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The River West of the Old Town
Once a distinctive tributary beside Kuching’s old bazaar, Sungai Gartak shaped the city’s early communities and trade networks before disappearing beneath urban development in the early twentieth century. Historical maps reveal a river lined with South Indian Muslim and Javanese settlements, bridges, a fire station, and later reclaimed shop houses along Hun Yeang Street. As land reclamation steadily filled the waterway, Sungai Gartak faded from both landscape and memory, leaving only fragments in archival records, old photographs, and archaeological discoveries unearthed during drainage works in 2017. By Chai Kit Siang
St. Joseph’s Church and Cathedral, Kuching
In 1891, St. Joseph’s Church in Kuching was completed, marking ten years of Catholic presence in Sarawak. Originating from 16th-century missions, Catholic work flourished after Mill Hill missionaries arrived in 1881, establishing schools like St. Joseph’s (1882) and St. Teresa’s (1885). The church, rebuilt in 1969 as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, became a symbol of faith and education. Now an Archdiocese since 1976, Kuching’s Catholic community preserves its legacy through the 2016 History Gallery of the Archdiocese. By Chai Kit Siang
Kuching Forgotten Treasure
Rediscover Kuching’s Old Nurses’ Quarters in this article by Vicky Fong, highlighting its unique post-war architecture and role in Sarawak’s healthcare history. As preservation efforts grow, the piece explores the challenge of balancing heritage conservation with modern urban development.
History of Kuching International Airport
Kuching Airport, opened on 26th September 1950, was a major post-WWII project in Sarawak, built with British funding. The airport's growth, driven by increased demand, led to expansions, culminating in the modern Kuching International Airport after several upgrades.