Kuching Attractions | 5 Places to Visit & Activities in Sarawak’s Capital City
The capital city of Sarawak state, Kuching is the main point of entry for visitors to Borneo. The historic city serves as a getaway destination for locals in mainland Malaysia and for tourists looking for outdoor adventure. Kuching attractions include numerous walking trails in national parks and a scenic promenade on the Sarawak River that includes several sightseeing stops, plus restaurants and souvenir shops.
Bako National Park
The oldest park in Sarawak was established in 1957 and today has a reputation for being one of the best sites to see wildlife on the island of Borneo. Bako National Park features several species of monkeys and reptiles who live in the region’s mangrove forests and rainforests, surrounded by nearly every type of vegetation native to the island. The park contains 16 walking trails, some of which take a full day. Others are short and perfect for families and groups who want to experience nature. Overnight camping expeditions in Bako National Park also are available.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry fees: 20 MYR (4.90 USD) for foreigners
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Kuching Museums
As the capital of Sarawak state, Kuching abounds in history and culture. One of the best ways to get to know the culture and heritage of Kuching is to tour local museums. These popular museums can be found in Kuching city center and offer some of the best glimpses into the region’s history and economy.
- Sarawak Cultural Village – this award-winning living museum offers a look into the region’s local cultures and lifestyles through live performances and native tour guides. Staff members wear traditional clothing, and storytellers describe what life was like in area villages. Visitors can watch cultural shows at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Admission is 60 MYR (14.65 USD) for adults and 30 MYR (7.30 USD) for children.
- Cat Museum – billed as the world’s first cat museum, this quirky exhibit features all things feline – including a mummified cat from ancient Egypt! The gallery also exhibits more than 4,000 cat-related artifacts, art pieces and souvenirs. The museum is located on the ground floor of Kuching North City Hall. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entry is free, but visitors with cameras must pay 3 MYR (.75 USD), and visitors with video cameras pay 5 MYR (1.20 USD).
- The Borneo House Museum – this widespread historical site covers 12,000 square feet, so visitors should be prepared to stay awhile. The Borneo House Museum is divided into four zones which offer unique views into the region’s nature, history, food and present-day culture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entry fees are 29 MYR (7 USD) for adults.
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Kuching Waterfront
By far the most popular and recognized attraction in the city, the Kuching Waterfront is a promenade that stretches along one of the most scenic banks of the Sarawak River. Besides modern restaurants, street food hawkers and local stores and boutiques, visitors also will find several museums and historic landmarks in the area. At night, the area is the city’s best nightlife spot, with musical fountain shows, live performances, viewing areas and Sarawak River cruises.
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Fort Margherita
Constructed in 1879 by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, Fort Margherita is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The fort is designed like an English castle and was built to protect the city from pirates. The Brooke Gallery, which contains artifacts and memorabilia from the Brooke Era, is housed inside the fort.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Entry fee: 20 MYR (7 USD) for foreigners
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Kubah National Park
Located west of Kuching city, Kubah National Park is loved for its natural waterways, bathing pools and vegetation, particularly palm trees and wild orchids. Guests also may run into some roaming wildlife during walks on the six jungle trails located within the park. On one path, visitors can trek to the top of Serapi Mountain (Gunung Serapi), and other trails take hikers through rainforests and parts of Matang Wildlife Centre.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends and public holidays
Entry fees: 20 MYR (7 USD) for foreigners
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The capital city of Sarawak state, Kuching is the main point of entry for visitors to Borneo. The historic city serves as a getaway destination for locals in mainland Malaysia and for tourists looking for outdoor adventure. Kuching attractions include numerous walking trails in national parks and a scenic promenade on the Sarawak River that includes several sightseeing stops, plus restaurants and souvenir shops.
Bako National Park
The oldest park in Sarawak was established in 1957 and today has a reputation for being one of the best sites to see wildlife on the island of Borneo. Bako National Park features several species of monkeys and reptiles who live in the region’s mangrove forests and rainforests, surrounded by nearly every type of vegetation native to the island. The park contains 16 walking trails, some of which take a full day. Others are short and perfect for families and groups who want to experience nature. Overnight camping expeditions in Bako National Park also are available.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry fees: 20 MYR (4.90 USD) for foreigners
DISCOVER TOP KUCHING HOTELS & RESORTS
Kuching Museums
As the capital of Sarawak state, Kuching abounds in history and culture. One of the best ways to get to know the culture and heritage of Kuching is to tour local museums. These popular museums can be found in Kuching city center and offer some of the best glimpses into the region’s history and economy.
- Sarawak Cultural Village – this award-winning living museum offers a look into the region’s local cultures and lifestyles through live performances and native tour guides. Staff members wear traditional clothing, and storytellers describe what life was like in area villages. Visitors can watch cultural shows at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Admission is 60 MYR (14.65 USD) for adults and 30 MYR (7.30 USD) for children.
- Cat Museum – billed as the world’s first cat museum, this quirky exhibit features all things feline – including a mummified cat from ancient Egypt! The gallery also exhibits more than 4,000 cat-related artifacts, art pieces and souvenirs. The museum is located on the ground floor of Kuching North City Hall. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entry is free, but visitors with cameras must pay 3 MYR (.75 USD), and visitors with video cameras pay 5 MYR (1.20 USD).
- The Borneo House Museum – this widespread historical site covers 12,000 square feet, so visitors should be prepared to stay awhile. The Borneo House Museum is divided into four zones which offer unique views into the region’s nature, history, food and present-day culture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entry fees are 29 MYR (7 USD) for adults.
DISCOVER TOP KUCHING HOTELS & RESORTS
Kuching Waterfront
By far the most popular and recognized attraction in the city, the Kuching Waterfront is a promenade that stretches along one of the most scenic banks of the Sarawak River. Besides modern restaurants, street food hawkers and local stores and boutiques, visitors also will find several museums and historic landmarks in the area. At night, the area is the city’s best nightlife spot, with musical fountain shows, live performances, viewing areas and Sarawak River cruises.
DISCOVER TOP KUCHING HOTELS & RESORTS
Fort Margherita
Constructed in 1879 by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, Fort Margherita is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The fort is designed like an English castle and was built to protect the city from pirates. The Brooke Gallery, which contains artifacts and memorabilia from the Brooke Era, is housed inside the fort.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Entry fee: 20 MYR (7 USD) for foreigners
DISCOVER TOP KUCHING HOTELS & RESORTS
Kubah National Park
Located west of Kuching city, Kubah National Park is loved for its natural waterways, bathing pools and vegetation, particularly palm trees and wild orchids. Guests also may run into some roaming wildlife during walks on the six jungle trails located within the park. On one path, visitors can trek to the top of Serapi Mountain (Gunung Serapi), and other trails take hikers through rainforests and parts of Matang Wildlife Centre.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends and public holidays
Entry fees: 20 MYR (7 USD) for foreigners
DISCOVER TOP KUCHING HOTELS & RESORTS
Discover hotels & resorts in Kuching
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