kuching tourism map

Map of Kuching — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Kuching, Malaysia for travelers! Check out Kuching’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Kuching? See our Kuching Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Kuching. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Kuching map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Kuching by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 18 attractions in Kuching

Fort margherita.

• Bako National Park

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Mount Santubong

The old court house kuching, sarawak museum.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Darul Hana Bridge

The brooke gallery at fort margherita, semenggoh nature reserve, kubah national park, dewan bandaraya kuching utara orchid garden, kampung budaya sarawak, sarawak textile museum, tua pek kong temple, orang utan murals, kuching wetlands national park.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

The Spring Shopping Mall

Kuching waterfront lodge, top 10 restaurants in kuching, bla bla bla.

Lepau Restaurant

Zinc restaurant & bar, no.6 & 33 ling loong seafood, james brooke bistro & cafe, life cafe padungan, my village barok, choon hui cafe, transportation in kuching, nearby airports, kuching international airport (kch), highways and major roads.

• North-South Expressway (NSE)
• Pan Borneo Highway
• Tun Jugah Flyover
• Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce
• Jalan Simpang Tiga-Kota Samarahan
• Jalan Stutong-Pending
• Jalan Padawan
• Jalan Matang
• Jalan Haji Taha
• Jalan Green Hill

Top searches in Kuching

Popular road trips from kuching, what's the weather like in kuching.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Kuching for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Kuching in January
• Weather in Kuching in February
• Weather in Kuching in March
• Weather in Kuching in April
• Weather in Kuching in May
• Weather in Kuching in June
• Weather in Kuching in July
• Weather in Kuching in August
• Weather in Kuching in September
• Weather in Kuching in October
• Weather in Kuching in November
• Weather in Kuching in December

All road trips from Kuching

• Kuching to Kota Kinabalu drive
• Kuching to Sandakan drive
• Kuching to Bandar Seri Begawan drive
• Kuching to Pontianak drive
• Kuching to Miri drive
• Kuching to Kundasang drive

Explore nearby places

• Kota Samarahan
• Bhakti Mulya
• Pangkalan Bun
• Palangkaraya
• Kuala Belait
• Mendaram Kechil

All related maps of Kuching

• Map of Bako National Park
• Map of Kota Samarahan
• Map of Serian
• Map of Lundu Town
• Map of Sambas
• Map of Bhakti Mulya
• Map of Tarakan
• Map of Singkawang
• Map of Raja
• Map of Pahuman
• Map of Sanggau
• Map of Sibu
• Map of Sintang
• Map of Pontianak
• Map of Mukah
• Map of Kapit
• Map of Putussibau
• Map of Sutera
• Map of Sukadana
• Map of Ketapang
• Map of Bintulu
• Map of Pangkalan Bun
• Map of Kumai
• Map of Miri
• Map of Sampit
• Map of Manggar
• Map of Palangkaraya
• Map of Kuala Belait
• Map of Mendaram Kechil
• Map of Seria

Kuching throughout the year

• Kuching in January
• Kuching in February
• Kuching in March
• Kuching in April
• Kuching in May
• Kuching in June
• Kuching in July
• Kuching in August
• Kuching in September
• Kuching in October
• Kuching in November
• Kuching in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kuching?

Get inspired for your trip to Kuching with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Kuching Itinerary
• 2-Day Kuching Itinerary
• 3-Day Kuching Itinerary
• 4-Day Kuching Itinerary
• 5-Day Kuching Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

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Museums to Visit

Best Beaches

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Best Hiking in Borneo

National Parks

Where to See Orangutans

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Airports in Borneo

Best Hotels in Borneo

Staying at an Iban Longhouse

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Sarawak vs. Sabah

Guide to Kuching

Kuching Is the Capital of Sarawak, Malaysia

Rainforests and rivers overflowing with life, a legacy of adventure, and friendly local people, Borneo is the favorite destination of many visitors to Malaysia. The city of Kuching is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the usual entry point into Borneo for travelers coming from mainland Malaysia.

Despite being the largest city in Borneo and the fourth largest city in Malaysia , Kuching is surprisingly clean, peaceful, and relaxed. Billed as being one of the cleanest cities in Asia, Kuching feels much more like a small town. Tourists are met with very little of the usual hassle as they stroll the spotless waterfront; locals instead pass with a smile and a friendly hello.

The tourist scene in Kuching is mainly centered around the meticulously maintained waterfront and adjacent bazaar in Chinatown. The wide walkway is free of touts, hawkers, and hassle; simple food stalls sell snacks and cold drinks. A small stage is a focal point for festivals and local music.

The waterfront stretches from near India Street — a shopping zone — and the open-air market (on the west end) to the luxurious Grand Margherita Hotel (on the east end).

Across the Sarawak River, the impressive DUN State Legislative Assembly Building is highly visible but not open to tourists. The white building is Fort Margherita, constructed in 1879 to guard the river against pirates. Farther to the left is the Astana Palace, built in 1870 by Charles Brooke as a wedding gift to his wife. The current Head of State to Sarawak currently resides in Astana.

Note: Although taxi boats offer rides across the river, Fort Margherita, the state building, and Astana are all currently closed to tourists.

Kuching Chinatown

Unlike Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur , Kuching's Chinatown is small and surprisingly serene; a decorated archway and a working temple welcome people into the heart. Most businesses and many eateries close in late afternoon, making the place very quiet in the evenings.

The bulk of Chinatown is comprised of Carpenter Street (pictured above) which turns into Jalan Ewe Hai and the Main Bazaar which parallels the waterfront. Most budget accommodation and eateries exist on Carpenter Street while the Main Bazaar is focused on shopping.

Things to Do

Although many travelers use Kuching as a base for day trips to the coast and rainforest, the city has thoughtfully accommodated tourists that are interested in the local culture.

A cluster of four small museums is located in the northern part of the city's Reservoir Park within easy walking distance of Chinatown. The Ethnology Museum showcases Sarawak tribal life and even has human skulls that once hung in traditional longhouses. An art museum contains both traditional and modern work from local artists and shares a space with the Museum of Natural Science. An Islamic Museum exists just across a footbridge that crosses the main road. All museums are free and open until 4:30 p.m.

Weekend Market

The Sunday Market in Kuching is less about the tourists and more about the locals who have come to sell produce, animals, and delicious local snacks. The Sunday Market is held just west of Reservoir Park near Jalan Satok. The name is misleading — the market begins late on Saturday afternoon and finishes around noon on Sunday.

The Sunday Market is held behind a shopping strip just off Jalan Satok. Ask around for the "pasar minggu". The Sunday Market is a cheap place to try great food in Kuching.

Most people staying in Kuching make a day trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — 45 minutes from the city — for a chance to see orangutans roaming freely within a wild refuge. Trips can be booked through your guesthouse or you can make your own way by taking bus #6 from the STC terminal near the open-air market.

Getting Around Kuching

Three bus companies have small offices near India Street and the open-air market on the west side of the waterfront. Antiquated buses run all over the city; just wait at any bus stand and hail buses going the right direction.

Long-haul buses run to destinations such as Gunung Gading National Park, Miri, and Sibu from the Express Bus Terminal located around Batu 3. It is not possible to walk to the terminal, take a taxi or city buses 3A, 2, or 6.

Travel to Kuching

Kuching is well-connected to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other parts of Asia from the Kuching International Airport (KCH). Although still a part of Malaysia, Borneo has its own immigration control; you must get stamped in at the airport.

Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option of either taking a fixed-rate taxi or walking 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop to hail a local bus into the city.

