I started my touring of Kuching today, by heading to Fort Margherita.
I got a little bit lost while trying to make my way to the river, but eventually made it to a pier where I could get a ferry for 1RM.
The boat was qite small, but also quite busy, and it was apparent that there were many piers with ferries to take people across the river, though new bridge was under construction, so I wonder how long their customer will last.
I made my way through the small Kampung on the other side of the river, and through a park type ground, eventually reaching the fort, which had a museum describing some of the colonial history of Sarawak
It was interesting to learn about how the White Rajas were effectively like their own monarchy, independant from the British Monarchy but still British, and they helped to unite the state and free from Brunei Rule (though I'm not sure if they needed freeing as such!).
The fort itself was quite small, but had plenty on offer, including some nice views over the city.
Before I left, I took the opportunity to ask the staff at the front desk where some good local places to eat were, and they advised about 3 or 4 places, including recommending that I try for Laksa Sarawak!
I made my way back across the river and went in search of the nearest resoran that had been recommended. On my way, I came across a cute statue in the middle of a traffic island, of lots of cats having fun in the fountain. Since Kuching is Malay for cat, it was expected to see lots of cat related things about the place!
I made it past the McDonalds and KFC and managed to find the restoran, but I discovered that it was closed, though it didn't appear to be abandoned.
I had passed a place called New Astmosfere so I went there and ordered Laksa Sarawak and some ice tea.
By now it was heading towards evening so I made my way back to the hostel and got sorted out, arranging to meet Mariana and go to the opening night of the Kuching Festival - a food extravaganza.
After sending a photo of where I was, I hopped in the car and met Presilia, Mariana's friend. We drove to the festival, and spent quite a bit of time looking for a parking space, eventually finding one about 5 minutes walk from the Taman that was being used.
There were so many food stalls it is impossible to describe them all, from places like Philippines, Korea, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Japan and Nepal.
Once we had exhausted ourselves and enjoyed the fireworks display we headed to a bar called 'The Culture Club', where a live band was playing. Mariana wasn't drinking, due to driving, but Presilia and I enjoyed some Tigers and we all chatted about language and culture and vacations.
It was after 1am by the time we left and I went back to the hstel, saying my goodbyes.