The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of the people
Kuching, a city that had never graced my travel bucket list, unexpectedly captured my attention during my first visit. It began with an invitation to a friend’s wedding just before the pandemic hit us. And that initial experience in Kuching left an imprint, igniting a desire for me to return. During my third visit to this enchanting Malaysian state recently, I found myself continually amazed by its multifaceted beauty. From the warm-hearted locals to the rich tapestry of languages and traditions, Sarawak is a place that beckons travellers to explore and learn about them.
During my whirlwind 24 hours in Kuching, I seized every moment to immerse myself in the local culinary scene and engage with the friendly locals, as many would concur that food is a profound gateway to understanding a culture. One of my delightful discoveries was a lunchtime visit to Lepau Restaurant, the winner of the Best Innovative Ethnic Restaurant at the 20th Malaysia Tourism Awards, which serves authentic Orang Ulu and Dayak cuisines.
The flavours I encountered were nothing short of extraordinary: pansuh chicken (a delightful Iban and Bidayuh dish), daun ubi goreng (stir-fried pounded tapioca leaves), terung asam fish, stir-fried kantan with mixed chillies, and the unforgettable tempoyak anchovies (fermented durian paste). Truly, it was an incredible gastronomic adventure, uniting diverse cultural cuisines.
Another encounter that left an indelible mark was the vibrant kopitiam scene in Sarawak. Imagine this: a cosy coffee shop where people of various races gather for breakfast, sharing stories from their lives. Here, skin colour fades into insignificance. As I sat in one of the kopitiams, savouring a steaming bowl of Sarawak laksa, I marvelled at the scene where a Bidayuh businessman chatted with a Chinese retiree over a bowl of kolo mee, while an Iban student enjoyed his toasted bread at the neighbouring table. This sight simply captures a microcosm of Sarawak’s essence under the small roof of a kopitiam: diversity, unity, and a love for good food.
Beyond the rich cuisines, these two sights also serve as a testament to the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication in Sarawak. Most would agree that while the cultural richness of Sarawak is palpable, communication can sometimes be challenging. Yet, Sarawak, a living testament to unity, has shown that the key to harmonious living lies in respecting each other’s cultures, understanding and adapting to unspoken norms, values, beliefs, and language, while being aware of how culture frames each and every way of living.
As someone who isn’t a local here, I have always felt welcomed whenever I visited Sarawak. The people, with their genuine smiles and open arms, have welcomed me as if we were old friends. Their hospitality goes beyond mere politeness; it is a heartfelt connection. In those moments, surrounded by friendly faces and immersed in the city’s allure, I realised that Sarawak had become more than a destination — it was a cherished memory, waiting to be revisited and reignited. Whether meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with familiar faces, Sarawak’s charm remains constant. Step into any kopitiam, and you will feel it too.
Today marks one of the biggest celebrations in Sarawak. It is a day that symbolises unity, aspiration, and hope for the Dayak community (a collective name for the tribes of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut, and more). Hereby, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the readers Selamat Gawai Dayak, and I look forward to being back in Kuching soon. For now, let’s toast to the rich, diverse culture of Sarawak!
• The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