To take the bus, exit the airport to the left and begin walking west on the main road — use caution as there is no proper sidewalk. At the first intersection, go left then follow the road as it splits off to the right. At the roundabout turn right, cross the road to the bus stop, then flag any city bus going north to the city. Bus numbers 3A, 6, and 9 stop just west of Chinatown.

Kuching has a tropical rainforest climate , receiving both sunshine and rain all year long. Considered the wettest, populated area in Malaysia, Kuching has an average of 247 rainy days a year! The best times to visit Kuching are during the hottest — and driest — months of April to October.

The annual Rainforest Music Festival is held every year in July just outside of Kuching and the famous Gawai Dayak festival on June 1 is not to be missed. Read about other festivals in Borneo, Malaysia .

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The PERFECT Kuching Itinerary With Heritage Walks, Where to Eat & Day Trips From Sarawak’s Capital

April 23, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

To outsiders, it would be a mistake to merely classify Kuching as just another city in Malaysia. It has had a long history as the capital of a self-governing state distinct from the affairs of the Malayan peninsula or even from Sabah . Even until this day, Sarawak has a separate immigration regime from the rest of Malaysia. All this means that visitors who come can expect something different from Kuala Lumpur , Penang or even Melaka . The streets are brimming with history and a casual walk through the older parts of town can attest to that. This despite Sarawak being sparsely populated and mostly forested. 

The fact that much of Sarawak is still filled vegetation presents plenty of eco-tourism opportunities. It is possible to go to the beach in the morning, go hiking through a hill or cave in the afternoon and come back in the evening for a great meal and a night cap. Speaking about food, this is also one of Malaysia’s food capitals with dishes such as Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa and Ayam Pansuh closely associated with the city as well as the state. 

In this article, I aim to show how one can do Kuching in 1, 2, 3 or even 4 days with a Kuching itinerary that can easily be adapted depending on one’s interests.

Table of Contents

Explore the Colonial Architecture

kuching post office – colonial architecture in kuching

Immediately south of the waterfront is Kuching’s traditional civic core. This area is replete with colonial style buildings including the Main Post Office . Adorned by imposing neoclassical columns, the building was designed by architectural firm Swan & Maclaren which also designed several buildings in Singapore’s civic area including the Raffles Hotel.

old court house

Some of Kuching’s old  buildings have found a new lease of life as cafes and restaurants. One example is the Old Court House which now houses a cafe, bar and fine-dining restaurant. Visitors are free to roam some of these buildings. The Old Court House in particular, has a beautiful inner courtyard fitted with benches for folks to sit and relax.

Go Museum Hopping

borneo cultures museum

In all my travels in Asia, I have not seen so many museums concentrated in one place. In Kuching, the museum selection ranges from the tacky, quick visit types to multi-story affairs that will take a few hours. The new Borneo Cultures Museum is a must-visit even if you are not really into museums. Anyone with more than a passing interest in tribal cultures, headhunting and early human settlements will find the exhibits here quite immersive. The museum itself also affords one of great views over the city. A short walk from it is the Sarawak Museum which was purposely built in the 1800s as an ethnology museum. 

Near the waterfront is the Chinese History Museum . Admission is free and visitors can learn more about the various Chinese dialect groups that populate and make up a significant proportion of the city.

If you have time to spare, you can also check out the rather kitschy Cat Museum , built simply because Kuching’s name means “cat” in Malay (although cats were not a significant part of the city’s origins). This museum is filled with plenty of cat and feline memorabilia and exhibits. 

Strolling Through Jalan India & Jalan Carpenter

Kuching is large enough for all the urban creature comforts but its streets are still relatively free of air pollution and quite pleasant to walk around (when it’s not too hot). As the city has been the capital of Sarawak for over 180+ years, the old commercial areas are charming with plenty of photo-worthy corners to check out. The two streets to go for a stroll in Kuching are Jalan India, the traditional home of the local Indian population in Kuching, as well as Carpenter Street – the city’s first Chinatown. 

jalan india

Jalan India today has a large cover above the shophouses to protect pedestrians from the rain. The street is pedestrian-only and is filled with bazaars. Lorong Kai Joo is an alley off Jalan India where one can find age-old bakeries and teahouses. Hiap Yak Tea Shop is where people come for a cup of coffee and toast in a retro setting. It is known for opium coffee – essentially black coffee flavored with a slab of butter. 

looking at jalan bishopsgate from jalan carpenter

Jalan Carpenter is a relatively short stretch filled with furniture stores, bars, Chinese restaurants as well as a few cafes and the odd souvenir shop. As Kuching is not an extremely touristy place, the area still has a very local feel. Drunk Monkey is a popular watering hole in the area with a rather sparse but sufficient menu. If you are looking for cocktails, the 2-story The Royal Chamber might be more up your alley. For coffee lovers, Black Bean Coffee towards the end of the stretch is regularly regarded as one of the best coffee places in Kuching. While they don’t have an instagrammable cafe to boast of and seats are rather limited, they offer various types of coffee beans including those from Sarawak itself.

cat statues of kuching

In the eastern side of the city center, Jalan Padungan is also worth a stroll. The arcaded shopfronts seemingly alternate between restaurants, shops selling Kuching snacks and auto supply / hardware stores. Here, you can stock up on Kuching delicacies such as Bee Pang (crispy rice cakes), Almond Cookies, etc. On both ends of the street, you can also see variations of Kuching’s famous cat statues.

Take a Sampan to Fort Margherita

fort margherita

From the city center, hire a sampan for the 5 minute or so journey to the northern bank of the river and visit Fort Margherita. Situated on a hill overlooking the town, this historical building was built to fend off pirates and has been converted into The Brooke Gallery – a museum dedicated to Charles Brooke, the “White Rajah” who previously ruled Sarawak. 

Tip: If you also intend to visit The Ranee Museum inside the Old Courthouse, purchase the Explorer Pass which gives you admission to both Fort Margherita and The Ranee Museum.

Explore the Waterfront

The waterfront of Kuching is one of its defining features and makes for one of Malaysia’s most picturesque city panoramas. With a river that curves gently in all the right places and a number of landmarks strategically built by the riverbanks, the waterfront is an active meeting point both in the day and at night. Early in the morning and in late afternoon, one can catch joggers zipping through the well-paved promenade. At night, families gather here for supper or a pleasant evening stroll. 

darul hana bridge

The Darul Hana Bridge is a twirling pedestrian bridge that connects the northern part of town with the south. The design contains traces of local tribal culture with the hornbill topped towers paying homage to the Bidayuh culture. This is the best place to catch the sunrise or sunset in Kuching in my opinion if you don’t have access to a rooftop / high view point. At night, there is also a light and water show by the river. Called the Darul Hana Musical Fountain, the schedule is as follows: 8:30PM and 9:30PM daily with an additional one at 10:30PM on Friday and Saturday. 

From the bridge, one can have a closer view of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly . Depending on who you ask, it said to resemble either a royal Malay umbrella (payung negara) or a traditional multi-pointed hat from the Iban tribe. The building was opened in 2009 and is now probably the best known architectural landmark of the city. For your best bet in getting postcard worthy shots of the assembly building, I can suggest going in the afternoon (any time after 2pm) to see the sunlight shining on its exterior.

Tip: For a panoramic view of Kuching’s cityscape, head up to the rather eerie carpark building that is Medan Pelita. You will be able to see the nice contrast between the low-rise shophouses and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and the river separating both areas.

