Stock Photo - Malay houses by the Sarawak river, Kuching, East Malaysia, Borneo. Malay houses by the Sarawak River in Kuching are traditional wooden stilt houses built and inhabited by generations of Malay families in the area. These houses are unique, as they are built on stilts above the river and feature a traditional roof made of attap or palm leaves. These houses are often brightly colored, with intricate carvings and sometimes hand-painted motifs. Inside, the homes feature a large central living space and several small rooms for sleeping and storage. Many also feature a small verandah, where families can sit and enjoy the stunning river views. The stilt houses are often surrounded by lush tropical gardens, where families can grow food. Despite the modernization of Kuching, these traditional houses remain a much-loved part of the city and are a popular tourist attraction.