To me what sets Kuching apart from the other towns and cities in Malaysia and the region is the main river, Sungai Sarawak, that flows through and the primary reason for its early settlement; and the architecture of the charming old buildings. A perfect illustration of this is the view from the 12^th floor lounge of Kuching Hilton which is one of the most satisfying places to enjoy the sunset and views over old Kuching town.

I happened to be there early this month to meet someone and took the opportunity to take some photographs in the hazy lights where I had similarly been charmed to do so on other previous occasions. I'm borned in Kuching and chose to come back to live here after working and living in various countries in the region. I connect with this place; especially the rivers.

But it is of some concern to note that this idyllic and picturesque view is sometimes marred by the jarring sights of mindless jet skiers who sped down the river without any regards to the other ferry users of the river and the pace and flow of the river. They can and should be banned as the noises, pollution and wakes they generated does nothing but spoil the ambience of the river scene. However what cannot be banned and of even greater concern is the scale of the upcoming D.U.N. building across the river whose massing would make a mockery of the sensible and sensitive roofs skyline of the historic old shophouses and the other similar charming old colonial buildings and especially the adjacent historic Fort Margherita which would be completely dwarfed.

Enjoy these unadulterated views before the heart and soul of the old town is changed forever by the intrusion of new development we strangely termed as ‘progress’. I for one am for change if it’s for the better but certain thing are pricelessly timeless and the least we can do is to be good guardians of them for future generations to enjoy. Is that too much or too late to ask?

Stumble It!