Try Sarawakian Cuisine

For dinner, head to Lepau for a dose of local Sarawak cuisine. The menu offers a rundown of the specialties including Ayam Pansuh – chicken cooked in bamboo stalk and covered in tapioca leaves, Tempoyak (fermented durian) served with a variety of meats – as well as Midin (forest ferns).

Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve

semenggoh wildlife centre

A trip to Kuching is probably incomplete without a visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for a round of orangutan spotting. The park is roughly 35 minutes from Kuching and is a habitat for wildlife rather than a zoo. As such, it is not always guaranteed that one can spot orangutans during a visit although chances are fairly high. The only exception is during fruit season (typically between October to March) when the orangutans can easily find food to eat from the forest and as such, do not need to go to the feeding area, where the galleries are located, for food.

Unless you have your own car, it is recommended to visit Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve as part of a join-in tour (you can book an inexpensive one here ) because it is located in the wilderness and it might be difficult to find a Grab / taxi back. A typical tour lasts for about 3 hours and can be opted for either the morning of afternoon. Visits are timed to coincide with the feeding schedule.

tasik biru in bau

The town of Bau is located some 45 minutes to 1 hour away from Kuching. This former mining town is famous for its caves, mountains as well as the manmade Taman Tasik Biru , a former gold mine that has been filled with water and turned into a lake. The relatively serene surroundings makes it a conducive place to rent a boat or to just sit by one of the lakeside sheds and watch the world go by. 

paku rock maze garden

A relatively new attraction is Bau is the Paku Rock Maze Garden – a beguiling rock formation just off the highway connecting Kuching and Bau. It is literally a rock maze – with the 2-meter tall (or more!) rock formation creating natural passageways within the forest. While it is possible to get lost within the rock maze, fret not. Signs are scattered within the complex to guide visitors to the right path. Admission is free. 

In Bau, one can also visit the 2 caves: Wind Cave and Fairy Cave which are about 7km away from each other. The 2 caves can be visited within a few hours. Bring insect repellant and flashlights. Some parts of the Wind Cave are pitch dark. 

Siniawan 

siniawan night market

End your day of exploration in the one-street town of Siniawan . Every Fridays to Sundays, this quiet row of wooden shophouses comes alive with lanterns, a night market and street stalls selling various snacks. Tables are laid out on the street and visitors can partake in various Sarawak and Malaysian dishes. If you love soaking in the old town vibes, it’s worth the 15 minute journey here from Bau. To get back to Kuching, allow for about 40 minutes drive. 

Enjoy a Hearty Bowl of Kuching’s Quintessential Kolo Mee

kuching kolo mee

Kolo Mee is to Kuching as Pho is to Vietnam. If you were to think of one iconic dish to come from the Cat City, it would most likely be these bowls of curly, springy noodles with minced meat, char siu and doused with a light sauce. It can be had at any time of day but is most commonly eaten as a breakfast dish. You can have it plain which is the standard version or opt for a “red” version which comes with char siu sauce. Whichever version you go for, it’s easy to find kolo mee in any coffee shop in Kuching. Popular spots for a bowl include Chong Choon Cafe and Choon Hui Cafe . The latter is also popular for Sarawak Laksa.

Sarawak Cultural Village

sarawak culture village

Located near Mount Santubong is the Sarawak Cultural Village . Think of it as a living museum – with reconstructions of traditional houses of the tribes living in Sarawak. This is a good way to gain a quick overview of the many indigenous cultures found in the state without having to travel to Sarawak’s remote areas. The village also boasts of peaceful ponds, attractive foliage and photo-worthy sections. Don’t miss the enthralling cultural performance at the end. If you head there in the morning, you can expect to be back in Kuching by about 1:30PM to 2PM. You can join a group tour to the village here with hotel pick-up included. 

Shop for Handicrafts

Kuching is a great place to buy authentic tribal handicrafts. If you love rattan, beadwork, woven cloths, carvings and intricate patterns; the shops along the Main Bazaar – the shophouses facing the waterfront – offer plenty of choices. Quality varies as well and haggling is expected in the smaller stores. Many of the products are expertly done and don’t carry any kitschy “Sarawak” or “Kuching” logo on them. I personally bought some baskets with intricate woven patterns as decorative wall art. For something more upmarket, you can check out the souvenir shop inside The Ranee Boutique Suites or the Sarawak Craft Council. 

Seafood Dinner at Top Spot

Located in a nondescript building is Topspot Food Court , Kuching’s most popular spot for seafood. Located at the topmost floor of the building, the venue hosts dozens of seafood stalls with a communal dining hall. Dishes to try here include spiny lobsters, bamboo shells, crab and prawns that can be cooked to your liking. Check out the local version of the oyster pancake which is presented as a thin UFO-shaped cracker with the oysters studded throughout the surface.  

Bako National Park

If you have another full day to spare in Kuching or timed your departure for the evening, you can head out to Bako National Park which can be done as a day trip. What makes this national park special is that its coastal setting affords one of a variety of experiences – including jungle trekking, chilling by the beach and taking a boat ride out to see some rock formations. 

bako national park in sarawak by Fabio Achilli

A typical trip to Bako National Park involves going through one of the trails, each with its own unique features and having varied levels of difficulty. For beginners, the Paku Trail is relatively short, with little change in terrain. The trail ends at the beach. Other tails include the Tajor Trail, Limbang Trail and for those seeking a challenge – the Limau Trail which also end on the beach. While trekking through the park, your guide will try to seek out proboscis monkeys. These big-nosed primates are found all over Borneo, especially in the coastal and mangrove areas.  You can join a day tour to Bako National Park here .

gunung gading national park by axxonlive

Another option is to head to Gunung Gading National Park for another day tour to see the Rafflesia flower (if it’s in bloom). The tour typically lasts until 3:30PM to 4PM and involves a hike to see the flower if it’s in bloom, waterfalls as well as a spot of swimming.

Other Tips for Kuching

• Travel insurance: It may be advisable to get travel insurance, especially if you plan to do adventure activities. If you come from Singapore, I can recommend checking out Starr TraveLead for its cheap single- trip travel insurance with S$10 cash rebate to help offset the insurance cost here . If you are based elsewhere, check out Worldnomads as they have quite an extensive coverage, even including personal accidents into their list of benefits. 
• Weather: Kuching is the wettest major city in Malaysia and it can rain any time of the year. However, it is the wettest between November to March where rains can be expected for 25 out of the 30 days of the month. That being said, it usually does not rain the entire day but plans for outdoor activities may be dampened by strong winds, flash floods and other inconveniences. The best time to visit Kuching is between June to July. These are the driest months. June is also the month when the Rainforest Music Festival is held. 
• Practicalities: Outside of Kuching’s arcaded streets of Jalan Carpenter, Jalan India, Main Bazaar and Jalan Padungan; most of Kuching’s streets offer little shelter from the heat and the rain. As such, if you walk outdoors during the day; you’ll most likely be baked under the sun. It’s wise to put sunblock even if you’re just staying within the city.
• Farther afield: Kuching serves as a hub for Borneo so if there’s an interest in exploring more, you can fly to Brunei and Labuan . Sibu and Miri are also reachable by air. Kota Kinabalu is roughly 1 hour by air. 

Where to Stay in Kuching

Budget: The Meritin Hotel is an affordable 3-star hotel located in Jalan Padungan, a street filled with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants. Rooms are clean, functional and for families wishing to stay together, they have a Family Room category featuring 2 double beds.

