This Kuching Waterfront Miss Tourism International 2022 trip turned out to be a beautiful blend of glamour, culture, and heritage.
I traveled to Kuching Waterfront for the Miss Tourism International 2022 World Final event on 25th November 2022. Had the blessings to experience both the dazzling international event and the breathtaking Kuching Waterfront — home to iconic landmarks like the Sarawak River, Square Tower, Darul Hana Bridge, and State Assembly Building.
This trip turned out to be a beautiful blend of glamour, culture, and heritage.
Miss Tourism International 2022 World Final Comes to Kuching
In 2022, Kuching, the charming capital of Sarawak, Malaysia, became the global stage for the Miss Tourism International World Final. The event brought together more than 40 contestants from across the globe, each promoting culture and tourism through the pageant. Held in Kuching, the event highlighted Malaysia’s role as a global tourism destination while showcasing Sarawak’s cultural richness.
As delegates walked the stage, media attention zoomed in not only on the contestants but also on the host city itself — a strategy that cleverly put Kuching on the world tourism map.
Why Kuching Waterfront Was the Perfect Backdrop
The Kuching Waterfront is more than just a riverside promenade; it’s the heartbeat of the city. During my visit, the waterfront became my go-to spot before and after the pageant. With its evening lights reflecting on the Sarawak River and the stunning silhouette of the Darul Hana Bridge connecting both sides of the city, it was a sight to behold.
Square Tower
Once a fortress, now a heritage landmark, the Square Tower stood proudly by the river, symbolizing Kuching’s colonial history.
Sarawak State Assembly Building
With its golden umbrella-shaped roof, this iconic building dominated the skyline, making for the perfect photo backdrop.
Darul Hana Bridge
At night, the bridge lit up in vibrant colors, adding a modern touch to the city’s heritage landscape.
My Kuching Waterfront Experience: Beyond the Pageant
Traveling for Miss Tourism International 2022 gave me the chance to experience Kuching like a local traveler.
Morning and Evening Stroll by the Sarawak River
Watching boats ferry across the river gives people a sense of calm. Locals and tourists gathered for morning walks or relaxing evening strolls, capturing the city as it woke up by the water or slept through the night.
Capturing Kuching Waterfront Landmarks
My photos of the Square Tower, State Assembly Building, and Waterfront became some of my favorite memories. These weren’t just tourist attractions — they felt alive, woven into the story of the city and the pageant.
Pageant Highlights
The Grand Coronation Night was filled with elegance — contestants dazzled in evening gowns, national costumes, and cultural performances. But what struck me most was how often Kuching itself became part of the narrative. Delegates shared their experiences exploring Sarawak, boosting awareness of the state’s cultural heritage and tourism appeal.
YASTECH Digital Solution was one of the title sponsor for the event.
The winner of Miss Tourism International 2022 walked away with more than a crown — she carried the responsibility of promoting global tourism, with Kuching as the event’s shining example.
Why Kuching Was a Star of the Show
Hosting Miss Tourism International wasn’t just about pageantry. For Kuching, it was about:
- Cultural Promotion: Introducing Sarawak’s food, traditions, and architecture to a global audience.
- Tourism Exposure: The waterfront and landmarks became symbols of Malaysia’s charm.
- Community Pride: Locals celebrated their city on an international platform, making it a proud moment for Sarawakians.
Travel Tips for Future Visitors
If you’re inspired to travel to Kuching for future events or just to enjoy the city, here are my tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings at the waterfront for cooler weather and light shows.
- Must-See: Sarawak Cultural Village (for heritage), Semenggoh Nature Reserve (for orangutans), and of course, the Kuching Waterfront.
- Food to Try: Don’t miss Sarawak laksa and kolok mee — favorites among locals and visitors alike.
- Stay Near the Waterfront: Easy access to landmarks and evening walks.
Unique Flight Experience
It was a normal experience from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching.
The flight home was a kind of unforgettable experience — both takeoff and landing met with storms, one big and one small. During takeoff, as the plane pushed upward through turbulent clouds, the cabin shook violently, and occasional collective gasps and shouts revealed how many passengers were silently praying. Looking outside, everything was white with rushing clouds as the aircraft swayed in all directions. It felt like either breaking through the turbulence into the sky or heading straight to heaven.
In that tense moment, I whispered in my heart: “God, I’m ready to meet You… but not yet, and surely not together with so many at once.” Earlier that morning, while jogging by the riverside and seeing the sunrise, I was reminded of the phrase “Follow the Light” — but I hoped not so soon.
The flight was also a reminder of God’s grace:
trials bring perspective, and the journey itself has its own beauty.
Before landing, due to poor weather, the plane circled in the air for a while, once again shaking slightly — a small echo of takeoff. But this time the thought came: was it “straight to heaven, or straight to hell?” The turbulence felt just as intense.
In the end, the flight landed safely. And that was the lesson:
no matter how far or by what means we travel — sea, land, or air — returning home safely is a precious blessing, a small but real happiness.
Truly, everything is always arranged in the best way.
Conclusion
My trip to the Miss Tourism International World Final 2022 in Kuching, Malaysia was more than attending a pageant — it was a journey into the heart of Sarawak. From the dazzling coronation night to quiet riverside strolls by the Kuching Waterfront, every moment reminded me why travel is about experiences, not just destinations.
For instance, a nicely decorated Christmas tree in the hotel – not just interior design but a festive vibe.
Kuching was the real winner that night — a city that seamlessly combined heritage, modernity, and global glamour under the Sarawak sky.
