Kuching (pop. 134,317) is the capital and largest town of Sarawak, one of the states of Malaysia. It is situated on the south bank of the Sarawak River, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the coast.
Kuching is a bustling town with a mixture of modern commercial buildings, traditional Chinese shops, and roadside markets. The town has several industrial areas. A bridge across the Sarawak River has encouraged development on the northern bank. Buildings in this area include the Petra Jaya State Legislative Assembly, state ministries, and a hospital.
Sarawak Museum, built in 1891, contains a collection of materials from Borneo’s ancient past. The Astana (palace) was built in 1870.
The British founded Kuching in 1841. It underwent rapid development after Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963.
