Cat city of Sarawak with orangutans and longhouse culture
Updated
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo along the banks of the Sarawak River. The city's name literally means "cat" in Malay, and this feline identity is celebrated everywhere - from the iconic cat statues along the waterfront to the Kuching Cat Museum, the only museum of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Kuching is in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, about 980 km east of Kuala Lumpur in a straight line. Its coordinates are 1.5535° N, 110.3593° E.
| Best time to visit | April to September (drier season, Rainforest World Music Festival in June/July) |
|---|---|
| Daily budget | US$25-120 per day |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
| Nearest airport | KCH (IATA code) |
| Language | Malay (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 |
| Population | 700,000 |
Entry rules vary by passport. Check our Southeast Asia visa requirements guide.
Where to stay
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With a population of around 700,000, Kuching is a relaxed, walkable city that serves as the gateway to Borneo's extraordinary rainforests, wildlife, and indigenous cultures.
Kuching's history is unlike any other city in Malaysia. From 1841 to 1946, Sarawak was governed by the Brooke family, known as the White Rajahs - the only European dynasty to rule an Asian kingdom as personal sovereigns. Their legacy is visible in landmarks like the Astana, the riverside palace built by Charles Brooke as a wedding gift for his wife Margaret in 1870, and Fort Margherita, a defensive fortress overlooking the Sarawak River. The city's Main Bazaar, possibly the oldest street in Kuching, still houses antique shops selling Dayak headhunting artifacts, tribal beadwork, and Iban pua kumbu textiles.
The surrounding region offers world-class nature experiences. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, just 24 kilometres from the city centre, is one of the best places on earth to observe semi-wild orangutans during twice-daily feeding sessions. Bako National Park, Sarawak's oldest, is a 40-minute boat ride from the city and is home to the endemic proboscis monkey, along with pitcher plants, mangrove forests, and secluded beaches. The Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong is a living museum showcasing the traditional longhouses and customs of seven indigenous ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu.
Kuching's food scene reflects its multicultural character. Sarawak laksa - a coconut-milk-based noodle soup with prawns, chicken, and sambal belacan - is entirely different from Peninsular Malaysia's laksa varieties and has been called the best breakfast in the world by the late Anthony Bourdain. Kolo mee (springy egg noodles with pork and shallot oil), manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), and umai (a raw fish salad from the Melanau people) are other distinctive local dishes. Budget travellers can eat and stay comfortably in Kuching for USD 25-50 per day, while mid-range visitors should budget USD 60-120. The city's top hotels and Damai Beach resorts range from USD 80-200 per night.
When to go
Kuching sits on the Sarawak River on the northwest coast of Borneo, hot and humid year-round. The drier season from April to September is the best time - less rain for the national parks and orangutan feeding, and the famous Rainforest World Music Festival falls in June/July. October to March is wetter, though Borneo's rainforest gets rain year-round; the wettest months are November-February, when rivers can rise and trails get muddy.
Attractions
Kuching (“Cat City”) is the most charming capital in Borneo - a relaxed riverside town of colonial shophouses, cat statues and museums, and the gateway to orangutans, caves and some of the oldest rainforest on earth. Plan 3-4 days to do the city and a national park.
See semi-wild orangutans swing in to the feeding platforms in their forest reserve - a well-run rehabilitation centre and one of the best orangutan encounters in the world. Go for the morning or afternoon feeding.
Entry ~RM10 ($2.30); 30 min from the centre; sightings not guaranteed (the apes roam free).
Sarawak's oldest and most accessible park - reached only by boat - with proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, wild beaches, sea stacks and jungle trails. The classic Kuching day-trip (or overnight in park lodges).
Park entry + boat ~RM50-100 ($11-23); ~1 hr to the boat jetty.
The leafy riverside promenade is Kuching's heart - cross the river on a tiny tambang boat (a few cents), see the colonial Astana and Fort Margherita, and watch the sunset from a waterfront café.
