Kuching

Authentic Hock King Chicken Rice

Basic, but quite generous meals throughout the day. Mr Hock is one of the better hosts in Kuching, fluent in multiple languages and will do almost anything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Many local celebrities stop by for lunch regularly as Hock King is well connected.

Bako National Park

Beaches and jungle trekking easily reached by bus from downtown Kuching.

Bismillah Cafe

If you love Indian and Mamak food, try this one. They serve good nasi beriyani, roti canai and teh tarik.

Bla Bla Bla

Wayang Street (A few shops down from The Junk). A Chinese restaurant which was opened by the same restaurateurs as The Junk. It quickly became an institution for fine Chinese cuisine in Kuching shortly after it opened in 2005. The interior is designed with a Balinese theme and some of the dishes they are famous for are the ostrich-rolls, soft-shell crabs, and drunken duck. Bookings are advisable.

Chong Choon Cafe

One of Kuching's two famous laksa joints. Usually sold out by noon.

Choon Hui Cafe

Another famous laksa joint. Spicy and popular, get here before 10AM.

Fort Margherita

Completed in 1879, Fort Margherita resides at a breathtaking and strategic position at the riverside of Sarawak. It was once a defensive structure to protect Kuching from possible attack. Fort Margherita later has been converted into a Police Museum and many of its old cannons, cannonballs, guns, pistols, swords and other vestiges of its armoury and armaments can still be seen. It now is home to The Brooke Gallery, a museum dedicated to the White Rajahs that once ruled Sarawak. It can be accessed by road from the other side of the river, which is Petra Jaya, or by 'tambang' boat from Kuching Waterfront.

Gunung Gading National Park

home to the world’s largest flower, the parasitic Rafflesia, which can grow up to 1 m in diameter. Rafflesia takes many months to grow and then only blooms for a few days. It is best to check with the park office to avoid disappointment. Even if Rafflesia is not blooming, there are some hikes you can do in the park, see orchids (seasonal) and the world's tallest flower. There are cottages, a dorm and a nice camping area with basic facilities.

park entrance RM20 (RM10 for nationals), camping RM5, guided walk RM30 per group

Ho Joo Coffee Shop

The place where you can get the thick Hainanese-style bread, toasted in a small toaster oven before spreading butter and kaya on it.

Hong Kong Noodle House

Standard HK fare like roast duck on rice or noodles. They also serve local Chinese dishes and is open for lunch and dinner.

KY Cafe

嘉远茶餐室

Run by a band of three brothers, they serve what is arguably the best 'Kolo mee' in town. Characterised by being served in an orange plastic bowl, this 'kolo mee' tastes a little bit on the sweet side and has the distinction of tasting much better towards the end. They also have excellent wonton soup.

Kampung Budaya Sarawak

Sarawak Cultural Village

A living museum that spans 17 acres of land where you can experience the local culture and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak. The annual Rainforest World Music Festival happens each July.

Adult RM95, child RM60 (online purchase RM85/55)

Kubah Ria Complex

A shopping and food center by the Sarawak River very near to the historical Satok Bridge. Built by SEDC to replace the former food and beverages centre. This shopping center houses 45 shoplots and 45 food and beverage outlets. This is now the most popular eating and shopping spot in Kuching.

Kuching City Mosque

Formerly the Sarawak State Mosque, Kuching's main mosque. Later it was re-designated as the Kuching Divisional Mosque. It was built in 1968 on a site that had been used for a wooden mosque as early as 1852. It has a striking design, featuring a combination of mid-western and Italian architecture.

Lau Ya Keng Food Court

A simple food court that has been around for decades and is very popular with locals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can buy very decent Kolo mee and Sarawak laksa here. But a lot of people come here for the fish-ball soup and famous pork satay that opens in the early afternoon.

Lepau

Interesting and good restaurant specialising in local flavours of the Sarawak traditional cuisine. Many dishes are typical of local tribes in Sarawak, definitely a culinary experience as you'll find them nowhere else. Organic food and relaxed service. The restaurant has no air conditioning but plenty of fans. Not so many tables, hence reservation is a good idea especially for dinner. A 15% tax and service is added to prices in the menu.

11AM-2PM -- 6PM-10PM -- Sundays closed·70 RM

Magenta

has been relocated to the old court house at Waterfront. Beautiful colonial building with a romantic oriental ambience. Good menu with large portions. Speciality is lamb shank with mashed potato which sounds bland but is very tasty.

Mango Tree

A/C dining room, or dine alfresco in a traditional Thai garden. Thai cuisine.

Open Air Market

Despite the name, the place is actually covered. It has a wide variety of stalls serving Malay and Chinese cuisine. Their most popular stall is the one serving beef noodles and sio bi (pork dumplings). Also popular is the fresh porridge and seafood stalls. But beware, this area is not the cleanest of places so order your food from only the most popular stalls.

Pure Fish Ball Cafe

Halal. It is a nice and comfortable A/C cafe selling local food especially pure fish mee noodle with 100% mackerel fish meat.

Rojak Kuchei Batu Lintang

This place served the best rojak India and chicken rojak in the town. Don't be surprised to see a lot of visitors during morning time because this place is constantly crowded with people from the nearby offices during breakfast time.

Santubong rainforest

In the Santubong rainforest you can go on a beautiful, sometimes strenuous and wet hike. Animals such as frogs, lizards and snakes are included. Entry is not possible after 10:00 for security reasons. Trip duration 3 hrs.

8am-10am

Sarawak Museum

The Sarawak State Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo. It was established in 1888 and opened in 1891 in a purpose-built building in Kuching. Sponsored by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, the establishment of the museum was strongly encouraged by Alfred Russel Wallace. It now has a large new building and has been renamed to the Borneo Cultures Museum, which houses various ethnic displays and historical items from Sarawak in a modern setting.

See Good Food Centre

Casual laid-back restaurant that serves excellent and very fresh seafood, very popular with the locals. It is best to get there early in the evenings to secure a table and minimise the waiting time, as they don't take reservations.

Sepinang Sari Cafe & Restaurant

Sells the best Mi Sapi HjSalleh and usually operates from 6AM-5:30PM daily. You will also find delicious laksa Sarawak and mee Jawa.

Serapi Corner

Peninsular Malaysia-style food. Their specialty is ikan keli bakar bersambal (grilled catfish with sambal). It is a bit hot inside. Check for the price list carefully to avoid charging errors on the bill. If you don't mind waiting for hours, they have a view of a hilly road to kill your time.

SideWalk Cafe

Al fresco style western food away from the city near the airport. Its only open in the evenings till late and is popular with locals.

The Cat Museum

This is a large collection of cat memorabilia, since "Kuching" means "Cat" in Malay. The museum is at Kuching North City Hall at Petra Jaya, on top of Bukit Siol (Siol Hill). Cat lovers will find all range of exhibits, photos, feline art and cat souvenirs. Some interesting cat characters like Felix the Cat, and Garfield the Cat are also housed here..

Open daily 9AM-5PM (closed public holidays).·Entry: adult RM3, child RM2

The Junk

Wayang Street (opposite Fata Hotel). Walking distance from the waterfront. Western/Italian menu and popular with locals and expats. Colonial Chinese decoration with lots of antiques. The portions are large and the lamb shanks and fisherman's basket seem to be the most popular. Bookings are advisable if you have a large group.

Top Spot Food Court

Has a wide range of food stalls ranging from the budget to the pricey. Most locals and tourists come here for the fresh seafood stalls which are on the pricey side. Most of the stalls serve good food, but beware; always ask to see a menu with prices - some stalls have been known to 'accidentally' over-charge tourists.