Kuching Day 2: Cat Museum, Cultural Village & Damai Beach

Day 2 was a Sunday and I did not want Jo to miss her weekly fellowship so we went together in the morning. Speaking of religion, I was surprised by the level of religious openness in Sarawak. Although Malaysia is an Islamic country, I saw many Catholic parishes and schools at different parts of the city, some even built in close proximity to a mosque. Masses are often conducted in Malay, English and various Chinese dialects at the same parish, reflecting cultural diversity among the local Christians.

Our first stop in the afternoon was the Cat Museum, about 15 min away from the city centre by car. True to its name, it houses a mix of display in the theme cats, including Cats the musical and possibly the most famous cat in the world Hello Kitty! Other galleries are devoted to biological facts, social beliefs and myths related to the animal. I found the museum a bit strange and random and not that worthwhile unless you are a cat lover. Its location on Bukit Siol, however, offered an nice view of the Kuching city. Admission was free of charge.

The outlook and the entrance of the Cat Museum

Kuching from the Bukit Siol

After another 40-min drive, we reached the Sarawak Cultural Village, situated at the foot of Mount Santubong. Like many tourist attractions in East Malaysia, foreigners were charged more than locals. A ticket cost RM60 and came with a passport, with contained the map and a description of each of the show houses in the cultural village and spaces to collect a stamp at each stop. These houses were authentic representations of the local ethnic populations living in Sarawak and were staffed by natives of that particular tribe. Most of them spoke good English and were very knowledgeable in their own culture. A cultural show was performed in the theatre twice a daily at 11:30am and 4pm and incorporated music and dancing from each ethnic group. At the end of the 45-minute performance guests were also invited to join the dancers on stage :)

Sarawak Cultural Village with the backdrop of the beautiful mountain

The Melanau tall house, one of the 7 show houses.

Local musician

Us having a go at the traditional dance and music

Cultural show

Opposite to the Sarawak Cultural Village was the Damai Beach. A new shopping complex has just been completed by the seaside but nothing was open yet except for the food court. The beach was beautiful and the water was very clean. The sea was a bit too wavy for swimming but jumping waves is always fun!