Sarawak River has witnessed some great events such as when it welcomed Sir James Brooke's ship, the Royalist about 100 years ago. It was also the start of the White Rajah rule. So why not give this river cruise a try!
Sarawak River cruise promises a memorable experience for visitors
By Rintos Mail
Photo By Zulazhar Sheblee
Thursday April 29, 2010
BE IT a leisurely sunset cruise, a starlight cruise party, a romantic wedding party or a corporate function, a cruise along Sarawak River from the Kuching Waterfront on board the mv Equatorial promises a memorable experience.
If you happen to be in Kuching, the Sarawak River Cruise is not to be missed. It's a fantastic way to look at and experience the history of Kuching.
Cruising along Sarawak River, the main artery around which Kuching has grown, one will sail past the city's historical landmarks and get unique insights and views of all aspect of traditional life by the river and the city.
Romantic: A sunset view from the ship during the cruise.
While enjoying sumptuous meal on board the 120 feet by 20 feet vessel, one is entertained by the sweet sound of the sape – a traditional Orang Ulu musical instrument.
One may also choose to enjoy other on-board entertainment such as karaoke and piped music.
The double-decker mv Equatorial can accommodate up to 200 persons at any one time. The lower deck comprises an air-conditioned dining lounge, a mini bar and washrooms, while the upper deck has a sheltered sightseeing deck with an open-air performance stage.
Layar Warisan Sdn Bhd, which took over operations of the mv Equatorial in 2008, said the vessel had gone through a complete re-branding to provide a wide range of cruising experiences and improved service quality.
"We have boosted the cruise experience by introducing an interesting historical commentary and traditional cultural performances in full costume.
On-board entertainment: An Iban maiden and a warrior
performing a cultural dance during the cruise.
"The ship's interior has been completely renovated, establishing a new standard of luxury in river cruising. It provides a great venue for weddings, corporate and state events, and community activities," said managing director Fiona Marcus Raja.
In addition to the daily sunset cruise, she said that brunch, lunch and dinner cruises were on offer on the sky deck or at the new Mariner Lounge below.
"Our chartered business features a myriad of events such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas dinner cruises, educational tours for schools and teaching the younger generation about history and the importance of tourism in Sarawak," she added.
Marcus said the ship hosted governments and corporate functions as well as private events, including birthday parties and wedding anniversaries.
"Many couples have been married on board. In fact, we believe we offer the most romantic wedding setting in Kuching," she said.
Her dream is to make the cruise a must-have activity for visitors in Kuching.
"I think we have come a long way in achieving the dream," she added.
Magnificent view: The State Legislative Assembly building
captured during the Sarawak River cruise.
Over the past 20 years, cruising on the mv Equatorial offered tourists a rich panoramic view of the city centre, its famous landmarks and splendid setting.
On the cruise, passengers would follow the path of the first White Rajah, Sir James Brooke, when he sailed up Sarawak River on that historic day in August 1838, she said.
Among the landmarks seen on the cruise are the Astana built in 1870, Brooke Dockyard (1912), Kuching State Mosque (1847). Down river are the Old Court House (1874), Square Tower (1879), Main Bazaar (1864), Chinese Museum (1912), Fort Margherita (1879) and the Malay villages of Kampung Boyan and Kampung Surabaya (1860).
Layar Warisan has 18 full-time and four part-time staff members working on shift on the mv Equatorial. -- The Star Metro
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