The “History Walk” is a copper plate inscription that is placed on the floor along the walkway along Kuching Waterfront. These plates was placed here more than 20 years ago (in year 1993 during the 30th year celebration of formation of federation of Malaysia) and still remains an attraction for tourist. It tells the history of Kuching City.
Kuching City Signage.
Type of attraction : Monumental copper plate inscription
Location : Along the walkway of Kuching Waterfront. It is placed on the floor, beside the river bank, hence visitors might need a keen eyes to search for it.
Language on the Inscription Plate: The inscription is written in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
The inscription plate tells the important history of Kuching City. History includes the formation, location, and major events in Kuching that shape the cities today. Several local heroes are also featured here.
Along the walkway of Kuching Waterfront, Do look also at the floor where the copper inscription plate may lies.
The History Walk starts from the Starting of Kuching Waterfront, which is known as the end where Imperial Riverbank Hotel located. The Imperial Riverbank Hotel is located opposite of Riverside Majestic Hotel, near to the famous “The Cat Family” Cat statue Monument. Visitors can start their walk from the starting end of the waterfront towards the Darul Hana Bridge nearby the Kuching old court house building.
History Walk 1 – Kuching
Kuching History Walk 1 – Kuching
On the copper plate inscription : Kuching is the major city of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is situated just above the equator on the Sarawak River, 20 Kilometres from the South China Sea. Its co-ordinates are 1° 33′ latitude and 110° 20′ longitude.
The graphic depict a world map focusing on south east Asia region with the location of Kuching City on Borneo Island.
History Walk 2 – Pre 19th Century
Kuching History Walk 2 – Pre 19th Century
On the copper plate inscription : The original province of Sarawak, long known for its antimony was confined to the catchment of the Sarawak River. Kuching consisted of a small settlement along the river’s edge.
The graphic depicts the Sarawak River in the earlier century where village houses located along the river bank and majestic Mount Santubong at the background.
History Walk 3 – Early 19th Century
Kuching History Walk 3 – Early 19th Century
On the copper plate inscription : Kuching was part of the Sultanate of Brunei and was governed by representatives of the Sultan.
The graphic depict the representative of Sultanate of Brunei.
History Walk 4 – 1836-1839
Kuching History Walk 4 – 1836 – 1839
On the copper plate inscription : The Uncle of the Sultan, Rajah Muda Hasim was sent to Kuching to control insurgents who were rebelling against the rule of Brunei.
The graphic depict traditional weapons during the conflicts, which includes guns, native shields, spears and swords.
History Walk 5 – 1839-1841
Kuching History Walk 5 – 1839-1841
On the copper plate inscription : Englishman, James Brooke sailed into Kuching on his boat the Royalist on 15 August 1839. The Raja Muda Hasim enlisted his help in putting down a rebellion against the Sultan of Brunei.
The graphic depict the Royalist, which is a english sail ship in a open ocean.
History Walk 6 – 1841
Kuching History Walk 6 – 1841
On the copper plate inscription : James Brooke became the first white Rajah of Sarawak on 24 November 1841 as a reward for his part in quelling the rebellion.
The graphic depict the First White Rajah of Sarawak – James Brooke.
History Walk 7 – 1868-1941
Kuching History Walk 7- 1868-1941
On the copper plate inscription : Charles Brooke succeeded his uncle as Rajah of Sarawak and was in turn succeeded by his son, Charles Vyner Brooke. The Rajahs strengthened the role of Kuching as an administrative and trading centre and erected the Astana (1870) and other significant buildings.
The graphic depict the Astana building (Astana means palace, which is the official residence for Sarawak Governor).
History Walk 8 – Expansion of Sarawak 1841-1905
Kuching History Walk 8 – expansion of Sarawak 1841-1905
On the copper plate inscription : Under the rule of the Rajahs, the boundaries of Sarawak continued to expand. In 1905 the present frontiers were established.
The graphic depict the expansion of the boundaries of Sarawak northwards according by years.
History Walk 9 – 1941-1946
Kuching History Walk 9 – 1941-1946
On the copper plate inscription : Sarawak was occupied by the Japanese in 1941. Allied personnel were interned and the local population suffered various deprivations. The Japanese were defeated when Australian forces landed in Kuching on 11 September 1945. Rajah Vyner Brooke returned to rule Sarawak for seventy five days.
The graphic depict the changing of flags.
History Walk 10 – 1946-1963
Kuching History Walk 10 – 1946-1963
On the copper plate inscription : Despite opposition from the anti-cession movement, Sarawak became a British Crown Colony. Major post war reconstruction took place.
The graphic depict the anti-cession movement with people holding banners.
History Walk 11 – 16 September 1963
Kuching History Walk 11 – 16 September 1963
On the copper plate inscription : Sarawak joined Malaya, Singapore and Sabah to form the Federation of Malaysia.
The graphic depict the flag of Federation of Malaysia with flags of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.
History Walk 12 – 1963-1993
Kuching History Walk 12 – 1963-1993
On the copper plate inscription : Since independence, Sarawak has continued to expand. Kuching has grown to become a flourishing, modern city.
The graphic depict the advancement in road system, airline system and high rise buildings in Sarawak.
