Idyllic Kuching

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.

The Astana by the Sarawak River

I went to downtown Kuching city today to do a bit of shopping. On the opposite side of the shopping area stood this rustic view of the Astana which is home to the present Governor of Sarawak. Back in the colonial days it was the residence of the Brooke's family who became the 'White Rajah ' of Sarawak for more than a hundred years. The beauty of Sarawak River is its stillness which is occassionally disturbed by the small boats that ply the river or the colourful small ferry boats called 'perahu tambang' that transport residents or visitors across the river at a token price of 40 cents per one way trip.