The 18 Best Things To Do in Kuching, Malaysian Borneo

Last Updated: March 8 2024

If you’re heading to Malaysian Borneo, Kuching City may be your first stop (for those visiting the state of Sarawak). This awesome city is known for its unique museums, cultural experiences, and authentic cuisine, so has something for everyone.

We absolutely loved our time in Kuching and found it to be the perfect base for our trip to Borneo. Not only is the city affordable, but there are a lot of awesome experiences on offer.

In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do in Kuching and other helpful information, such as how to get to the city, how to get around, and where to stay.

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The Best Things To Do In Kuching, Borneo

1. Walk along the Kuching Waterfront

Although one of the simplest things to do in Kuching, walking along the waterfront is an experience in itself. Lining the Sarawak River, there’s an esplanade which makes for a lovely walk!

As you wander along, you’ll be treated to striking views of Astana and Fort Margherita during the day. You’ll also find food and drinks stalls located along the waterfront, where you can pick up some local grub.

For those who don’t want to walk along the Kuching Waterfront, boat trips are available. Local boats will take you between the two riverbanks, or you can hop on a long river cruise to admire the views! Alternatively, head across the bridge which also offers fantastic vistas.

Although great at any time of day, the waterfront really comes alive at night. It’s a great place to appreciate the local culture and embrace the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

2. Explore Kuching Wetlands National Park

Just 15 km (9 miles) away from the city, you’ll find Kuching Wetlands National Park. Covering over 6,500 hectares, this park features an extensive network of mangroves and marine waterways, that come about from two major rivers; Salak and Sibu Laut.

Kuching Wetlands National Park is known for its diverse ecosystem. As such, it offers fantastic wildlife-viewing opportunities. Here, you can spot a variety of wildlife including crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and otters, as well as eagles.

This national park is also one of the best places in Sarawak to spot the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin! If you head here in the evening, you’ve also got a chance of spotting fireflies!

Boat tours run through the wetlands regularly, during both the morning and afternoon. These cruises tend to follow the main waterways, and then head to some of the smaller creeks. Tours usually last for half a day.

3. See orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

If you’re wondering what to do in Kuching then head to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. Often referred to as Semenggoh Nature Reserve, this awesome place is under a 30-minute drive from the city.

It’s the largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak and has been around since 1975. The semi-wild orangutans living in the reserve have all been rescued, having previously been orphaned or kept as illegal pets.

To see the orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, you’ll want to visit during feeding times; morning (9 am – 10 am) and afternoon (3 pm – 4 pm). They often return for a free meal, although sightings are less frequent during the forest fruiting season.

To visit the centre, you can either take a taxi (we recommend GRAB) or head there on a tour. This 3-hour tour from Kuching includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and you’ll learn all about the orangutans who call this place home.

4. Visit Kuching’s museums

There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Kuching, but make sure you spend some time in the city’s museums. You’ll find several different museums in the city, so there’s something for everyone!

The Sarawak State Museum is one of the most popular Kuching attractions. It’s just a short walk from Chinatown and is housed in a charming building. Here, you’ll find native arts and crafts.

One of the more unique options on offer is the world’s first Cat Museum. Located in the North City Hall, this museum is dedicated to all things feline and is home to various exhibits, art pieces, and souvenirs.

Another fantastic place to visit is the Borneo Cultures Museum! This impressive museum consists of five storeys and features exhibits of all sorts, ranging from local communities to sustainability. Other museums in Kuching include the Chinese History Museum and the Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum.

5. Take a day trip to Bako National Park

Although there are plenty of places to visit in Kuching itself, the city also offers endless day trip opportunities. One of these is Bako, one of our favourite national parks in Asia!

Famous for its lush jungle, secluded beaches, and scenic hiking trails, Bako has a lot to offer, even though it’s one of Southeast Asia’s smallest national parks.

The main reason to visit Bako is the wildlife as this national park is very biodiverse. While hiking the trails, you can spot various species including Bornean bearded bigs, otters, mouse deer, and macaques among others. However, the highlight has to be the iconic proboscis monkeys!

