Planning a little #CutiCutiMalaysia? Bring your family for a memorable trip to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and fall in love. Uncover its rich history and cultural diversity, be charmed by its natural landscapes and indulge in delicious Sarawakian fare, to boot! From family stays to must-visits, here’s our bespoke guide to visiting Kuching!
Content
Wander Around the City – and Beyond
4. Tun Jugah Foundation (Textile, Museum and Galleries)
6. Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC)
7. Altidude Climbing Gym and Kinderplay
Stay and Reset
8. Cove55
13. Vivacity Megamall (Jazz Suites)
Feast on Scrumptious Food
14. Kolo Mee
15. Sarawak Laksa
16. Local Bakeries – Butter buns
17. Icy Desserts
18. Fusion Cafes
Wander Around the City – and Beyond
Sights, sounds, and experiences in a nutshell
1. Borneo Cultures Museum
A massive five-storey building consisting of galleries, function rooms, an auditorium, restaurant and a gift shop, Borneo Cultures Museum is the newest addition to Kuching’s iconic landmarks. Each level in the museum holds a different exhibition theme, and the second level showcases the interactive Children’s Gallery and Arts and Crafts Gallery. Information on admission fees and opening hours of the museum can be found here.
Tip: Explore the area around the complex, and visit the Sarawak Museum or National History Museum, too.
2. Sarawak Cultural Village
Plan a trip to the ‘living-museum’ of Sarawak, the Sarawak Cultural Village. Here, you can learn about and appreciate the local culture of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak through their eyes. Be enchanted by the storytellers sharing Iban and Bidayuh folklore, sape musicians, dancers and handicrafters, stationed at their respective replica traditional homes. Don’t be shy to ask for a photograph together!
End your visit with a seat at their daily cultural show, try blowpipe shooting at the Penan hut, and if you’re feeling hungry, the Restaurant Budaya serves up tasty local cuisine, like daging tepus (beef cooked with wild ginger root), udang tempoyak (fried prawn cooked with durian paste), and manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo).
Tip: Some of the infrastructures at the museum may not be able to accommodate prams and wagons as they are built on stilts, but fret not, as there are ground-level activities, such as playing the gasing (top-spinning) and congkak (Southeast Asian mancala).
Source: Borneo Adventure
3. Bako National Park
Regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s smallest national parks, Bako National Park is a mark of pride for Kuching. It has a diverse ecosystem filled with precious flora and fauna. Enjoy a day outdoors, trek along one of the 16 colour-coded jungle trails (categorised by levels of difficulty), and spot pot-bellied proboscis monkeys, flying lemurs, bearded pigs, and silver leaf monkeys in their natural habitat.
On the moderately-difficult Pandan Kecil beach trail, you will get to manoeuvre through steep cliffs and bays, and stroll along the Pandan Kecil beach, where you can spot the trademark Bako rock formation; identified as sea stacks, due to wave erosion. Definitely a stop for the adventure warriors!
Tip: The Telok Delima trail is considered an easy trail for families – about 2.4km out and back, and taking 44 minutes to complete. Bring along good walking shoes and your own water bottles.
4. Tun Jugah Foundation (Textile, Museum and Galleries)
Tucked away in the city centre, Tun Jugah Foundation (Textile, Museum and Galleries) welcomes visitors from all walks of life and ages. At their weaving gallery, observe how experienced weavers apply traditional methods of Iban weaving to their works – and have a go yourself at the looms, too. This compact but superb museum also exhibits one-of-a-kind beads, ceramics and artifacts, and boasts a collection of more than 500 pieces of pua kumbu (an Iban handwoven sacred blanket for traditional ceremonial use) and other woven textiles.
The foundation is open every Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 12.00pm, and 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Entrance is free.
Tip: It is advisable to drop the foundation an email prior to your visit. Contact the curator/librarian, Ms Janet Rata Noel (janet@tunjugahfoundation.org.my) for bookings or further enquiries regarding your visit.
5. Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Located about 20 kilometres from town, this reserve is the home to a colony of semi-wild orangutans, orphaned or rescued from captivity. The rehabilitation centre has spent numerous years training the orangutans how to live and survive in the wild; making this reserve a success through its initiatives.
During your visit, you will get to meet the orangutans and take part in the morning or afternoon feeding sessions. Fresh produce such as bananas, papayas, coconut, sweet potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs are often prepared and offered to the orangutans. Tickets are only available for purchase at the entrance and it is recommended to hire a driver for this activity, due to its location.
Tip: You are less likely to see many orangutans during the forest fruiting season. This is because there is an abundance of fruits in the forest; so the apes do not roam to get food from the rangers. Follow the centre on their socials to get updates as to the best time to visit.
6. Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC)
Nestled on a hilltop near Kampung Tembawang Sauh in Bau (about 40 kilometres from Kuching) sits Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC). The nature retreat is built 1,000 feet above sea level and is not only picturesque, but also holds great history.
