20+ Best Things to Do in & Around Kuching, Sarawak - Travel Guide & Itinerary
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is often described as one of the most relaxed and livable cities in Malaysia.
I actually visited it once, ages ago, with my late mother. But we were only there for a short time and managed to see just a handful of places. More than a decade later, I finally returned, this time with the intention of exploring more deeply, checking out places I had missed before, and also noticing how the spots I once visited have changed over the years (though I didn’t revisit all of them).
Unlike other Malaysian cities that are busier and more hectic, Kuching still feels welcoming and calm, making it a great base for exploring Borneo.
Geography
Located on the northwest coast of Borneo, Kuching sits along the Sarawak River, with the South China Sea to the west and rainforest-covered mountains inland. Its position makes it a natural gateway to both coastal wetlands and inland highlands.
Within an hour’s drive of the city, you can be in mangrove swamps, orangutan sanctuaries, or trekking through primary rainforest. The city itself is spread out but easy to navigate, with most attractions concentrated near the waterfront.
History
Kuching’s story is closely tied to the Brooke dynasty, known as the “White Rajahs.” In 1841, James Brooke, a British adventurer, was granted rule over Sarawak by the Sultan of Brunei, marking the start of a family dynasty that lasted more than a century.
Under the Brookes, Kuching developed into an administrative and trading hub, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities shaping its character.
After World War II, Sarawak became a British Crown Colony before joining Malaysia in 1963. Many of Kuching’s historic buildings, from the Astana (the former palace of the Rajahs) to the old courthouse, still stand today as reminders of this layered past.
Population
Over 600,000 people live in the Kuching metropolitan area. They’re made up of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu. Islam is the majority religion, followed by Christianity, Buddhism, and smaller faiths.
Malay is the official language, but you’ll also hear English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, and various indigenous languages like Iban and Bidayuh. English is widely spoken, especially in the city.
Best time to go to Kuching
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. Rain can happen year-round in Borneo, but these months usually bring less heavy downpours. I visited in August, and there was heavy rain on two of the five days, but it only lasted a couple of hours, at most.
If you want to catch local festivals, plan for June during the Hari Gawai (Harvest Festival) and the Rainforest World Music Festival.
December and January are the wettest months, which might make jungle treks and cave explorations difficult.
How to get to Kuching
By air
Kuching International Airport (KCH) is the main gateway, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Penang, and international routes like Singapore and Jakarta. The airport is only about 20 minutes from the city center by taxi or Grab.
By land/sea
Kuching isn’t connected to Malaysia’s peninsula by road or ferry. Overland travel is possible from other parts of Sarawak or even from Kalimantan, Indonesia, but most visitors still arrive by plane. Long-distance buses use Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, which is about 20 minutes from the city center and also linked directly to the airport.
From here, you can catch buses to places like Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, as well as cross-border services to Pontianak in Indonesia. Depending on the bus company, the coaches can be surprisingly modern and comfortable, on par with what you’d find in Peninsular Malaysia, complete with air-conditioning and reclining seats.
How to get around in Kuching
- Grab (ride-hailing) is the easiest way to move around the city. Most rides within central Kuching cost just a few ringgit.
- Walking works well if you’re staying near the waterfront. Many attractions, eateries, and shops are within a compact area.
- Buses connect the city to places like Bako National Park, and they’re quite reliable but can be slow and infrequent. You’ll need to check schedules in advance, and sometimes the last return bus is quite early.
- Car rental is an option if you want flexibility to explore beyond the city (like Bau or the national parks) at your own pace. Driving is straightforward, but traffic and parking in central Kuching can be tight.
- Shared & private tours are very common, and they take the hassle out of arranging transport to sites outside the city, such as Bako National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, or the Fairy and Wind Caves. Many can be booked online in advance, but it’s also easy to arrange them through hotels, hostels, or local travel agents once you’re there.
Things to do in Kuching (city center)
1. Wander along the Kuching Waterfront
I always think the Kuching Waterfront is the best place to start getting a feel for the city. It’s a riverside promenade that runs for almost 2 km along the Sarawak River.