To visit Bako National Park, you can hop on a day tour from Kuching or visit independently. We did the latter, and it was much more affordable. You just take a public bus to the national park boat terminal, and then take a boat into Bako.

6. Head to Sarawak Cultural Village

There are endless places of interest in Kuching, but this place is a 40-minute drive outside of the city. Sarawak Cultural Village is an award-winning living museum and is a must-visit for travellers who want to learn about the various ethnic groups in Sarawak.

This attraction is set across 17 acres, where you’ll find incredible replica buildings. These represent the major ethnic groups in Sarawak, including the Orang Ulul, Iban, Malay, and Chinese.

Not only are the buildings themselves impressive, but inside, there are staff dressed in traditional costumes. They will teach you all about each way of life, and you can enjoy multicultural dance performances before you leave.

You can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Sarawak Cultural Village, or you can opt for a tour. This day tour from Kuching includes your entrance ticket, pick-up and drop-off, and transport, so everything will be organised for you!

7. Admire the city’s colonial buildings

If you’re looking for things to do in Kuching, then visit some of the city’s colonial buildings. It was only in 1946, that Sarawak became a British Crown Colony, but there had been British influences here for a long period beforehand, dating back to James Brooke in 1841.

As such, you’ll find plenty of colonial architecture in Kuching. One of these is the Astana, which has been around since 1870. It’s located across the river from Chinatown and is The Official Residence of the Governor of Sarawak.

Kuching Courthouse is another impressive building. It dates back to 1871 and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There’s also the Round Tower, Sarawak State Museum, Fort Margherita, and Kuching General Post Office, among others.

To see all of Kuching’s colonial masterpieces, simply wander around the city and take in the architecture. You can visit the interior of some buildings too!

8. Visit Fort Margherita

If you’re looking for the best place to visit in Kuching, then Fort Margherita is certainly at the top of the list. This striking fortress was built in 1879 to protect the city from pirates and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sarawak.

It’s located across the Sarawak River and can be reached by crossing the Darul Hana Bridge or taking a local boat. Thanks to its easy access, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kuching.

Over the years, Fort Margherita has been used as a fortress, armoury store, prison, and police museum. Today it’s a historical museum, where you’ll find the Brooke Gallery. This gallery details the history of the Brooke Era (often referred to as the ‘White Rajas of Sarawak) through its artefacts and memorabilia.

Fort Margherita is typically open Monday to Friday (9 am – 4:45 pm) and Saturday to Sunday (10 am – 4 pm).

9. Try the delicious local cuisine

No Kuching travel guide would be complete without mentioning the local cuisine. We absolutely love Malaysian food as it’s full of delicious flavours, and there’s so much variety.

Sarawak Laksa is one of the most popular options. It typically consists of noodles, shredded chicken, prawns, and vegetables in a tasty broth. There’s also Kolo Mee, a type of dry noodle dish which is topped with savoury pork and fried shallots.

While in Kuching, don’t miss out on trying our personal favourite either – Roti Canai. This is a Malaysian staple and is often served with a curry (usually lentil or chicken).

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants to choose from in this city, with one of the most popular being Lepau Restaurant. With a charming setting, delicious food, and cheap prices, it’s no wonder this place is such a big hit. Of course, you’ll find lots of other local options too!

10. Take a day trip to Gunung Gading National Park

You won’t be short of things to do in Kuching itself, but take time to visit Gunung Gading National Park too. This park covers an area of over 4,000 hectares and is home to the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.

Thanks to the smell it gives off while in bloom, the Rafflesia is nicknamed the ‘Corpse Flower’. It’s a rather unique plant, consisting of a single flower, which is surrounded by five red fleshly petals.

Now, the Rafflesia only stays in bloom for between 4-6 days so you’ll be lucky to see one. These plants are rare and there’s no specific blooming period so it’s very difficult to time your visit. For the best chance, get in touch with a local guide or the official park website to see if they know of any in bloom.

You can visit Gunung Gading National Park independently or on a tour.

11. Go hiking in Kubah National Park

You’ll find Kubah National Park around a 40-minute drive from Kuching. Many people head here to visit the Matang Wildlife Centre, but we’d recommend the park’s hiking trails instead.

