Things to do in Kuching

More about Kuching

Kuching is a lovely city in Sarawak, known as the "Cat City" because it means "cat" in the local language. It’s well-known for the numerous cat statues that can be found throughout town. With a long history and various museums, including the historic Sarawak Museum, it’s an area of culture where art is brought to life through live shows, exhibitions, and cultural events. 

Kuching is heavily guided in tradition, with crafts such as ceramics, weaving, and wood carving passed down over generations. What’s the best part? Tourists can observe artisans make these goods directly and even participate in workshops. Besides the rich culture and arts, Kuching also has a beautiful waterfront that won’t disappoint you. Don’t miss out the chance to see various crocodile species and learn about them in Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Zoo.

As you travel to Kuching, you will get many new experiences from watching wildlife to crafting some goods. It’s a perfect destination whether you go alone or with family and friends. So, join the amazing adventure in Kuching and enjoy every activity there!

Best Things to Do in Kuching

There are many amazing activities to do in Kuching from nature adventure to arts exploration. Here are some must-try excursions for your visit.

1. Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Center

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a paradise for animal lovers, particularly those who like orangutans! It's a specific shelter where these incredible species reside in their natural habitat. You can witness orangutans be fed and observe how they communicate with one another. Aside from orangutans, other beautiful species include gibbons, squirrels, and a variety of birds. It's a wonderful pleasure to see these animals closely while discovering about their conservation initiatives.

2. Experience Dolphin Watching Cruise

Another thing to do in Kuching is enjoying a dolphin watching cruise that you can depart from your hotel. After you cross the Santubong River, you’ll discover the mangrove swamp's species, including crocodiles, otters, mudskippers, mangrove crabs, shellfish, and many more. You can also witness the exotic and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the river. The Irrawaddy dolphin inhabits rivers and shallow coastal seas.

3. Go to Tua Pek Kong Temple

Established in 1843, Tua Pek Kong Temple is Kuching's ancient Chinese temple. It commemorates Tua Pek Kong, the deity of wealth and success. The significant red and gold architecture of the temple is magnificent. It’s also situated close to the Kuching Waterfront. During festivals such as the Hungry Ghost Festival and Chinese New Year, the temple bursts with bright celebrations that include unique decorations and spiritual ceremonies.

4. Learn Culture in Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village is a wonderful place to find out about Sarawak's various ethnicities and traditions. Tourists will be handed a cultural card that they can stamp at every house that represents all the communities in Sarawak. It also offers cultural performances that are arranged every day. This event is undoubtedly the best part of the trip. Then, you can eat and experience some of Sarawak's best local dishes there.

5. Join the Jong's Crocodile Farm and Zoo Tour

Jong's Crocodile Farm and Zoo is one of Malaysia's largest crocodile breeding farms. You'll discover numerous crocodiles of varying sizes and ages, as well as their feeding session. Besides the crocodiles, it has monkeys, pythons, leopard cats, sun bears, and other unusual wildlife. The tour includes the crocodile museum, botanical garden, and mini zoo, which provide a complete overview of Borneo's unique species. Don’t miss the chance to see the skeleton of Bujang Senang, one of Sarawak's biggest crocodiles ever caught. 

Kuching Transportations

Using some public transportations in Kuching will be an easy way to get around this city. You can choose an affordable means like buses or just renting a scooter. Several transportation options you can consider, including:

1. By Scooter.

Kuching is the only place that offers scooter rentals in Sarawak. Many residents suggest going to Tek Hua Motor on Jalan Tabuan to rent a scooter. Because Kuching is quite compact, you can go everywhere by riding a scooter. It’ll be a fun and memorable experience for your trip. The best of renting a scooter also comes from its affordable price. You can rent a scooter around RM 50-60/day.

2. By Bus.

Buses are easily accessible in Kuching, with numerous bus shelters located around the city center. You can go to the central bus station, which is near the Old Mosque, to ask for a timetable. You can also visit the tourism office, since they will have a schedule of the buses that depart to the popular attractions. Bus is also a budget-friendly transportation that costs starting from RM 5. But, it can be varied based on the time of day, route, and discount.