Back in the 19th century this was a busy trading port, and in the 1990s it was turned into the public space you see today.
Now it’s the heart of the city. In the evenings especially, you’ll find families taking walks, street performers setting up, and food stalls selling snacks.
Locals come here to relax or catch a festival, and as a visitor it’s an easy way to slip into Kuching’s rhythm.
You’ll pass landmarks like:
- The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building — Kuching’s most iconic modern landmark. Completed in 2009, the nine-pointed star-shaped structure represents Sarawak’s nine administrative divisions, topped with a golden roof. You really can’t say you have been to Kuching if you haven’t taken a picture with this landmark.
- The Astana. Built in 1870 by Charles Brooke (the second White Rajah of Sarawak), The Astana, which means “palace” in Malay, was originally a wedding gift for his wife, Margaret. It sits on the north bank of the Sarawak River, directly opposite the Kuching Waterfront, and is now the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak.
- The Old Courthouse. Completed in 1874, once housed Sarawak’s judicial and administrative offices under the Brooke administration. The complex includes colonial-era pavilions, verandas, and a clock tower, built mainly from ironwood. It has since been restored and repurposed into a cultural and dining space.
- The new eye-catching Darul Hana Bridge. Opened in 2017, this 335-meter pedestrian bridge links the two river banks and has two viewing platforms shaped like hornbill wings — a nod to Sarawak’s state bird. The bridge is especially popular at night, when colorful LED lights illuminate it.
- The India Mosque — the oldest mosque in Sarawak, first built in 1837 by Indian Muslim traders using nipah palms before being rebuilt with ironwood in 1876.
- The Square Tower. Once serving as a prison before being converted into a fortress to defend Kuching against attacks, it’s now one of the few surviving structures from the Brooke era.
2. Go on a river cruise
One of the nicest ways to see Kuching is actually from the water. You can hop on a river cruise that drifts along the Sarawak River, usually around sunset when the city is glowing in soft light. The ride itself isn’t long (about an hour or so), but it gives you a whole different angle of the waterfront and the landmarks around it.
Some cruises even serve drinks, light snacks, or have cultural performances on board. At night, you’ll get to see the fountains in front of the legislative assembly building come to live with lights and music.
3. Snap a picture with the cat statues
You can’t really leave Kuching without a picture with one of its famous cat statues.
There are a few scattered around town, but the most famous one is the one of a whole cat family, located near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman not far from the waterfront.
The sculpture shows a mix of large and small cats grouped together, and it’s probably the most photographed of all Kuching’s cat statues.
It’s right by a busy intersection, so you’ll often see people waiting for the lights to change before dashing across for a quick photo.
Cheesy or not, it’s almost a must-do in Kuching, kind of like a little travel ritual. After all, the city has fully embraced its nickname of “Cat City,” and this statue is the most literal proof of that.
4. Visit museums
Kuching has a way of telling its stories through museums. I have already been to two of them on my previous visit, and this time around, I visited another two. These museums give you a deeper sense of Sarawak than you’d get just walking the streets.
➤ Sarawak State Museum
This is often the first museum people mention, and for good reason. The Sarawak State Museum is the oldest in all of Borneo, with roots stretching back to the late 19th century.
It contains natural-history specimens including taxidermy Bornean mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as ethnographic artifacts, such as models of longhouses, musical instruments, and traditional crafts.
➤ Borneo Cultures Museum
Now, just across from the old museum, the Borneo Cultures Museum is a new sibling that opened in 2022. It’s not just the largest museum in Malaysia; at one point, it set a record as the second-largest in Southeast Asia.
There are rotating themes across its five floors and a children’s gallery too.
➤ Chinese History Museum
Kuching’s Chinese History Museum is one of my favorite small gems, located right along the Waterfront. The building itself dates back to 1912. It once served as a court for the Chinese community, then as the offices of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, before being transformed into a museum in 1993.
