Kuching
The City of Cats.
Visit Kuching: Complete Guide 2026
Key facts
The charming and sophisticated capital of Sarawak, known for its clean waterfront, colonial architecture, and as the perfect gateway to the region national parks, orangutan sanctuaries and longhouse communities.
The Charming Capital of Sarawak
A city of culture, cats and colonial history on the banks of the Sarawak River.
Kuching is widely regarded as one of the most pleasant and liveable cities in South-East Asia. Its immaculate promenade along the Sarawak River is the heart of the city, perfect for evening strolls with views of the modern State Legislative Assembly building and the historic Astana. The city is famously dotted with quirky cat statues (as 'kuching' means 'cat' in Malay), adding to its unique charm. It is the ideal, laid-back base from which to launch adventures into Sarawak's unique culture and incredible nature, offering a more relaxed vibe than many other Asian cities — and a remarkably clean, green one at that, with parks woven between the historic streets.
The Land of the White Rajahs
A unique history and a diverse mosaic of indigenous cultures.
- • Sarawak Cultural Village: a fantastic living museum offering the perfect introduction to local culture, set at the foot of Mount Santubong about 35 minutes from the city centre. It showcases the traditional lifestyles, houses and magnificent longhouses of Sarawak's various ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, with cultural performances.
- • Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita: housed in a historic fort perched above the river, this gallery tells the fascinating story of the White Rajahs, the British Brooke dynasty that ruled Sarawak as their own private kingdom for a century — while the fort's ramparts reward you with sweeping views over the water.
- • Main Bazaar & Carpenter Street: wander along Kuching's oldest streets, lined with historic shophouses. You will find shops selling antiques, tribal handicrafts, local pepper and modern cafés, and don't miss the colourful murals tucked away in the surrounding lanes.
- • Borneo Cultures Museum: a world-class museum and an absolute must-visit. Opened in 2022 and among the largest museums in South-East Asia, it features five levels of magnificent, interactive exhibits on Borneo's history, cultures and biodiversity.
Getting There & Around
Fly into the gateway to Sarawak and explore from there.
As Kuching lies on Borneo, the best way to get there from Peninsular Malaysia is by air.
- • By air: take a direct flight (about 1.5–2 hours) from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA/KLIA2) to Kuching International Airport (KCH). Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air all operate the route several times a day, so fares stay competitive.
- • Getting around: the city centre is compact and very walkable, and river taxis ('tambang') ferry passengers across the Sarawak River for a small fee. For trips to attractions outside the city such as Semenggoh or Bako National Park, using Grab or hiring a private car for the day is the most convenient option.
Explore Sarawak with Ease
The real beauty of Sarawak lies beyond the city. Our team can arrange private cars and drivers for day trips or multi-day tours, ensuring you can explore the national parks and longhouses comfortably and efficiently.
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Where to Stay in Kuching
Riverfront hotels and charming guesthouses in the old town.
The best place to stay is along Kuching's waterfront, where you will find a range of international hotels offering superb views over the river and the State Legislative Assembly building. The area around Carpenter Street and Main Bazaar also has plenty of charming guesthouses and affordable boutique hotels set in beautifully restored historic shophouses — the perfect choice for travellers who want to wake up in the middle of the old town's heritage district.
Where to stay in Kuching
BonjourMalaisie selection — the best-rated for this stay. See all hotels →
Orangutans, Monkeys & Rainforests
Discover Borneo's incredible biodiversity.
- • Semenggoh Wildlife Centre: a highlight of any trip to Kuching. This large natural forest reserve is home to semi-wild orangutans, with feeding sessions typically held in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Visit during these windows for an almost guaranteed chance to see these magnificent great apes up close in their natural habitat.
- • Bako National Park: a microcosm of Borneo's ecosystems in an accessible park, reached by a short boat ride from the fishing village of Kampung Bako. Bako is famous for its diverse wildlife, and you are very likely to spot the rare proboscis monkey with its distinctive long nose, as well as bearded pigs, silvered langurs and various bird species. The park also features stunning sea-stack rock formations and lovely hiking trails.
- • Sarawak River cruise: take a relaxing evening cruise along the Sarawak River for a different perspective on the city's landmarks and to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains.
- • Longhouse visit: for deeper cultural immersion, arrange a day trip or overnight stay in an Iban or Bidayuh longhouse to experience the communal way of life of Sarawak's indigenous peoples. Most tour operators in Kuching organise these visits, often combined with a stop at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
A Taste of Sarawak
Discover the region's unique, flavour-packed local dishes.
Sarawak has its own distinct culinary identity, shaped by Malay, Chinese and indigenous Dayak influences. The city's hawker stalls and coffee shops are where locals gather at every hour of the day, and the portions are generous. Don't leave Kuching without trying these local specialities:
- • Sarawak laksa: a complex, aromatic noodle soup and the state's most famous dish. Its rich broth is made from a spice paste, sambal belacan, coconut milk and tamarind, and it is typically topped with shredded chicken, prawns, egg and a squeeze of lime. Very different from other Malaysian laksas, it is an absolute must-try.
- • Kolo mee: a simple but much-loved dish of springy noodles tossed in a light sauce (either reddish with char siu oil or clear) and topped with minced pork, slices of char siu and spring onions (for the non-halal version) — often served with a side of pickled green chillies.
- • Manok pansuh: a traditional Dayak dish in which chicken pieces are cooked inside a bamboo stem with herbs and spices such as lemongrass and ginger, resulting in incredibly tender and flavourful meat.
Practical Tips for Kuching
What to know before you go.
Sarawak Immigration Notice
Sarawak has its own immigration controls, separate from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. You will need to pass through immigration and show your passport, receiving a new entry stamp, even when arriving on a domestic flight. Always carry your passport with you.
Kuching is an easy, safe and welcoming city to explore, but a few practical details — starting with Sarawak's separate immigration status — are worth knowing before you fly in. Here is everything you need for a smooth trip.
- • Currency: the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) is used throughout Sarawak. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is handy for markets, hawker stalls and small shops.
- • Language: Malay is the official language, but English is very widely spoken in Kuching, making it easy for travellers to get around. You will also hear Iban, Chinese dialects and other indigenous languages.
- • Weather: Sarawak is hot and humid all year round, with frequent tropical showers. The drier, more pleasant period runs roughly from March to October.
- • Getting around: the waterfront and old town are best explored on foot. For longer trips, Grab is reliable and affordable, and many travellers hire a car with a driver for day trips to Semenggoh or Bako.
- • Power socket: type G (3 pins), 240 V — as everywhere in Malaysia.
Things to do in Kuching
Tickets and experiences at the best price — instant online booking.
Caving and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre or Annah Rais Longhouse Tour in Kuching
Visit Wind Cave and Fairy Cave along with the option to choose to visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre or Annah Rais Longhouse in Sarawak.
Dolphin Mangrove Cruise and Sarawak Cultural Village Tour in Kuching
Cruise along the Santubong river to see the Irrawaddy dolphins and other wildlife, then visit the Sarawak Cultural Village for a cultural tour in Sarawak.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre Half Day Trip from Kuching
Encounter the fascinating animals of the famed Sarawak Semenggoh Wildlife Centre with a dun trip from Kuching.
Sarawak Royal Kuching Cruise Experience
Book this river sightseeing cruise experience in Sarawak and get an amazing cruise experience here.
Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre Tour in Kuching
Join the tour to Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Kuching to explore the culture and wildlife in Sarawak.
Bako National Park Day Tour in Kuching
Book this tour and explore the famous and scenic Bako National Park in Sarawak.