Midrange: When it comes to location, it’s hard to find any other hotel with a better address than The Waterfront Hotel Kuching . The hotel is located right smack in the middle of town, in between Jalan India and Jalan Carpenter. The waterfront is 3 minutes walk and the Old Court House is directly beside it. The main museums are 2 blocks away. Rooms here are spacious and they also have a Family Room category with 2 double beds. The small supplement for a river facing room is well worth the upgrade and you can watch the nightly light show from the comfort of your room.

You can also check for the best deals for hotels in Kuching here .

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Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in Kuching (Malaysia)

25 Best Things to Do in Kuching (Malaysia)

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak which is part of East Malaysia and is located on the wider island of Borneo. Anyone who has been to Peninsular Malaysia will find that Sarawak has a very different feel, and Kuching in particular, thanks to its strategic location on the snake-like Sarawak River, is one of the prettiest spots in the region.

The city is known for being the home of a number of indigenous groups such as the Iban and the Dayaks, and people flock here to learn more about the unique culture found in this part of Malaysia. For many visitors, the highlight of a visit to Borneo is the chance to visit a traditional longhouse and see how people would have lived here in the days of old. History buffs can also spend time checking out the wide range of museums in town as well as the elegant buildings, many of which date from the colonial period.

You may also be surprised to find that Kuching is covered in statues of cats, and the reason for this is said to come from a miscommunication during the colonial period when the local people were asked the name of the city and thought that James Brooke, the first British Rajah of Sarawak, was pointing to a cat. As such they replied ‘kucing’, the Malay word for cat, and the rest is history. Whether or not the story is true, anyone who loves felines should make sure not to miss a trip to all the cat statues that adorn the city as well as the peerless Cat Museum.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Kuching :

1. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village

Just a 35 minute drive outside of Kuching will take you to the Sarawak Cultural Village where you can learn all about the different indigenous groups that live in this part of Malaysia, as well as take in a range of local crafts and buildings.

There are live demonstrations which will teach you ancient techniques such as weaving, bamboo carving, and bead making and you can also tour this model village and check out all the architecture.

Just some of the sights on offer include a traditional Chinese farmhouse as well as a Penan hut, Iban longhouses, and a Malanau Tall House and the site sprawls over 17 acres so there is a huge amount to see and do here if you fancy an easy day trip out of the center of Kuching.

2. Stroll along the Kuching Waterfront

The most iconic part of Kuching, without a doubt, is its scenic waterfront which is where all the main action happens.

This part of town would have been used by warehouses in the days of old, but now you will find a pretty walking path that flanks the water and offers you amazing views over the main sights in town such as the Astana and the majestic Fort Margherita.

At night this is the place to see and be seen, and many young couples from Kuching choose this spot for a leisurely romantic stroll.

You will also find a selection of small cafes here and although the prices are a little higher than in other spots, the views more than make up for it.

3. Explore the Astana

Astana is the Malay word for Palace and this iconic building dates from 1870 during the time of Charles Brooke who was also known as the Second White Rajah of Sarawak.

The Astana is now the official home of the Governor of Sarawak but it was originally built as a wedding gift for Ranee Margaret, the wife of Charles Brooke.

The complex is made up of three different bungalow areas which are joined by walkways and the Astana enjoys panoramic views over the waterfront of Kuching.

As this is an official state residence however, visitors are not permitted to enter the Astana grounds and you will have to make do with admiring this historical gem from afar.

4. Check out the Cat Museum

Kuching means cat in Malay, and as you will soon discover on a trip here, this is a city obsessed with cats.

To that end, make your way to the Cat Museum where you will learn all about the historical and cultural significance of these felines with over 2,000 cat-related exhibits on show.

Some of the highlights include a cat in mummified form that hails from Egypt and is said to date back 5,000 years as well as a mounted example of a Bay Cat which is a kind of wild feline that is indigenous to the island of Borneo.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, there are even sections dedicated to the story of Hello Kitty as well as the Broadway show Cats.

Certainly if you are looking for a quirky attraction to visit on a rainy day in Kuching then this is hard to beat.

5. Visit Kuching Mosque

Kuching Mosque used to be known as the State Mosque of Sarawak so you may still hear it referred to by this name occasionally.

The original building would have been constructed as far back as 1847 and was made of wood, although it has since been upgraded and the building that stands now was completed in 1965. The mosque is decorated in pretty pink and white designs and is topped with a large gold dome that glints under the fierce Malaysian sun.

6. Learn some history at the Sarawak Museum

If you only have time to visit one museum in Kuching then the Sarawak Museum is an excellent pick.

The museum also has the claim to fame of being the oldest in Borneo and was founded in 1891 under Charles Brooke.

The museum is housed in a huge building that dates from the Victorian period and is, somewhat surprisingly, modeled on a traditional Normandy townhouse.

If you are interested in the culture of Sarawak, then the museum is a treasure trove of antiquities that include tribal weapons, models of longhouses, and a plethora of stuffed animals.

Another highlight is a model of the Niah Caves which are thought to be the source of the first human settlement in Borneo.

7. Shop at the Main Bazaar

The Main Bazaar is actually something of a misleading name as this actually refers to a row of traditional shop houses that line the main street in Kuching.

The shop houses face the water and this is the place to come if you are looking for souvenirs or traditional arts and crafts.

Some of the items you are likely to find here include beautiful beads and jewelry as well as textiles that show off the intricate weaving techniques of the indigenous groups here.

8. Visit Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple

In additional to the many tribal communities here, Kuching also has a sizeable Chinese population and to that end you will find a number of Chinese buildings in the city including the Tau Pek Kong Chinese Temple which is an important place of worship for the Chinese community.

The temple is said to date from 1770 which makes it the oldest of its kind in Kuching and you can expect to find a riot of color here as well as intricate carvings that tell the stories of the various Chinese deities.

9. Travel to Bako National Park

Bako National Park has the claim to fame of being the oldest national park in Sarawak and sprawls across almost 3,000 hectares of land.

This however actually makes it one of the smallest parks in Borneo in terms of its area which means that it is easy to visit as part of a day trip from Kuching and you can still manage to see a lot of the park in a short space of time.

The park lies on the Sarawak and Bako rivers and has an impressive seven different eco-systems within its boundaries including towering cliff sides and mangrove swamps.

You will also find scrubby grasslands here and animals abound including proboscis monkeys, macaques, and bearded pigs.

10. Visit the Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse is now actually the building that houses the official Sarawak Tourism Complex and dates from 1871. The complex is a great spot for history buffs to visit as it includes a wealth of interesting buildings such as a clock tower built during the colonial period in the Baroque style as well as a Renaissance Pavilion which is now used as the Textile Museum.

You can also explore the Round Tower which was constructed in 1886 and would have been a fort before becoming a dispensary as well as a memorial in honor of Charles Brooke.

The complex is conveniently located next to the main promenade in Kuching so it makes a good place to go for a stroll and take in the views over the water at the same time.

11. Admire the flowers at Gunung Gading National Park

Many people on a visit to Kuching travel to the nature reserves in the hope of seeing orang utans and other forms of indigenous wildlife.

At Gunung Gading National Park however, the big draw is the flora rather than the fauna as this is one of the spots where the famous and rare rafflesia flower grows.

Rafflesia are known for being the largest flowers in the world and they bloom at the park throughout the year, so there is a good chance that you will be able to spot some no matter which time of year you visit.

As well as admiring the flowers you can also spend time in the park checking out the lush jungle trails and taking in the pretty waterfalls and tinkling streams.

If you are feeling energetic then you can even scale the peak of Gunung Gading Mountain.

The park is around 2 hours away from Kuching so it is possible to visit it as part of a day trip.

