Things to do in Kuching: 10 Things You Can’t Miss

Our East Malaysian states, like Sabah and Sarawak, are often overlooked whenever we want to travel. In line with the recently launched Visit Malaysia Campaign 2026, I travelled to the famous ‘City of Cats’, Kuching, in Sarawak.

I’m aware that planning a trip is a lot for most of you, so while planning mine, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you travel to Kuching easily.

With abundant nature, such as orangutans, beautiful culture, and delicious food, I don’t want you to miss out on the must-do things in Kuching.

Hopefully, this guide will be helpful when planning things to do in Kuching!

How do you get to and around Kuching?

Getting to Kuching is relatively easy. Many carriers operating out of Kuala Lumpur will fly you straight to Kuching. Since Kuching’s airport is international, you can fly quickly from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Once you arrive, how do you get around Kuching? I recommend travelling by car. Luckily, services like Grab can help you get around quickly.

However, if you travel in a larger group, I recommend renting a car instead. Many online booking options exist, or you can rent a car at the Kuching airport upon arrival.

This should cost around RM80-RM100 per day, depending on the model and number of days you book.

How long should I spend in Kuching?

There isn’t a golden rule of thumb; it depends on what you seek to do. Spending 3-5 days in Kuching should allow you to see a little of everything.

But if you have the luxury of time, a more extended trip can allow you to explore many other natural spots that might be a little further from Kuching and, therefore, harder to squeeze into a shorter trip.

Nature Spots to Explore in Kuching

1. Bako National Park

If nature is really what you wish to experience, then Bako National Park is one of the things you must do in Kuching.

Not only will you see wildlife like pangolins, proboscis monkeys, and others roaming around, but Bako National Park also features beautiful beaches, rocks, and cliff formations, as it is located on the coastline.

You can only reach the park by road and by boat! The good news is your search for wildlife does not mean you have to go deep into the jungle. Most animals are easily spotted close to the park’s headquarters.

It takes an hour to reach the park from Kuching town, so plan your day accordingly if you want to see it. Otherwise, you can also opt for an overnight stay.

Although guides are unnecessary to enjoy Bako National Park, booking one will provide more interesting facts and stories.

2. Kuching Wetlands National Park

Fancy a river cruise instead of hiking? Going to Kuching Wetlands National Park is one of the things to do in Kuching.

The Kuching Wetlands National Park, surrounded by various streams, rivers, and creeks, is home to 6,610 hectares of sturdy mangroves, heath forests, and fascinating wildlife.

Beautiful birds, silver leaf monkeys, and crocodiles will be seen as expected. But the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin is the most interesting animal to see here!

These dolphins are more active during the day, so take the river cruise in the morning instead of the evening. The park is also popular for its romantic sunsets.

3. Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Would it be complete if you didn’t see orangutans on this trip? I don’t think so!

My favourite nature spot has got to be the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, thanks to the adorable, orange-haired orangutans!

Semenggoh Nature Reserve aims to rehabilitate and release back animals into the wild. It offers feeding station encounters that attract semi-wild orangutans and allows you to view them in a natural setting.

The feeding hours are between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. However, you must still hike for approximately 30 minutes to reach the feeding station from the entrance.

This will also allow you to enjoy all the fauna of the nature reserve while hiking. However, buggy services are available at the entrance for a fee if you do not want to hike.

Explore Kuching’s Culture

1. Anna Rais Longhouse

Another thing to do in Kuching is to visit their famous longhouses. In Kuching, you will find many Bidayuh villages with longhouses, although only a few remain.

For many tribes in Sarawak, a longhouse is a communal dwelling where several families live under one roof. It is usually built of wood and bamboo and is often elevated from the ground.

The Anna Rais Longhouse is an excellent option for a visit. Since the locals still use it as their home, you will have an immersive experience chatting with them in their homes.

Although hiring a guide is not a must, I highly recommend it. You will gain many more insights into the daily life and culture of the Bidayuh people.

2. Sarawak Cultural Village

If time is a concern, head to Sarawak Cultural Village instead. Here, you will learn about all the tribes that originate from Sarawak.

Often described as a living museum, this virtual tour features replicas of traditional buildings throughout Sarawak.

There are also daily cultural shows at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. This living museum is set in a 17-hectare garden, so be prepared to walk a lot.

3. Fort Margherita

Built in 1879, Fort Margherita was built by Sir Charles Brooke, who named it after his wife, Renee Margaret.

The fort’s architecture emulates an English castle and was built to enhance Kuching as the capital city. The fort was also used as a defence fort and had a prison back in the day.

Today, it houses the Brooke Gallery, which tells the story of the White Rajahs who used to rule Sarawak during the British era.

The journey to this Fort is highly unique. You can take a boat from Kuching’s waterfront promenade for just RM1 to make it enjoyable.

