Are you planning to visit Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo? If so, you’re in for a treat. Kuching is a wonderful destination for travelers who love culture, nature, wildlife, food, and history. Whether you want to explore the city’s attractions, discover the national parks nearby, visit the cat museum, learn about the ethnic groups at the cultural village, taste the delicious food, or relax at the hotels, Kuching has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a guide to the best places to visit in Kuching, so you can make the most of your trip.
Kuching Attractions
Kuching has many attractions to offer, both in the city and in the surrounding areas. Here are some of the most popular ones that you shouldn’t miss:
Kuching Waterfront
The Kuching waterfront is a scenic promenade along the Sarawak River, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, admire the views, watch the boats, and catch the sunset. The waterfront is also home to some of the city’s landmarks, such as the Darul Hana Bridge, the Floating Mosque, the Astana (the former palace of the White Rajahs), and Fort Margherita (a historical fort that now houses a museum). You can also hop on a traditional wooden boat called a tambang and cruise along the river for a different perspective.
The Kuching waterfront is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. You can find it along Jalan Main Bazaar, in the heart of the city.
Cat Statues
Kuching is also known as the cat city, and you can see why when you spot the many cat statues around the city. The word “kuching” means “cat” in Malay, and the locals love their feline friends. You can find cat statues of various shapes, sizes, and colors, depicting different breeds and poses. Some of the most famous ones are the Great Cat of Kuching, the Family of Cats, and the Cats Monument.
The cat statues are free to visit and are scattered around the city, especially near the waterfront, the old town, and the roundabouts.
Old Town
The old town of Kuching is a charming area where you can experience the city’s history and heritage. The old town is full of colonial buildings, shophouses, temples, mosques, and museums, reflecting the diverse influences of the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultures. You can also find many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can shop, eat, and drink. Some of the highlights of the old town are the Chinese History Museum, the Sarawak Museum, the Tua Pek Kong Temple, and the Carpenter Street.
The old town of Kuching is free to explore and is located around Jalan Main Bazaar and Jalan Carpenter, near the waterfront.
Kuching National Parks
Kuching is also a gateway to some of the most amazing national parks in Borneo, where you can experience the rich biodiversity and wildlife of the rainforest. Here are some of the most recommended ones that you should visit:
Bako National Park
Bako National Park is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in Sarawak, and for good reasons. The park covers an area of 27 square kilometers and features a variety of habitats, such as mangroves, swamps, forests, and beaches. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants, the rare rafflesia flower, the proboscis monkeys, the Bornean bearded pigs, and the silvered langurs. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, swimming, and camping.
Bako National Park is located about 37 kilometers from Kuching and can be reached by road and boat. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. You can also book accommodation at the park’s chalets or campsite.
Semenggoh Orangutan Centre
Semenggoh Orangutan Centre is a wildlife rehabilitation center that cares for orphaned and injured orangutans. The center aims to teach the orangutans the skills they need to survive in the wild and release them when they are ready. The center also provides a sanctuary for those who cannot be released due to various reasons. You can visit the center and observe the orangutans during their feeding times, which are at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. You can also learn more about the orangutans and their conservation from the staff and the exhibits.
Semenggoh Orangutan Centre is located about 24 kilometers from Kuching and can be reached by road. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for children.
Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung Gading National Park is a national park that is famous for being the home of the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia. The rafflesia can grow up to one meter in diameter and weigh up to 10 kilograms. The flower is also known for its foul smell, which attracts flies and other insects for pollination. The rafflesia blooms only for a few days and is very rare to see, so you need to check with the park staff before you visit. The park also offers other attractions, such as hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Gunung Gading National Park is located about 98 kilometers from Kuching and can be reached by road. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children.
Kubah National Park
Kubah National Park is a national park that is known for its rich diversity of plants, especially palms, orchids, and ferns. The park covers an area of 22 square kilometers and features a rugged terrain with hills, valleys, and streams. The park also boasts a variety of wildlife, such as hornbills, civets, pangolins, and frogs. You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and night walks.
Kubah National Park is located about 22 kilometers from Kuching and can be reached by road. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. You can also book accommodation at the park’s chalets or campsite.
Kuching Cat Museum
Kuching is also known as the cat city, and one of the most unique attractions in Kuching is the cat museum, which is the world’s first museum dedicated to cats. The museum showcases over 4,000 items related to cats, such as statues, paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and memorabilia. You can learn about the history, culture, and legends of cats, as well as their roles in different societies and religions. You can also see some of the rare and exotic breeds of cats, such as the Siamese, the Persian, and the Bengal.
The Kuching cat museum is located at the Kuching North City Hall, about 11 kilometers from the city center. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children.
Kuching Cultural Village
Kuching is also a cultural melting pot, and one of the best ways to learn about the different ethnic groups and cultures of Sarawak is to visit the Kuching cultural village. The cultural village is a living museum that showcases the traditional houses, costumes, crafts, dances, and music of the seven major ethnic groups of Sarawak, namely the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau. You can also join some of the activities, such as blowpipe shooting, weaving, and cooking. You can also watch the cultural show, which is held twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Kuching cultural village is located at the foothills of Mount Santubong, about 35 kilometers from Kuching. The village is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is RM 60 for adults and RM 30 for children.
Visit Kuching Today
These are just some of the places in Kuching that you shouldn’t miss! However, Kuching is a gem that has a lot more to offer. We’ll provide even more suggestions for attractions to visit in further articles, stay tuned! For now, what are you waiting for, book your tickets and visit Kuching today!
Visiting Kuching City
What are the must-visit attractions in Kuching?
Must-visit attractions in Kuching include the Kuching Waterfront, Cat Statues, the Old Town, and Kuching National Parks like Bako, Semenggoh, Gunung Gading, and Kubah.What can you see at the Kuching Waterfront?
The Kuching Waterfront offers a scenic promenade along the Sarawak River, featuring landmarks like the Darul Hana Bridge, Floating Mosque, Astana, and Fort Margherita. Visitors can also take traditional boat rides known as "tambang."Why is Kuching called the "cat city"?
Kuching is known as the "cat city" because the word "kuching" means "cat" in Malay. Cat statues of various types can be found throughout the city, celebrating the feline connection.What attractions are found in Kuching's Old Town?
Kuching's Old Town is known for its colonial buildings, temples, mosques, and museums that reflect diverse cultural influences. Notable sites include the Chinese History Museum, Sarawak Museum, Tua Pek Kong Temple, and Carpenter Street.What national parks near Kuching are worth visiting?
Some recommended national parks near Kuching include Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orangutan Centre, Gunung Gading National Park, and Kubah National Park, each offering unique natural experiences and wildlife encounters.Where is the Kuching Cat Museum located, and what does it exhibit?
The Kuching Cat Museum, the world's first museum dedicated to cats, is located at the Kuching North City Hall. It exhibits over 4,000 cat-related items, including statues, paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and rare cat breeds.How can visitors learn about Sarawak's ethnic groups and cultures?
Visitors can learn about Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups and cultures by visiting the Kuching Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing traditional houses, costumes, crafts, and cultural performances of seven major ethnic groups in Sarawak.