Sights and landmarks in Kuching

Sights and landmarks 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. See

   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)

5. See

   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.

6. See

   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.

7. See

   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

8. See

   Tua Pek Kong Temple

   This temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching and at the heart of the city. It was just at the opposite of Chinese Museum. It was built in 1843. Various festivals are held here for example The Wang Kang Festival (to commemorate the dead) and Ghost Festival.

9. 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)

10. See

    Semenggoh national park

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

11. See Not mapped

    Jong's Crocodile Farm

    The best time to visit is during feeding time.

    It is open daily from 9AM–5PM, and Sundays from 10AM·Admission Charges are RM16 for adults and RM8 for children under 12

12. See Not mapped

    Sarawak Textile Museum

    yet another historical building on its own right

    Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM, Sat 8:30-12:30PM (closed Sundays and public holidays)

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