Kuching's old General Post Office may get a new life as a restored heritage building. [image: 1785233057924-old_post_office_20260728-resized.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post / Roystein Emmor The Sarawak government is in talks with the federal government to acquire the old General Post Office building opposite Plaza Merdeka. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to renovate the building while keeping its heritage character intact. What was mentioned The building is still under federal ownership, so talks must be completed first. The state wants to preserve the original structure, not rebuild it from scratch. Other heritage areas mentioned include Darul Kurnia along Jalan Haji Taha and Ban Hock Road. Private owners can also revive old buildings, but heritage rules still apply. Abang Johari pointed to Singapore's Fullerton Hotel and Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Samad Building as examples of old buildings being reused while keeping their historical value. Location: Old General Post Office, opposite Plaza Merdeka, Kuching Hot Score: 26/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think Kuching's old Post Office should become?

You know that quiet old building near Jalan P. Ramlee that many people walk past without really looking? This one is worth a slow stop, especially when the weather is too hot for another long walk outside. [image: 1783735525612-islamic_heritage_01-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1783735526096-islamic_heritage_02.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1783735526395-islamic_heritage_03-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1783735526912-islamic_heritage_04-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1783735527489-islamic_heritage_05-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen (CC BY-SA 4.0) Muzium Warisan Islam is not the kind of place where you rush in, take two photos and leave. The nice part is the old-school feeling: raised floor, inner courtyards, quiet galleries, and that slightly hidden Kuching heritage trail vibe. The Sarawak Museum Department says the building started as James Brooke Malay College, later became Madrasah Melayu Sarawak in 1930, and was opened as the Islamic Heritage Museum on 22 May 1992. Inside, the seven galleries cover the coming of Islam to the Malay Archipelago, architecture, science and literature, music and costumes, weaponry, decorative arts and the Al-Quran corner. Sarawak Tourism Board describes it as a place to understand the history and influence of Islam in Sarawak, with religious artefacts, manuscripts and exhibits about local contributions. In plain words: if you like small museums with real local context, this is more interesting than it looks from outside. Tripadvisor feedback is mostly the same mood: visitors who enjoy history and culture say the collections are impressive, while others treat it as a short, simple stop. I think that is fair. Do not expect a huge modern museum like Borneo Cultures Museum. Come for 30 to 60 minutes, slow down, read a bit, and enjoy the building. HolidayGoGoGo also notes that it is around a 12-minute walk from Kuching Waterfront and entry is free. That makes it an easy add-on if you are already around Padang Merdeka, the old museum area, or the city centre. Useful details: Location: off Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuching Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Admission: Free Dress: modest clothing is encouraged by the museum Best for: heritage trail, quiet indoor stop, culture/history lovers Heads up: closed on selected public holidays, so check before going during festive dates Would you include this in a Kuching heritage walk, or would you skip small museums like this?