The Bidayuh of the Jagoi-Bratak community who migrated from Mount Sungkong in Kalimantan, Indonesia used to call the area home. Enjoy crisp, fresh mountain air as you hike up from base, and be on the lookout for a waterfall as well. It is RM10 per head for entry and you can view the mini museum and walk along the corridors of the longhouse, while taking photos at the large baruk (Bidayuh traditional round house).
Camping under the stars is also an option here – you just have to secure a spot at their grass site, and enquire with the management as to their facilities and gear rental.
Tip: While you are in the area (Bau town), visit Sirikin Market (open on weekends), Fairy Cave, Tasik Biru (Blue Lake), and Siniawan Old Town Night Market.
7. Altidude Climbing Gym and Kinderplay
Here are some ideas for a rainy day (the holiday must go on!) Take your family for an indoor climb at Altidude Climbing Gym and get those muscles moving. Walk-ins are welcome and gear rental is available for adults and children. Whilst there is guided assistance for younger climbers, parents and carers are encouraged to be hands-on with their children during their session to give that extra boost of confidence and also benefit from the session to bond, learn, and interact.
Love to climb? Klimbzone is also a beginner-friendly climbing gym located close to the city’s airport.
Another family-friendly spot is Kinderplay, based in Saradise (BDC). The play and learn establishment is a lovely place to bring children in early childhood (birth to 8 years old). There is a reading corner, a mini playground, and occasionally, a messy play or themed play programme happening at the foyer. They currently offer drop-off sessions where parents can book a ‘Main-Main’ session for RM20 an hour and get some time for themselves; while little ones get to play in the presence of the child-minders.
Tip: Plan a visit as well to one of Kuching’s newest family-friendly cafes, Mom’s The Boss Kids Cafe, which guarantees a fun-filled time with yummy food!
Stay and Reset
Cosy, chic and accessible places to stay and take a break
8. Cove55
Book a stay at Cove55 and discover a Borneo like no other. It’s a stunning hotel with villas surrounded by greenery and lush mangroves; perfect for spending time together as a family without any distractions. Take your kids to the poolside for some swimming and snacks, and lounge on the daybeds until sunset. Want to explore more of the surrounding areas? Book a tour at the reception and go for day tours to Satang Island or Bako National Park by boat.
9. Permai Rainforest Resort
Think sun, sea, land and lush tropical canopies all in one. Permai Rainforest Resort is an eco-resort situated near the beach with a magnificent view of Mount Santubong. Kayaking, stand-up paddle board (SUP), nature walks, dolphin watching (Irrawaddy dolphins), and snorkelling are some of the activities you can do here with your family. Alternatively, you can unwind at the beach and let your little ones get sun-kissed as they waddle along the rock pools during the low tide.
Tip: Ever wondered how it feels like to sleep in a treehouse and get lulled to sleep by the sound of waves? Experience it here. The eco-resort has accommodation in the form of treehouses or airy villas you can check out if you decide to stay the night.
10. The Ranee Boutique Suites
The Ranee Boutique Suites is a charming 24-room boutique hotel built from two traditional 19th century shophouses. It has been transformed into an opulent stay for guests in the town of Kuching and no room or suite is adorned the same. The hotel has its own all-day dining and bar, meeting room, and in-house tour desk as part of its facilities. Guests can also do a bit of shopping at The Ranee of Sarawak Gift Gallery, where artisanal crafts can be purchased.
11. The Waterfront Hotel
Pick the vibrant Waterfront Hotel as your hotel of choice as its centralised location is hard to beat! This hotel is filled with art installations as it aspires to be a platform for local budding artists, as well as seasoned talents, to showcase their work.
A stone’s throw away from the hotel lobby is the Old Court House; a gorgeous heritage building which has turned into a cafe, restaurant, and bistro. It has access to the Kuching Waterfront Promenade and Darul Hana Bridge, India Street, and Carpenter Street (Old China Town), Main Bazaar (great for souvenir hunting); all of which are wonderful areas waiting to be discovered on foot.
12. Rūme Hotel (Gala City)
Rūme Hotel is a small boutique hotel located within the Gala City area. Although the hotel is fairly new, it has already garnered interest, thanks to its great service and management, contemporary vibes, and premium finishings. Choose to stay here if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet still close by. There is also Rūme Dining, which serves Asian and Western delights and is open for brunch and dinner.
13. Vivacity Megamall (Jazz Suites)
Ah, convenience at its best! Hit the search button on Airbnb for accommodation at Vivacity Megamall Kuching — Jazz Suites. Clean, roomy, and fully furnished apartments located next to the city’s popular megamall makes this a good and fuss-free location for families.
Situated across the megamall is Milan Square, where Attiya Spa Kuching is located. Attiya Spa offers an impressive range of massages and treatments, including a gentle lymphatic massage (under their kids’ spa menu) for children below 10 years of age, as well as pregnancy massages. Reset and book a family room spa experience to build that core memory moment with the squad!
