The famous Kuching Waterfront is a popular meeting-place for locals, either to enjoy the scenic view of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampongs across the river or the cool evening breeze, or watch the beautiful sunset.
In the vicinity there are several places that tourists can visit and explore, such as the Chinese History Museum, the Square Tower, Tua Pek Kong and the old Sarawak Steamship building where various types of items and souvenirs are on sale.
Along the Waterfront there are several kiosks and food-stalls serving food and drinks.
One of the more popular food-stalls preferred by the crowd is “The Meeting Point”. It is the main eatery at the Waterfront, with a large covered area with tables and stools.
According to Ismet Sharir Hj. Abdillah, the food and drink business is a family-run business owned by his brother, Hj.Mohd. Hatta who is one of the pioneer hawkers at the Waterfront.
Although “The Meeting Point” has been in business for the last 12 years and has its regular customers who are locals, business depends heavily on tourists.
Some tourists love to sample the local food and drinks served, such as “Kolo-mee” (noodles), “Bakso” (meatball soup), “Laksa”, “Mee goreng” (fried noodles), and the various versions of “Nasi goreng” (fried rice).
Sitting and minding trays of attractive ceramic items such as ceramic rings, beautifully coloured bangles, bracelets, earings and necklaces made of beads, it was “business as usual” at the Waterfront for Maria Patan and Priscilla Ayum, as it has been for the past 2 years except, of course, when it rains.
“We try not to miss doing business, especially on weekends, when there are more people and sales are more brisk.” said Maria, an Iban who originally hailed from Sibu but has made Kuching her home. “On a good day we can sell about RM100 – 200 worth of items,” she said.
Priscilla, a Lun Bawang lass was busy, attending to customers, who were mostly young ladies looking for chic, fashionable items and accessories.
The enterprising duo sells a mix of popular Lun Bawang and Iban handicrafts which they designed and made themselves. And sales have been good.
At a kiosk further along the Waterfront, 67-year-old hawker, Thian Ah Tong was busy preparing a bowl of rojak (a mix of fruit and vegetable salad) for a waiting customer.
“ Ah Tong” as he preferred to be called used to work as a driver, but for the last 7 years he has been in the business of selling various types of drinks and tit-bits, rojak, instant noodles etc. at the Waterfront. He normally opens for business at around mid-day and closes when everything is sold off or when it rains heavily. On a good day he earns about RM60-70.
Near by, a trader in hand-phone accessories, Elvin Ng and his assistant neatly arranged their goods, such as earphones, mini-speakers and phone casings on a long table under a large canopy. Elvin said that on a fine day he usually earns up to RM200, but like most other businesses along the Waterfront, his too relies heavily on fine weather.
“Rain keeps people and business away .” he lamented.
