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    Kuching

    Malaysia

    Kuching

    CityCulture

    Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak in western Borneo, is a compact city on the Sarawak River, featuring buildings from the White Rajahs era, Chinese shop houses, and a long waterfront promenade.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Malaysia
    7. Sarawak
    9. Kuching
    Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak in western Borneo, is a compact city on the Sarawak River, featuring buildings from the White Rajahs era, Chinese shop houses, and a long waterfront promenade. It is the best starting point for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the national parks in western Borneo.In the city: Waterfront, Main Bazaar, Borneo Cultures Museum, Fort MargheritaExcursions: Bako National Park, orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak Cultural VillageTravel time: year-round; most rain falls from November to February

    Sights in Kuching

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Kuching City Mosque

    1Kuching City Mosque

    The City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kuching), also known as the Old State Mosque, stands on a small hill above the Sarawak River at the edge of the Old Town. Its golden main dome is clearly visible from the Waterfront. If you wish to visit it, please be mindful of prayer times and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
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    Fort Margherita (Brooke Gallery)
    Museum

    2Fort Margherita (Brooke Gallery)

    Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah, had this small fort built in 1879 in the style of an English castle on the north bank of the Sarawak River. Today, the Brooke Gallery inside it presents the history of Brooke rule from 1841 to 1946. From the Waterfront, you can cross over by Penambang boat or via the Darul Hana Bridge.
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    Darul Hana Bridge
    Attraction

    3Darul Hana Bridge

    The curved pedestrian bridge over the Sarawak River connects the Waterfront to the north bank, home to the Astana, Fort Margherita, and Malay Kampungs. Evenings, it's a popular spot for river views and the illuminated waterfront.
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    Old Court House
    Attraction

    4Old Court House

    The former Brooke-era courthouse is between Carpenter Street and India Street, on the Waterfront. The renovated complex now houses the Sarawak Tourism Board, cafés, and event spaces. Nearby stand the Charles Brooke Memorial and the Square Tower.
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    City walks in Kuching

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Kuching's Charming Corners: A Discovery Tour Along the Sarawak River

    Discover the soul of Kuching on a two-hour walk along the Sarawak River and through its historic districts. From colonial splendour and lively lanes to spiritual sites, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Cat City. Enjoy picturesque views and charming anecdotes on this relaxed tour.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (7)

    Essen & Trinken

    Hangout Bistro

    Restaurant in Ground Floor.
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    White Rajahs and Many Cultures

    From 1841, Kuching served as the seat of the Brooke family, who ruled Sarawak as White Rajahs until 1946. Dating from this era are Fort Margherita (1879), the Astana on the north bank, now the Governor's residence, and the Old Court House on the waterfront.In the city, Malays, Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh, and other ethnic groups live side-by-side. Malay kampungs are found on the north bank, while Chinese temples and shophouses characterize the south bank. Celebrations include Gawai Dayak, the Dayak harvest festival on June 1st and 2nd, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

    On the road in Kuching

    The center between Waterfront, Main Bazaar, Chinatown, and the Museum Quarter is best explored on foot. Cross the river via the Darul Hana Bridge, or for a small fee, take Penambang boats, which shuttle between the Waterfront and the North Bank from morning until evening.For longer distances, like to the airport or excursion sites, Grab is most practical. A hydrogen-powered public transport system (ART) is under construction; its first line is due earliest late 2026.

    Accommodations in Kuching

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    Nearby

    Sarawak

    Sarawak

    Sarawak in western Borneo is Malaysia's largest state. Here you'll find the Mulu and Niah Caves (both UNESCO-listed), Bako National Park's proboscis monkeys, Semenggoh's semi-wild orangutans, and Iban longhouses. The capital Kuching, on the Sarawak River, is the starting point.
    Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    At the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, about 20 to 25 kilometers south of Kuching, rehabilitated orangutans roam freely in the reserve's forest. Twice daily, rangers offer fruit at a feeding platform; whether and how many animals visit is up to them.Feeding Times: mornings from 9 to 10 AM and afternoons from 3 PM for about half an hourAdmission: 10 RM for foreign adults, 5 RM for childrenNote: Sightings are not guaranteed, especially when the forest offers abundant food
    Bako National Park

    Bako National Park

    The Bako National Park, at the tip of a peninsula north of Kuching, is Sarawak's oldest and a manageable 27 square kilometers. On short hiking trails, you'll spot proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and pitcher plants; along the coast, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs. All just over an hour's journey by bus and boat from Kuching.Tip: Most animals are active early mornings or late afternoonsEquipment: Sturdy shoes and at least two liters of water; paths can be steep and root-filledSwimming: Prohibited at beaches due to saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish
    Sarawak Cultural Village

    Sarawak Cultural Village

    The Sarawak Cultural Village, located at the foot of Gunung Santubong, approximately 35 kilometers north of Kuching, is an open-air museum featuring the traditional houses of Sarawak's main ethnic groups. Twice daily, there is a cultural show with music and dances.Cultural Show: usually at 11:30 AM and 4 PM, approx. 45 minutes; please check current times and admission prices beforehandFestival: The Rainforest World Music Festival takes place here at the end of June
    Batang Ai National Park

    Batang Ai National Park

    The Batang Ai National Park is located approximately 250 kilometers east of Kuching, beside a large reservoir in the interior of Sarawak. Orangutans, gibbons, and hornbills live in the rainforest, and around the lake, Iban live in longhouses, which you can visit on tours.Getting there: a long drive from Kuching to the reservoir, then onwards by longboatTip: Day trips and overnight stays in longhouses can be booked through local tour operators

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI