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Any Questions? - Swinburne University of Technology

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<strong>Swinburne</strong> Sarawak 2009 Course Guide<br />

0<br />

Kuching<br />

<strong>Swinburne</strong>’s Sarawak Campus is in<br />

Kuching, the capital city <strong>of</strong> the East<br />

Malaysian state <strong>of</strong> Sarawak. Kuching<br />

has been described as one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />

liveable and attractive cities in<br />

Southeast Asia. Rich in history with<br />

old-world charms blended into 21 st<br />

century modernity, it is the largest city<br />

in the state and rapidly developing.<br />

Character and culture<br />

Meaning “cat” in the Malay language,<br />

Kuching was originally a busy riverine<br />

trading post in the old days. Today, it is<br />

a delightful blend <strong>of</strong> the old and new,<br />

where a mix <strong>of</strong> colonial era and<br />

modern buildings makes up the city’s<br />

skyline.<br />

With a population <strong>of</strong> more than half a<br />

million, the city enjoys a clean, relaxed<br />

and friendly environment. There are<br />

many places to visit and experience.<br />

Among them is the award-winning<br />

Kuching Waterfront, a beautifully<br />

landscaped esplanade on a stretch <strong>of</strong><br />

the old part <strong>of</strong> the city overlooking the<br />

Astana, the <strong>of</strong>ficial residence <strong>of</strong> the<br />

governor <strong>of</strong> Sarawak. The Waterfront is<br />

a popular gathering place especially as<br />

the sun sets beyond the scenic Mount<br />

Serapi.<br />

Cafes and souvenir shops, dating back<br />

to 1864, selling a variety <strong>of</strong> ethnic<br />

handicraft, antiques, art and craft line<br />

the Main Bazaar near the esplanade.<br />

The Sarawak Museum, built in 1891 in<br />

the style <strong>of</strong> a Normandy town hall, is<br />

another interesting stop. It is regarded<br />

as one <strong>of</strong> the best in the region. Other<br />

places <strong>of</strong> interest include the Chinese<br />

History Museum, Islamic Museum, Cat<br />

Museum, Courthouse and Brooke<br />

Memorial and the Round Tower.<br />

Once in Kuching, you will soon<br />

discover that eating out is a favourite<br />

pastime among the local folk. Around<br />

the city an array <strong>of</strong> restaurants, food<br />

courts and open-air eateries <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />

wide variety <strong>of</strong> traditional food ranging<br />

from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Thai<br />

to contemporary Japanese and<br />

Western.<br />

Shopping malls and complexes carry<br />

the latest fashions and a plethora <strong>of</strong><br />

international labels. The city <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> entertainment and night life.<br />

Only minutes away from the city are<br />

magnificent mountains, unspoiled<br />

beaches and even an award winning<br />

“living” museum, the Sarawak Cultural<br />

Village. You will find that the resorts<br />

and golf courses are <strong>of</strong> international<br />

standards.<br />

International events<br />

Kuching is no stranger to hosting<br />

international events among which is<br />

the annual Rainforest World Music<br />

Festival, a unique gathering <strong>of</strong><br />

musicians from all continents and<br />

Borneo who perform on stage.<br />

Kuching is also the venue for the<br />

annual ITF World Junior Tennis<br />

Championship and Sarawak Junior<br />

World Masters Golf Championship.<br />

With its lower cost <strong>of</strong> living and<br />

peaceful environment combined with<br />

its good infrastructure, Kuching is an<br />

ideal destination to pursue tertiary<br />

education for both Malaysian and<br />

international students.<br />

Explore Sarawak<br />

With its rainforest the size <strong>of</strong> Austria,<br />

Sarawak houses the world’s richest<br />

and most diverse ecosystem, making it<br />

a popular destination for eco-tourism.<br />

Its numerous national parks are known<br />

for their many natural wonders. It is<br />

home to many international heritage<br />

sites such as Mulu Caves, Niah Caves,<br />

Bako and Gunung Gading national<br />

parks.<br />

Sarawak, the largest state in the<br />

country with a population <strong>of</strong> only 2.3<br />

million, is also the most culturally<br />

diverse state in the country. Its 29<br />

indigenous communities are well<br />

known for their friendliness and<br />

hospitality, and nowhere else in<br />

Malaysia can such colourful diversity<br />

be found.<br />

Internally, Sarawak is well-connected<br />

by a network <strong>of</strong> air, road and river<br />

transportation making travel<br />

convenient and affordable.<br />

It is normally wet from November to<br />

February and hot and humid the rest<br />

<strong>of</strong> the year.<br />

See Malaysia!<br />

Sarawak is linked to other parts <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia and the rest <strong>of</strong> the world via<br />

air. Malaysia is a land <strong>of</strong> friendly<br />

people and amazing variety. The<br />

diversity <strong>of</strong> its people, their rich culture<br />

and the natural beauty <strong>of</strong> the country<br />

are some <strong>of</strong> the things for which it is<br />

well known. In Malaysia, you will find<br />

that it is all things Asia.<br />

Right: The Spring shopping mall<br />

Below left: The Waterfront<br />

Below: Kuching International Airport<br />

<strong>Swinburne</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Sarawak Campus

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