30 must-go places in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Get ready to dive into the lively streets of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, with our ultimate guide featuring 30 absolute must-visit spots! 🎉 From soaking up the rich cultural vibes at Sarawak Cultural Village to getting lost in the breathtaking beauty...
Map
Stay
This list curates charming places to stay, from boutique hotels nestled in the heart of the city to charming guesthouses along the waterfront. Whether you're seeking luxury amenities, local charm, or budget-friendly options, this list offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's preferences.
The Ranee is named after The Ranee of Sarawak, who was Lady Margaret Brooke, the wife of the second White Rajah of Sarawak. I love this place for its luxurious amenities, yet it is located within an old shoplot.
The Marian was the dormitory housing school teachers during the colonial times. So it has a great deal of historical significance.
This is a very charming lodging house with a old-style Chinese aesthetic. Conveniently located at the Kuching waterfront.
A very luxurious retreat at the foothills of Gunung Santubong.
The rooms are all made out of pipe culverts!
The latest hotel in town. Apparently, it was the site of an old cinema, hence the name.
Eat
Embark on a culinary adventure in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, with a handpicked selection of yummy places to eat. Only authentic Sarawakian cuisine included.
The best and most value-for-money laksa in town. The coriander leaf is boiled in the soup, which elevates it above other laksas. Get there by 8,30am to ensure no disappointment, as it sells out fast. You can call to book ahead though!
Native (Iban) food served here. I highly recommend anything served with tepus (jungle ginger shoots), as well as anything in pansoh (bamboo cooked).
In my opinion, hands down the best coffee in town. Try the Liberica blend which is well rounded and smooth, mix with robusta for the kick!
From an old establishment. Beware of the verrrry long queues and slow service though!
A great place for seafood. A few recommendations: oyster pancakes (o-jien), bamboo clams and crabs.
Recommendation: Dabai fried rice. The dabai is a salted dark fruit a bit like an olive..but it's not of the olive species. The resulting rice dish as nice salty accents which is not overpowering. Definitely something to try at least once.
Recommendations at this humble no-nonsense food courts are: belacan bee hoon, tomato fried noodles and sugar cane drink.
The best ice-cream in Kuching. Many flavours, but must-try's are the gula apong signature cone and sea salt.
Dayak fare. Recommended: sago worms.
This is THE place to enjoy the original Sarawak Teh C Special: tea, milk and gula apong. First served in distinct 3 layers. Before drinking, mix it well with the straw provided.
This multi-coloured, multi-layered cake is famous in Sarawak, and is a staple item which tourists often buy as presents. Take a boat from the Kuching waterfront to Kampung Gersik and you'll find this shop near the jetty where you alight.
A nice ambience, with wooden tables and stools. Recommendations: kacangma (motherwort) chicken with rice, and the kolo mee with spinach noodles.
Umai is the Sarawak's version of the ceviche. Must-try.
See
Explore the vibrant streets, museums and the waterfront of Kuching, Sarawak. Go dolphin spotting and dip yourself into Sarawak culture and nature.
Bako National Park in Sarawak is an absolute gem! The lush rainforest, stunning coastal scenery, and diverse wildlife make it a paradise for nature lovers like myself. Hiking through the trails and spotting proboscis monkeys swinging through the tree...
Witnessing the orangutans in their natural habitat was a magical experience that left me in awe of these incredible creatures. Guides are super knowledgeable. The orangutans have personal names too.
Carpenter Street in Kuching is a charming and bustling hub of activity! Exploring the vibrant street lined with historic shophouses, colorful murals, and lively markets was like stepping back in time while also soaking in the local culture. From samp...
Main Bazaar in Kuching is an exhilarating maze of culture and commerce! From vibrant batik sarongs and intricately carved handicrafts to aromatic spices and traditional snacks, it's a sensory feast for eager shoppers. Don't miss the chance to explore...
You sight the Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat on a river cruise. A unique experience.
Kuching has a number of museums, including the newest one called Borneo Cultural Museum, a high tech looking building with all the mod-cons. But my favourite is this small one which showcases the history of the Chinese people in Sarawak.
Experience
From frogging adventures amidst lush rainforest trails in Kubah National Park to immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry at Sarawak Cultural Village and dancing the night away at the world-renowned Rainforest Music Festival, there's somethin...
A unique night frogging experience.
An enriching cultural experience. Exploring the traditional longhouses and witnessing live demonstrations of various ethnic dances and crafts offered a fascinating glimpse into Sarawak's diverse indigenous cultures. Friendly staff and immersive activ...
This is a yearly event and this year (2024) it's on 28-30 June 2024. Get ready to dance under the stars and lose yourself in the rhythm at the Rainforest Music Festival 2024! 🌟 Experience the electrifying beats of world-class musicians from diverse cultures, surrounded by the lush greenery of Sarawak's breathtaking r...
This one is great for the kids and kid-like folks! Think of it as art or color therapy!
Take a free bus ride that covers almost the entire Kuching. It starts from north Kuching and takes a very scenic route all the way to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. Time your ride just right and you get there just for the orang utan feeding times.
Map
I added a Google Maps for your convenience. I've loved creating this list and it made me fall in love with my adopted hometown all over again.
Here's a Google Maps for all the places mentioned on this list! Hope it's useful!
Read
Some travel guides and guides for birding enthusiasts.
The definitive guide to Borneo. For those of you out there not familiar with this region: this covers not just Sarawak but also Sabah & Kalimantan & Brunei.
For the birding enthusiasts!
Another travel guide, with a different perspective.
Another book for birding.