The name of the city, Kuching, is thought to come from the Malay word kucing, meaning cat. but it may be that it is derived from the Chinese word for a port (“cochin”) coupled with the Malay name mata kucing (cat’s-eye) for the longan fruit, a popular trade item.
Aside from Penang and Ipoh, Kuching can be considered one of the best food capitals in Malaysia. Tourists flock to Kuching just to sample the local delicacies, including the aromatic Bamboo Chicken, delicious Kolo Mee, and the famous Sarawak Layer Cake.
What activities can you do in Kuching?
There are countless activities to do in Kuching, such as hiking up Mount Santubong, visiting the Kuching Mosque, exploring the Sarawak Cultural Village, and also admiring nature’s wonders at Bako National Park. During the evening, travelers can have a relaxing stroll along the Kuching Waterfront.
Kuching is generally a safe city with low crime rates, however, tourists should not walk alone at night. It is advisable to use registered taxis and to be careful not to leave valuables such as cameras and smartphones unattended.
8 Best Staycations in Kuching
1. Cove 55
The Cove 55 was originally built as a holiday home for an Iban family, the sprawling villa was restored and reborn as a relaxing retreat to include 13 rooms, two suites, and one villa. What is unique about this retreat is the dining at Chef’s Garden, an organic kitchen where the team of chefs would pick plants and fragrant herbs daily from their garden to create fresh and flavourful dishes. After a satisfying meal, guests can lounge at the Cove Bar, while enjoying a cocktail right next to the infinity pool.
Address: Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah, Santubong, 93010 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://cove55.com/
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2. The Waterfront Hotel
The Waterfront Hotel is located at the top of Plaza Merdeka Shopping Center, in the heart of Kuching City. Guests can dine on local and western food at the Café Via Mare while enjoying the best view of the Sarawak River and several majestic buildings across the River, including the Astana, Fort Margherita, and the State Assembly Building. Guests can visit ZAPATOS the lounge and relax as the latest pop songs play, along with the occasional jazzy number.
Address: 68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://thewaterfrontkuching.com/
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3. Hilton Kuching
The Hilton Kuching is located in central Kuching, next to the Sarawak River. The Kuching International Airport is just a 10km drive away. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor pool, sun terrace, and fitness center. The Makan Kitchen serves buffet-style international dishes and also local dishes such as the Pansoh Manuk (bamboo chicken with fragrant rice) accompanied by local tuak rice wine. Try the buttered prawns or fern fried with garlic at the Toh Yuen restaurant or eat paninis and sandwiches or cakes, including the local kuih lapis at The Koffee. At night, unwind at Matang Terrace with a cocktail or enjoy a light and healthy snack.
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kuchitw-hilton-kuching
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4. Citadines Uplands Kuching
The Citadines Uplands Kuching is located across the road from The Spring Shopping Mall. This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The rooms are fully air-conditioned and have a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a kitchenette. The bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer and shower facilities. Other facilities at the property include meeting rooms and babysitting services. The nearest airport is the Kuching International Airport which is only 8km away from the property.
Address: 55, Q5A, Kampung Kenyalang Park, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://citadinesuplandskuching.com-malaysia.com/
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5. Grand Margherita Hotel
The Grand Margherita Hotel is Sarawak’s first international hotel and has 288 comfortable rooms. The hotel is located amid Kuching’s shopping and financial district. Behind the hotel is the 1.7km stretch of scenic Kuching Waterfront where many locals and tourists alike walk or stroll while enjoying the scenic view. The main restaurant at the hotel, the Orchid Garden Coffee House serves both continental and local delicacies, whereas the Meisan Restaurant serves the freshest seafood. There is also the Rajang Lobby Lounge for guests to relax with light music and cocktails.
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://www.grandmargherita.com/
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6. Pullman Kuching
The Pullman Kuching aims to create a 5-star luxury and comfortable atmosphere for vacationers and businessmen alike. The hotel offers 389 contemporary, spacious, and comfortable rooms. It also has a variety of dining options to choose from, namely, the all-day dining restaurant Puzzle, authentic Chinese restaurant Nu Er Hong, delicious snacks at the poolside Liquid bar as well as the Déjà vu bar & lounge which serves all types of drinks and snacks.
Address: 1A, Jalan Mathies, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://www.pullmankuching.com/
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7. Riverside Majestic Hotel – Astana Wing
The Riverside Majestic Hotel – Astana Wing is strategically located within the heart of Kuching’s business, entertainment, dining, and shopping district and is a 20-minute drive away from the Kuching International Airport. Guests can choose their rooms according to their preferences and the rooms available are the Superior & Deluxe twin or king, Club Superior, Club Deluxe, and Apartment Suites. What makes this hotel great is that it is within walking distance of some of the city’s major tourist attractions such as the Kuching Waterfront and the Chinese Museum.
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: http://riversidemajestic.com/
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8. Imperial Hotel Kuching
The Imperial Hotel Kuching is a 4-star business class hotel that is located above the Boulevard Shopping Mall and adjoins the Imperial Suites. The hotel has 325 guest rooms & suites including 2 Executive floors. It is only a mere 5-minutes drive away from the Kuching International Airport (KIA) and 10-minutes from the city’s central business district.
Address: Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli, Taman Seng Goon, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak
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Website: https://www.imperialhotelkuching.com.my/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