12. Shop at the Sunday Market

The Sunday Market in Kuching is also often called Satok Market as it is located at Medan Niaga Satok and actually begins on Saturday and lasts until Sunday.

The market sprawls for several blocks and you will find a huge array of produce here including local delicacies such as salted fish and exotic fruits and vegetables.

There are also other treats on offer such as local honey and you can pick up other items like clothes, textiles, and toys.

13. Visit the Cat Statue

Kuching is covered in references to cats, but perhaps the most famous is the Cat Statue that sits at the entrance of the city.

The statue was built in the 1990s and soars to a height of 5 meters and resembles a large white feline with its paw raised.

If you happen to be here during holiday periods such as Christmas, the cat can also be found wearing a range of seasonal outfits.

14. Meet the turtles at Satang Turtle Island National Park

Satang Turtle Island National Park is made up of two islands in the form of Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil which lie off the west coast of Sarawak.

You can visit the national park as part of a day trip from Kuching and the big draw here is the turtle conservation area and hatchery which is dedicated to the preservation of turtle eggs and their eventual release into the sea when they hatch.

You can also swim or snorkel off the islands and you will find a gorgeous underwater world here which is filled with pretty coral and an abundance of colorful fish.

15. Explore Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita was built in 1879 and is one of the most iconic structures in Kuching.

It would have been constructed in order to protect the city from an imminent attack and nowadays you will find the Police Museum housed here which has an fascinating collection of ancient weaponry that includes cannons, swords, pistols, and cannon balls.

The fort and museum are located across the river from the main Kuching Promenade and you will need to take a scenic boat ride to get to it which is half the fun.

16. Have something to eat at Kubah Ria Complex

Kubah Ria Complex is one of the newest shopping areas in Kuching and lies on the Sarawak River close to Satok Bridge.

The main reason to come here is to check out the food scene, as you will find some 45 different cafes and eateries dotted around the building where you can try a feast of local delicacies.

Some of these to look out for include Sarawak Laksa which is a kind of delicious soothing soup as well as Mee Sapi or noodles with beef.

If you are looking for a quick way to try a range of local dishes under one roof then this is an excellent pick.

17. Get out on the river

Kuching is bisected by the Sarawak River and one of the best things about this city is the river views.

With that in mind, you can hire a traditional wooden boat and driver and go for a leisurely trip along the river that will let you enjoy the views over Kuching from the water.

Trips are negotiable and can range from a quick 10 minute jaunt to a longer journey that will take you to the outskirts of the city.

18. Discover Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is around 40 minutes outside of Kuching so it is easy enough to visit as part of a day trip.

The reason that visitors flock here is to see the orang utans and the center had a rehabilitation program that lasted for some 30 years.

The center sits of 2.6 square miles of land and as well as the graceful orang utans you will also find birds, mammals, and reptiles roaming all over the forests.

The orang utans in the center have been released and are considered to be wild, but there are several feeding sessions a day when the animals may come to one of the main feeding platforms and this is your best chance of seeing them on a trip here.

19. Visit St. Thomas’ Cathedral

You might not imagine that you would find a cathedral in Kuching but there is a sizeable Christian population here, hence the presence of St. Thomas’ Cathedral.

The building looks out over Padang Merdeka which means Independence Square and is easily spotted than to the ancient kapok tree than stands in front of it.

This is an Anglican cathedral which was built in 1954 and notable parts of the building to look out for include the barrel-vaulted ceiling which is painted bright crimson.

If you continue up the hill from the cathedral you will find the Bishop’s House that would have been the home of the first Anglican bishop in Kuching and is also one of the oldest buildings in town having been built in 1849.

20. Eat at the Open Air Market

Conveniently located on Jalan Market or Market Street is the Open Air Market which is something of a misnomer as it is actually made up of a covered area.

This is the place to come if you want to try traditional Malay and Chinese food and most of the market is made up of little stalls that focus on serving only one dish.

Some of the highlights here include traditional beef noodles and sio bi which are juicy pork dumplings.

21. Go kayaking on the Sarawak River

The Sarawak River runs through Kuching and if you are looking for an adventure then one of the best ways to explore it is to take to a kayak.

There are several companies such as Kuching Kayaking that will rent you a kayak and you can either paddle along the river or choose to go out into the open sea where you may even find pods of dolphins

22. Visit Annah Rais

Annah Rais is some 100 kilometers outside of Kuching and is made up of a traditional Bidayuh longhouse which lies at the base of the majestic Borneo Highlands.

There are 500 local residents that live here and you can visit the longhouse and see how people have lived and worked here for centuries.

There are actually three different longhouses that you can explore here called Kupo Terekan, Kupo Saba, and Kupo Sijo and you can go on a tour where you will learn about some of the history and traditions of these ancient buildings.

23. Enjoy the Sarawak Timber Museum

The Sarawak Timber Museum is an unusual venue that tells the story of the timber industry in this part of Borneo.

To this end you will find displays dedicated to explaining the history of the timber business as well as displays of traditional wooden objects and an explanation of forestry across the region.

If you want to know more about one of the economic backbones of Sarawak then this makes a fascinating visit.

24. Visit the Sarawak Islamic Museum

The Sarawak Islamic Museum lies close to the Tun Abdul Razak Hall and has some seven different galleries that are dedicated to different periods of Islamic art.

All the galleries face a leafy courtyard and you will find a huge range of artifacts such as a replica of the sword that is said to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad.

If you like religious history then this is not to be missed on a visit to Kuching.

25. Explore the Indian Mosque

Some people may be surprised to know that there is a sizeable Tamil community in Kuching and the Indian Mosque is certainly one of the most unusual attractions here.

The building is located on the aptly named India Street (Jalan India) and you will find small emporiums here selling a wealth of heady spices.

On the same road lies the mosque which was built out of ironwood in 1836 by Tamil traders who settled in Kuching.

25 Best Things to Do in Kuching (Malaysia):

• Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village
• Stroll along the Kuching Waterfront
• Explore the Astana
• Check out the Cat Museum
• Visit Kuching Mosque
• Learn some history at the Sarawak Museum
• Shop at the Main Bazaar
• Visit Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple
• Travel to Bako National Park
• Visit the Old Courthouse
• Admire the flowers at Gunung Gading National Park
• Shop at the Sunday Market
• Visit the Cat Statue
• Meet the turtles at Satang Turtle Island National Park
• Explore Fort Margherita
• Have something to eat at Kubah Ria Complex
• Get out on the river
• Discover Semenggoh Nature Reserve
• Visit St. Thomas’ Cathedral
• Eat at the Open Air Market
• Go kayaking on the Sarawak River
• Visit Annah Rais
• Enjoy the Sarawak Timber Museum
• Visit the Sarawak Islamic Museum
• Explore the Indian Mosque

Must-see attractions in Kuching

Chinese History Museum

Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the nine major Chinese communities – each with its own…

Fort Margherita

Built by Charles Brooke in 1879 and named after his wife, Ranee Margaret, this hilltop fortress long protected Kuching against surprise attack by pirates…

Sarawak Museum

Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020 after extensive conservation work, the Sarawak Museum was established in 1891 by Charles…

Old Court House Complex

The Old Court House was built in the late 19th century to serve as the city’s administrative centre. It now houses a cafe and bar, the excellent Ranee…

Darul Hana Bridge

Linking the northern and southern parts of Kuching, the city's spectacular pedestrian bridge (335m) is constructed to resemble the letter 'S' (for Sarawak…

Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020. This museum featured an exhibit called Urang Sarawak, which deftly and succinctly…

