Kuching Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Kuching Things To Do

The capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Kuching is one of the most popular destinations in this tropical country. Visiting here means a chance to encounter one of the most welcoming cities in Asia.

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Kuching is a city that hums by the rhythms of the local river. The Sarawak River offers a view of the city from below while towering skyscrapers let any traveler see it from far above.

From the River

Take a city tour. Most take several hours and cover the city’s major attractions. A Sarawak river cruise brings you on the river directly. This is where you can you can see the elaborate State Mosque and lots of small villages that dot the local landscape. You can pick from a larger boat with lots of people or charter a traditional boat called a tambang. The tambang is a small, working boat with a covered deck. For a small fee, you can negotiate with the owner for a trip along the river for an hour or so. This can be particularly delightful at sunset when you’ll see the city reflected in the waters.

The Waterfront

Popular with locals and travelers alike, the waterfront historically served as a place to transport goods from all over Malaysia. Today, it’s a fun haunt with landscaped park areas and food stalls everywhere. This is where you’ll find important local places like the Sarawak Steamship Building and Chinese History Museum. Enjoy a lunch from one of the local food stalls. The waterfront is a fun place to visit at night as well. It is well lit and considered safe. Tour the Sarawak Steamship Building to get a firsthand look at the shipping industry here. Today, boats still ply the regional waters so you’ll probably see some working ships as you walk along the area.

Chinese Influence in the City

China is an important trading partner today and many Chinese people have chosen to make their home here. The Chinese History Museum is free. You can see the regional history of the Chinese in Kuching. For other glimpses into Chinese life in the city, you can visit the very colorful Tua Pek Kong Temple. This is Kuching’s oldest Buddhist temple and still remains in use. The regional Chinatown is well worth a visit with lots of crafts and things to eat.

Museums and Other Attractions

The Sarawak Museum brings the history of the city and the state to life in front of you. Another very popular museum is the Cat Museum. Kuching actually means cat in the regional Malay language. The Cat Museum is in the North City Hall. It has over 200 exhibits about cats from all over the world. Felines are adored here so you’ll see them everywhere including several cat statues at the center of the city.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Kuching Things To Do & Attractions & Must See
• Kuching Shopping & Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips
• Kuching Transportation & Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Kuching.