These fruits have dark brown seeds that look like cat's eyes. The name 'Kuching' was chosen to refer to this early trading post area and slowly became vogue when the Rajah of Sarawak ( Ruler of Sarawak) built his palace or astana across it.

Today, as I went around Satok to do a little shopping I came across T-shirts marketing those lovable Kuching icons - yes, cats and of course the name of the city itself.

Still interested to know more about Kuching cats? Then you're welcome to visit my special blog about them here.

Kuching Garden Scents

2008-12-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Wooden platter with scented flowers.

Went shopping for a wooden platter yesterday at the Kuching waterfront's handicrafts and sovenier shops. Now you can find lots of Sarawak's multi-layered cakes called 'kek lapis' sold at the sidewalk along the shops too. The lady on the right sells such cakes. These cakes appear to be an important 'export' item of Kuching tourism currently.

CU View of Kuching's multi-layered cakes called "Kek Lapis" in Malay.

(Note: The price tag is in Malaysian Ringgit currency)

I finally got a wooden platter from one one the shops and used it to display fresh cut flowers especially scented ones for room or study fragrance.The wood platter costs me RM 15.

The center flower is the white ginger ( hedychium coronarium) with its butterfly-like pure white flowers and yellow shades in the center. On the right is the pink frangipani ( plumeria rubra) and the left one is the sweetly scented jasmine flowers ( jasminum multiforum) with its star-shaped tiny white flowers formed in a nice little bunch.

Afternoon Drive to Petrajaya

2008-12-04T03:28:00.000-08:00

Today we took an afternoon drive to Petrajaya, a very modern township which houses the seat of Sarawak government. The 2020 topiary reminds visitors of Sarawak's goal of becoming an industrialised state by 2020.

This is my favourite driveway to Petrajaya. I like the huge rain trees in the central median. Considered as the main protocol road this stretch is always kept at tip top condition.

I dropped by at the Sarawak State Library to borrow 6 books ( maximum). I have never seen any staircase like this anywhere in Malaysia. The steps are made of glass slabs and below the landing are water fountains.

While on the way out of the library's compound I saw a flock of egrets. The park surrounding the library is huge probably about 20 hectares and planted with hundreds of species of flowering trees.

Afternoon Break by the Kuching Waterfront

2008-12-04T02:55:00.000-08:00

Sitting just a table away from the young lady we had a plate of banana, taufu and vegetable fritters for afternoon tea at the Kuching waterfront. It was raining lightly and took time to sit longer for our afternoon time off.

Just across where we sat was this view of the new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building in an advanced stage of completion. Two trawlers passed by the quiet and calm waters of the Sarawak River where the popular Kuching waterfront area is sited.

Bonsai Show and Sale at Mile 7 , Kuching.

2008-12-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

My first outing arriving from Bintulu yesterday was to see a bonsai show and sale at Mile 7, Kuching. Situated at a public open space right in the middle of the town, thousands of bonsais were displayed , some in proper vases or pots, while others especially the larger ones were still having their rooting system or plant bases wrapped in gunny sacks.

Another view of the show. In the far background are bonsai pots for sale.

More Pictures of the Different Varieties of Plants as Bonsai

are shown below:

Clouds and Rains Towards Kuching

2008-12-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

In the far distance heavy clouds formed and rains have fallen at certain locations.

It has been a full month of November that we left Kuching. On this 1st of December we took to the road again for a 10 hours journey to Kuching from Bintulu. The month of November is very rainy in Bintulu and as we drove the only highway that ran the length of Sarawak we encountered heavy rains too especially on the last lap of the journey while nearing Kuching.

The wiper saves the day without which we will not be able to see clearly ahead.

Travelling long distances I prefer some rain along the way mainly to cool off the hot tyres though it somewhat slow down the journey. We can't have it both ways. Too dangerous to speed on slippery roads.

Abstract sculpture to interpret

2008-10-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

I took more pictures of the steel sculpture at the Kuching waterfront to understand the concept and meaning of the sculpture. I guess that what's abstract art is meant for. You interpret them at your own risk.

Well, why not give yourself a try at interpreting it........ :)

Singing for your heart

2008-10-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you come across this handicapped musician on the sidewalk of Satok, Kuching. With a rich repertoire of local Malaysian songs he attracts passers by who take kindly to his public performance by throwing in coins or notes into the donation box. It baffles me how he can manipulate the buttons and controls of the digital keyboard . Well, I guess practice does makes things perfect.

Slicing the Jackfruit ( Artocarpus integer)

2008-10-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

On any Sunday at the jungle produce market, ( situated at Satok Road ) you meet native women selling sliced young jackfruits . A small basket portion of it costs RM 1.

These sliced pieces are ready to be cooked preferebly with coconut milk. The ripe seeds can be boiled and eaten with honey or sugar with grated coconut.

It is the use of the flesh of the jackfruit when cooked that gave the name breadfruit to this plant family and in science the name of the genus:- in Greek, artos=bread and karpos=fruit .

Ripe jackfruit containing starchy,sweet flesh and seed

Locally the jackfruit is called ' cempedak'. It is native to Malaysia and therefore Kuching as well. The ripe fruits which are fleshy and sweet can also be fried into fritters for afternoon tea. Below is a picture of the jackfruit tree. The tree can easily reach a height of 15 m. The fruits are cylinderical, about 30-40cm long.

