Version 2: “Kuching” Means Port in Indochina

The year was 1839, where James Brooke referred to the Kuching City as “Kuchin”. It bore resemblance to the old word “Cochin” which stands for port, being commonly used in India or Indochina, and thus, a relation between the two. Given the fact that Brooke was a sea-going man, he was just using an old Indian or Indo-China word for “Port”.

Version 3: Kuching, where there are lot of wild cats

Another cat-related possible origination of Kuching is the fact that was a hunt for wild cats within the vicinity of Bukit Mata Kuching a long time ago.

Version 4: Kuching named after old well

This version of the origin series has its roots in the oriental culture. There was a Chinese story that said Kuching was actually named after some old wells found in the vicinity of Sungai Kuching as Kuching means “Old Well” in Chinese Mandarin. Long time ago, these old wells were the provider of fresh water to the local population. More specifically the ones along the famed Carpenter Street, Ewe Hai Street, Bishopgate Street and China Street from 1840 to the 1930s. Most of these wells have since been filled up for development.

Version 5: Kuching named after a disappearing stream name

In Sarawak, naming a town after a river is a common practice. The name Kuching might have derived from Sungai (River) Kuching which was a small stream flowed from the direction of Kuching Reservoir, east of Wayang Street and emerged between the now Tua Pek Kong Temple and the old Chinese Chamber of Commerce along Thompson Road (now know as Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) to join Sungai Sarawak. However, the river had since disappeared from the map of Kuching due to construction of Temple street and the rapid town expansion which led to it being filled up sometime in 1928.

So which version is likely to be true?

The case for Kuching’s name is believed to be more likely named after Sungai Kuching which was within the vicinity of Bukit Mata Kuching, which bore a lot of “Mata Kucing” fruits in the olden days. The existence of Sungai Kuching and an inland wharf was proven with the discovery of 280 pieces of old coins backdated to the 16th century at the former Rex Theatre demolition site at Temple Street Kuching in 1995. Thus, “Kuching” may not actually mean “cat” and unlikely to have anything to do with cats but more to do with the name of Sungai Kuching or the from the local fruit Mata Kucing.

Kuching name has been used long before James Brooke

Looking back in history, the name “Kuching” actually predated the rule of James Brooke. It has been called so during the Brunei rule. This could be proven in James Brooke’s private letter to his mother on 14.9.1841 where he used the word “Kuchin” with a note stating that “Kuchin” was the native name of Sarawak. The name “Kuchin” was however dropped and only Sarawak was used in another letter to his mother dated 26.3.1842. On 12.8.1872, in the Supreme Council meeting, the second White Rajah of Sarawak , Sir Charles Brooke reverted to the name of “Sarawak” in place of “Kuching” even though at that time, Sarawak was the name of the capital and the river which flows through it as well as the territory of Sarawak. This was because he wanted to define the township of Sarawak by a more positive appellation. From then onward, Kuching became the name of the town and the name Sarawak was used to represent the whole territory, according to Sarawak Gazette No.47 dated 16.8.1972)

Conclusion

There is no definite conclusion to where the name “Kuching” came from. What we can definitely know is that Kuching is a melting pot for various cultures. The people have lived harmoniously for decades along with its unique food culture, its beautiful colonial buildings and vast natural attractions. Even if there is concrete evidence that shows where Kuching actually got its name, it’ll still be fondly known as the Cat City, along with its richness in culture and traditions.