16 Oct TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN KUCHING, BORNEO
Kuching, rich and known for its rich cultural heritage and being the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. Here are our top 5 things to do in Kuching.
Kuching, is often called the “Cat City” with Kuching being the Malay word for cats.
Top five things to do in Kuching
Kuching is surrounded by rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries, but is also home to people from different backgrounds, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities like the Iban and Bidayuh, it’s a place where various traditions and lifestyles come together. This mix is seen in the city’s festivals, food, and architecture, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. If you visit Kuching this year, make sure to add these five things to do.
Discover the Sarawak River
Relax and take a moment to see the city from another angle. Normally you will pay around RM70 (15 euros) per person when you do a tour via an agency where you share a big boat with at least 15 people. Tip » take a small taxi boat where the locals travel with. First of all, it’s a lot more affordable – RM 40 (7 euro) for two people! Secondly, you will get a lot more inside info and you will have the boat all for yourself! You will have to negotiate a little bit, but this trip takes about 1.5 hours and the locals are lovely. Take a breath and enjoy the calm river while sipping a cold refreshing beer.
Find the best hotels near the river here.
Explore the Sarawak Cultural Village
Immerse yourself in Borneo’s diverse indigenous cultures through interactive exhibits, traditional performances, and authentic longhouses. Bring enough water, sunscreen and if heat isn’t your thing, bring an umbrella for shade. Book your tour online here.
Shop at Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street
Find traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies while exploring Kuching’s vibrant old town atmosphere. Don’t expect anything fancy, Kuching will give you a local experience, but that’s the charm of this Asian city! TIP: check out Kuching’s street art of the talented Lithuanian painter Ernest Zacharovic, famous for his interactive street art in different countries – most famous for his street art in Penang. You can find most works next to the open air market and India street.
Climb Mount Santubong
If you’re up for something a little active in Kuching, you will love this 4 hour hike up to Mount Suntubong. Prepare your hike and arrive at the start point before 9am, otherwise you won’t be allowed to start (the park opens at 7am). You have to turn around at 1 pm No matter if you reached the summit or not. The beginning is quite easy, but it get more challenging after F7. The expected time is 1,5h to the lookout and then another 2,5h to the top. There are some ladders, you may cross some water, and there is some climbing involved – a nice little challenge!
Visit Bako National Park
Another great nature escape is Bako National Park, where you can see Malaysian wildlife such as the famous Proboscis monkeys, but also snakes, wild boars and flying lemurs! If you book a daytrip, you will start the adventure with a boat trip from Bako village that takes about 20 minutes. If you want to make the most out of your visit, you can stay overnight, but know that accommodations are basic, and you’re best to book a private room for about 70 dollar. There will be monkeys outside, so don’t leave anything unlocked, they will come and steal your food. If you stay the night, it gives you the opportunity to book a night walk, which most nature lovers say is the highlight.
TIP: arrive early, because it can get extremely humid and hot from about noon. Also, bring cash with you, as there is no ATM.
Enjoy your time in Kuching, and drop any questions below!
Wander-Lust
Related posts
No Comments