Feast on Scrumptious Food
From sweet to savoury meals, let the tasting begin!
14. Kolo Mee
What is a trip to Kuching without sampling a bowl of kolo mee? Springy, dry egg noodles tossed in savoury shallot oil (sometimes with lard), topped with char siu (barbequed pork), minced pork, spring onions and fried onions for that crunch. Kolo mee comes in a few varieties: light (original, shallot oil), dark (soya sauce) and red (char siu oil).
For non-halal options, savour a bowl at Hon Hin cafe or Oriental Park cafe and for halal options, get your fix at Sepinang Sari Cafe and Restaurant (Mi Sapi Hj Salleh), Cafe Kak Bedah (Jalan Keretapi) or Jajanan Kuching.
15. Sarawak Laksa
The late celebrity chef and TV presenter, Anthony Bourdain once coined the Sarawak Laksa as the ‘Breakfast of the Gods’ when he first tasted it. The prawn-y, spicy, slightly tangy gravy is the liquid gold that binds the dish and its accompanying condiments so well. A classic bowl will have rice vermicelli, shredded chicken meat, egg omelette strips, boiled prawns, beansprouts, a lime wedge with shrimp paste relish and a sprinkle of finely chopped coriander. These days they get fancier: think egg omelette bowl, baby squids, crayfish, lobster, and blood cockles in the lot!
For laksa recommendations by Kuchingites themselves, try: 126 Laksa, Madam Tang’s, Golden Arch Kopitiam (3rd Mile), Sin Chong Choon, Fat Cat Laksa, Cafe Hideout, and Alfred Laksa.
16. Local Bakeries – Butter buns
If you pass by a Mita bakery or Taka Patisserie in town, go in and check out some of their offerings. Butter buns are a thing in Kuching, and the sweet buns are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Those with a sweet tooth will be sure to crave more once they’ve tried this! Soft and fluffy in texture (akin to Japan’s shokupan) with fillings of sugar, butter, and flour. For a classic and traditional take on the buns, go to Abee Buns in Padungan or Gala City, where the freshly baked buns are chewier and less sweet.
17. Icy Desserts
Sweltering hot days call for icy desserts. In Kuching, there are a few go-tos, namely Swee Kang Ais Kacang, Sunny Hill Ice-Cream, Gula Apong Aiskrim and Cocopuri (dairy-free and vegan).
When at Swee Kang, order local favourites, such as the refreshing ‘Matterhorn’ (lime juice with pineapple chunks, longan, jellies, cendol jelly and shaved ice) or the milky-sweet ‘White Lady’ (evaporated milk, jellies, fresh fruits, syrup, shaved ice and a slice of lemon). Besides serving desserts, Swee Kang also serves dishes like bihun belacan (vermicelli with shrimp paste gravy) — potent in taste and smell, and undoubtedly an acquired taste for the adventurous.
18. Fusion Cafes
Places like Wonderboom and Kantin (The Granary) serve innovative brunch and dinner spreads, like the ‘Selamat Pagi’ nasi lemak crepe, candied croissant nurungji (taking a leaf from Korea’s scorched rice dish), kacangma (motherwort) alfredo pasta and ‘Rainforest Fried Rice’ (pounded cassava leaf fried rice) respectively. Don’t miss out on Wonderboom’s smoothie bowls; they’re sure to be a hit with the kids!
19. Local Dishes and Seafood
Driven by the mission to preserve Sarawak’s heritage and culture through cooking and love for local ingredients, Lepau Restaurant has stood the test of time. The restaurant has a pork-free menu and they serve authentic nuba laya (soft hot rice wrapped in leaves), stir-fry midin (jungle ferns), tempoyak (fermented durian), and umai (fish/prawn ceviche) amongst the many local dishes available.
Another place to try local cuisine is Pinggai Cafe. ‘Pinggai’ in Iban means plate, and one can be sure that what’s on their plate at Pinggai is sure to taste divine. Their manok pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo) and dayak char siu (barbequed pork) are delicious pairings with their nasi goreng dabai (local olive fried rice).
Fans of seafood? Take your family to Topspot for an open-air dining experience or The Reef, if you prefer to dine indoors and in the comfort of some air-conditioning.
Tip: Keen to join a culinary tour? Book a stay at Telang Usan Hotel and join their ‘Flavours of Kuching – A Culinary Exploration’ tour that will take you around town to sample the city’s signature dishes. Don’t forget to book a dinner (or two!) at Awah Cafe for exquisite Bidayuh food served in a casual setting.
By Amanda Sura
Amanda is a freelance writer, aspiring businesswoman, and mother of two. She’s a proud Sarawakian who hails from Kuching. Apart from writing, she loves mixing natural body scrubs and foot soaks with her business partner for their small business, Suravont.
Photos are taken from the respective brands’ websites, press releases, and social media pages. For more details and prices, please contact the restaurants, hotels, tour guides, and stores respectively. Watch this space, as we’ll be updating this list with more must-sees and dos!
