Plaza Merdeka, Kuching is a fun spot for both locals to hang out at and tourists to visit in Sarawak. The mall is home to a variety of shopping outlets and an eclectic mix of shops, which adds colour and revitalises the historic district of Kuching. Visitors find that they have a range of iconic international brands to select from, alongside some of the most impressive local brands housed under the same roof. Some of the international brands that can be found at Plaza Merdeka include famous fashion outlets H&M, Cotton On, and Dorothy Perkins. There are also other highly recognised names such as Hush Puppies, Guess Accessories, and Swatch. The anchoring departmental store of this mall is Parkson. Children are not left out either with the kid’s fun areas Molly Fantasy and Kidz Club House – play areas dedicated to children. As a shopping mall that appeals not just to the locals but to tourists as well, Plaza Merdeka has strived towards international standards and won many awards. They were awarded the Certificate of Merit at the 20th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017, and in 2018 they stood among the Top 3 finalists in the category of Best Shopping Centre (Stand-Alone Shopping Centre). The latest award collected by Plaza Merdeka is the prestigious ASEAN Public Toilet Standard 2019-2021 Award in January 2019. As a strategically located shopping mall, Plaza Merdeka is sited in a prime location with record footfalls from visitors. Some of the nearby attractions to the mall which have no doubt led to its popularity is Chinatown, the old State Mosque which its main attraction is its 5 golden domes, and the Sarawak Museum. Located in the historic district of Kuching, Plaza Merdeka is also surrounded by many quaint streets traversed by many visitors and tourists. Adding on to its attractiveness is its proximity to the waterfront. To that line, Plaza Merdeka also houses a hotel by the name of The Waterfront which overlooks the river. Located just above the mall, The Waterfront hotel is exquisitely and discerningly designed, making it an ideal short-term home for both business travellers and tourists. Plaza Merdeka boasts a gross area of about 550,000 sf, while the nett lettable area of the mall stands at about 350,000 sf. Approximately 6 acres of parking space is available for motorists, across two levels of basement parking.