Where is Kuching? Kuching is the capital of the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It’s mostly known as a jumping off point to see endangered species in the wild. Oftentimes, travellers will skip visiting Kuching and will go straight to the jungle to start their adventures in Borneo. But, after spending nearly a week in this quaint city, I can safely say there’s plenty of things to do in Kuching to make your stay worthwhile.

To be completely honest, Kuching isn't the most vibrant city. However, it does hold a special kind of appeal. Among other attributes, it’s unusually clean, perfectly safe and pleasantly walkable. Having said that, I believe Kuching’s biggest attribute is its ethnic and cultural diversity.

This diversity transpires on many different levels including the people of Kuching, the diversity of food, the different languages spoken, the presence of various religions as well as the contrasting architectural styles.

Most of the population in Sarawak are Dayak, the native people of Borneo. Dayaks derive from as many as 30 different tribes and speak different dialects. The Chinese arrived during the 6th century and are the second largest ethnic group in Sarawak. And, because this is Malaysia, Malays are also part of the cultural landscape of Kuching. It’s quite a fascinating region!

Without further ado, here’s a list of the top things to do in Kuching, Sarawak!

TOP THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIAN BORNEO

1. TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE KUCHING ESPLANADE

One of the top things to do in Kuching is to take a stroll along the Kuching Esplanade. Locals love hanging out on the esplanade thanks to its favourable location along the milky green Sarawak River. It gets especially lively at sunset when all sorts of food stalls, ice cream vendors and aspiring buskers line the esplanade.

You might even get to see a sampan (traditional boat) lazily floating along the river.

The Kuching Esplanade is a great place to mingle with locals and to take in the atmosphere!

2. ATTEND A FREE CONCERT AT THE WATERFRONT AMPHITHEATRE

If you’re visiting Kuching on a weekend then make sure to attend a free concert at the Waterfront Amphitheater. The amphitheater is set right on the Kuching Esplanade so it’s easy to get to while taking a stroll. I was lucky enough to see a live performance by a local band called Pinanak Sentah. Let me tell you that Sarawakians sure know how to throw a party, haha!

The band consists of a family of 7 siblings each playing a different instrument. Their repertoire is a fusion of traditional Sarawak folk music and contemporary rock. The show included two more bands and it was all free!

3. EXPLORE LITTLE INDIA

It seems almost every city in Malaysia has a Little India and Kuching is no exception. However, it probably the least atmospheric Little India I’ve ever been to, haha. Besides the vibrant colours used on some of the heritage buildings, alas, there’s isn’t much else that conveys India.

The shopping arcade on India Street is basically lined with shops selling the same things, none of which are even remotely related to India. I noticed many of the shops sold the same soccer jerseys. Go figure. If you’re keen on buying some Indian products, this isn’t the place. Instead, I suggest heading to nearby Jalan Gambier. Many of the shops sell an assortment of Indian spices as well as other items.

Despite its lack of Bollywood-inspired antics, Little India is still the ideal place to satisfy your craving for some spicy food. At least it has that going for it! It’s not hard to find an eatery serving typical Indian dishes in Little India.

A special mention goes to the barely visible India Mosque. Look for a turquoise entrance nuzzled amongst the shops on India Street.

4. VISIT ICONIC CHINESE TEMPLES

Tua Pek Kong Temple: This temple is by no means spectacular but it's of great importance to the Chinese community. Tua Pek Kong Temple dates back to 1843 making it the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching. It’s said to occupy the most ideal Feng Shui location in the city. The temple is located at a busy intersection in the city center near the waterfront - you can't miss it.

Another Chinese temple worth mentioning is Guan Thian Siang Ti (pictured below) located on Jalan Carpenter in the heart of Chinatown. Painted in pink and plastered with images of mystic animals, this small temple was built by Teochew Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century.

5. NEW SARAWAK STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY BUILDING

As the name suggests, this building is where state assemblies take place. The New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building has the most unique architecture in all of Kuching. It kind of looks like an hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower. Or a UFO.

This landmark building can easily be seen from the waterfront promenade. If you want to get a closer look, you can use the S-shaped Darul Hana pedestrian bridge to cross the river.

