Kuching
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Riverside promenade along the Sarawak River
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Try street food
- Free to walk
📷 Photos
- 2
Modern building with a distinctive umbrella roof
3 tips
- Exterior views
- Cross by boat
- Best at dusk
📷 Photos
- 3
White Brooke-era fort on the north bank
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Take a boat across
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
- 4
Museum of Borneo culture and natural history
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Check reopening hours
- Allow two hours
📷 Photos
- 5
Historic shophouse street with crafts and antiques
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bargain politely
- Try local snacks
📷 Photos
- 6
Rehabilitation centre for orangutans
3 tips
- Arrive for feeding times
- Be quiet
- Keep a distance from animals
📷 Photos
- 7
Rainforest park with proboscis monkeys and beaches
3 tips
- Take a boat from Bako Market
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Watch your food from monkeys
📷 Photos
- 8
Living museum of Sarawak ethnic longhouses
3 tips
- Visit for the cultural show
- Allow half a day
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 9
Quirky museum devoted to cats
3 tips
- Short visit
- Small entry fee
- Check opening hours
📷 Photos
- 10
Old Chinese temple near the waterfront
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Respect worshippers
- Free to visit
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Kuching tips
Transportation
- Use Grab: The Grab app is the easiest way to get around Kuching and out to the airport, with upfront fares and no haggling.
- Cross by sampan: Small river boats ferry passengers across the Sarawak River from the Waterfront to the north bank, a quick and scenic ride.
- Combine bus and boat to Bako: Reach Bako National Park by bus or car to Bako village, then take a boat to the park headquarters.
Security
- Relax in a safe city: Kuching is calm and friendly; normal precautions such as watching bags in crowded markets are usually enough.
- Mind wildlife at Bako: Macaques at Bako are bold and will snatch food and bags, so keep snacks hidden and do not feed them.
- Check tides for boats: Boat trips to Bako depend on tides and sea conditions, so confirm your return time with the boatman before leaving.
Saving
- Eat at kopitiams: Local coffee shops serve breakfast bowls of Sarawak laksa and kolo mee for far less than hotel restaurants.
- Walk the Waterfront: The riverside promenade, Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street are free to explore and full of heritage shophouses.
- Visit Semenggoh independently: Getting to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre by bus or shared ride is cheaper than a tour to see semi-wild orangutans.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect year-round heat: Kuching is hot and humid all year; wear light, breathable clothes and drink plenty of water.
- Prepare for monsoon rain: The wettest months are roughly November to February, with heavy downpours; carry an umbrella or poncho.
- Pack jungle gear: For Bako and other parks bring quick-dry clothing, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Cultural
- Try Sarawak laksa: This spicy, coconut and sambal broth with prawns and vermicelli is a beloved breakfast dish in Kuching.
- Respect longhouse customs: If you visit a Dayak longhouse, remove shoes, ask before photographing people and accept offers of food politely.
- Dress modestly at mosques: When visiting mosques such as the riverside Floating Mosque, cover arms and legs and remove shoes.
Local Hacks
- Time Semenggoh visits: Orangutans are most often seen at the scheduled feeding sessions, so check times and arrive a little early.
- Eat seafood at Top Spot: This rooftop hawker centre is packed with seafood stalls where you pick fresh fish and shellfish to be cooked.
- Go to the Sunday market: The weekend Satok market sells jungle produce, local snacks and crafts, best visited early in the morning.
1-day itineraries in Kuching
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.