Kuching. On the surface it may look like a sleepy, cat-obsessed city synonymous for its many feline statues scattered around the city. In reality, the city contains plenty of hidden spots out of your ordinary travel guidebooks which are known only to the locals.
Holding the title of being one of the most liveable cities in Southeast Asia, Kuching is well-loved by its residents for its cultural heritage, growing art and entertainment scene, ‘makan-makan’ spots, and its people-friendly community.
Whether you are a local, a tourist, or a student looking for your ideal study destination, here are some of our recommended things to do and see in and around Kuching!
THE ART SCENE
1. Borneo Cultures Museum
Image courtesy of Borneo Cultures Museum
Kuching’s latest museum newly-opened in March 2022 is the newest landmark and cultural institution that will be the pride of Sarawak. Altogether there are five levels of gallery and exhibition spaces, whereby each level consists of its own storyline that features installations based on a thematic approach.
The museum is offering free entrance to visitors for the first 3 months and is accepting bookings for visiting session slots.
2. Hoan Art Gallery
Image courtesy of Hoan Art Gallery
This tiny gallery can be found tucked away unassumingly in the corner of La Promenade Mall. Hoan Art Gallery’s opening exhibit ‘Rebirth – Sarawak Is Art, Past & Present’ carries over 40 artworks by 10 different artists young to old.
3. The Brooke Gallery
Image courtesy of The Brooke Gallery
The Brooke Gallery, a mini-museum of memorabilia, explores the history of Sarawak during the time of the White Rajahs. Housed in Fort Margherita, the location in itself is steeped in history as it was built in 1879 to guard Kuching’s river approaches from pirates.
(#HowToGetHere? ‘Sampan’ boats go to the Fort from various Waterfront jetties and it is a short walk from the northern end of the Darul Hana Bridge)
4. The Ranee Museum
Image courtesy of Jee Photography
The Ranee Museum at Old Court House centres on the life, legend, and legacy of Margaret de Windt, wife of the second Rajah Brooke. Curated by the Brooke Trust, the exhibit is a permanent fixture, providing insight into Ranee Margaret’s life through paintings, music, literature, and craft.
(#DidYouKnow? Recipients of the Brooke Trust Bursary who undertake Swinburne’s MA (TESOL) programme have the opportunity to become an intern with the Brooke Trust and work at both the Brooke Gallery and Ranee Museum)
ADRENALINE ADVENTURES
1. Fun Factor
Images courtesy of Fun Factor
Ever wanted to be a big kid in a giant playground? At indoor activity park Fun Factor located at Kozi Square, you would be able to bounce off trampolines, climb colourful walls, take on the ninja course, and enjoy other adventurous activities.
(#Tip: Visit on a weekday to get cheaper passes!)
2. Sumiran Eco Camp
Image courtesy of Sumiran Eco Camp
As its name suggests, Sumiran Eco Camp is a rainforest mix eco campground which doubles as a recreational centre. Courageous spirits can try activities such as their flying fox, obstacle course, and mountain bike trail among other activities.
“JUST ADD WATER”
1. Semadang Adventure
Image courtesy of Larissa Ping
Picture drifting along the rivers of the lush Borneo jungle on a bamboo raft. Or imagine navigating through rapids and overhanging branches while you paddle a kayak. Semadang Adventure offers river tours which include these water activities where you can also enjoy fish feeding and caving along your trip.
(#WhatToBring? You don’t need to pack lunch because food and bottled water will be provided. The showers have soap and shampoo, and they even loan waterproof bags to store your items for free!)
2. Tasik Biru
Image courtesy of mytravellicious.com
Located in the former gold mine town of Bau, Tasik Biru has recently been developed as a resort city where visitors can experience the first floating bridge in Sarawak. Those taking a trip to the lake can also enjoy a pedal boat ride, go on a kayak, or simply enjoy the view of the lake from The Rock Café.
3. Permai Rainforest Resort
Image courtesy of Permai Rainforest Resort
Where else would you find a beach, a mountain, and a rainforest all in one location? An eco-resort, Permai Rainforest Resort situated at Damai Beach boasts a backdrop of the famous Mount Santubong with her mythical rainforest.
Top picks to try out are the stand-up paddling and hiking trail to the Blue Pool, where day passes range between RM6-RM8 for access into the resort.
FOOD HUNTING
1. Sentosa Food Street
Image courtesy of Sentosa Food Street
Dine under shimmering fairy lights and white umbrellas as you tuck into a delicious spread ranging from the classics like oyster omelette and Korean fried chicken, to specialty dishes such as shell-out style seafood, oden bowls, and squid ink pizza. Sentosa Food Street opens daily and has more than 30 food stalls.
2. Siniawan Old Town Night Market
Image courtesy of Borneo Travel Network
The historic old town of Siniawan is more than a hundred years old, but it comes alive every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a feast of gastronomy. Foodies fill the street lined with quaint wooden shophouses amidst the glow of swaying red lanterns and evening sunsets.
The bazaar offers not only Chinese food, but also Malay and native cuisines including the Malaysian heritage food ‘pitcher plant rice’, a rich culinary culture of the local indigenous tribes.
3. Muara Tebas Seafood
Image courtesy of Muara Tebas Seafood
Just say the 3 words “Muara Tebas Seafood” and a local would tell you to try the crowd-favourite and well-loved signature steamed prawns. Situated in the Malay fishing village of Kampung Muara Tebas, diners can expect to dine on fresh seafood while sipping coconuts at the restaurant.
(#LandmarkSpot: Take the climb up the stairs of the Buddhist Ching San Yen temple on the hill. The beautiful view from the temple which overlooks the peaceful village and ships along the Sarawak River is a favourite photo op for locals)
CLICKS AND CAFFEINE (THAT ISN’T STARBUCKS)
1. Earthlings Coffee Workshop
Image courtesy of Earthlings Coffee Workshop
A change of scenery while hustling through a particularly long assignment calls for strong Wifi and decent coffee. Earthlings is among the cafes in Kuching notable for their strong pride in coffee and brews specialty-grade coffee from around the world.
2. Café De Arts
Image courtesy of Café De Arts
This coffeehouse surrounded by funky art pieces can be found inside Pullman Hotel and serves coffee sourced from local beans as well as pastries, cakes, and tapas. Free Wifi and power points are available.
(#BudgetHack: Students of all ages and school staff enjoy 15% off for dine-ins, so be sure to flash those ID cards!)
3. Le Parlour Café Studio
Image courtesy of Le Parlour Café Studio
A unique feature of this café in Kuching is that it is contains more than 100,000 imported book titles for reading on-the-spot and for sale. This book-café serves hungry diners healthy poké bowls, savoury burgers, and a range of drinks.
*BONUS*
Want to keep up with what’s happening in Kuching? These Instagram accounts share community and art engagements on the local scene.
1. @thinkandtink.kch
2. @hauskch
3. @discover.kuching
4. @kuchingborneo
5. @ilovekchmy
Excited to make Kuching your next study destination? For more information about Swinburne and how you can attain an Australian education right here in Sarawak, visit Swinburne’s website www.swinburne.edu.my, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).