Built by Charles Brooke in 1869, the Astana (a local word meaning 'palace’) – conveniently labelled in giant white letters – and its manicured gardens…

Waterfront Promenade

The south bank of Sungai Sarawak along Main Bazaar and Jln Gambier is a lovely tree-shaded promenade, with walkways, lawns and food stalls. It's a fine…

Hong San Si Temple

Thought to date to around 1840, this fine Hokkien Chinese temple with intricate rooftop dragons was fully restored in 2004. There's a big celebration here…

Medan Niaga Satok

Kuching’s biggest and liveliest market is 9km west of the city centre. It's open every day, but the main event is the larger weekend market that begins…

Islamic Heritage Museum

Offers a pretty good introduction to Malay-Muslim culture and its long ties with the Muslim heartland far to the west. Displays range from Bornean-Malay…

Sarawak Textile Museum

Housed in a ‘colonial Baroque’–style building constructed in 1909, this museum displays some superb examples of traditional Sarawakian textiles, including…

Sarawak Museum Campus

Scheduled to open in mid-2020, the modern and innovative Sarawak Museum Campus incorporates several floors of interactive and hands-on exhibitions…

St Thomas’s Cathedral

Facing Padang Merdeka (Independence Sq) and its monumental kapok tree, Kuching’s Anglican cathedral (1954) has a mid-20th-century look and, inside, a…

Orchid Garden

Sarawak's state flower, the Normah orchid, is just one of the 82 species growing in these peaceful gardens and greenhouse nursery. Other Borneo orchids to…

Sarawak State Assembly

Inaugurated in 2009, the iconic home of the State Assembly on the north bank of Sungai Sarawak is an imposing structure whose soaring golden roof is said…

Ranee Museum

Opened in 2018, this excellent museum focuses on the colourful and exciting times of Ranee Margaret of Sarawak. Born Margaret Alice Lili de Windt in Paris…

Square Tower

Along with Fort Margherita, the Square Tower, built in 1879, once guarded the river against marauders. Over the past century the structure – still…

Natural History Museum

This building, built in 1908 and adorned with Rajah Brooke's birdwing butterfly, so named by famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, is currently being…

Kampung Boyan

This sedate, old-time Malay kampung (village), filled with joyously colourful houses and a profusion of flowering plants, is a world away from the glitz…

Tun Jugah Foundation

The textile gallery and museum of this charitable foundation, which aims to promote and preserve Iban culture, has excellent exhibits on Iban ikat (tie…

Kucing Kucing

Perhaps the nicest of Kuching's several statues of kucing (cats) is Gaye Porter's life-size bronze sculpture of playful felines cavorting on the lawn…

Darul Hana Musical Fountain

Although bathed in controversy over its funding and contracting, this garish addition to the Kuching waterfront is certainly a head turner – when it's…

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Tua Pek Kong, atop the red wedding-cake structure on Jln Padungan at the end of Main Bazaar, is the most popular temple in town for Chinese residents.

Huge and ancient tree on Padang Merdeka (Independence Sq).

Indian Mosque

Turn off Jln India (between No 37 and No 39A) or waterfront Jln Gambier (between No 24 and No 25A) onto tiny Indian Mosque Lane (Lg Sempit) and you enter…

This homage to the city’s namesake, located 8km north of the centre, features hundreds of entertaining, surprising and bizarre kucing (cat) figurines –…

Kuching North City Hall

Situated 8km north of the city centre is the hilltop Kuching North City Hall (known by its Malay abbreviation, DBKU), a landmark prestige project – some…

Hiang Thian Siang Temple

This temple, rebuilt shortly after the fire of 1884, serves the Teochew congregation as a shrine to Shang Di (the Emperor of Heaven). On the 15th day of…

Great Cat of Kuching

A 2.5m-high white pussycat with wire whiskers is perched at the eastern end of Jln Padungan on a traffic island just outside the Chinese ceremonial gate…

It's easy to miss this temple, tucked away on the roof of the Kuching Hainan Association. Go up the staircase to the top floor and you'll come to a vivid…

On the roundabout, the Cat Column features four cats around the bottom and four hibiscus flowers near the top – the latter are just below the cat-adorned…

Museum Garden

The landscaped Museum Garden stretches south from the hill, leading past flowers and fountains to a white-and-gold column called the Heroes’ Monument.

Bishop's House

Kuching’s oldest building, the Bishop's House was constructed – in 1849, with admirable solidness – by a German shipwright.

Kuching Mosque

Built in 1968, Kuching Mosque was the state mosque until a larger one was built in 1990 at Petra Jaya. The mosque's gold domes are particularly beautiful…

St Joseph's Cathedral

Built as a church in 1969 and granted cathedral status in 1976, this Roman Catholic cathedral is notable for its impressive belian (ironwood) roof.

Gurdwara Sahib Kuching

An imposing white building with gilded domes, this is one of three Sikh temples in Sarawak (the others are in Sibu and Miri).

The sculpture consists of sinister-looking metal cats that glare down at you with menacing hollow eyes.

Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Hindu Temple

This usually peaceful temple comes alive with the chanting of traditional Hindu songs on Friday.

Heroes' Monument

Commemorates those who died defending Sarawak in various military conflicts, including WWII.

More destinations you need to see

Top 12 places to visit in Kuching (attractions within the city)

Posted on Last updated: January 26, 2024

Categories Sarawak , Visit Malaysia

We recently spent a week in Kuching and visited many of the renowned places in the city. In this article, we want to share our experiences and suggest the best places to visit if you travel to Kuching. Our story is based on our experiences and perspectives, and we took all the photographs in this article.

We will focus on the places to visit in Kuching City only. We plan to write a separate article for all the places we visited within a two-hour drive from Kuching City. Also, we arranged our list of places to visit in the order that we visited them, so it does not mean that the first place listed is the most important or the last place listed is the least important.

If you want to learn what to eat in Kuching, we have a separate article dedicated to Kuching’s food.

Here is the list of places to visit in Kuching based on our trip to Kuching.

1. Kuching Waterfront Esplanade

The Kuching Waterfront Esplanade, located along the south bank of the Sarawak River, should be on top of the list of places to visit in Kuching. It offers beautiful river views and is a popular spot to experience the city’s cosmopolitan vibes. It is just a few minutes from Carpenter Street, Chinatown. 

The waterfront runs alongside the Sarawak River and is best visited in the evening. We came here before sunset and waited until after dark to see it lit up.

There are many famous buildings in this area, with the latest addition being the tallest flag post in Malaysia, located on the opposite side of the river.

We walked around the Waterfront and took lovely pictures of the Sarawak River with the cruise sailing along. Here is the perfect spot to view the Dewan Undangan Negeri across the river.

We also strolled to the Darul Hana Bridge, but it started to rain. Now is December, which is already the start of the monsoon season. So we headed back to our car and stopped by the Square Tower.

a. Dewan Undangan

On the other side of the river is the impressive Dewan Undangan building. There’s also a jetty where you can join a waterfront cruise to tour the Sarawak River.

b. The Square Tower

The Square Tower is a historic fort and prison built in 1879, located on the Waterfront on the south bank of the Sarawak River; it has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a jail, administrative office, and dance hall. The building is a significant historical remnant from the Brooke era of Kuching’s history. It is now home to the Magenta Restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant in the historic fort.

c. The Darul Hana Bridge

The Darul Hana Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. It was completed in November 2017 and spanned over the serene Sarawak River. The bridge connects the City North with the City South. The Darul Hana Bridge is known for its dynamic twisting shape, which offers a unique and visually appealing sight.

