Kuching: Cat City of Borneo
About Kuching
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is a charming riverside city known as the "Cat City" (from the Malay word 'kucing'). This cultural melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Dayak communities offers visitors a unique blend of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and access to Borneo's famous rainforests and wildlife.
History & White Rajahs
Kuching's modern history began in 1841 when the Sultan of Brunei ceded Sarawak to British adventurer James Brooke, who became the first White Rajah. The Brooke dynasty ruled Sarawak as an independent kingdom until 1946.
Key historical aspects:
- Brooke Era (1841-1946): Unique European-Asian hybrid architecture developed
- Japanese Occupation (1941-1945): Strategic Borneo base during WWII
- Post-War: Became capital of British Crown Colony of Sarawak
- 1963: Joined Malaysia as part of Sarawak state
Notable historical sites include:
- The Astana: Former palace of the White Rajahs
- Fort Margherita: 1879 Brooke-era fortress
- Sarawak Museum: One of Southeast Asia's finest colonial museums
Top Attractions in Kuching
Location: Damai, 35km from Kuching
Highlights: Living museum showcasing traditional longhouses of Sarawak's ethnic groups (Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu etc.) with cultural performances
Hours: 9am-5pm daily | Entry: RM60 (foreign adults)
Location: 37km northeast (via boat from Kampung Bako)
Highlights: Sarawak's oldest national park with proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and spectacular sea stacks. Over 16 color-coded jungle trails.
Hours: 8am-5pm | Entry: RM20 + boat RM40-60 return
Location: Along Sarawak River
Highlights: Beautiful promenade with views of Astana and Fort Margherita, evening food stalls, and traditional tambang boat rides
Best Time: Early morning or after 5pm when temperatures cool
Location: 24km south
Highlights: Orangutan rehabilitation center with daily feedings (9am & 3pm). Best chance to see semi-wild orangutans in Sarawak.
Hours: 8am-5pm | Entry: RM10
Location: Chinatown area
Highlights: Historic shophouses selling Borneo handicrafts, antiques, and pepper products. Excellent for souvenir hunting.
Hours: 9am-6pm daily
Markets & Bazaars
Location: Satok, Jalan Matang
Highlights: Massive weekend market selling jungle produce, handicrafts, and local foods. Try Sarawak specialties like midin fern and umai.
Hours: Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon
Location: Jalan Padungan (rooftop)
Highlights: Famous seafood market with fresh catches cooked to order. Must-try: butter prawns, black pepper crab.
Hours: 5pm-11pm daily
Location: DBKU Building, Bukit Siol
Highlights: Quirky collection of 4,000+ feline artifacts celebrating Kuching's cat connection
Hours: 9am-5pm daily | Entry: RM3
Recommended Tours
Half-Day Tours (4-5 hours)
- Kuching Heritage Walk - Colonial buildings, Chinese temples & waterfront (RM120)
- Sarawak Laksa Cooking Class - Morning market visit & cooking lesson (RM150)
- Evening River Cruise - Sunset Sarawak River cruise with dinner (RM100)
Full-Day Excursions
- Bako National Park - Jungle trekking & wildlife spotting (RM250 including boat)
- Annah Rais Longhouse - Visit Bidayuh tribal village with bamboo bridge (RM180)
- Santubong Wildlife Cruise - Proboscis monkeys & Irrawaddy dolphins (RM200)
- Borneo Highlands - Cool mountain retreat near Kalimantan border (RM300)
Multi-Day Adventures
- Batang Ai Iban Longhouse - 2D1N authentic Iban cultural experience (RM600)
- Gunung Gading National Park - Rafflesia flower trek & beach stay (2D1N RM450)
Recommended Accommodation
Location: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Features: 5-star with best river views, rooftop pool, and walking distance to attractions
Price: From RM350/night
Location: Riverside near Main Bazaar
Features: Reliable international chain with excellent service
Price: From RM280/night
Location: Jalan Abell
Features: Chic design hotel with rooftop café near Chinatown
Price: From RM180/night
Location: Jalan Temple
Features: Converted shophouse with authentic Borneo vibe
Price: From RM120/night
Transfer Services from Kuching
Private car transfers to major destinations (prices per person):
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damai Beach | 35km | 45 mins | $50 |
| Semenggoh Nature Reserve | 24km | 30 mins | $40 |
| Bau (Fairy Cave) | 42km | 1 hour | $60 |
| Serian (border town) | 65km | 1.5 hours | $80 |
| Sibu (by road) | 190km | 3.5 hours | $130 |
| Miri (flight recommended) | 650km | 1.5 hour flight | $200 (airport transfer only) |