| Here are 10 things you ought to try when you're | | | | Sarawakian export, sago.Sago flour imparts a |
| in Kuching, Sarawak.1. Taste Kuching's favourite | | | | distinctive taste to this biscuit. It even comes in |
| noodle dish called "kolo mee". This simple noodle | | | | chocolate flavour, besides the usual traditional |
| dish with slices of barbecued pork, | | | | recipe.7. Buy yourself a "pua kumbu" |
| a sprinkling of spring onions and a bowl of soup | | | | A pua kumbu is a handwoven cloth used by Iban |
| drives Kuchingites (that's what we call people | | | | tribe, inspired by their dreams. The intricate |
| from Kuching) abroad mad with desire. Available | | | | colours and superb workmanship |
| at most coffeeshops and cafes in Kuching. If you | | | | makes each piece a work of art. Get yourself |
| can find "kolo mee", you should also try the spicy | | | | one if you can afford it.8. Explore the national |
| Sarawak laksa, another specialty dish of | | | | parks! |
| Sarawak.2. Try "umai". | | | | Sarawak is teeming with national parks so go on |
| "Umai" is the Melanau's version of the Cantonese | | | | the adventure of your life. Experience wildlife like |
| 'yee sang' (raw fish salad). Imagine a fiesty salad | | | | you've never seen before. |
| of shallots, raw fish, lime juice and salt.Never leave | | | | Start with the famous Bako National Park. We |
| without giving this dish a try!3. Take a boat ride to | | | | assure you it won't be your last.9. Take home |
| the other side of the Kuching River for 30 sen (or | | | | some lovely pottery! |
| USD 0.10) | | | | From rustic jars to pots, from vases to pen |
| The non-motorised boat ride goes across the | | | | holders, there's nothing like an authentic |
| Kuching River in just under five minutes. It's a | | | | Sarawakian pottery to remind you of this laidback |
| slow and beautiful boat ride across a lovely river. | | | | land, showcasing the best of native culture.10. |
| Where to go for this boat ride? Just get to the | | | | Enjoy the Sarawak Cultural Village |
| Kuching Waterfront, the pride of all Kuchingites.4. | | | | The Sarawak Cultural Village is hailed as Asia's |
| Hang loose at the Waterfront. | | | | best living museum, showcasing Sarawak's native |
| It's a hip and happening place to be when the sun | | | | peoples, their lifestyle, their homes and their |
| sets even if you're only sipping "teh tarik" which is | | | | culture. Just 45 minutes by car from the city of |
| hot tea with milk. Watch the world go by or | | | | Kuching, this village of 14 acres will astound you |
| observe the boats ply the river.5. Support the | | | | with the wondrous diversity of people and their |
| local pepper industry! | | | | culture. If there's only one place to visit while |
| Sarawak pepper is world famous so don't even | | | | you're here, make it the Sarawak Cultural |
| think of leaving the place without grabbing all sorts | | | | Village.Krista Goon is a writer and the co-business |
| of pepper paraphernalia - from pepper sweets to | | | | owner of which helps business owners maximise |
| pepper perfume!6. Bite into a crispy "tebaloi" | | | | their website potential through ideas, tips and |
| This traditional biscuit of the native people of | | | | brainwaves. She also runs SarawakOnline.com, a |
| Sarawak is made from another famous | | | | helpful resource for all things Sarawak. |