By NUR ASHIKIN LOUIS
KUCHING: A few tourists from different countries met here yesterday said they felt secure walking on the city streets.
Gary Clark, 58, from South London, England said: “It feels very safe walking on the streets in the evening. It makes me feel comfortable walking in a foreign land and not feel frightened at all.”
Kuching Waterfront is the centre of attraction in the city. The place which lines the south bank of Sarawak River is always in the list of tourist’s must-go places in this city. It offers scenic views and has a number of attractions such as Fort Margherita, Astana, Darul Hana Bridge, Chinese History Museum and many more.
Gary, who arrived in this city last Thursday on his own, befriended two other backpackers at the place they are presently being put up at.
“The Chinese New Year celebration was amazing. We have also eaten many delicious local foods such as “satay” and local chicken rice,” Gary said when met at Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
His newly-made friends also expressed their views regarding the city.
Murad, 46, from France said: “It is very nice to walk on the streets. You can see beautiful sights on every turn. The locals are very kind and friendly too.”
Lenka, 43, from Czech Republic said: “Kuching is very beautiful. You have the nicest street arts.”
“Since the day we met, we have been travelling around the city together. We went to the mall, the Natural History Museum, the Sunday market and the Darul Hana Bridge,” Lenka added.
When asked on suggestions to improve Kuching city in terms of tourism value, Murad and Lenka said that it would be nice to have more trash bins, street arts and Wifi zones.
They plan to go to Bako National Park today. They also expressed their interest to go to more places such as a visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak Cultural Village and beaches in Santubong.
Meanwhile, Brenda, 20, from Vienna, Austria said she knew about Kuching from the Internet.
“I found out about Kuching from the Internet. I wanted to go here because I am interested in exploring the place and food. I have tried “nasi lemak” and it was delicious,” she said.
Brenda arrived in the city alone on Saturday.
“I was in KL (Kuala Lumpur) before I arrived here. The first place I went to was Bako. I had a wonderful time exploring Bako. It is good to be in Kuching because I spend less money here. I only spent between RM20 and RM40 going to Bako yesterday,” she said.
“The people are also friendly. I can ask for help easily here. Everyone is very kind and helpful and it made me feel comfortable walking in the city.
“I am scheduled to travel to Miri by bus as my next destination. After Miri, I plan to go to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,” she said.
