Colourful Sarawak Sampans

On normal days , these 'sampans' or small river boats are used to ferry the Kuching residents and tourists to cross the Sarawak River as it meanders at this point of its journey to the sea. A one way trip would cost only 40 cents per head.   At this strategic location are located Kuching City's big hotels, shopping complexes, banks and corporate offices. The building in the background ( under construction) is the proposed new Dewan Undangan Negeri building, equivalent to a State Assembly building.  Today these sampans join in the river regatta festival, adorned with the Sarawak state flags, the Malaysian flags and people dressed in various ethnic costumes to greet visitors, the public and the invited guests to a colourful show of culture fun and adventure.