Kuching Charm
Mariana Silva
| 17-08-2026

· Travel team
Hi, Lykkers! Kuching is the capital and largest city of Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
Often called the “City of Cats,” it is known for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, riverside attractions, and access to Sarawak's natural destinations.
The city combines a relaxed atmosphere with a rich mix of Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Chinese, and Melanau influences.
Kuching Waterfront
Kuching Waterfront is one of the city's most popular public spaces. Stretching about 1.5 kilometers along the southern bank of the Sarawak River, it offers walking paths, food stalls, cafés, and views of several important landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the riverside scenery while exploring the historic center of Kuching.
Entrance fee: Free.
The waterfront is especially enjoyable in the late afternoon and evening, when visitors can walk along the river and see the illuminated cityscape.
Darul Hana Bridge
The Darul Hana Bridge is an S-shaped pedestrian bridge crossing the Sarawak River. Opened in 2017, it connects the Kuching Waterfront on the southern bank with the northern side of the river, where landmarks including the Astana and Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building can be seen.
The bridge is illuminated at night and is a popular spot for evening walks and photography.
Entrance fee: Free.
Borneo Cultures Museum
The Borneo Cultures Museum is one of Kuching's major cultural attractions. Located in the city center, the five-story museum presents the cultural and natural heritage of Sarawak and Borneo through galleries, artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia exhibits.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM on weekdays and 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends and public holidays. The official tourism page directs visitors to the Sarawak Museums website for current admission information, so it is better to check the latest ticket rate before visiting rather than use an unverified price.
Chinese History Museum
Located along Kuching Waterfront, the Chinese History Museum explores the history and contributions of Sarawak's Chinese communities. The museum is housed in a historic building dating from 1912 and features exhibitions related to migration, traditions, culture, and community life.
Entrance fee: Free.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM from Monday to Friday and is closed on public holidays.
Sarawak Cultural Village
Located near Damai Beach, the Sarawak Cultural Village is known as a “living museum.” It introduces visitors to the traditions of several Sarawak ethnic groups through traditional houses, cultural performances, handicrafts, and interactive activities.
The village is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For international visitors, the current admission prices listed by Sarawak Tourism Board are:
Walk-in: RM155 adults and RM95 children
Online: RM135 adults and RM85 children
Walk-in with lunch: RM188 adults and RM128 children
Online with lunch: RM168 adults and RM118 children
Local Food
Food is an important part of the Kuching experience. Visitors can try Sarawak specialties such as Sarawak laksa and kolo mee, along with a wide selection of local dishes at markets, food stalls, cafés, and restaurants around the city. Kuching's multicultural character is also reflected in its diverse culinary scene.
Best Time to Visit
Kuching has a tropical climate, with temperatures generally around 23°C to 32°C. Sarawak Tourism Board lists June to September as a favorable period for visiting Kuching. However, rain can occur throughout the year, so carrying light rain protection is useful.
For walking around the waterfront, late afternoon and evening can be particularly enjoyable because the weather is more comfortable and the riverside atmosphere becomes livelier.
Travel Tips
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring Kuching's waterfront, heritage streets, and markets. It is also useful to carry some cash because smaller food stalls and local shops may not always accept cards. Visitors should dress respectfully when entering places of worship and follow local customs.
Kuching Sawarak, Malaysia
Final Thoughts
Kuching offers an appealing combination of riverside scenery, cultural heritage, museums, local cuisine, and access to Sarawak's natural attractions. From the free Kuching Waterfront and Darul Hana Bridge to the immersive Sarawak Cultural Village, the city provides plenty of ways to discover the character and diversity of Borneo.