What I love here is how grounded the exhibits feel. Displays cover migration stories, community associations, trade routes, and cultural traditions. And it’s free to enter.
➤ Cat Museum
If you’re searching for something delightfully quirky, the Kuching Cat Museum is your go-to. Founded in 1993 and housed within the Kuching North City Hall, it will touch the soft spot of any feline lover, and is especially fitting in a city named Kuching (which means “cat” in Malay).
Inside, there are four galleries with over 4,000 cat-related artifacts. You’ll find everything from a 5,000-year timeline of cats to feline advertising posters, stories of cats in different cultures, and even some taxidermied specimens. It’s humorous, informative, and makes for a fun hour or two.
Read my Kuching Cat Museum guide to find out more.
5. Step back in time at Fort Margherita and the Brooke Gallery
If you’re into history, Fort Margherita is worth a stop. Built in 1879 by Rajah Charles Brooke, it was designed to look like an English castle and served as a defense against pirates sailing up the Sarawak River.
Today, the fort also houses the Brooke Gallery, which contains exhibits telling the story of Sarawak under the White Rajahs. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, the views from the fort across the river toward the Astana and the state assembly building make it a nice spot to linger.
6. Step into history at Tua Pek Kong Temple
Right at the edge of Kuching’s waterfront, not far from the Chinese History Museum, you’ll spot the Tua Pek Kong Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, dating back to 1843, and is still very much in use today.
Dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, the Hokkien guardian deity, the temple has survived floods, fires, and even World War II bombings without major damage, which gives it a kind of legendary status among locals.
7. Hunt down Kuching's street art
Street art isn’t the first thing you think of in Kuching, but once you start noticing it, you’ll see it everywhere. Carpenter Street and Padungan are good areas to start, with murals of orangutans, cats (of course), and everyday Sarawakian life painted across shop walls and alleys. Some are big and bold, others are small and easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
8. Go cafe-hopping in Padungan
Kuching has quietly built a fun little café and bar scene, and Padungan Road is where you’ll notice it most. The area still has old kopitiams and traditional shops, but now they’re mixed with trendy coffee houses, bars, and dessert spots.
Start with a coffee or tea at one of the old-school places, then wander into a café for a slice of cake or something Instagram-worthy, and end with a drink or two at a bar. The vibe here is laid-back and creative. If you’re staying nearby, it’s easy to come back more than once.
9. Indulge in local cuisine (don't miss the oyster pancake)
Food is one of the highlights of Kuching. You’ve got classic Sarawak specialties like Sarawak laksa and kolo mee, but one dish that’s unique to Kuching is the oyster pancake — a thin, crispy pancake mixed with small preserved oysters, usually served with chili sauce on the side.
I had mine at Topspot Food Court, a haven for seafood lovers, with both halal and non-halal options available. For traditional Sarawakian cuisine in a slightly more upscale setting, try Lepau Restaurant on Jalan Ban Hock.
I’ve also put together a whole list of must-try foods in Sarawak.
10. Spend a weekend morning at Pasar Minggu Satok
If you want to see how locals really shop and eat, head to the Satok Weekend Market (Medan Niaga Satok). While it’s open every day, the market really comes alive on weekends.
Walking through, you’ll find just about everything, from seasonal fruits straight from the orchards to jungle produce like wild ferns and herbs, orchids, handicrafts, and even traditional medicines.
Food is a big part of it too. You’ll see locals lining up for Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, kek lapis (layer cake), and all kinds of traditional desserts.
11. Shop for Sarawak layer cake
No trip to Kuching is complete without trying (and probably packing home) kek lapis Sarawak, the famous colorful layer cake. You’ll see them everywhere, and you can walk into bakeries and sample before buying.
The cakes come in all sorts of flavors: pandan, chocolate, cheese, even belacan. And the designs are just as varied, from neat stripes to intricate patterns. Most shops will pack them neatly for travel, so they’re perfect souvenirs or gifts. I definitely left with more boxes than I planned to.
