Kuching, Borneo

Kuching is the largest city in Sarawak and the third largest on Borneo after Samarinda and Balikpapan in Indonesia. It is one of those places that’s very easy to enjoy. It’s relaxed, friendly, and much less hectic than other cities in the region, but still has plenty to see and do.

It works well as a base — you’ve got the riverfront, markets, museums, and a great food scene within the city itself, but you’re also only a short distance from national parks, wildlife centres, beaches, and rainforest.

It’s not somewhere you rush around ticking off sights. It’s a place where you can take things at a slightly slower pace, mix in a few day trips, and still feel like you’ve had a really varied experience.

Kuching in 1-2 Days

If you only have a short time, focus on one key experience and some time in the city.

Spend your time exploring:

  • The Kuching Waterfront

  • Carpenter Street and the old town

  • The Main Bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs

  • The temples and old buildings

  • Satok Market (weekends) for a more local experience

The riverfront is the heart of the city and a good place to start. You can walk along the river, cross by the small traditional boats, and take in views of the Astana, Fort Margherita, and the State Legislative Assembly building. It’s especially nice in the evening when everything is lit up.

There are also several small museums within walking distance — including the Brooke Gallery, Chinese Museum, and Ranee Museum — which are all relatively small but give a good insight into the history of Sarawak.

Kuching is compact and easy to explore, and it’s just as enjoyable wandering through the streets, cafés, and shops as it is visiting specific sights.

At night, the foodcourts come alive and there is a light and water show at the waterfront each night.

Kuching in 4-5 Days

This is where Kuching really works well, as you can combine the city with some of the best experiences just outside it.

Day 1
Arrival and time around the waterfront and city centre

Day 2
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in the morning — this is our favourite place to take visitors, with the chance to see orangutans in the wild (not guaranteed, but very special when it happens).

Return to the city for a more relaxed afternoon — time around the waterfront, cafés, or exploring some of the smaller streets and shops.

Day 3
Sarawak Cultural Village and time exploring museums and the city

Day 4
Bako National Park — one of the best places nearby for wildlife, coastal scenery, and walking trails

Day 5
Additional options depending on your interests, including:

  • Kubah National Park (particularly for the night frog walk)

  • Matang Wildlife Centre — a more enclosed rehabilitation centre where you are almost guaranteed to see wildlife, particularly useful during fruiting season

  • Beaches such as Trombol or Sampadi — quiet and largely untouched - you’ll need a car to get there

  • River trips to look for crocodiles, monkeys, and Irrawaddy dolphins

There’s a really good mix here — you can easily combine wildlife, culture, and time to relax without travelling long distances.

And if you do have extra time there’s plenty to do - a visit to Fort Margherita, the Lucky Kuching Trail - looking for the cat statues around the city, or people watching in the numerous cafes, restaurants or bars …. or even a bit of shopping at either the main bazaar or one of the numerous shopping malls across the city.

Food and Drink

Food is one of the highlights of Kuching, and it’s very easy to eat well without spending a lot.

There’s a good mix of local and more modern places, and you can move easily between simple, no-frills spots and more polished restaurants.

Local dishes to try include:

  • Sarawak laksa

  • Kolo mee

  • Midin (jungle fern)

  • Fresh seafood

And for some people, no visit to Kuching would be complete without trying tuak — the local rice wine.

You’ll also find a range of cafés and more Western-style options, particularly around the city centre.

Some of our regular places include a mix of casual cafés, slightly more modern restaurants, and simple local spots — it’s worth trying a variety rather than sticking to one type.

Kuching is one of those places where you have a blend of cultures, and therefore a really interesting mix of food.

Other Information

Getting Around

Kuching is easy to get around — Grab is widely available and inexpensive, and most journeys are short.

The city itself is walkable, particularly around the waterfront and central areas. There is a cheap local bus service and a free tourist bus which goes out to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. An urban transport system is currently under construction - due to be completed in 2028.

For trips further out, such as Bako National Park or Matang, organised transport or private drivers are the easiest option if you haven’t hired a car.

Where to Stay

For most trips, staying in central Kuching near the waterfront works best.

It keeps everything within easy reach — restaurants, cafés, and the main areas of the city — and avoids unnecessary travel time.

For longer stays, it’s usually easiest to:

  • Base yourself in Kuching

  • Add optional overnight stays in national parks or lodges if you want a different experience or head out to one of the beach hotels at Damai.

Things to Know

Kuching is hot and humid year-round, so light clothing and water are essential.

Rain is common, often in short heavy bursts, so a small umbrella or poncho is useful.

Most activities and day trips are relatively close, but it’s still worth planning your days sensibly to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

It’s a very easy place to travel, even if it’s your first time in Borneo.