The excellent new Borneo Cultures Museum (one of Asia's best) and the Old Courthouse complex tell the story of Sarawak's White Rajahs and indigenous cultures. Allow half a day.
A living-museum of traditional longhouses from Sarawak's many ethnic groups, near Mount Santubong - and the stage for the world-famous Rainforest World Music Festival each June/July.
For deeper immersion, take a multi-day trip upriver to an Iban or Bidayuh longhouse - sleep, eat and learn the ways of Borneo's indigenous communities. A genuine, unforgettable adventure.
Transport
Kuching International Airport (KCH) links Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brunei and beyond. The city is compact and walkable along the river.
From Kuching, explore Sarawak's parks and longhouses, fly to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, or cross into Brunei on the great Borneo loop.
Accommodation
Kuching has great-value riverside and city hotels - among the best-value accommodation in Borneo.
Boutique hotels and guesthouses along the Sarawak River - walk to the markets, museums, cat statues and nightlife.
Modern hotels near the cafés, bars and street art of Padungan - the foodie quarter.
For Bako or the longhouse regions, basic park lodges and community homestays put you inside the rainforest.
Friendly hostels from ~RM30-60 ($7-14)/night near the waterfront, with tour-booking desks.
Food & drink
Sarawak's food is distinct from Peninsular Malaysia - Malay, Chinese and indigenous influences with dishes found nowhere else.
Sarawak laksa - the iconic spicy-coconut prawn-and-chicken noodle soup, the must-try. Kolo mee - springy egg noodles with minced pork. Midin - a local wild fern stir-fried with belacan. Ayam pansuh - chicken cooked in bamboo, an indigenous Iban dish.
Plan your trip
Most Western passport holders get 90 days visa-free for Malaysia. The currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR); English is widely spoken. Sarawak has its own immigration - keep your arrival card. The rainforest is wild - bring sturdy shoes, rain gear, strong repellent and leech socks for park trails, and respect indigenous communities and wildlife.
Ready to plan a route? Pair Kuching with the Borneo loop to Brunei and Kota Kinabalu, or fly on to the rest of Malaysia.
Hotel search
Kuching, Malaysia
The Hilton Kuching is the city's premier international five-star hotel, located on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman within walking distance of Hills Shopping Mall and the Kuching Waterfront. The 315-room property features an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and multiple dining venues including a Cantonese fine dining restaurant. River-view rooms offer panoramic views of the Sarawak River and the Astana.
The Riverside Majestic is Kuching's landmark five-star hotel, positioned directly on the Sarawak River waterfront beside the Riverside Shopping Complex. The 513-room Puteri Wing offers panoramic river views, an outdoor pool, and multiple dining options including Chinese, Thai, and international cuisines. Its central waterfront location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's heritage district and Main Bazaar.
The Pullman Kuching is a 389-room upscale hotel located at Interhill Place, within walking distance of Riverside Shopping Complex and Tun Jugah Shopping Center. The property features a full-service spa, outdoor pool, jetted bathtubs in select rooms, and the Puzzle restaurant. It is a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers seeking international-standard accommodation in the city centre.
Damai Beach Resort sits on the shores of Damai Beach at the foot of Mount Santubong, 35 km from Kuching city centre. The 234-room resort is steps from the Sarawak Cultural Village and offers a swimming pool, beach access, and the Cafe Satang restaurant. It is the most established beach resort in the Kuching area and popular with families and nature enthusiasts looking to combine beach time with rainforest excursions.
Permai Rainforest Resort offers a unique eco-accommodation experience with rustic tree houses and log cabins nestled in the rainforest at Pantai Damai Santubong, near the Sarawak Cultural Village. The resort has an outdoor pool, beachfront Feeding Tree restaurant, and activities including jungle trekking, kayaking, and island hopping. It is the top choice for travellers wanting an immersive Borneo rainforest stay close to Kuching.