Thanks to Kubah’s three towering peaks (Gunung Selang, Gunung Sendok, and Gunung Serapi), rare plants, and wildlife diversity, it’s a fantastic place to hike.

There are several hiking trails to choose from, with the Main Trail being a popular option. It joins up with some of the other trails and takes under 1.5 hours. There’s also the Selang Trail, Waterfall Trail, Belian Trail, and Gunung Serapi Summit Trail among others.

For a more unique experience, check out this Night Adventure at Kubah. On this night walk around the national park, you’ll search for vibrant frogs and other nocturnal creatures. The tour includes a headlamp, and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

12. Take a bike tour of Kuching

We chose to explore Kuching on foot and without a guide, as we were travelling on a strict budget. However, you can hire bicycles in the city if you prefer to get around quickly.

For those who want the added expertise of a tour guide, then we’d suggest hopping on a bike tour of Kuching. This Heritage Bike Tour lasts for around 4.5 hours and will take you on a guided tour of the city. You’ll explore at a leisurely pace and you’ll have a local guide with you.

On this bike tour, you’ll cover around 17 km (10.5 miles) and will benefit from regular stops. As well as cycling past Kuching’s heritage buildings, you’ll take a short cruise across the Sarawak River, and explore a local village. This tour also allows you to try traditional foods and visit an open-air market.

13. Explore the local markets

There are plenty of fantastic markets in Sarawak. Within these local markets, you can pick up local produce, try traditional dishes, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

One of the most popular is the Satok Weekend Market which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. This teeming market is always buzzing with shoppers and offers a bit of everything, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to handicrafts.

Other markets to visit include Petanak Central Market, Kenyalang Park Market, and Stutong Community Market. Just be prepared for your senses to be overwhelmed!

If you’re looking for unique handicrafts, then Kuching is the place to be. This city is home to a variety of markets and stores, and the majority of these are found in the Main Bazaar. Here, you can pick up everything from beadwork and blankets to pottery and wood carvings.

14. Hike up Mount Santubong

If you’re an active traveller, then hiking up Mount Santubong is one of the top things to do in Kuching. Standing at 810 metres (2,657 feet) high, this mountain towers above Santubong National Park.

It generally takes between 3-4 hours to reach the summit of Mount Santubong, if you’re hiking at a leisurely pace. Along the way, you’ll appreciate the park’s surreal natural beauty. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Santubong Village and the South China Sea.

You can hike Mount Santubong independently or opt for an organised tour. If you aren’t an experienced hiker then we’d certainly recommend the latter as this trail presents quite a challenge.

Parts of the hike are extremely steep and there’s a series of ladders and fixed ropes that you’ll need to traverse to reach the summit. Keep an eye out for tree roots as you hike along, and be prepared for a muddy trail if it’s been raining.

15. Marvel at a traditional longhouse

Kuching (and the rest of Malaysian Borneo) boasts an intriguing culture, thanks to its diverse ethnic groups. A trip to Sarawak Cultural Village offers a great way to learn about local life here, but you’ll also want to visit a traditional longhouse.

Batang AI is the best place to see them, but there are also a few longhouses found a little closer to home. Annah Rais Longhouse is a popular choice and is around an hour’s drive from Kuching. Here, you can explore a traditional Bidayuh Village and learn all about their way of life.

Mongkos Longhouse is another option, although this is around a 2-hour drive from Kuching. Organised tours offer the best way to visit these traditional settlements, as you’ll have a local guide with you.

Some longhouses even offer a homestay program, where you can stay overnight. This will give you a really authentic experience!

16. Have fun at the Rainforest World Music Festival

If you’re travelling to Kuching during the summer then attending the Rainforest World Music Festival is a must. This awesome event is one of the best things to do in Kuching at night and takes place over three days (generally sometime between June and August).

Nearly 200 performers will take the stage at this festival, from various countries. You’ll get to enjoy a variety of music genres, ranging from reggae and rock to contemporary folk music. Honestly, there’s something for everyone!

Another highlight of attending the Rainforest World Music Festival is the other activities on offer. As well as the evening concerts, this festival features a jam-packed schedule, full of cultural displays, music workshops, food stalls and games. You can even have a body massage or tattoo done at the festival!

