Summer House brings back memories of old Kuching

KUCHING : A bowl of ice kacang, an afternoon with friends and family outings amid greenery – Summer House holds fond memories for Kuchingites who once frequented the pavilion within the Sarawak State Museum grounds.

Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) revisited the once-popular gathering spot in a social media post, inviting the public to share their memories of a place that formed part of the city’s everyday leisure culture.

“Long before the museum grounds became what we know today, Summer House was part of Kuching’s everyday leisure culture, a modest spot where food, friends and generations of memories came together,” it said in a post on its social media platform.

According to the accompanying information, Summer House was already an established part of the museum grounds by the 1960s and remained known for its ice kacang and soft drinks in 1991.

Its offerings included local favourites such as curry puffs, belacan beehoon and laksa, making it a familiar stop for visitors seeking refreshments during an outing.

YPS said its relaxed surroundings, together with the nearby bandstand and Sunday Police Brass Band performances, added to the appeal of spending a leisurely day at the museum.

“However, Summer House eventually closed and stood unused for a prolonged period, leaving the once-busy gathering place quiet,” it said.

YPS’ post also recalled discussions in 2022 about giving the pavilion a new lease of life, with suggestions including a garden wedding venue or a place for leisurely high teas.

No concrete plans for its reopening were confirmed at the time, according to the information shared.

“Though it has been quiet for years, its story remains part of the old museum grounds and the memories of those who once visited,” it added.

Summer House, once a popular stop for ‘ais kacang’ and local favourites within the Sarawak State Museum grounds, holds memories of leisurely afternoons and family outings for generations of Kuchingites. Photos: YPS