Kuching is the capital of Sarawak in East Malaysia - renowned for its rich cultural diversity, historical landmarks, luscious wildlife and culinary offerings. Whether you’re travelling for food or fun, “Cat City” (kuching is Malay for cat) has something for everyone - here are our top picks!
City Tour
There’s no better way to explore Kuching than on foot - book a walking tour with Amazing Borneo Tours, Tripcarte Asia, CPH Travels or Viator to discover iconic city landmarks like the Cat Statue of Kuching, Chinatown and the Sarawak Museum - which opened in 1891 and has exhibitions of tribal artefacts and an extensive natural history collection - and the flamboyant riverside temple Tua Pek Kong, built in 1843.
Evening River Cruise
The Signature Sunset cruise will provide a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Kuching’s skyline and landscape. Capture golden hour as it bathes the city in light and watch as Kuching’s waterfront comes alive in a kaleidoscope of colours. Tickets are inclusive of drinks, traditional Sarawakian layer cakes (kek lapis) and on-board cultural performances.
Sarawak Cultural Village
Learn about local culture and the ethnic groups of Sarawak at the Sarawak Cultural Village - a 17-acre award-winning living museum. Expect to see replicas of traditional homes, each representing the seven major ethnic groups of Sarawak - the Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese - costumes, traditional food, dances, musical instruments, and weaponry exhibited in each village.
Kuching Waterfront
A trip to Kuching is incomplete without visiting the iconic Kuching Waterfront. Approximately 900 metres in length, the Waterfront is lined with the city’s best restaurants, shopping and entertainment - cross the Darul Hana bridge during the day for a magnificent view of the Astana palace and State Legislative Assembly building or take a stroll down the Waterfront’s esplanade after sunset for a glimpse into the city’s nightlife.
Borneo Cultures Museum
The Borneo Cultures Museum is the second largest museum in Southeast Asia and the largest in Malaysia. Spread over five floors and 6726m of exhibition space, themes of the Museum include “In Harmony with Nature” - showcasing Borneo’s coasts, rainforests, and highlands - “Time Changes” and “Objects of Desire”. There is also a Children’s Gallery with a myriad of interactive displays designed to engage the little ones.
Sarawakian Food
Sarawak has a lot to offer when it comes to its local delicacies and tribal dishes - while Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee top most visitor’s must-eat lists, there are many other dishes unique to the state. These range from Nasi Goreng Dabai - rice fried with Dabai or jungle olive, which can only be found in Central Sarawak to Umai - a popular traditional native dish invented by the Melanau fishermen from Central Sarawak, consisting of thin slices of raw fresh fish, prawn or squid marinated with calamansi lime juice and chilli, onions, garlic and salt.