Alternatively, to appreciate Kuching’s beauty, you can stroll on the Darul Hana Bridge, which is only 3.25 metres long and has a viewing deck.

Bonus tips: The best time to take the boat to see For Margherita is between April and December when the river is less choppy. Many locals also suggest visiting during the Gawai festivals.

4. Bonus: Rainforest World Music Festival

If you plan to visit Kuching in July or August, one of the top things to do is attend the Rainforest World Music Festival.

This three-day event features numerous artists worldwide, workshops, performances, art and craft shops and displays, and even local food visitors can enjoy.

The Sape, a traditional string instrument local to Sarawak, is played here. Get your tickets early to enjoy discounted prices.

Although the event lasts three days, you can also attend for just one day, which I highly recommend.

What to eat in Kuching?

What is a trip without enjoying some local cuisine? One thing to do is try local dishes, which are hard to come by, especially in West Malaysia. Let’s look at some of the must-eat food:

1. Kek Lapis

Don’t confuse kuih lapis with kek lapis. Kek lapis is layered like kuih lapis, but that’s where their similarities end.

Kek lapis Sarawak is a much more colourful and intricate cake with layers that form beautiful complex patterns.

You will find geometric patterns in multiple colours when you slice the cake. Various flavours are available, like pandan flavour, chocolate and even red velvet, to name a few.

They also make a great gift to be brought back for friends and family and best had with a piping hot cup of tea!

2. Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak laksa is nothing like the laksa you get up north or south in Malaysia. This bowl of goodness is made with sambal belacan, tamarind, and lemongrass and is served with chicken and prawns.

The thick and creamy broth can be enjoyed any time of the day, so you are lucky to have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

The famous Anthony Bourdain’s favourite is from Choon Hui Cafe, located in the central area of Kuching. The wait might be extended, but it is worthwhile!

3. Kolo Mee (Non-Halal)

Kolo mee is another local dish from Kuching. This bowl of noodles is served dry with a sauce but topped with onion oil, minced pork, char siew, and spring onions.

You may also find kolo mee served with a side of wantons or a bowl of soup. Although kolo mee is originally non-halal, the Muslim crowd in Kuching has created their version so everyone can enjoy it.

For the halal version, pork is often substituted with duck meat or marinated and barbequed chicken slices.

A famous halal spot worth checking out is Muhammad Lim Cafe’s kolo mee, similar to the original dish!

Other Things To Do You Cannot Miss in Kuching

1. Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street

The Kuching Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street are must-sees in Kuching, especially for those who love shopping.

The main bazaar is where you get beautiful local handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect to take home. Carpenter Street, on the other hand, is rich in history with its colonial-style shophouses.

These streets are also historical thanks to all the ‘old businesses’ still thriving today, such as Chinese medicine counters, carpenters, clock shops, and even coffin sellers!

Don’t forget to visit the few temples on the same street as the Hong San Si and Tua Pek Kong temples.

2. Museums

History lovers, unite! It seems like Kuching has a little something for everyone, indeed.

If you’re a museum junkie, then Kuching has many pretty fascinating museums.

The Sarawak Museum, the oldest museum in Borneo, should be one of the things to do when in Kuching. It features many stories and artefacts about the indigenous people of Sarawak and is one of the best places to learn about them in depth.

The Cat Museum, on the other hand, offers a playful and celebratory experience which celebrates ‘Kucing’ as Sarawak’s official icon.

You can also explore Sarawak’s Textile Museum, which showcases the traditional way of weaving baskets and mats. Each pattern, representing the 28 different groups that live in Sarawak, will differ from the next.

Tips to Travel in Kuching

In preparation for your trip to Kuching, here are a few things to remember before visiting:

• Weather: It is usually hot all year, but there is occasional rain. It is handy to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case.
• Visit during festivals: Hari Gawai is usually celebrated in June, and the Rainforest World Music Festival occurs from June to July. Plan your trip around these festivals.
• Respect their customs: Because there are so many indigenous tribes, the locals follow many local customs. Make sure to respect them.
• Pack for an adventure: If you plan to hike nature trails, bring insect repellent, a hat, and breathable, light clothing. Good shoes are also a must!
• Start your day early: Since it gets pretty hot, start your day early, as you are more likely to see all the wildlife on an early morning excursion than on a later one.

Conclusion

There are so many exciting things to do in Kuching. Whether you love nature or explore new cultures, it truly has everything.

All the places I’ve listed have their charm, each allowing you to see Kuching through different lenses. It has taught me to slow down and cherish the experience of the local Indigenous cultures and to savour the little moments like watching the dolphins and enjoying delicious local food.

With so many things to do, Kuching is worth exploring. I hope this information is useful when you plan your trip there. Happy travelling!