Kuching Klikz, Sarawak receives award from Bandung

2008-10-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Last week I stopped by at the Pustaka Negeri ( State Library) to see a handicraft exhibition. I thought the Sarawak ethnic design drawn on the batik shirt above was beautifully done.

On another note I am extremely thrilled this morning to know that this blog has been given the "Blogging Friends Forever" (BFF) award by Saudara Eki of BANDUNG DAILY PHOTO . PLease visit his posting here:http://bandungdailyphoto.com/2008/10/skywatch-friday-15-bandungs-late-dry.html.

Well , I am lost for words at the moment...:)

I feel elated. On top of the world. Feel so very honoured and therefore am very pleased to receive it. Million thanks, Eki. As required I'll pass the award ( and the love of blogging) to five others and my choice will be announced in my next posting.

Satok Flyover in full colours

2008-10-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to see the bougainvilleas planted on the Satok flyover showing their best. Satok Road is a major shopping area in Kuching. You enter it by turning left just like the car in the foreground is doing. The road is a mile long and is crowded with traditional markets, shoping malls and complexes ,makeshift food stalls especially erected at night and the ever popular sunday market which kicks off on Saturday afternoon till Sunday afternoon every week.

Ethnic design on Sarawak pavement

2008-10-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

This is a view of the designs on the pavement at the Kuching waterfront area. This is typical of native designs of Sarawak. A similar design is shown below which I took from a gallery of native designs at the Square Tower which I mentioned in my recent postings here.

The above design is drawn by the famous native designer named Tusau Padan ( 1930-1996) on bark cloth. Typical of such designs, the motifs are mainly floral, dragon-dog designs, lizards, birds or human figures. Anyway it is interesting to note that these designs have a certain harmony interwined in them. Though they seem asymmetrical at times but in the end appear balanced. Even on the pavement the designs seem to grow from spiral upon spiral, branch out of branch. In the end there are no missing links only a natural flow.

Cool ambience inside Square Tower

2008-10-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

I kind of like the cool ambience of the cafe which I thought was well decorated. Using ethnic design motifs, objects , materials and paintings the place looked classy and creative. Below are pictures of the small but inviting cafe.

This is another view of the Square Tower situated at the Kuching Waterfront area. The ground floor space is shared by the cafe and a souvenier shop while the first floor showcases the development of the Kuching waterfront area in a form of a mini exhibition and a gallery of native designs.

Kuching's Historical Buildings

2008-10-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

The buiding in white is called the 'Square Tower' built in 1879 and is located within the Kuching waterfront area. Of all the towns in Sarawak, Kuching has the most beautiful and a very sizeable collection of well preserved colonial buildings. From middle of the 19th century ( 1842) to late 20th century (1963) Kuching and progressively other towns in Sarawak were ruled and administered by the British. Many permanent buildings constructed then are still standing and in good shape even today. The Square Tower is one of them.

Today, the Square Tower has a gallery located on the first floor showcasing a brief history of Kuching waterfront area and the elaborate designs of the native peoples of Sarawak.

The ground floor space is taken up by a souvenier shop and a beautifully designed cafe.

This is how the Square Tower looked in the good old days when it was first used as a place for detention of prisoners, then as a fort and finally a dancing hall.

Crossing the Sarawak River

2008-10-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

The red 'sampan' or small boat ferries local residents and tourists across the lazy Sarawak River.

At the time of writing this post I am actually in Bintulu, some 600 km away from Kuching. I have spent three weeks in Kuching. And now that I am at Bintulu , I would probably spend a month here before returning back to Kuching.

In the meantime, I've taken lots of shots in Kuching which I will continually post here.

Friends, you are invited to travel with me to Bintulu ( virtually i.e.) and discover my hometown by visiting this blog: http://mybintuluclicks.blogspot.com/

Thanks for dropping by and see you in Bintulu.

Sarawak River Cruise

2008-10-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

Sitting by the waterfront I noticed at a distance the cruise boat bringing tourists to enjoy the evening sunset was moving slowing through the calm waters of the Sarawak River. Time was approximately 5.30 pm.

It passed by a mammoth building under construction. Once completed it will function as the new Sarawak Legislative Assembly building here called Dewan Undangan Negeri or DUN in short. The Kuching waterfront area has plenty of attractions for tourists to see and experience. The slow moving river keeps me reminded of the regular need to step back from the hustle and bustle of city madness. Go holiday .

Durians are back in season

2008-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, my....!?*$$$$^^!!!..The Durians are back in town. To me, the fruit of a thousand perfumes. For more ... just open here.

Jurassic-like tree ferns

2008-10-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

These tree ferns ( Cyathea ) look like a leaf from the Jurassic Park landscape. But at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre they grow well, thanks to the high humidity, plenty of shady locations and rich and moist tropical soils here .

Look at the height. Wow, it could easily be 20 m high at the umbrella-like crown up there. There are a variety of these tree ferns which are native to Sarawak and they can be found near beaches, swamps, jungles or in the highlands of Sarawak. In all there are 600 species distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world . An interesting plant for our tropical garden not least for its dramatic qualities.