3. By Shuttle Van.

You can also seek for a shuttle vehicle that has a yellow roof. These are basically shared taxi vans, with the routes listed on the side. The final destination mostly ends up in Chinatown. You can prepare to pay about RM 2 for a 20-minute journey. Shuttle van can be a great option to explore Kuching with affordable prices.

Recommended Kuching Food

A trip to Kuching can’t be complete without trying the local delicacies. In 2021, Kuching was awarded as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. As a result of Sarawak’s distinct ethnicities, you will have plenty of options for cuisine. Let’s check several recommendations for eateries in Kuching.

1. Borneo Delight

Address: 13, Wayang Street 93000, Kuching, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 09.00 AM - 08.00 PM

Borneo Delight is a cafe that provides local and Asian cuisine, like kaya toast, pineapple rice, laksa, and popiah. While dining, you can see the Kuching River and the ancient buildings that surround it. This cafe is also known for its unique Sarawak Laksa which tastes spicy, thick, and delicious.

2. Sin Lian Shin Kolo Mee

Address: 182, Jalan Green, Sin Sin Park, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 06.30 AM - 12.30 PM

Sin Lian Shin Kolo Mee is a traditional and well-known kolo mee store that has been open for over five decades. The kolo mee here is simple yet tasty, featuring  red char siew, al dente noodles, and flavorful minced pork. You can also have the kolo mee with "mee lurus," a type of straight and thin noodles that are recommended to try. 

3. Three Layered Tea at Fresh Tea Layer Food Court

Address: Ground Floor, Lot 386, Block 46 Lorong Liu Shan Bang 3B/2 7th Mile, Penrissen Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 05.00 AM - 10.00 PM

Teh C Special or Three Layered Tea is a tea blend served in a 3-layer presentation. This Sarawakian drink is usually offered in cafes and coffee shops. Teh C Special is brewed with evaporated milk, red tea, and Sarawak palm sugar (gula apong). So, the taste is unique and sweet that will make you addicted.

4. Belacan Beehoon and Soup Wantan House

Address: 296, Lor Kepayang 6, Flourishing Garden, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 05.00 AM - 10.00 PM

Belacan Behoon and Soup Wantan House is known for its Belacan bee hoon. It’s a bee hoon drenched in belacan sauce and topped with bean sprouts, an egg, squid and sliced cucumber. This meal has a sweet and savory taste. Belacan flavor is suitable for those who enjoy spicy flavors.

5. NU ER HONG at Pullman Kuching

Address: 296, Lor Kepayang 6, Flourishing Garden, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 05.00 AM - 10.00 PM

NU ER HONG serves a variety of authentic and appealing dishes, including Peking duck, dim sum, and seafood. The restaurant's atmosphere is modern and lovely with private rooms available for special events. You can also try the chef's favorites or select from an extensive selection of oriental meals.

Shopping Places in Kuching

You can’t miss visiting malls in Kuching since there are many items that can be souvenirs or entertaining activities for leisure. Here are some shopping options in Kuching.

1. Riverside Shopping Complex

Riverside Shopping Complex is one of the city's oldest malls, drawing both locals and tourists. It's an excellent place to purchase numerous household things. The mall also has entertainment alternatives such as a bowling alley and a 3D theater, which ensures an enjoyable visit.

2. Hill Shopping Mall

Located on Jalan Bukit Mata, Hill Shopping Mall features a stunning environment that faces the famous Sarawak river. This mall has a picturesque setting and multiple attractions that suit both locals and tourists. On the ground floor, there are many eateries and restaurants which guarantee a wonderful gastronomic trip. 

3. Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall

Plaza Merdeka is one of Kuching's most popular shopping areas. It’s known for housing famous designer labels, which attract a large number of regular customers. Besides shopping, the mall offers a fantastic dining experience. A spacious food court is available with a variety of delectable cuisines to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit Kuching

Kuching has a tropical rainforest climate. It becomes one of Malaysia's wettest areas, featuring heavy rain and warmth all year. So, the best months to visit Kuching are April to October, because it’s the warmest and driest time. You can also visit Kuching around the Rainforest Festival in July or the Gawai Dayak Festival in the first week of June to experience the events.