The flight from Singapore lands at 4.45pm and by 5 you're at the waterfront. That's how compact Kuching is. The city sits on the Sarawak River, and its riverside walk is the best place to start. There are plenty of things to do in Kuching, from cat statues to jungle parks. Evenings bring out the food stalls and the weekend light show, so don't plan to sleep early.
- Where to stay
- Close to the riverfront
- Perfect for
- Families and nature lovers
- Don't miss
- The waterfront at night
Things I'd tell a friend
Three quick tips I picked up in Kuching.
Getting around takes negotiation
Taxis in Kuching are overpriced and you'll have to negotiate every fare. The airport taxi is coupon-based and costs RM26, which is the best deal I found.
Source · Checked after my trips
Eat at the waterfront stalls
In the evening, food stalls open along the riverfront. You can get local dishes for around a dollar and cold beer while watching the sunset.
Source · Tried it myself
Start early for orangutans
The 9am feeding at Semenggoh gives you the best shot at seeing orangutans, and the weather is cooler. The 3pm feeding is hot and less reliable.
Source · From my time there
Kuching Waterfront
The Sarawak River runs through the middle of Kuching, and the best city walks are on its banks.
- Riverside walks on both sides
- Evening food stalls and restaurants
- Weekend light show over the river
- Sunset point at the far end
Start at the riverfront in the evening. The heat drops, the humidity eases, and the stalls open up. Locals come out for walks, and the state legislative building lights up across the water. If you're here on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, catch the 15-minute light show at 8.30pm, 9.30pm, or 10.30pm. Walk to the far end opposite the open-air market for the best sunset view. You can also take a small boat across the river for RM1 per person - it's a quick way to see the waterfront from the other side.
Weekend light show schedule
The light show runs Fridays to Sundays at 8.30, 9.30, and 10.30pm. Each show lasts 15 minutes.
Boat crossing for a different view
Small passenger boats cross the river for RM1 per person. It takes a couple of minutes and gives you a different angle on the waterfront.
Central location
The waterfront is at the center of Kuching. From the airport, it's a 15-minute drive. Most hotels are within walking distance.
Come back at night for the light show - it's worth staying up for.
Staying close to the riverfront puts you in walking distance of the waterfront and most other city attractions.
The Limetree Hotel, Kuching
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 2 restaurants
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Puteri Wing - Riverside Majestic Hotel
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Cat Museum
If you're a cat lover, this is the place to be. It's a quirky collection of cat everything.
- Free entry, but camera costs RM4
- 30 to 60 minutes is enough
- Cat souvenirs from RM10
- Views over the city from the building
It's not a serious museum - it's a room packed with cat sculptures, posters, and figurines. You can see it all in half an hour to an hour. Entry is free, but they charge RM4 for a camera. The souvenirs are cheap, around RM10 for a handful. It's on the outskirts, so give yourself time to get there.
Free entry but bring cash
Entry is free, and the museum is open until 5pm daily. A camera costs RM4, so keep some ringgit handy.
Skip the camera to save RM4
You can use your phone for photos. The camera fee is only for dedicated cameras, so leave it at home and keep your money.
Taxi from the center
The museum is on the outskirts. A taxi from central Kuching costs around RM60 return including waiting time.
Bring cash for the camera fee and souvenirs.
Stay in the city center and take a short taxi ride out to the Cat Museum.
Merdeka Guest House 2
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Best chance to see orangutans in Borneo without a long jungle trek.
- Feeding times at 9am and 3pm
- Entry costs RM10
- Orangutans are semi-wild
- Low season can mean no sightings
Semenggoh is a wildlife centre where orangutans roam free. They're called semi-wild because they're fed at fixed times but can otherwise live in the forest. The feedings are at 9am and 3pm. Entry costs RM10. During low season, sightings aren't guaranteed and you may wait an hour. Rangers are friendly and share stories about each orangutan.
Entry and feeding times
Entry is RM10 per person. Feeding happens at 9am and 3pm, and those are the best windows to see orangutans.
Low season can disappoint
During fruiting season, orangutans may skip the feeding entirely. Be prepared to wait quietly for an hour and still see nothing.
Combine with the Cultural Village
Many visitors hire a taxi for a full day to see Semenggoh and Sarawak Cultural Village together. The drive is about 40 minutes from the city.
Show up before 9am to beat the heat and the crowds.
Sarawak Cultural Village
A half-day look at Sarawak's ethnic houses and traditions, set in the jungle.
- Longhouses, Chinese farmhouse, Malay house
- Two 45-minute cultural shows daily
- RM60 per adult, free for under 6
- 40 minute drive from the city
This open-air museum sits about 40 minutes from the city. You'll see traditional longhouses, a Chinese farmhouse, and a Malay house. Each one has someone explaining the culture, and many houses show traditional activities like food making or instrument playing. There are two 45-minute dance shows every day. Admission is RM60 per adult and free for under 6s. The setting is a jungle with a lake-a cool, pretty place to walk around.
Entry prices and shows
Admission is RM60 per adult, free for children under 6. Cultural shows run twice a day, each lasting 45 minutes.
Drive from the city
The village is about a 40-minute drive from the Kuching riverfront. Hiring a taxi to wait costs around RM150.
Combine with Semenggoh
Since both are on the same side of the city, a full-day taxi can cover Semenggoh in the morning and the Cultural Village after lunch.
Have your taxi wait, otherwise you'll struggle to get back.
Bako National Park
This park is the top spot for hiking and the best place to see proboscis monkeys.
- Highest density of proboscis monkeys
- Jungle hikes and guided night hikes
- See bearded pigs
- Jungle lodges inside the park
Bako is the place for hikers and wildlife fans. It has the highest density of proboscis monkeys in Borneo, plus bearded pigs and many birds. The trails are hot and humid, so pack water and sunscreen. There are guided night hikes to see nocturnal animals. You can also stay overnight in jungle lodges. The sunsets on the beach are dramatic.
Hot and humid, pack essentials
The weather is hot and wet. Bring rain gear, insect repellent, and plenty of water for the hikes.
Take the guided night hike
A night walk is your best chance to see nocturnal animals that hide during the day.
Start your hike early to keep cool and see more wildlife.
Fort Margherita
A fort built in 1879 to guard Kuching from pirates.
- Built in 1879
- Accessible by river crossing
- Canon shot marked end of workday
- History of Kuching
Built in 1879, this fort guarded Kuching from pirates coming up the river. A cannon shot from the fort marked the end of each workday. You reach it by taking a boat across the Sarawak River from the waterfront. It's a quick crossing and gives you a good dose of Kuching's history.
Boat crossing from the waterfront
The fort is across the Sarawak River. Small boats cross from the waterfront for a couple of ringgit and a few minutes.
Understand the history
The fort was built specifically to defend against pirate attacks. A canon shot used to signal the end of each workday.
Cross the river early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Stay on the waterfront side and you'll be a short boat ride away from the fort.
Hilton Kuching Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Wonderful Breakfast
Harbour View Hotel
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What is the best time to see orangutans at Semenggoh?
Feeding times are at 9am and 3pm. The morning is cooler and more reliable, while the afternoon gets hot and sightings are less certain.
Is the Cat Museum free?
Yes, entry is free, but a camera costs RM4. Souvenirs are an extra cost, with prices starting around RM10 for a handful.
How do you get to Fort Margherita?
Take a small boat across the Sarawak River from the waterfront. The crossing takes only a couple of minutes.
What should you not miss at the waterfront?
The weekend light show and the sunset at the far end. The light show runs Fridays to Sundays at 8.30, 9.30, and 10.30pm.