6. LOOK OUT FOR AMAZING STREET ART IN KUCHING

The street art in Kuching is so amazing, I wrote a whole post about it. There's no denying how talented Kuching's street artists are. Most of the street art can be seen in and around the historical center. From elaborate murals to funky graffiti, you'll be swooned by the diversity and caliber of the artistic work displayed on Kuching's walls.

Apart from the commissioned art, keep your eyes peeled for some folkloric works inspired by the Indigenous culture of Sarawak. Many of these are painted on the colonnades of Main Bazaar Street.

Read also: Discovering Amazing Street Art in Kuching

7. DELVE INTO CHINATOWN

I'll start by saying there are two Chinatowns in Kuching: a new one and an older one. Both beckon passersby with their elaborate Chinese gateways. Old Chinatown is in the middle of all the action. That is to say, adjacent to Main Bazaar Street and Little India.

The architecture consists of wonderful Chinese shophouses ubiquitous in Malaysia. Chinatown is a popular hub for travelers. Lots of trendy restaurants, hip bars, boutique hotels and rambunctious hostels are in Chinatown.

Similar in character to its predecessor, New Chinatown stretches along tree-lined Jalan Padungan. This area also has a plethora of accommodation and eateries but it's not as charming as the original Chinatown. Don't miss the local icon, "The Great Cat of Kuching" (more on cats later) in front of the gateway.

8. KUCHING MOSQUE

I stumbled upon this mosque on one of my many walks. This isn't the only mosque in Kuching but it's certainly the most striking - not to mention it's pink. Come on, it's not every day you see a pink mosque!

Affectionately known as 'Masjid Lama' (Old Mosque), the tops of the gilded minarets look like dumplings. While you're there, take notice of the interesting tomb stones in the Muslim cemetery right in front of the mosque.

9. VISIT THE HISTORICAL FORT MARGHERITA

Fort Margherita was built in 1970 to protect Kuching from the invasion of pirates trying to enter its waterways. The fort is named after Charles Brooke's wife, Ranee Margaret. Charles Brooke was a prolific entrepreneur who was born in England. He's the one who ruled the then-independent state of Sarawak from 1868 to 1917.

The fort now houses an extensive collection of memorabilia from the Brook Era. There's a minimal entrance fee to visit the museum but it's free to roam the grounds. To get to Fort Margherita, simply cross the pedestrian bridge. As you can see, both the fort and the assembly building can be visited at the same time.

10. SPOT THE NUMEROUS CATS OF KUCHING

Did you know that Kuching is known as "The City of Cats"? The origin of this name is debatable. Some say it's because 'kucing' means cat in Bahasa Malaysia (or Malay). Others claim the city got it's name from a local fruit or Cochin, the trading port city in India. Wherever the name comes from, Kuching has wholeheartedly embraced its cutesy moniker.

You'll come across all sorts of 'cats' all over Kuching - bronze statues, street art, cats guarding roundabouts. Even if you're not a lover of these furry felines, you'll no doubt be amused by the number of kitschy cats you'll encounter.

Read also: An Ode to the Felines of Kuching - The City of Cats

11. STROLL ALONG MAIN BAZAAR STREET

Main Bazaar Street, the oldest street in Kuching, is a treasure trove of shops. Many of the shops sell antiques and local handicrafts (wood carvings) from all over Sarawak. Of course, you can also find typical souvenirs (t-shirts, bags, etc.) on offer for tourists.

Main Bazaar Street is a great place to shop hassle-free to your heart's content. Shopping here will take you back in time as you bop in and out of beautiful 19th century Chinese shophouses. Stop in one of the quaint coffee shops or cozy restaurants for a break. By the way, antique shops are usually closed on Sundays.

12. SATOK WEEKEND MARKET

The Satok Weekend Market is only held on Saturdays and Sundays which makes for a great outing if you’re in Kuching on a weekend.

The market features not only locally-grown fruits and vegetables but jungle produce as well. Really, it's the jungle produce that makes this market so special. You'll discover edible wild flowers and strange-looking fruits only found in Borneo. Many of the vendors come from the surrounding rural villages to sell their homegrown stock.

The Satok Weekend Market is the only thing that isn't within walking distance. I mean, you can walk if you wish. Just know that the market is about 5 km outside of Kuching in a complex called Medan Niaga Satok. I tried to get to the market by bus but it was much easier to use GRAB (ride-hailing service of Malaysia). The fare was nearly the same as the bus and it took a lot less time.