Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn introduction to Kuching
Kuching is without doubt one of the most pleasant and interesting cities across both Malaysian Borneo and the island as a whole. The city is built mainly on the southern bank of the Sarawak River and despite its size; the vibrant cultural centre is well clustered in one definite area surrounded by parks and the river.
Being small and compact many of the places of interest and importance to tourists are within easy reach, rendering the visit of the city center even more pleasurable. The numerous parks are beautifully landscaped and there are many historical sites to visit, including an interesting waterfront and colourful markets.
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Getting there
There are regular flights to and from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore into Kuching and getting around and out of Kuching by bus can be a little confusing at first but there are many different routes both long distance and local, leaving from the bus terminal near the main market. Another effective means of traversing the city and extensive wider region is by car, collected from Kuching airport on arrival.
Things to see & do
Those in quest of cultural assets will find their realm in Kuching, as it boasts one of Asia's best museums and a collection of Chinese temples, Christian churches and the striking State Mosque. From historical monuments to modern establishments, Kuching amazes travelers with the striking civic centre of a breathtaking futuristic design, bearing resemblance to a spacecraft. The waterfront between the market and the Holiday Inn Hotel is a wonderful place to stroll during the evenings with its landscape setting and bustling atmosphere.
Some interesting and fascinating sites and buildings to visit are the Istana, the Fort Margherita, the Sarawak Museum, several mosques, temples and churches as well as the thriving markets.
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Istana Palace
The Istana is a shingle-roofed palace, set amid rolling lawns on the northern bank of the Sarawak River. This palace was built by the second White Rajah in 1870 and during the Japanese occupation prisoners were interned in the basement of the building. Although it is no longer open to the public, as it is the Governor of Sarawak's residence it is an imposing sight and well worth a stroll around, especially when it is lit up at night.
Fort Margherita
The Fort Margherita was also built in the mid nineteenth century by Charles Brooke the White Rajah and was named after his wife. The fort was designed to guard the entrance to Kuching during the days of piracy and it is now a police museum, which houses a collection of weapons and uniforms as well as relics of the Japanese invasion.
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Sarawak Museum
The Sarawak Museum is one of the best museums in Asia and should not be missed. It is divided into two areas, the old and new, connected by a footbridge over the Jualan Tun Openg. This museum is built in the style of a Normandy townhouse and was strongly influenced by the anthropologist Wallace, a contemporary of Darwin. The original section was expanded in 1911 and the new section is larger and modern as well as air-conditioned. Travel here and you can admire an incredible collection of tribal artifacts, stuffed animals and birds from Borneo jungles, shell collections, whale skeletons, ceramics, brassware, Chinese jars and furniture as well as many other treasures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Chinese Design
The most interesting amongst the churches, temples and mosques are the Chinese temples, and the best is probably the Hong San Temple at the junction of Jalan Carpenter and Jalan Wayang. It was built in 1897 in honour of Kuek Seng On, a native of the Hokkien Province. Other interesting buildings include the Kuan Yin Temple, the Masjid Negri and the futuristic single-roofed Roman Catholic Cathedral, past the Sarawak Museum on Jalan Tun Haji Openg.
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Dining
The best food you will taste in Sarawak is in Kuching and many of the dishes served here are rightly acclaimed. There are many excellent restaurants, hawker centers and small food-stalls around town serving all kinds of food and delicacies. Travel to the food center on Jalan Market next to the taxi stand for one of the largest and most popular places to eat amongst tourists and locals alike. It stays open till late at night so is perfect for an interesting evening meal or supper. There is one section dedicated to Muslim food and another to Chinese food as well as a small pizza stall to suit the burgeoning taste for Western options.
Where to stay
Kuching has limited budget accommodation and these can fill up quickly, but you can get spotlessly clean rooms with fans, comfortable beds and clean toilets and showers for very good prices. There are many mid-range priced hotels and the competition is fierce so you may be able to get a good priced hotel if you shop around. The more top class hotels can be found in the quieter area of Kuching's central district and outlying areas, and during the low tourist season you may be able to get these rooms at half the usual price.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Kuching with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Kuching with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Kuching, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: Ben Sutherland, as above, timbomb and watchsmart.