The bridge is designed with Yin and Yang, symbolizing the balance of cultures living together. It has two masts, inclined in opposite directions, and a walkway made of precast concrete slabs. The bridge has several resting areas where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the river. It is decorated with colored night lights, adding a vibrant touch to the city’s Waterfront at night.

One of the best places to capture a stunning photo of the floating mosque at night is from this bridge.

During the day, visitors can enjoy scenic views of Astana, Fort Margherita, Dewan Undangan, the tallest flag pole in Malaysia, and the Malay villages across the river. The best time to visit is after sunset when the esplanade comes alive with vibrant nightlife. 

2, The Cat Monuments

There are a few cat monuments in Kuching. Kuching is thought to have derived its name from the Malay word “kucing,” which means cat. 

The most famous Cat Monument features a family of cats known as “The Cat Family.” This iconic statue is located at the golden triangle of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, in front of the Grand Margherita Hotel and beside the Riverside Majestic Hotel. The statue consists of a father cat, a mother cat, and seven kittens. It has been in place for nearly 30 years and is one of the most photographed spots in Kuching. 

Another notable cat statue is the Cat Monument in Kuching China Town, in front of Padungan Road, near the city center. This monument features a cat wearing different styles of uniform. 

There is also the Padungan Roundabout Cat Statue, a 2.5-meter-high statue of a white cat with its front left paw raised as if waving at visitors.

In addition to these statues, Kuching is home to several other cat-themed public spaces and roundabouts

Cat and the name of Kuching

here are different versions of the origin of the name. One version suggests that when James Brooke, the first White Rajah, asked a local Malay guide about the settlement’s name, the guide thought he was pointing to a cat and replied, “Kuching,” and the name stuck.  Another version suggests that the name “Kuching” might have derived from the Kuching River, a small stream that flowed from the direction of the Kuching Reservoir Park (Reservoir Park, Kuching). The name has been associated with the city since the Brunei rule, and it is also suggested that “Kuching” means “mata kucing” (cat’s-eye in Malay) for the longan fruit, a popular trade item.

3. Chinatown of Kuching

There are two main Chinatowns in Kuching. One is at Padungan Street, and the other is at Carpenter Street. The Hong San Si Temple is situated to the east, while the Old Court House and Round Tower are located to the west.

Both of these areas have many well-preserved shophouses, which are worth exploring for their unique architecture. Small food stalls, bars, and shops sell various items in these areas. We walk around these areas and have dinner several times.

4. The Chinese History Museum Kuching

The Chinese History Museum Kuching was constructed in 1912 and was initially used as a court by the Chinese people until 1921. After that, it was taken over by the Chinese Trade Council. In 1993, the building was converted into the Museum of Chinese History, 

The outside of the museum is prominently painted in pink. Once we enter the museum, we can see a pair of ivory sculptures. 

The museum is situated opposite the Tua Pek Kong temple. It traces the history of the various Chinese dialect groups in Sarawak.

The museum also showcases some of the Chinese political leaders in Sarawak. 

It is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm and on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. 

Various artifacts, documents, and exhibits depict the Chinese community’s journey in Sarawak, including their traditions, culture, and contributions to the state. 

Besides, traditional Chinese musical instruments and a replica of an old primary school classroom are on display.

Also, there are stories about some of the main festivals the local Chinese community celebrates.

5. Tua Pek Kong Temple

Tua Pek Kong Temple is opposite the Chinese History Museum.

It is also known as Siew San Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, and is part of the Kuching Heritage Trail. The temple is believed to have existed before 1839, and several renovations in the 19th century. 

The temple survived the 1884 Great Fire of Kuching and the Japanese invasion during World War II, with its structure remaining intact despite the surrounding damage. It is ornately decorated and is said to have the best Feng Shui location in the city. 

6. Fort Margherita.

Fort Margherita is an ancient fort constructed in 1879 by Charles Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak. The fort was built in the style of an English castle to safeguard Kuching from pirate attacks. Today, it houses the Brooke Gallery, an exhibition showcasing Sarawak’s history under the Brooke dynasty. The fort was named after Charles Brooke’s wife, Ranee Margaret.  

The battlement of the three-story tower block includes a watchpoint on top, a courtyard surrounded by a high wall with sharp glass shards inlaid for protection, and wooden windows set into the wall where the cannons were fired. 

The spiral stairs between each floor are not easy, but it is worth exploring all the floors, especially if you want to know more about the history of Sarawak during the White Rajahs.

7. Malaysia-China Friendship Park

The Malaysia-China Friendship Park is a 2.8-hectare man-made park commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and The People’s Republic of China. It was established in 2004, the year of Malaysia-China friendship, and was funded by the governments of both countries.

As you enter the park, you’ll be welcomed by beautiful white stone lions. The park offers stunning views of the Tea Pavilion and the lake, featuring a large pond full of fish. 

The popular attraction in the park is the giant statue of Zheng He (Cheng Ho), a Chinese explorer who commanded expeditions to Southeast, South, Western, and East Africa from 1405 to 1433. Admiral Cheng Ho played a significant role in Malaysian history. He accompanied Princess Hang Li Po and 500 ‘Dayangs’ (ladies in waiting) to marry Sultan Mansor Syah of Melaka. This led to mixed marriages that birthed the ‘Baba and Nyonya’ in Malaysia.

The statue of Cheng Ho and the stone platform-shaped Chinese junk were built at one end of the lake, facing away from the Tea Pavilion. It is between 30 and 40 feet tall and is believed to be one of the world’s largest statues of Cheng Ho. It stands before a stone junk, with his right hand stretched out in greeting while holding royal diplomatic scrolls. 

8. Sarawak Islamic Information Centre

The Sarawak Islamic Information Center is a place that may not be included in the list of must-visit places in Kuching. However, after I visited this place, I recommend taking some time to explore the unique architecture of the building.

The Islamic Information Centre was established on August 17, 2008, to promote and communicate the universality of Islam and create a better understanding of the religion among Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.

The most prominent feature of this building is its architectural design. It perfectly blends various ethnic designs from different groups in Sarawak.

It features a combination of various ethnic identities, highlighting the true Islamic universality with no distinction between different races and cultures.

Upon entering the building, we counted all six designs: Chinese, Malay House, Iban longhouse, Bidayuh Baroque, Melanau High House, and Orang Ulu. All of these designs represent the main ethnic groups in Sarawak. The architecture of the building signifies “One Religion, Many Cultures,” where Islam is universal and not exclusively specific to Malays or Arabs.

It is highly unlikely that you will find Islamic architecture with such a unique design anywhere else.

9. Borneo Cultures Museum

Borneo Cultures Muzeum is the second-largest Southeast Asian museum, a modern five-story building. It should be one of the places to visit in Kuching, regardless of the duration of your visit.

The museum’s first floor is the lobby, where you can find the auditorium, function room, and VIP lounge.

On the second floor, you can explore the Children’s Gallery and the Arts & Crafts section, which has several areas where kids can engage in various activities. It has sensory booths offering an interactive learning environment to keep children entertained.

The third floor is the main gallery called In Harmony with Nature. It is the largest gallery in the museum, offering 2,188 sq m of exhibition space. Here, we learn about the close relationship between local communities and their surrounding environments. It also lets us embark on a river journey through three major geographical regions- sea, mountain, and forest.

The fourth floor is the Time Changes gallery. Here, we journey through time and explore changes across the ages. We learn about archaeological discoveries across Sarawak’s network of caves, the history behind the formation of Sarawak and its regions, and the rise of nationalism within the state. It tells the entire history of Sarawak, from the prehistoric era to the modern times.

