craft shop, main bazaar, kuching, sarawak, malaysia

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Main Bazaar

Kuching


The row of old shophouses facing the Waterfront Promenade is chock-full of handicrafts shops, some outfitted like art galleries, others with more of a ‘garage sale’ appeal, and yet others (especially along the Main Bazaar’s western section) stocking little more than kitschy-cute cat souvenirs.

Handmade items worth seeing (if not purchasing) – many from the highlands of Kalimantan – include hand-woven textiles and baskets, masks, drums, brass gongs, statues (up to 2m high), beaded headdresses, swords, spears, painted shields and cannons from Brunei. At many places, staff enjoy explaining the origin and use of each item.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kuching attractions

1. Hong San Si Temple

0.07 MILES

Thought to date to around 1840, this fine Hokkien Chinese temple with intricate rooftop dragons was fully restored in 2004. There's a big celebration here…

2. Hin Ho Bio

0.09 MILES

It's easy to miss this temple, tucked away on the roof of the Kuching Hainan Association. Go up the staircase to the top floor and you'll come to a vivid…

3. Waterfront Promenade

0.09 MILES

The south bank of Sungai Sarawak along Main Bazaar and Jln Gambier is a lovely tree-shaded promenade, with walkways, lawns and food stalls. It's a fine…

4. Chinese History Museum

0.1 MILES

Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the nine major Chinese communities – each with its own…

5. Bishop's House

0.12 MILES

Kuching’s oldest building, the Bishop's House was constructed – in 1849, with admirable solidness – by a German shipwright.

6. Hiang Thian Siang Temple

0.13 MILES

This temple, rebuilt shortly after the fire of 1884, serves the Teochew congregation as a shrine to Shang Di (the Emperor of Heaven). On the 15th day of…

7. Kucing Kucing

0.13 MILES

Perhaps the nicest of Kuching's several statues of kucing (cats) is Gaye Porter's life-size bronze sculpture of playful felines cavorting on the lawn…

8. Tua Pek Kong Temple

0.13 MILES

Tua Pek Kong, atop the red wedding-cake structure on Jln Padungan at the end of Main Bazaar, is the most popular temple in town for Chinese residents.