Street art in Sarawak
Given its plethora of attractions, Sarawak sets the stage for some attention-grabbing street art. Its colourful ethnic communities and mesmerising cultures are creatively expressed through bold and vibrant paintings. This mural overlooking the Sarawak River in Kuching features Sape, a musical instrument that is unique to Sarawak. Depicting a host of other musical instruments, the mural is a proud symbol of Kuching as the premier location for international musical performances.
Sarawak’s exotic wildlife provides the inspiration for this mural in Wayang Street, Kuching. Created as part of the #tanahairku murals project, the painting titled Harmony combines elements of gra ti art with urban vibes to make a statement.
Situated near the Open Air Market in Kuching, this artwork by local artist Leonard Siaw showcases four Sarawakian children enjoying Ais Bergula Apong (a local ice cream infused with caramelised palm sugar). The children are from various ethnicities but united by their attires that represent the state’s ag. Through his brush strokes, the artist expresses the theme of unity between races. After taking photos of the cheerful children, visitors can get a taste of this special ice cream at R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong located inside the market.
Kuching is known as the ‘Cat City’. True to its name, this mural along Jalan Wawasan showcases the furry feline. The sight of a woman lovingly holding her cat, her face lit up with happiness, is enough to melt the hearts of cat lovers from around the world. Splashed across the wall of a two-storey building, the painting is cleverly titled “I Love Kuching”. It comes under the Old Kuching Smart Heritage initiative to present the city’s history and heritage through murals.
Sibu has a fair share of street art that is making a huge statement across the art scene. Located along Market Road, this painting depicts Kampua Mee, a must-try item in Sibu. The same lane whets the appetite of foodies with paintings of other signature items such as Dian Mian Hu, Penyeram, Pulut Panggang and Kuih Jala.
Situated along Jalan Tukang Besi, this painting of an old bus takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the 1960s and 70s when buses were the main mode of transport in Sibu. For many locals, the bus is an iconic image that makes them reminisce about the simple lifestyle that they led before the advent of sophisticated technology.
General write-up on Sarawak
The largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is known around the world for its massive cave chambers, striking natural formations, protected national parks and endemic ora and fauna. Its vibrant ethnic groups and the legacy of the Brooke dynasty create an astounding cultural milieu. Sarawak Cultural Village is a great place to start for those who appreciate cultures and traditions. Sarawak has the most number of national parks in the country, including Bako National Park, Niah National Park, Gunung Gading National Park, Kubah National Park and Matang National Park, to name a few. To relax and unwind, visit the beachfront along Damai and Sanubong to enjoy the view of the sun setting across the horizon. Click here to know more.