MAIN BAZAAR, KUCHING CITY

The most popular temple in Kuching is the Tua Pek Kong temple along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman which is the oldest tokong cina in the city.

The temple is built back in 1843 opposite the old temple is the Chinese History Museum (Muzium Sejarah Cina). The museum displays some history of the Chinese community in Kuching and Sarawak in general, tracing their heritage from various migration origins in mainland China.

Main Bazaar along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is a must-visit in many travel itineraries. Main Bazaar showcases almost similar characteristics of the old shop houses on Carpenter Street and Leboh Cina, with fancy souvenir outlets a norm than an exception.

Jalan Carpenter, parallel to Main Bazaar, has a similar selection of small traders and coffee shops, as well as food stalls and two small Chinese temples. The whole area oozes charm and character. Off Leboh China (Upper China St.) there is a row of perfectly preserved 19th century Chinese houses.

Main Bazaar : Kuching's oldest streets dating back to 1864 is a row of 2 storey shop houses. Today it is considered as an 'antique arcade' because of its old-fashioned facade and for the variety of antiques and handicrafts sold here. Souvenir-hunters can seek out an assortment of traditional brassware, pottery, ceramics, tribal arts and many unique souvenirs of Asia.

Main Bazaar, opposite the Waterfront, is the oldest street and the heart of old Kuching. It has some superb examples of Chinese shop house architecture, many of which have been occupied by the same family for generations. These families still pursue traditional occupations such as tin-smiting, carpentry and petty trading.

Kuching's best antique and handicraft shops are found here, and shoppers can rest between bargaining sessions in a number of old-fashioned coffee shops with paneled walls and marble-topped tables.