DeHome Boutique Hotel is a highly rated 88-room boutique property on Jalan Sekama, within a short drive of the Kuching Waterfront and Vivacity Megamall. It consistently earns praise for its clean, modern rooms, friendly staff, and excellent value. The Dorset Cafe serves international cuisine, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
The LimeTree Hotel is a 50-room eco-friendly boutique hotel on Abell Road, committed to environmental sustainability with a distinctive lime-themed concept. The hotel features the LimeLight Rooftop Lounge with views over the Sarawak River, Cafe Sublime serving local cuisine, and modern rooms with rain showers and laminated flooring. It is a 8-to-10-minute walk from the Kuching Waterfront and Padungan food street.
The Village House is a boutique retreat at the foot of Mount Santubong in Santubong Village, surrounded by rainforest and near Damai Beach. The property features an infinity pool, lush gardens, and a restaurant serving local cuisine, with a tranquil atmosphere. It is approximately 3 km from the Sarawak Cultural Village and ideal for travellers seeking a nature-focused stay outside the city.
Sarawak's first international hotel, the Grand Margherita is a 274-room four-star property in the heart of Kuching's shopping and financial district on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, multiple dining venues including the Orchid Garden Coffee House and Meisan Restaurant, and free parking. It sits within easy walking distance of the Kuching Waterfront and Main Bazaar heritage area.
The Merdeka Palace is a 209-room four-star hotel on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, steps from the Sarawak Museum and within walking distance of the Chinese History Museum and Plaza Merdeka. The hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and six dining options including the award-winning Ristorante Beccari. It opened in 1998 and remains a solid mid-range option with a heritage feel.
Harbour View Hotel is a 243-room property strategically located at the Kuching Waterfront, steps from the Tua Pek Kong temple and Chinese History Museum. The hotel offers LCD televisions, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, along with a restaurant, coffee shop, and 24-hour room service. Its waterfront location and competitive pricing make it a reliable three-star option in the heart of the heritage district.
Hock Lee Hotel & Residences occupies two towers in the Hock Lee Centre on Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim, offering 273 rooms and apartments within five minutes of Kuching's Central Business District. Tower A houses hotel rooms and suites while Tower B offers longer-stay apartments. The property features a swimming pool, exercise facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Abell Hotel is an 80-room property on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, within a short walk of the Riverside Shopping Complex and Tun Jugah Shopping Center. The hotel is praised for its clean rooms, friendly staff, and central location. Breakfast is included and the hotel is a five-minute drive from the Kuching Waterfront.
Tune Hotel Waterfront is a budget-friendly 120-room hotel on Jalan Borneo, within a 10-minute walk of the Kuching Waterfront and Riverside Shopping Complex. Rooms are compact but clean, with LCD TVs, rainfall showers, and free Wi-Fi. With a location that punches above its price point, it is one of Kuching's best-value waterfront-area stays.
Kuching Waterfront Lodge occupies a refurbished heritage building at No. 15 Main Bazaar, possibly the oldest commercial street in Kuching. Decorated in Colonial, Nyonya, and Baba style, the guesthouse offers rooms with private bathrooms, free parking, and a balcony overlooking the Sarawak River. With a location steeped in White Rajah-era history, it is the most characterful budget stay in the city.
Woodpecker Lodge is a 34-room budget guesthouse on Chan Chin Ann Street, centrally located within a four-minute drive of the Kuching Waterfront and close to Tun Jugah Shopping Center. The lodge offers free Wi-Fi, river-view rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and free use of laundry facilities. It provides an affordable base for backpackers and budget travellers exploring the city.
Nature · 3-4 hours
Visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, 24 km south of Kuching, to observe semi-wild orangutans during their twice-daily feeding sessions at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The centre has been rehabilitating rescued and orphaned orangutans since 1975, and currently cares for 31 semi-wild individuals who roam freely in the surrounding rainforest.
Nature · Full day
Explore Sarawak's oldest national park, established in 1957, accessible by a 40-minute boat ride from Bako village. The park is home to proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, wild boar, pitcher plants, and mangrove forests. Multiple trails range from short coastal walks to full-day jungle treks leading to secluded beaches and dramatic sea stacks.