Here are some top-rated kek lapis shops in Kuching:
Day trips from Kuching city center
While all the following attractions are still considered part of Kuching’s wider area, they’re not right in the city center. Getting to places like Bako National Park, Semenggoh, or the caves in Bau requires some driving, either by Grab, bus, rented car, or by private/shared tour.
Depending on the site, you might want to set aside a half-day, a full day, or even stay overnight if you’re planning hikes or multiple activities in one area.
1. Go wild at Bako National Park
If you’re all about Borneo’s raw beauty, Bako National Park should be your first stop. It’s Sarawak’s oldest national park, located 26 km or so from the city. Tiny as it might seem, it’s actually a microcosm of Borneo’s natural diversity — rainforest, mangroves, scrub, even cloud forests all packed in one spot.
You might find those funny big-nosed proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, wild boars, monitor lizards, and a riot of birdlife (150 species recorded!). The coastline’s not to be missed either, although the famous cobra-head arch collapsed in 2024.
2. Meet the orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Semenggoh Nature Reserve is your spot for one of Borneo’s most compelling wildlife moments: orangutans coming down for feeding. It’s less than 25 km from Kuching, and is home to a colony of semi-wild orangutans that come down on their own terms for every feeding session.
The place started in 1975 to rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned orangutans, but now most of them roam free in the reserve and only drop by when they’re hungry. So, take note: it’s never guaranteed. Still, those who care about conservation will appreciate how Semenggoh gives these great apes the space to be themselves.
3. Discover biodiversity at Kubah National Park
If you’re craving a rainforest escape without straying too far from Kuching, Kubah National Park is the answer. Just 20–30 minutes’ drive from the city, it covers about 2,230 hectares of forested hills in the Matang Range, dominated by Gunung Serapi, a sandstone peak that towers 911 meters above sea level.
Kubah is often called a “living museum” for its incredible diversity of palms (over 90 species), which makes it one of the world’s richest palm habitats. That’s not even counting the pitcher plants, orchids, ferns, and other Bornean flora you’ll see along the trails. Apart from the usual wildlife, Kubah is also famous for its “Frog Pond”.
Hiking is the main draw here. Trails range from short strolls to longer treks such as the Waterfall Trail. The Summit Trail is the most challenging, taking several hours to climb up Gunung Serapi.
4. Relive the old ways at Siniawan Old Town
Imagine a place that looks like an old Western movie set, but you’re in Sarawak instead. That’s Siniawan Old Town for you. About 40 minutes from Kuching in Bau, this century-old strip of rustic, unpainted wooden shophouses has earned the nickname “Cowboy Town“.
By day, it’s a tranquil spot that feels suspended in time, making you appreciate how towns used to look before modern facades took over. By night (Friday to Sunday), it transforms with red lanterns, night market stalls, and the aroma of local dishes like lemang periuk kera (pitcher plant rice), ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), and ngo hiang (five-spice meat rolls) lining the street.
5. Explore the Fairy Cave and Wind Cave
Also in Bau, about a 40-minute drive from Kuching, the Fairy Cave and Wind Cave are two totally different cave adventures that make a perfect duo. In the Fairy Cave, you will climb a staircase into a vast cavern peppered with dramatic stalactites and moss-coated walls.
Then flip the switch and step into the Wind Cave, where the world turns pitch black as you walk through narrow, bat-populated passageways along a plank trail for nearly a kilometer.
The pair feels like two friends with wildly different personalities — one bright and mystical, the other eerie and raw — but both awesome.
6. Chill out at the Blue Lake
Another attraction in Bau is Tasik Biru, or the Blue Lake. It’s the result of old gold mining from the early 20th century, and the water’s deep blue hue comes from mining runoff, including arsenic, which is why no one swims there and you definitely shouldn’t eat any fish from it.
Still, it’s a postcard-worthy spot perfect for a selfie, a slow stroll, or a picnic, especially in soft morning or late afternoon light.