This is a popular event so we’d suggest booking your tickets (and accommodation) in advance.

17. Walk around the Orchid Garden

Another of the best things to do in Kuching is to visit the Orchid Garden. This charming tourist attraction is divided into two main areas; the display area and the nursery.

In total, there’s a collection of around 80,000 plants here so there’s a lot to see. Here, you’ll find various Borneo orchids, including the Lady’s Slipper, Coelogyne Pandurata, and the Vandal Dearei. If you manage to time your visit when all the orchids are in bloom you’re in for a real treat.

The grounds are well kept and the garden is easily accessible from the city centre. Just make sure you pack mosquito repellant as you’ll need it.

If you’re looking for hidden places in Kuching, definitely head to this spot, as it’s located off the beaten track and is a great place to relax and simply wander around. The Orchid Garden is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 6 pm and is free to visit.

18. Go kayaking along the Sarawak River

Finally, we’ll end with one of the most relaxing activities in this guide. The Sungai Sarawak Kiri is a tributary of the Sarawak River and offers a fantastic kayaking experience.

This kayaking adventure tour lasts for around 6 hours and includes round-trip transfers from Kuching. You’ll have a local guide who will safely navigate your group down the river, and there’s a maximum of ten people allowed on the tour, so you’ll have their undivided attention.

As you kayak down the Sungai Sarawak Kiri, you’ll get to admire Sarawak’s beauty. There will also be several photo and swimming stops, so you’ll have ample time to relax. Not to mention, you’ll visit a local village to have lunch which is included in the tour.

Although you’ll find plenty of awesome things to do in Kuching, we’d definitely recommend this activity if you find yourself with some extra time!

Helpful Information For Visiting Kuching

How to get to Kuching

Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak so it’s easily accessible. Flying from Kuala Lumpur is typically your best option, and it’s what we did. Flights are affordable and the journey takes under two hours.

You can also fly to Kuching from Singapore (2-3 times a week), China, Brunei, and Indonesia (including Bali and Jakarta), as well as a few others. Of course, you can also fly from Kota Kinabalu, if you’re heading to Sabah first.

As Sarawak shares land borders with Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), Brunei, and Indonesia, you can travel overland to Kuching too. There are several land crossings to choose from, but you’ll want to research the immigration rules first.

Direct international buses do run from Pontianak (Indonesia) to Kuching, with the journey taking around six hours. Tickets are affordable and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd is the operator who services this route.

How to get around Kuching

Kuching is a relatively small city so you’ll have no problems getting around. The majority of the city’s tourist attractions are within walking distance, with some being located along the scenic waterfront.

If you’re looking to head out of Kuching, then there are several options available. We primarily used the taxi app GRAB to travel out of the city as it’s reliable and very affordable. Just be aware, that in more remote areas, it will be beneficial to organise a return pick-up time just in case there are no other drivers in the area when you go to book.

You’ll also find public bus services in the city, which are run by City Public Link. Although the prices vary by zone, tickets are very affordable no matter where you go.

Alternatively, you can hire a car for a great price, or opt for a tour.

The best time to visit Kuching

Due to Kuching’s location, it experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. You can expect high temperatures (ranging from 27°C-30°C), rainfall, and humidity no matter when you visit, but some months are better than others.

April to October is typically the best time to visit Kuching, as these months tend to be drier. July is a great time to visit as this is when the annual Rainforest Festival is held. Just be aware that accommodation can get booked out quickly as the festival is a popular event.

We visited Kuching in late January/early February and had a fantastic time. However, this time of year often experiences heavy rainfall and this may affect your plans, so just keep that in mind.

If the weather doesn’t bother you, then you’ll benefit from cheaper flights and accommodation. The national parks will likely be much quieter too, and you may even get lucky with a dry spell, just as we did.

Visiting Kuching by tour

There are plenty of unique things to do in Kuching, many of which you can do independently. However, some fantastic tour options run from the city, if you’d prefer to have a guide with you. Just make sure you shop around for the best deals.

