Dataran Ibu Pertiwi
Kuching, Sarawak

Dataran Ibu Pertiwi is home to a 99 metre flagpole, proudly flying the red, yellow and black Sarawak state flag. It was inaugurated on 31 December 2023 and is recognised as the tallest flagpole in South East Asia. Ibu Pertiwi translates as 'motherland' and is now the official name of the Sarawak state flag.

Giant flagpole on a cloudy day

The landscaped square, water cascade, steps and pergolas surrounding the flagpole is known as Dataran Ibu Pertiwi. The square was sponsored by three oil companies, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd, Petronas and Shell.

Ibu pertiwi seen from Kuching waterfront

A giant flagpole requires a giant flag and this one is 25 metres by 12.5 metres. It must be very heavy but manages to flutter gracefully in the breeze.

Ibu pertiwi floodlit at nightThe flagpole is floodlit at night.

The flag raising ceremony is held on the first Sunday of each month accompanied by a parade of uniformed personnel, cultural dances and playing of the state anthem with the intention of inspiring and promoting pride among the people of Sarawak. It is also hoped that this ceremony will become a tourist attraction in its own right. Visitors can enjoy a good view of Kuching and the Sarawak River from the foot of the flagpole.

Stainless steel hornbill statue next to flagpoleA stainless steel hornbill statue.

Dataran Ibu Pertiwi also includes a jetty which has witnessed several of the key events in Sarawak's history being adjacent to Fort Margherita and the Brooke Family Tombstones and Memorial Park.

The beautification of this part of the Sarawak Riverfront is further enhanced by the English Tea House which, due to its lovely setting, is becoming a popular place for afternoon tea and other meals. I haven't been yet and reviews are mixed.

coloured lights along Kuching WaterfrontThe flagpole is a nice addition to the colourful night scene at Kuching Waterfront.

There is another large flagpole in Malaysia. The Merdeka Square flagpole in Kuala Lumpur is almost as tall, standing at 95 metres. However both this and Ibu Pertiwi are babies when compared to the Cairo Flagpole in Egypt which at 201 metres, is currently the world's tallest.

How To Get to Dataran Ibu Pertiwi

The exact location is marked on this map:

Nearby


See a full list and details of other Kuching and Sarawak attractions here.

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