Researched
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and the largest city on the island of Borneo. It is a relaxed riverside city, often called the City of Cats, where colonial-era buildings, Chinese shophouses, Malay kampongs and modern cafes sit close together. Its compact centre is easy to explore on foot along the Sarawak River waterfront. It is also a gateway to rainforest national parks, orangutan sanctuaries, beaches and living cultural villages. Costs are modest compared with Peninsular Malaysia, and two to four days is enough for city highlights, food and a day or two in nature.
Best time to visit
April to September
The drier months from April to September are generally best for exploring Kuching, hiking at Bako and Mount Santubong, and spending time outdoors. The rainforest climate means rain can fall at any time of year, but showers are usually short.
History and culture
Until 1841 the Kuching area was part of the Bruneian Empire. It was then ruled for more than a century by the Brooke family, the so-called White Rajahs, who gradually expanded the Raj of Sarawak (1841-1946). Their legacy survives in landmarks such as the Astana palace, Fort Margherita (built in 1879 to guard the river against pirates) and the Old Courthouse. After Japanese occupation in the Second World War and a period as a British Crown Colony, Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963. Today Kuching is a cultural meeting point for Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese communities, which is reflected in its festivals, longhouses, markets and cuisine. Chinatown's Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street and the textile shops of India Street preserve the trading character of the old town. Kuching also has early literary significance, as Hikayat Panglima Nikosa, printed there in 1876, is regarded as the first novel from Malaysia.
Start here · Sights
Bako National Park, Kuching
4.7 out of 55,634 Google reviews
Sarawak, Malaysia
A coastal rainforest park with sea stacks, jungle trails and wildlife. It is Sarawak's best-known national park and an easy day trip from Kuching.
- national-park
- hiking
- wildlife
Sights
Places to see. 7 places besides the lead pick.
Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai
4.4 out of 54,927 Google reviews
An award-winning living museum on 17 acres at the foot of Mount Santubong, about an hour from the city. It has recreated longhouses and homes of Sarawak's main ethnic groups, plus cultural performances.
- culture
- family-friendly
- living-museum
Food and drink
Places to eat and drink. 5 places.
Top Spot Food Court, Kuching
4.3 out of 57,799 Google reviews
A lively rooftop food court famous for fresh seafood and a range of Sarawak hawker favourites. It gives you a casual, social evening meal at modest prices.
- seafood
- food-court
- casual
Stays
Places to sleep. 6 places.
Hilton Kuching, Kuching Waterfront
4.3 out of 54,037 Google reviews
A large riverfront hotel with a pool, a gym and several restaurants. Rooms with river views are worth the small extra cost, and the Waterfront and heritage sights are within walking distance.
- luxury
- riverfront
- family-friendly
Articles it was based on
The pages the research read. Each opens on its own site.
- 35 BEST Things to do in Kuching Sarawak in 2026wanderwithjo.com(opens in a new tab)
- 12 Top Things to Do in Kuching, Malaysia ~ The Land of Wanderlustthelandofwanderlust.com(opens in a new tab)
- Our Guide to the Top Things to do in Kuching - Family Travel Blog - Travel with Kidswheressharon.com(opens in a new tab)
- 3 Days in Kuching: The Perfect Itinerary ~ The Land of Wanderlustthelandofwanderlust.com(opens in a new tab)