Here are some popular tour options in Kuching:

• Half-Day Heritage Bike Tour in Kuching: This awesome tour will take you along the Sarawak River, where you’ll appreciate the local culture and ride past popular attractions.

• True Sarawak Experience Day Tour: This full-day tour includes a visit to Annah Rais Longhouse, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, and a tranquil camping experience.

• Sarawak Cultural Village Tour from Kuching: This tour includes your entrance ticket to the cultural village, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and an English-speaking guide.

Where to Stay in Kuching

There are so many awesome things to do in Kuching, so you’ll want to stay here for a while. As such, you’ll need the perfect base! Luckily, Kuching has plenty of hotels even though it’s relatively small.

To give you an idea of the available options, here are some of our recommendations:

Budget: QuiikCat

Although you aren’t short of affordable options in Kuching, QuiikCat is one of the best! It offers both private rooms and dorm beds and is just a short walk from the Sarawak Museum and the waterfront.

On-site, there’s a shared kitchen for guests to use and a terrace area. If you stay here, you’ll also benefit from free WiFi, air conditioning, and complementary towels. An airport shuttle service is also available.

Mid-range: Meritin Hotel

Another popular option is the Meritin Hotel. This hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, sleeping up to four people. All rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a safe.

There are also some great facilities at this hotel including an on-site restaurant (serving delicious international and Chinese dishes), shared lounge, snack bar, tour desk, and business centre.

Luxury: Puteri Wing – Riverside Majestic Hotel

This luxurious hotel is located along the Riverside Shopping Complex. As such, many of the rooms offer stunning views of the waterfront. You’ll also be in a fantastic location for exploring the city.

On-site, there are two restaurants, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a pickleball court, and a business centre. Free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and concierge services are all available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kuching

How many days do I need in Kuching?

We’d recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Kuching. This will give you enough time to explore the city and head out on a day trip or two, as there are several fantastic national parks in the surrounding area.

We actually based ourselves in Kuching for the entirety of our trip to Sarawak and spent a week here. This gave us plenty of time to visit Semenggoh, Bako National Park, and Kubah National Park.

What is a good budget for Kuching?

We’d recommend a budget of £35-£45 per person per day in Kuching. This will be enough for cheap accommodation, local food, and an attraction or two, as well as the use of public transport.

Malaysian Borneo is a very affordable destination in general. However, if you want to take day tours out of the city, you’ll want to increase your budget.

Is Kuching worth Visiting?

Kuching is certainly worth visiting as this city has a lot to offer. There are plenty of attractions to visit, including the Sarawak Museum, the Old Court House, Fort Margherita, and the Kuching City Mosque.

Another reason to visit Kuching is the various day trip opportunities. There are also accommodation options for every budget and some great restaurants, where you can try the local food.

What is Kuching famous for?

Kuching is famous for its variety of tourist attractions, as there’s a lot to see. Here, you can explore museums, wander along the waterfront, visit cultural destinations, or try some of the local delicacies.

Kuching Wetlands National Park and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre are also easily accessible, as well as other national parks, so there’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted nearby.

Where to Go After Kuching

If you’re planning to explore more of Borneo then we’d recommend heading to Northern Sarawak. In this part of the island, you can explore popular destinations such as Gunung Mulu National Park, Niah National Park, and the fishing town of Mukah.

To get to this area from Kuching, you’ll want to fly to Miri International Airport, with the journey taking around an hour. There’s also an overnight bus journey you can take!

Alternatively, you could head to the state of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu should be your first stop as this bustling city has so much to offer. From here, you can easily visit Kinabalu National Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Mari Mari Cultural Village.

For those who’d prefer to head straight out of the city, Sepilok is a fantastic choice. There’s also the Kinabatangan River which offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Things To Do In Kuching, Malaysia

As you can see, there are plenty of places to visit in Kuching, Sarawak. Even though it’s a relatively small city, there are some fantastic attractions, including several museums and colonial buildings.

There are some fantastic day trip opportunities as well, including several national parks which are teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, to indulge in the local cuisine, or spot wildlife, Kuching has something for everyone. What’s not to like?

If you have any questions about fun things to do in Kuching, please contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• Where To See Orangutans In Borneo

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