Check out my one-day Bau itinerary if you’d like to combine the caves, blue lake, and old town in one day trip.
7. Step inside tradition at Annah Rais Longhouse
If you’re curious about Sarawak’s indigenous culture, a visit to Annah Rais Longhouse is one of the easiest ways to experience it without going deep into the interior. About 60 km from Kuching (a 90-minute drive), Annah Rais is a Bidayuh village with a longhouse that has been standing for over 200 years. While parts of it have been modernized, it still retains its traditional bamboo walkways and communal spaces.
Walking through the longhouse, you’ll see everyday life unfolding and families going about their day. One of the highlights is the “Baruk”, a circular headhouse used for ceremonies and once for storing human skulls from the headhunting era. Villagers often welcome visitors with demonstrations, rice wine (tuak), traditional music, or handicraft displays.
8. Celebrate culture at Sarawak Cultural Village
Want to soak up Sarawak’s culture in just a few hours? The Sarawak Cultural Village is your go-to. Built at the foot of Mount Santubong, this “living museum” recreates authentic longhouses from multiple ethnic groups — Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, Orang Ulu, Penan — and brings their traditions to life through dance, craft demos, and storytelling.
Catch live performances, try weaving and beadwork, or just wander past the wooden stilt houses surrounded by rainforest and sea views.
9. Attend the Rainforest World Music Festival
Think of it as the closest thing Malaysia has to Coachella, but instead of desert heat and Ferris wheels, you’ve got ancient rainforest, tribal drums, and mystical mountains. That’s exactly what the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) offers every year at the Sarawak Cultural Village. It’s not your basic open-air gig, but more like stumbling into a secret celebration of global music, dance, food, and crafts in the heart of Bornean wilderness.
You’ll spend your afternoons trying hands-on workshops, from traditional instruments to beadwork, and browsing stalls packed with handmade souvenirs, local snacks, and even healing teas made from wild ferns. By evening, the main stages light up with soulful indigenous acts and genre-crossing international artists.
10. Drift through the mangroves at Kuching Wetlands National Park
The Kuching Wetlands National Park is another way to taste Borneo’s ecosystems without going too far — just about 35 km northwest of the city. It covers over 6,600 hectares of mangroves, tidal creeks, and estuarine life.
Take a boat tour (the only way to explore) and you might glimpse proboscis monkeys, otters, silver-leaf monkeys, sea eagles, mudskippers, crocodiles, and even Irrawaddy dolphins if you’re lucky.
Morning trips are best for dolphins, late afternoon for the orangey proboscis monkeys, and night trips for the fireflies. Not only is it gorgeous, it’s also a listed Ramsar Wetland of international importance.
11. Conquer the slopes of Mount Santubong
For a proper adrenaline kick close to Kuching, Mount Santubong is the place. At 810 m, it’s not Everest, but the trail is anything but easy. Expect steep ropes, slippery rocks, rock scrambling, and some tricky jungle paths.
If you’re up for it, the summit rewards you with stunning views of the South China Sea, Damai beaches, and green mangroves. Just make sure you come equipped and descend before 3pm.
12. See turtles on Satang Island
If turtles are your kind of wildlife, taking a day trip to Satang Island (part of the Talang-Satang National Park) is seriously special. This is one of Sarawak’s few marine parks and the nesting grounds for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Conservation is the priority here and tourism happens quietly and carefully.
On a good day, you might see turtle hatchlings trundling into the waves, or even a mama turtle laying eggs if you’re lucky. Snorkeling near the island’s coral reefs gives another peek into marine life, with shy turtles gliding by.
Where to stay in Kuching
On my trip, I stayed at two different spots: The Culvert Hotel Resort in Santubong (an eco-resort made up of converted concrete culverts turned into cozy capsule-style rooms) and Hotel Theatre in Kuching city center (a cinema turned into a theatre-themed hotel).
Budget
- QuiikCat – A centrally located, family-friendly hostel with both private rooms and dorms and shared bathrooms.
