Parks and the outdoors in Kuching

Parks and the outdoors in Kuching

1. See

   Bako National Park

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

2. See

   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.

3. See

   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

4. Eat

   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.

5. Eat

   Mango Tree

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

6. Do

   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

7. Do Not mapped

   Kuching Kayaking

   You can choose to kayak in the Sarawak river (in the city) for a leisurely and unique perspective of Kuching; or you can choose to kayak in the sea where you may bump into dolphins; or you may choose to kayak through the rainforest and experience the sights and sounds of the jungles of Borneo. Whichever you choose, it's an experience you won't soon forget.

8. Do Not mapped

   Qhumang-Balai Ringin Wild Adventure

   River cruising and wild fishing adventure, jungle trekking and natural adventure as well as homestay and wild camping experiences.

9. Do Not mapped

   Rainforest World Music Festival

   It has been held since 1997 at the Sarawak Cultural Village listed under "See". Accommodation around the festival grounds are snapped up as soon as bookings open so be quick. Good places to stay are Holiday Inn Damai Beach and Damai Lagoon, both a few minutes' walk away from the festival. Or, you can stay within the heart of Kuching city and take the daily shuttle to the festival (RM40 return), or at Santubong Resort (RM14 return). The three-day world music festival brings together some of the best world musicians for workshops and nightly live concerts. Packages with 2- or 3-day passes, hotel, shuttle and airport transfers available on the website. The festival is also available by online streaming.

   Late June

10. See Not mapped

    Sarawak Timber Museum

    The museum houses forestry, traditional wood displays, forest-based products and the exhibition of timber industry development in Sarawak.

    Mondays to Fridays 8:30AM to 4PM, Saturdays 8:30AM-12:30PM (closed Sundays and public holidays)

11. Do Not mapped

    Tringgus Tribal Experience

    The original 'Tringgus tribe of Borneo' were a feared sub-group of the Bidayuh (Land Dayaks), warrior headhunters of the Borneo interior, living a predominantly hunter-gatherer lifestlye. They knew how to utilise the medicinal and poison plants, edible plants and roots. Explore ancient rainforest and it's flora and fauna. Nature activities include jungle and river trekking, climbing and exploring the nearby mountains, camping and traditional white water fishing, visiting ancient remnants and relics of Tringgus tribal villages and sites. Overnight in homestays available. The park has many nocturnal sights.

12. See

    Semenggoh national park

    Feeding times for the Orangutans are 9AM and 3PM.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Kuching (CC BY-SA 4.0).