The last thing I wanted to do for my day exploring Kuching was to cross to the north side of the river. This can only be done by small boats that carry passengers across. On the north side the distinctive State Parliament and original Astana buildings are visible. There is also Fort Margherita a colonial outpost hidden by all the treesI thought I could take a boat and walk across to all three. I took one heading for the Astana which was already filled with locals...

A few blocks east of the Indian quarter was Kuching's Chinatown. I'm not sure why this neighbourhood was so dead when it could be bustling with tourists just behind the waterfront and picking up the day trade during the fasting monthThere was a covered food court area facing a small local temple. I couldnt make out any of the menu items and only Chinese people were eating hereThe side streets were decorated with lanterns and there were scenic views back looking a...

Moving on from the museum district I now had time to explore Kuching old town not worrying about museum closing times. Facing the City Mosque was a Sikh Gurdwara.Diagonally across was the large City Mosque showing the diversity of how many religions live close together. The outside was a cemetery while people were cooling off insideFollowing the street down led to Indian Street a covered outdoor bazaar. This was mostly ladies clothing but I was also trying to fin...

Across from the Sarawak State Museum and Islamic Arts Museum were three more museums separated by the Padang, a large grassy field. The museums were the Ethnography, Natural History Museum, and Art Museum.The museums are housed on three colonial era buildings. The ethnography started off with skeletons of local mammals, dinosaurs, and crocodile headsThe upper floor had more cultural items. The ceilings and walls were decorated with traditional art.Items included ...

Behind the Sarawak State Museum was the Islamic Art Museum. All are free admission however this time photos were not allowed. As nobody was checking and I was not using a flash to protect the items I dont see why not.The museum had several wings starting with a model of the Kaaba in Mecca and Hajj pilgrims. They then illustrated the arrival of Islam in Sarawak and various mosques across the mainland and Borneo Island.A lot of the exhibits were Arabian inspired sh...