8 best things to do in Kuching for nature, culture and food

It’s no surprise that many local and international tourists have Kuching, Sarawak in their travel wish lists— it’s the most populated city of the biggest state in Malaysia. Home to an abundance of historical sights and dense rainforests, there’s so much to do here! Whether you want a jam-packed trip filled with exciting activities, or a chill holiday where you get to explore at your own pace, this guide will have something for you. 

Much like the rest of the country, the best way to get around town is by car. If you want to explore Kuching on your own, we highly recommend renting a car, especially if you’re travelling in a group.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in traditional Sarawakian culture, we suggest visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village, also known as Kampung Budaya Sarawak. Here, you can learn about the different ethnic groups of Sarawak through riveting storytelling, replica buildings, performances, and more. 

One of the most interesting things you can explore are the traditional houses of the Sarawakian people. From longhouses and huts, to traditional musical instruments and costumes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can even find a restaurant and gift shop here. 

Opening hours: 9AM - 5PM (Daily)

Once in a while, it’s good to take a break from city life to surround yourself with nature. At Bako National Park, you’ll find yourself enveloped in lush green trees and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. While you’re there, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the park’s biggest stars— the proboscis monkeys.

The way you explore Sarawak’s oldest national park is entirely up to you; there are over 10 trails for you to choose from, ranging from beginner-friendly to 3 hour hikes. Your effort will be worth it though, as these trails lead to secluded beaches, swamps, and cliffs overlooking said beaches.

It’s best to allocate a full day to visiting the park, as it's a 30 to 40 minute drive from Kuching, on top of the 20 minute boat ride to get into the park itself. Unsure of how to go about it? Check out this Bako National Park with Sea Stack Formation Day Tour to make your trip a little less stressful!

A trip to Carpenter Street in Kuching is like travelling back in time. Kopitiams, antiques, and traditional handicrafts line the street, each shop a different chapter in Sarawak's story. Carpenter Street is attached to Ewe Hai Street, one of the city’s oldest roads, where the culture is rich and the history even richer.

You can come here to nibble on local snacks and buy souvenirs, but a simple stroll is more than enough to capture the city’s charm. There’s so much to see and experience here, including Chinese houses from the 19th century, Chinese temples, and local cuisine. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothes while exploring!

How often do you get to tell your family and friends that you saw dolphins? If your answer is never, you can’t miss out on this Dolphin Watching Mangrove Cruise! This cruise will bring you through the mangroves of Sarawak where you might just catch glimpses of crocodiles and birds in their natural habitat. 

The sounds of nature and the cool breeze blowing through your hair might make you want to sit back and relax, but don’t— well, just not yet. Keep your eyes peeled and your phone on standby for the Irrawaddy dolphins. You’ll see them gliding through the glistening waters, playful and elegant as ever. 

If you were to place all the characteristics of the different ethnicities of Malaysia in a Venn diagram, food would be at the very heart of it.  Food is so deeply ingrained in our culture that “dah makan?” (have you eaten?) has become its own greeting and in many cases, a subtle display of affection. 

Kubah Ria Complex is a one-stop destination for foodies. Not only does the complex sit close to the Sarawak River, it also plays host to over 44 food stalls. Diners can find some many local favourites here: kolo mee, Sarawak laksa, kek lapis, and many more. This complex even has a variety of retail shops that offer things like handicrafts and textiles.

Operating hours: 10AM - 10PM (Daily)

Nestled in the very centre of Kuching, the Borneo Cultures Museum stands proudly with 5 floors of artefacts representing Sarawak’s traditional heritage.  This place is great for the whole family, as they have a children’s gallery with interactive exhibitions. The museum also features an exhibition highlighting the relationship between local communities and the environment.

Other than that, you’ll get to learn about the history of Sarawak through archaeological discoveries and art.  

Opening hours: 9AM - 4:45PM (Monday - Friday), 9:30AM - 4:30PM (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays)

Initially built to guard the city from being attacked by pirates, Fort Margherita is now one of Kuching’s most recognisable landmarks. Fort Margherita gets its name from Renee Margaret, Charles Brooke’s wife.

Now, the fort houses a historical museum called The Brooke Gallery, detailing Sarawak’s past during the Brooke era. From the top floor, you’ll get a scenic view of the Sarawak River as well as the city.  

Opening hours: 9AM - 4:45PM (Monday - Friday), 10AM - 4PM (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays)

After all that learning and exploring, what better way to end your trip than with a river cruise? Watch the sun paint the sky with hues of orange and red as the boat makes its way down the river with the Sarawak Royal Kuching Cruise.

For the best view, make your way up to the upper deck where you’ll get to see the city from a completely different perspective. Don’t forget to take some photos and enjoy the live performance before the sun fully sets! Once it does though, you’ll be greeted with Kuching’s sparkling night lights that bring the city back to life.