The capital city and the most populous city of Sarawak, Malaysia. Covering an area of 431 Km2, this city is on the Sarawak River at the southwestern end of Sarawak on the islands of Borneo. Kuching acts as the main gateway for travellers visiting Sarawak and Borneo, providing easy access to some of Sarawak’s most famous national parks, such as Bako and Gunung Gading. Divided into north and south by the sinuous Sarawak River, Kuching is located ideally for exploring both the coast and the interior with its ancient rainforests. Ferries and traditional wooden tambangs transport you across the river, and a cruise is one of the best ways to orient yourself on arrival.
On the north bank, easily accessible by wooden tambang, explore the tranquil kampongs (villages), and the scenic gardens of the Kuching, and a palace built by the second Brooke rajahs for his wife, which is now used as the official governor’s residence. The colonial-era Fort Margherita constructed nearby to defend the river from pirate attacks, now houses the renowned Brooke Gallery, which showcases a wealth of historic documents and artefacts from Sarawak in the mid-19th century onwards. The notable sights on the south bank include the Brooke Memorial, the Round Tower, and the Kuching Mosque.
Kuching, the largest city on the island of Borneo is also called the “City of Cats” as Kuching means cat in the Malay language. And has world's first cat museum the “Kuching Cat Museum” currently housed on the bottom floor of the Kuching North City Hall that is completely devoted to the feline species. From famous cats to cats in pop culture, this museum is a dream for cat lovers. In honour of the city's name, the city also homes a number of cat statues.
The city also offers a rich tapestry of colonial architecture, romantic history, local markets and contemporary cafes and restaurants. The Sarawak Museum with its scenic garden, exhibits ancient Bornean culture. The well-preserved architectural landmarks across Kuching, like the Old Courthouse, Fort Margherita and the stunning Astana palace, shows the modern origins of Sarawak that began with Brooke dynasty.
Kuching is a home to various ethnic groups including Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Chinese, and Melanau communities, creating a vibrant cultural scene filled with festivals, art, and culinary delights. It is a compact and walkable city, with narrow, bustling streets. The Chinese temples brush up against grand mosques. There are precious few high-rise buildings spoiling the skyline, and a multiracial population allows for a distinctive, diverse range of cultures with a welcoming approach to visitors.
Kuching has a unique gastronomic heritage, where Malaysia’s multiculturalism meets Borneo’s characteristic biodiversity. Food being the key feature of the city’s cultural and tourism calendar. Traditional food bazaars are hosted in festivals like the Rainforest World Music Festival, Kuching Jazz Festival and Sarawak Regatta. Cooking skills are delivered largely as an extracurricular activity, in local schools. This traditional gastronomy has inspired traditional cooking techniques, and supported smallholders and cottage industries. The sustained immigration since the early 19th century has also inspired traditional cooking techniques and diversified the food culture, both in its blend and in its community dishes, creating the breadth of local cuisine that can be witnessed today and enjoyed through traditional street food centres and markets.
The city is the perfect to explore the area's gorgeous natural beauty, including the rainforest, waterfalls, beaches, and more. The city bordered by the Bako National Park along the waterfront, and Kubah National Park just outside the town. While exploring the region's iconic wildlife also watch the orangutans feeding at Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Also enjoy events like music festivals and a lively bar scene at Santubong.
Bako National Park –
Sarawak’s oldest national park that is reached by boat, and explored on foot. The sandy beaches studded with towering sea stacks, rolling hills, mangrove dramatic cliffs, dense jungle and mangrove swamps make Bako’s coastline a delight. The star of Bako National Park is the proboscis monkey, the big nosed, pot-bellied comedian of the rainforest. Along with long-tailed macaque monkeys, Bornean bearded pigs, silvered leaf monkeys, monitor lizards and squirrels and flying lemurs that glide from tree to tree. The park is a home to more than 190 species of birds, including some rare varieties. The Telok Delima and Telok Paku trails are the best vantage points for seeing proboscis monkeys in the early morning or late afternoon. Stay overnight to experience Bako’s biodiversity at one of the park chalets, and take part in a night walk led by the park guides.
Along the sandy footpaths, you can find the insect-eating pitcher plants that have been known to devour small animals. You can see Bako’s trademark, the rock formation called sea stacks, carved by the waves from the beach at Pandan Kecil. If you wish to enjoy quietness of nature, Lakei Island of the park is a great place to visit.
Kampung Budaya Sarawak -
The Kampung Budaya Sarawak, also known as the Sarawak Cultural Village offers an incredible journey of Borneo’s diverse cultures. Located on the outskirts of Kuching, this village is a 17-acre “living museum” that provides a deep dive into the lives and traditions of Sarawak’s indigenous tribes. The various communities and ethnic groups, includes Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese. The village lets you explore the recreations of historical periods, with hands-on interactions, including musical and dance performances. Participate in traditional activities like, sampling authentic local dishes, and exploring traditional longhouses. Also witness daily life demonstrations, arts and crafts, and other historical activities that showcase the region’s rich heritage.
The Sarawak Cultural Village, has many must visit places like the Sculpture Park, exhibiting collection of stone art created by various sculptors, the Cultural Theatre that hosts two cultural performance each day, the Bidayuh Longhouse that offers collection of artefacts used by Bidayuh warriors, the Iban longhouse, built on stilts from wood tied together with creeper fibre that features a beautifully thatched roof. The ideal time to visit is between April and September, as the weather is pleasant with low chance of rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Borneo Cultures Museum -
Located in the heart of Kuching, the Borneo Cultures Museum is the largest museum in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia. The museum displays artifacts related to the history and cultural heritage of Sarawak’s local people, and people of Borneo Island. This five-storey building is designed in a modern style, with distinctive architectural features reflecting Sarawak’s unique traditional crafts and rich cultural heritage, inspired by Borneo’s iconic bamboo structures. The exhibitions areas located in the upper four floors are separated into themes for each which are 'Love our Rivers’, ‘In Harmony with Nature’, ‘Time Changes’, and ‘Objects of Desire’. This museum also features a children's gallery, where young visitors can learn about the river of Sarawak in the ‘Love Our Rivers’ exhibition.
Each gallery offers a different experience. The first floor of the museum focuses on the historical context of Borneo, presenting archaeological findings and relics. The second-floor dives into the heart of Borneo’s people, showcasing traditional attire, musical instruments, and rituals. The third floor of the museum dedicates its space to the region’s lush biodiversity, featuring exhibits on local flora and fauna and the intricate connection between the indigenous communities and their natural environment. Moving higher, the floor is reserved for special exhibitions and events.
Kuching Waterfront -
Kuching Waterfront, also known as Kuching Esplanade, is a vibrant and picturesque walkway stretching approximately 1.5 kilometres along the southern bank of the Sarawak River. This iconic spot is a centre point of the city’s historical, cultural, and social life. Originally a trading port in the 19th century, it underwent revitalization in the late 20th century to become a popular attraction. The waterfront is a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary leisure, featuring beautiful landscaped pathways, historical landmarks, and modern amenities. The area also boasts key landmarks, including the Astana, the former residence of the White Rajahs, the Old Courthouse and the iconic Darul Hana Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city, especially when lit up at night. In the morning, the walkway offers wide, scenic sky portraits and air is noticeably cool and enjoyable. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined promenade, enjoy street performances, and experience local food and crafts from the many stalls and cafes. Kuching Waterfront is not just a tourist attraction but a community space where locals gather for festivals, events, and daily activities. Kuching serves as a symbol of rich history, connecting visitors to the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of Sarawak.
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