It is always exciting to embark on an adventure to a new city or town. This is because you could learn about new cultures and traditions and see many interesting sights for the first time. Here is a guide on the dates of the Sarawak Public Holiday 2023 to help you plan your trip.
If you have chosen Kuching as your next travel destination, add these 10 best things to do in Kuching to your travel itinerary and enjoy yourself to the fullest with your friends and loved ones while on your well-deserved vacation in Kuching.
Why Is Kuching a Must-Visit Destination?
Kuching is a must-visit destination because it is attractive to many tourists. While at Kuching, you can meet the Orangutans at the Matang Wildlife Centre and satisfy your curiosity about Kuching at the Cat Museum. Aside from that, you can also learn about culture and heritage at the Kampung Budaya Sarawak.
How Did Kuching Earn Its Name?
The name Kuching was thought to come from the Malay word kucing, meaning cat. Many of the locals refer to Kuching as the “Cat City”, but it more likely comes from the Chinese word for port, “cochin”, coupled with the Malay name “mata kucing” for the longan fruit, a popular trade item during that time.
Who Was the Founder of Kuching?
Kuching was founded in 1839 by Sir James Brooke, who also founded the Brooke Raj and became ruler of Sarawak. He also built the city’s first European-style house on the jungled southern bank of the muddy, crocodile-infested Sarawak River, 15 miles from the South China Sea.
10 Best Things To Do in Kuching 2023
1. Experience the Natural Beauty of Bako National Park
Bako National Park offers its visitors a rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, majestic waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, secluded white sandy beaches, and challenging trekking trails. It is undeniable that Bako National Park is one of the very few places in the world filled with so much natural beauty, all just 37 km away from Kuching.
Address: Bako National Park, Kuching. Sarawak
Phone No: 011-6572 9229
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057404681373
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bakonationalpark/?hl=en
Check Info On Website Check Info On Klook2. Meet Orangutans At Matang Wildlife Centre
The Matang Wildlife Centre is not a zoo. It is a dedicated centre where endangered species like orangutans are rehabilitated and released into the forest. Most orangutans were confiscated from members of the public, who illegally kept them as pets, and must be taught how to fend for themselves before being released into the wild. While being educated, they remain at the centre, enabling visitors to get close to animals.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm daily
Address: Matang Wildlife Centre, Kampung Rayu, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 011-6572 9228
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php
Refer Info On Website3. Satisfy Your Curiousity About Kuching At the Cat Museum
The Cat Museum is the World’s first Cat Museum devoted to all things feline. Over 4000 feline art, souvenirs, exhibits, and photographs are spread across four galleries. These collections were brought to Kuching City by the Sarawak Museum and displayed for the first time on 1st August 1988 at the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak. The museum is family-friendly; children can learn more about cats and enjoy stories about how Kuching earned its name.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Address: Cat Museum, Petra Jaya, Sarawak., Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 082-512 200
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Google Reviews: Here
Website Info4. Learn About Culture & Heritage At Kampung Budaya Sarawak
Kampung Budaya Sarawak, also known as Sarawak Cultural Village, is a living museum that spans 17 acres of land and is located across from Damai Beach Resort. Here, you can learn about the local culture and lifestyle of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak and how the different tribes live harmoniously amongst each other. There is an informative virtual tour of all ethnic houses, a treasure hunt game for children, stamp collections to enjoy discounts at the village, and scheduled performances such as the cultural show.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Address: Kampung Budaya Sarawak, Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 082-846 108
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarawakCulturalVillageOFFICIAL/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarawakcv/
View website View Klook5. Admire the Picturesque Kuching City Mosque
The Kuching City Mosque is a beautiful sight to behold. The mosque’s architecture was formulated in the 1960s and featured a main central onion-shaped dome of Mughal influence. The central onion-shaped dome is made of lightweight metal in golden yellow colour that is used to indicate the main prayer hall. The large onion-shaped dome is also used to express the importance or grandeur of the structure of the monument.
Operating Hours: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Address: Kuching City Mosque, 332, Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, Kampung No3, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 010-662 2029
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Google Reviews: Here
View website6. Take a Picture At the Waterfall At Kubah National Park
Kubah National Park is a national park in Kuching District, Sarawak, Malaysia, located 20 km from the city centre. The National Park’s rainforest houses a variety of animals, some of the species that live there are bearded pigs, the mouse deer, black hornbills and many species of reptiles and amphibians. Furthermore, the 93 species of palm trees also add to the park’s aesthetics.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Address: Kubah National Park, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 082-845 033
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kubahnpsfc/
View website7. Go Back in Time Through the Sarawak Museum
The Sarawak Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo. The museum was founded in 1888 and opened in 1891 in a purpose-built building in Kuching, Sarawak. The museum’s ground floor holds the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna. On the other hand, the first floor has exhibits of ethnographic artefacts of the indigenous peoples, such as models of the various types of longhouses, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats and more.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 4:45 pm (Monday – Friday)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Weekends)
Address: Sarawak Museum, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 082-548 181
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jabatanmuziumsarawak
View website8. Visit Brooke Gallery At Fort Margherita
The Brooke Gallery tells the story of one of the greatest kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its ‘White Rajahs’. The displays focus on the people, places and events that have shaped the state. They take us on a journey through a century of the ‘White Rajah’ rule that began in September 1841 and ended in July 1946 with Sarawak’s annexation as a British Crown Colony.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm daily
Address: The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, Fort Margherita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrookegallery/
View website9. Enjoy a Walk At Kuching Waterfront After a Hearty Meal
The Kuching Waterfront lines the south bank of the Sarawak River. It is a place to sample the city’s cosmopolitan vibes. During the day, it offers visitors scenic views of Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river. The best time to enjoy the Waterfront is after sunset when the vibrant nightlife takes over the esplanade. Overall, it is a social hub for locals of all ages, as there is always something for everyone to do at the Kuching Waterfront.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Kuching Waterfront, Waterfronts, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 017-356 1980
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Google Reviews: Here
View website10. Take a Photograph with the Cat Statue Before Leaving Kuching
The cat statue is located in Kuching, China Town, opposite Padungan Road near the city centre. Sitting at the crossing is a sculpture of a family of cats standing proud. Many tourists love taking pictures or selfies with the cats. After taking photographs, you can take a leisure walk along the main road and stop for excellent food or coffee at one of the local cafes.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Cat Statue, Kuching, Sarawak., Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
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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.