The fifth floor is the Objects of Desire gallery, which showcases the intricate handicrafts of the tribes in Sarawak. These range from mats and beadwork to clothing and reflect skilled craftsmanship that has yet to be seen since.

10. Cat Museum

The Cat Museum in Kuching is the largest museum dedicated to cats worldwide. It was founded in 1993 at the Petra Jaya in the Kuching City North City Hall.

The museum houses over 4,000 artifacts, including paintings, a gallery of feline-related advertising, and memorials related to cats. It tells the history of cats back 5,000 years, and the museum’s highlight is the mummified cat from ancient Egypt.

If you love cats, this museum is the ultimate paradise for you. But even if you’re not a cat lover, it’s still one of the worthy places to visit in Kuching.

11. The Kuching Old Courthouse

The Kuching Old Courthouse was built in 1868 and completed in 1874. It served as the administrative center for the government of Sarawak until 1973. 

In 2003, the building was converted into the Sarawak Tourism Complex. The architecture of the building is notable, consisting of four blocks and featuring an ironwood roof. 

The Food Journal Group now manages the Old Courthouse, a heritage building catering to private events and corporate functions.

12. Taman Perpaduan

Taman Perpaduan is a park that promotes unity and harmony among the diverse communities in Kuching. The park serves as a public space that provides recreation and relaxation opportunities. The park offers a peaceful and serene environment where people from different backgrounds can interact and learn about each other’s cultures.

During the evening, we visited the park and saw many locals jogging, exercising, and spending quality time with their families. The park’s main features are a beautiful lake with a fountain and a unity statue with two hands holding together.

Other places to visit in Kuching (within a two-hour drive from the Kuching): 

We have visited several places within Kuching City. However, we will not provide detailed information about them in this article, as we plan to write another article about places to visit outside the city but within the distance of a day trip. To give you an idea of the places you can visit, here is a list of the places we have already visited.

• Bako National Park- to view the stunning sea stacks, look for beared pigs and proboscis monkeys, and enjoy walking on the trails.
• Sarawak Cultural Village- A place to learn about the culture of various tribes and visit the traditional houses.
• Semengguh Wildlife Centre – A place to get close to the Orangutan in the wild.
• Annah Rais Longhouse – Visit the Bidayuh longhouse, understand the culture, and enjoy traditional food with the family.
• Kubah National Park – One of the best trails we had it during our trip, especially if you like jungle tracking and waterfalls.
• Gunung Gading National Park – The best place to observe Rafflesia Blooming. 
• Matang Wildlife centre – A center to rehabilitate orangutans.
• Fairy Cave and Wind Cave are beautiful caves with standing rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites formations; look for bats, swiftlets, and underground rivers.
• Paku Rock Maze Garden – This unique rock formation is a mini pinnacle.
• Serikin is a border town with Indonesia where they offer a variety of goods brought in from Indonesia, including fabrics, rattan mats, and other traditional products.

Friday 26th of January 2024

Not being a troublemaker, but the stone bench in your photo is obviously being held by a cat ( which makes total sense ) and a panda, ….not orangutan.

Thank you for bringing the mistake to my attention. I have fixed it and appreciate your help.

Attractions in Malaysia

www.attractionsinmalaysia.com

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Kuching is situated at the banks of the Sarawak River on the North-Western part of the island of Borneo. It is the largest city in the entire Borneo and placed in the fourth place for the biggest city in Malaysia. It is also known as the City of Kuching.

Kuching is very attractive. Most tourists go to Sarawak just to explore Kuching. It has many tourist attractions offered to locals as well as visitors. If you want to get up close and understand more about the multi cultures in Kuching, the best thing to do is to go visit the temples and mosques around the city. One of the famous temples in Kuching is the Tua Pek Kong Temple. This temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching and is easily access almost anywhere in Kuching. After a visit to the Chinese temple, you can go to visit the Muslims mosque. There are two main mosques in Kuching, namely the Kuching City mosque and Masjid Jamek. Both mosques are packed with devotees performing prayers expecially on Fridays.

For all of you adventurous people out there, Kuching offer a lot of activities that bring you a step closer to the nature. There are national parks around including Gunung Gading National Park and Kubah National Park . There are more activities that have to be done or else your visit to Kuching is incomplete. They are Longhouse Adventure, Kuching Kayaking, visit to Borneo Highlands , fish feeding and more.

A tour or a travel is never complete if you have not tasted their local delicacies. Thus, remember to have a taste of all the popular Kuching's food. They are Sarawak Laksa, Kolok Mee, Mee Sapi, Manok Pansoh, Nasik Aruk, just to name a few. After filling your stomach, souvenirs are the next thing to get. The best places to have these shopping experiences are Sunday Market and Main Bazaar. If you are looking for accommodation , Kuching is not letting you down. They are various kinds of hotels from budget ones to high end luxurious hotels. Of course, there are camping sites available if you are to visit and overnight in the national parks.

The best way to go to Kuching is by flight. To go around in Kuching, you can rent a car, take a bus or hail a taxi. Do take note that the main bus terminal in Kuching is located opposite to the old mosque. However, the best way to sightseeing in Kuching is by bicycles and by foot.

• Best Time to Visit Kuching
• How To Reach Kuching
• Events & Festivals in Kuching
• Restaurants in Kuching
• Kuching Map
• Things To Do in Kuching
• Kuching Itineraries
• Kuching Tours
• Kuching Hotels

City Map of Kuching, Malaysia

• City Map Of Kuching

Kuching Tourist Map

Visiting Kuching and clueless where to start. Here's something that can help you out. This is an extensive map of attractions in Kuching.

To begin with, this is a detailed interactive tourist map of the Kuching which can be zoomed in for you convenience.

Easing the task of planning a trip to Kuching, this map highlights everything that you need to cover while exploring the city.

This map gives a detailed information of the streets, lanes and neighborhoods of Kuching. You can get information about various public transit systems available in Kuching using special icons.

The binocular icon that you see in the Kuching map are the various attractions and must-visit places to visit Kuching.

You can click on the icon to obtain a detailed address of the tourist attraction you want to visit.

Use Kuching map of attractions as you plan your journey to Kuching and rest assured, you'll have a great trip!

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Renting a car, an attractive proposition for the holidays

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AirAsia resumes connectivity between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

KUCHING - March 31, 2024 —

AirAsia celebrates the resumption of services between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu today, highlighting the airline’s strong commitment to the East Malaysia market.

The airline, together with Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak welcomed flight AK5432 from Penang to Kuching with more than 80 per cent load, signifying a promising potential for future growth between these routes. The aircraft was also greeted with a celebratory water salute upon its arrival.

Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said : “We are proud to strengthen our connectivity within Malaysia and at the same time boost our East Malaysian hubs. As a homegrown airline, this route resumption reflects our commitment to expanding connectivity in Malaysia. By reintroducing this route, we aim to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Penang and East Malaysia while further supporting economic growth and tourism development in the country. We look forward to welcoming more guests on board as we continue to expand our domestic network in the future.”

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus  said: “This service resumption marks a significant milestone in fostering tourism between Penang and Sarawak. By bolstering connectivity between these routes, we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak's tourism growth. Leveraging on the diverse travellers from Penang, we aim to showcase Sarawak's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique experiences. This renewed connectivity opens up exciting opportunities to attract more visitors and further enhance Sarawak's position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia.”

Flight schedule from Kuching (KCH) to Penang (PEN):

Flight schedule from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Penang (PEN):

Release ID: 89125879

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