When in Kuching, take a perahu tambang to visit the historical Fort Margherita

A more modern-looking perahu tambang at the Sarawak River. — Photos: DR OH SEONG POR

Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbill, is the only state in Malaysia that was ruled by three generations of White Rajah for over 100 years (1841-1946, except during the period of Japanese occupation).

The first White Rajah was James Brooke, a British explorer who helped to quell the rebellion, opposing the Sultan of Brunei who demanded higher tax. As a reward, Pengeran Muda Hashim, a representative of the sultan, signed a treaty in 1841 surrendering the Kuching province to Brooke.