BEAUTIFUL PLACE: Italian tourists, Michele Giulietti and Stefania Rinaldi here on a 10-day holiday, love the Waterfront.
KUCHING: Kuching Waterfront will have a facelift once a new bridge is built across the Sarawak River from the vicinity of the Main Bazaar.
The public and visitors will then be able to cross to the other side of the river and conveniently access the many historical buildings and attractions located at both sides of the river.
“With the bridge, the public especially tourists can visit many places of attraction across the river by foot such as the State Legislature Building, Istana, Orchid Garden and Fort Magherita,” said Assistant Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Talip Zulpilip.
Talip revealed to The Borneo Post yesterday that the state government was actively pursuing the proposed bridge project.
Refusing to comment further on the project as it was still in the planning stage, he was however optimistic that it would be done soon as this new landmark will definitely help elevate Kuching Waterfront as a top tourism spot in the city.
“However, the sampan which has always been a permanent feature, will continue to ply the Sarawak River, ferrying people and tourists across and taking them on tours to admire the scenic views surrounding the area,” he added.
Talib who is also chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) disclosed that many development plans were in the pipeline for Kuching Waterfront to ensure that this unique part of the city would remain a precious tourism spot.
Tourists who were approached by The Borneo Post reporters at the Waterfront yesterday gave positive remarks, praising the Waterfront as uniquely amazing.
Italian tourists, Michele Giulietti and Stefania Rinaldi, who are on a 10-day holiday in Sarawak, were impressed with the beauty that the Waterfront holds.
“It is a pleasant place with many unique features. It would be great to have a bridge that we can cross over to the other side besides using the little boats that only costs 50 sen,” Michele said.
On the security of the place, they both felt safe even when strolling there
at night.
Desray Cuff, a tourist from South Africa currently residing in Perth, Australia, was spotted taking notes of the description of a statue erected on the pathway of the Waterfront.
Cuff who was visiting Borneo for the first time was excited to be here as she was fascinated not only with the place but also the friendly people, food and cultures.
“This is an amazing country. I love everything about it. I love the ‘sampan’. I’ll be taking it again before I fly home this Friday,” she exclaimed.
When asked if she felt safe being in the city, she said: “I feel safe and I don’t have to worry when I am out.”
However, a trader who has been operating a stall at the Waterfront for four years and wanted only to be identified as Tian said he felt the relevant authorities should maintain the landscape in the area.
“Security has improved greatly and there are less people idling in the area as compared to before. But I think it is too dark at night, as some of the tree branches have covered the streetlights.
“It looks a little messy and it would be great if the trees were trimmed regularly so that the lights are not blocked,” said Tian.
He also suggested that the shrubs be trimmed to a suitable height for better visibility to increase the sense of security for visitors and tourists.
When relating these comments to Talib, he assured that SEDC would continue to maintain the facilities and landscape at the Waterfront that is under its management.
“We will make the ambience more pleasant and safe to increase the sense of security of the public visiting the area,” he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Kuching Waterfront Management expressed gratitude for the support of SEDC in ensuring
that the place continues to be developed and maintained.
“We will do our part and work closely with SEDC to ensure the place and its facilities are well kept to give visitors a feeling of relaxing and at ease when visiting the area.
“We recognise that it is important to have a pleasant environment and we must assist all related parties involved to portray the image of Kuching city as a safe and beautiful destination,” he assured.