Culture · 3-4 hours
Experience the cultures of Sarawak's seven indigenous ethnic groups at this living museum at the foot of Mount Santubong. The village features authentically constructed traditional longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese communities, with cultural performances, craft demonstrations, and interactive exhibits throughout the day.
Culture · 1-2 hours
Stroll along the 1-km Kuching Waterfront promenade on the south bank of the Sarawak River, Malaysia's first waterfront development opened in 1993. The walk passes colonial-era landmarks, the Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly), traditional tambang boat crossings, food stalls, and views of the Astana and Fort Margherita on the opposite bank.
Shopping · 1-2 hours
Explore Main Bazaar, possibly the oldest street in Kuching, lined with pre-war shophouses now housing antique shops, souvenir stores, and art galleries. Browse Dayak headhunting artifacts, Iban pua kumbu textiles, tribal beadwork, and Sarawakian handicrafts. The street runs parallel to the waterfront from the Tua Pek Kong temple to the Round Tower.
Culture · 1-2 hours
Visit the world's first and only cat museum, perched on a hilltop at the Kuching North City Hall. The museum houses over 4,000 cat-related exhibits spanning art, history, and culture from ancient Egypt to modern pop culture. As Kuching's name means 'cat' in Malay, this quirky attraction celebrates the city's feline identity with artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
Culture · Half day
Visit one of the last remaining Bidayuh longhouses at Annah Rais, 65 km south of Kuching. This living community of bamboo-constructed longhouses connected by elevated walkways offers a window into traditional headhunting culture, bamboo cooking, and communal longhouse living. Guides explain the significance of skull houses and traditional ceremonies.
History · 2-3 hours
Explore the Sarawak Museum, one of the finest museums in Southeast Asia, founded in 1891 by Charles Brooke, the Second White Rajah. The museum's Borneo Cultures Gallery in the new wing houses extensive ethnographic collections covering the indigenous peoples of Borneo, including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu artefacts, traditional costumes, and reconstructed longhouse interiors.
History · 1-2 hours
Cross the Sarawak River by tambang boat to visit Fort Margherita, a white fortress built by Charles Brooke in 1879 to defend against piracy. The fort now houses the Brooke Gallery, which tells the extraordinary story of the White Rajahs - the Brooke family who ruled Sarawak as private sovereigns from 1841 to 1946, the only European dynasty to hold an Asian kingdom.
Nature · Half day
Explore the Wind Cave and Fairy Cave, two vast limestone cave systems near the town of Bau, approximately 45 minutes from Kuching. Wind Cave features underground streams and millions of bats, while Fairy Cave is a towering cathedral-like chamber filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a skylight that illuminates the interior. Both are accessible via well-maintained paths and boardwalks.
Food · 2-3 hours
Sample Kuching's signature dish at the city's best laksa spots. Sarawak laksa is a unique coconut-milk-based noodle soup with prawns, shredded chicken, omelette strips, bean sprouts, and sambal belacan - a recipe entirely distinct from Peninsular Malaysia's versions. Top stalls include Chong Choon Cafe, Mom's Laksa, and the hawker centres on Carpenter Street.
Nature · Half day
Visit Kubah National Park, a 2,230-hectare rainforest reserve 22 km from Kuching known for its remarkable concentration of palms and orchids. Adjacent to the park, the Matang Wildlife Centre rehabilitates orangutans, sun bears, and hornbills in a quieter setting than Semenggoh. Night walks at Kubah reveal some of Borneo's rarest amphibians and insects.
Gateway to Singapore with growing food and arts scene.
Gateway to Mount Kinabalu and Borneo wildlife.
Historic trading port with Peranakan heritage and Jonker Street.
Twin towers, diverse food scene, and cultural melting pot.
Cool hill station with tea plantations and strawberry farms.
Limestone caves, street art, and famous white coffee.
Where to stayHotels in Kuching