Leisurely leisure

The cats statue in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman has become synonymous with the city's image. IF FOOD can serve as a social commentary, then kek lapis Sarawak, known for their colourful stripes, will fit the bill perfectly. This delicacy often sports vibrant patterns, made by placing several layers of cakes of varying flavours on top of each other. Just like its cakes which feature many layers, Sarawak too, is home to diverse ethnicities. Its capital Kuching offers a glimpse into the state’s heritage and culture, offering visitors plenty of attractions and activities to explore. Data by the Malaysia Statistics Department as of 2020 put the population of Kuching, which spans 450sq km, a little over 800,000 people. My recent four-day trip here found a city that takes pride in its traditions and the locals eager to welcome tourists. Riverside attraction No visit to Kuching is complete without a stroll along the Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sungai Sarawak. ...

Disclaimer: A copy of this article was published in The Star, written by me. This article was based on my visit to Perak in May, 2022.  Victoria Bridge in Enggor straddles Sungai Perak and is still used by pedestrians. IT IS said that Larut district in Perak got its name from an elephant. When the pachyderm that belonged to local chieftain Long Jaafar went missing, he offered a handsome sum to finder as a reward. When the animal returned several days later, metallic smudges were found on its legs, that were later found to be tin ore. That discovery transformed the sleepy backwater into a mining powerhouse in the 19th century, forever changing Larut’s socioeconomic landscape. A replica of Long Jaafar’s pet elephant named ‘Larut’ with tin ore smudges on its legs at Matang Museum in Taiping. Long Jaafar, who grew richer thanks to the mineral business, then named the place after his pet elephant “Larut” in honour of its contribution. Today, the district is home to Taiping, a bu...