- Hornbill’s Nest – A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Kuching offering clean air-conditioned rooms (including dorms and privates).
- Upspot Kuching Waterfront Premium Hostel – A very well-rated, self-check-in hostel perched above the Main Bazaar rows. Each room includes a work desk.
Mid-range
- The Village House – A traditionally inspired guesthouse retreat in Santubong, just minutes from the beach and Cultural Village.
- The Marian Boutique Lodging House – A restored 1885 colonial convent turned heritage stay, combining old-world charm with a central location near the waterfront.
- The Ranee Boutique Suites – Small boutique hotel right along the waterfront, stylishly decorated and perfect for couples.
Luxury
- Hilton Kuching – Large hotel with excellent river views from the upper-floor rooms.
- The Waterfront Hotel – Attached to Plaza Merdeka mall and within walking distance of the waterfront. Many rooms offer direct views of the Sarawak River.
- Sheraton Kuching – A new addition to the city’s upscale stays, offering sleek rooms, rooftop dining, and a central location.
How long to stay in Kuching
3 to 5 days is ideal for most visitors. This gives you enough time to see the main sights in the city, plus at least one or two day trips such as Bako National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, or the Sarawak Cultural Village. If you’re keen to dive deeper into Sarawak’s interior or go on multi-day jungle treks, you’ll want to plan for at least a week or more.
On my own trip, I spent one night in Santubong and another four nights in Kuching city center. I didn’t do any long treks, but that amount of time felt just right to cover the highlights while also keeping a relaxed pace. It allowed me to enjoy the city, visit Semenggoh to see the orangutans, and take a day out to explore the Fairy Cave and Wind Cave in Bau without feeling rushed.
Suggested Kuching itineraries
3 days (short stay):
- Day 1: Explore Kuching city – waterfront, museums, Carpenter Street, food-tasting.
- Day 2: Day trip to Bako National Park.
- Day 3: Semenggoh + Sarawak Cultural Village
5 days (deeper exploration):
- Day 4: Fairy Cave + Wind Cave + Blue Lake + Siniawan Old Town
- Day 5: Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse or any other day trip of your choice.
Additional tips for visiting Kuching
- Bring mosquito repellent for the national parks.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Cash is useful for small shops and hawker stalls, though cards and e-wallets are accepted in most places.
- If you’re visiting during major festivals like Eid, Christmas, Gawai (Dayak harvest festival in June), or Chinese New Year, book transport and accommodation in advance. Airlines are notorious for hiking up the prices during public holidays.
- Sarawak has its own immigration checks, so even Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia need to present ID upon arrival.
Final thoughts
Coming back to Kuching after more than a decade reminded me how much a place can change yet still keep its essence. Some of the spots I visited years ago felt refreshed, while others had grown busier and more polished.
At the same time, Kuching still carries the same calm, welcoming atmosphere I remembered from that first short trip with my mom. Exploring new corners of the city this time around made me appreciate how much there is to see here beyond the usual highlights.
You can take it slow, enjoy the food, wander the streets, and head out to the parks when you want a bit of adventure. For me, Kuching turned out to be not just a return, but a rediscovery.
If you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to check out the rest of my blog for more destination ideas across Malaysia, and stay tuned for more posts on Sarawak coming soon!
This looks like heaven! I would love to try the sarawak laksa and oyster pancake
Great choices, Gabby! Yes, you definitely should 😀
The diversity of national parks and nature reserves is very appealing. I’d love to visit the orangutans, caves, and waterfalls.
Yes, those are the highlights in Kuching. It really is a haven for nature lovers 🙂
Hello! What a nice place to visit! I’d like to see Astana one day. I know that the capital of Kazakhstan is also called Astana.
Yes, you’re right. In Malay, it means ‘palace’ 🙂
I’ve never heard about this place, so this was a super interesting read. The national park seems beautiful and the cat statues sound like so much fun 😀
Yes, and it has many national parks too! If you love nature, you’ll never get bored in Kuching, or Sarawak in general. 🙂