Top 10 Things to Do in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia and Why

Situated on the Sarawak River on the island of Borneo, Kuching is considered as the most populous city in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. Because of the numerous tourist attractions surrounding the city, Kuching has become one of the most significant commercial and industrial centers in East Malaysia.

From cultural sites, historical landmarks, entertainment and recreational spots, there is an extensive list of the best things to do in Kuching. For this reason, thousands of tourists visiting in Borneo and Sarawak would take their time to visit the city.

Let us check 10 of the top things to do in Kuching that will make your stay in the city fun and exciting.

1. Explore Bako National Park

If you are going to ask the locals what they think are the best things to do in Kuching, exploring Bako National Park might be on the top of their list. Since 1957, Bako National Park has been providing quality attractions and fun activities to visitors. With a broad range of vegetation, mangrove forests, many rare probosci’s monkeys, and other wildlife, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Bako National Park’s list of activities includes jungle trekking, overnight camping, and forest walk. The white sand beaches bordered by sandstone cliffs and limestones in between jungle treks are also great places to relax.

2. Travel Back To The Brooke Dynasty At Fort Margherita

Constructed in 1879, this English-castle style fort is a notable landmark along the Sarawak River and among the best places to visit in Kuching for locals and tourists. Its newest attraction is the Brooke Gallery that was open to the public in September 2016. The Gallery exhibits a collection of preserved artifacts, artworks, and documents from the White Rajah’s time.

Just a reminder, you might be asked to present some form of ID as the fort’s location is within the police training barracks.

3. Sarawak Museum Tour

To learn how diverse the culture of Sarawak is, one of the best things to do is to tour around the Sarawak State Museum. The museum exhibits a variety of ethnographic artifacts of the indigenous people in Borneo including their musical instruments, handicrafts, longhouses, and more. It also displays a collection of specimens of mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife in Sarawak.

The museum’s rare and unusual artifacts would give you a glimpse of the old Sarawak’s way of life and what it has to offer.

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact: +60 82-244 249
Website: http://www.museum.sarawak.gov.my/

4. Caving And Rock Climbing At Fairy Cave

If you love rock climbing and caving, visiting the Fairy Cave should not be missed out on your itinerary. Located 45 minutes away from Kuching, it is among the most visited destinations for tourists who stay in Kuching. Its name is taken from a stalagmite structure found at the cave’s entrance that resembles a Chinese deity. To explore its beauty, you have to take the concrete steps and follow its path to avoid damaging the cave’s delicate ecosystem.

The cave is surrounded by several limestone mountains that make it possible for rock climbing activities. It has eight cave walls with eight climbs in different levels of difficulties which attract rock climbing enthusiasts.After exploring the Fairy Cave, you might want to proceed to the Wind Cave for another caving adventure.

5. River Cruise At Kuching Wetland National Park

Due to its mesmerizing ecosystem and wildlife viewing opportunities, this tourist destination in Kuching has been attracting thousands of nature lovers since its announcement as a national park in 2012. Upon riding the cruise, you will be able to spot rare species of monkeys as well as crocodiles and butterflies along the mangrove-covered river. The river cruise might also include a tour of Malay fishing village or Irrawaddy dolphin searching at Santubong and Salak River.

You must coordinate with tour operators to arrange your river cruise schedule.

6. Relax At Damai Central

If you are looking for an all-in-one destination where you can relax and enjoy at the same time, Damai Central is the perfect place for you. Overlooking the South China Sea, this magnificent beachfront resort provides visitors all their recreational and relaxation needs. Their list of facilities includes coffee shops, art galleries, convenience stores, amphitheaters, courtyard lawns, bazaars, and more.

You can also join different activities they offer such as kayaking, cycling, trekking, bicycle tour, kite making, and sunset cruise.

7. Walk Around Friendship Park

Also included on the list of popular attractions in Kuching is the Malaysia-China Friendship Park. It is usually flocked by locals and tourists who are looking for jogging and exercise venue. It is fun to walk around this huge human-made park and discover its beautiful features including human-made pond and lake, walking tracks, wall murals, and more.

While walking around, you can spot groups of friends and families hanging out, couples having prenup photo shoots, and individuals jogging and exercising.

Address: Tabuan Heights, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact: +60 82-419 982

8. Visit Cat Museum

For cat lovers, a visit to this museum would be one of the most memorable travel experience. Located on the ground floor of Kuching North City Hall, the museum has four galleries which contain a huge collection of artifacts and paintings related to cats. They also display a mummified cat from ancient Egypt and wild cat species found in Borneo.

Address: Bangunan DBKU, Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact: +60 82-446 688

9. Night Stroll At Kuching Waterfront

If you are staying in Kuching for days, you will surely love to experience the best things to do at night in this beautiful city. An evening stroll at Kuching Waterfront to enjoy the city’s stunning nightlife is a must-do.

Kuching Waterfront is the most popular hang-out place in the city where entertainment facilities, food stalls, beautiful landscapes and wooden benches are easily accessed from the area. You can watch live shows, meet friends or just simply breathe some fresh air.

10. Shop For Souvenirs At Main Bazaar

Located next to the Kuching Waterfront, Main Bazaar is the best place for tourists to buy souvenirs before going home. Numerous shops are lined up along the street where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs at reasonable rates. You can also find wood carvings and other ethnic collections.

That goes our list of the top 10 things to do while in the beautiful city of Kuching.

Either you are going for business or holiday trip; you surely would not miss the fun and excitement Kuching has to offer.

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