Must Visit While You Here
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is more than just the “Cat City.” It’s a mix of culture, Brooke history, riverside charm, and the wild nature of Borneo. Whether you’re here for a short trip or a longer stay, these 5 must-visit spots give you the perfect balance of city vibes, culture, shopping, wildlife, and family fun.
Kuching Waterfront (Darul Hana Bridge & Musical Fountain)
The city’s most iconic riverside promenade. In the daytime, it’s a relaxing walkway with heritage buildings on one side and the Sarawak River on the other. At night, the whole place comes alive with colorful lights from the Darul Hana Bridge and the Musical Fountain show.
📍 Location: Along Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching city
🕒 Hours: Open 24 hours
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free (traditional boat rides: RM0.50–RM1.00, slightly more at night)
🎶 Musical Fountain: Sun–Thu at 8:30 pm & 9:30 pm; Fri–Sat extra show at 10:30 pm
☎️ Tourism Info Centre: +6082-410944 (Sarawak Tourism Board)
Serikin Weekend Market
This cross-border bazaar near the Indonesian border is a weekend-only attraction. It’s where you’ll find batik, woven rattan baskets, wood carvings, household items, and even snacks straight from Kalimantan. The best time to visit is early morning before it gets too hot.
📍 Location: Serikin Village, Bau (about 1 hour’s drive from Kuching)
🕒 Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 6:00 am – 4:30 pm
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free (parking around RM2)
☎️ Contact: Majlis Daerah Bau (Bau District Council) — +6082-763129
Sarawak Cultural Village (Living Museum)
Known as the “Living Museum,” this award-winning attraction showcases traditional houses of Sarawak’s main ethnic groups. You can walk into authentic longhouses, a Melanau tall house, a Penan hut, and more. Don’t miss the cultural performances at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm daily.
📍 Location: Damai Beach, Santubong, about 40 minutes from Kuching
🕒 Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
🎟️ Entrance Fee (2025):
- Malaysians: Adult RM95, Child RM60
- Non-Malaysians: Adult RM155, Child RM95
- Online tickets are slightly cheaper (Adult RM90 / RM135)
🌐 Website: scv.com.my | scvticket.com.my
☎️ Contact: +6082-846108 | info@scv.com.my
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (Orang Utans)
The highlight for nature lovers. Semenggoh is home to semi-wild orangutans that roam freely in the forest reserve. Feeding times are the best chance to see them up close, though sightings can vary during fruiting season.
📍 Location: Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Siburan (24 km from Kuching)
🕒 Visiting Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 am & 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
🍌 Feeding Sessions: Around 9:00 am & 3:00 pm
🎟️ Entrance Fee:
Malaysians: Adult RM5, Child RM2 (under 6 free)
Non-Malaysians: Adult RM10, Child RM5
🚐 Buggy Service: From entrance to feeding platform (optional, extra fee)
🌐 Website: sarawakforestry.com
☎️ Contact: +6082-618325 / +6082-618324
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo
One of the largest crocodile breeding farms in Malaysia, with over 1,000 reptiles. Apart from crocodiles, the park also has arapaimas, monkeys, sun bears, and more. The must-see is the crocodile feeding show — a dramatic display of power and agility.
📍 Location: Siburan, 29 km Kuching–Serian Road (about 30 minutes from Kuching)
🕒 Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
🐊 Feeding Times: Crocodiles — 11:00 am & 3:00 pm; Arapaimas — 11:30 am & 3:30 pm
🎟️ Entrance Fee (2025):
- Malaysians: Adult RM25, Child RM12 (3–11 yrs), under 3 free
- Non-Malaysians: Adult RM50, Child RM25
🌐 Website: jongscrocodile.com
☎️ Contact: +6082-863570 | jongsoffice@gmail.com
Conclusion
From city strolls and colorful lights at the Waterfront, bargain-hunting at Serikin Market, cultural immersion at the Sarawak Cultural Village, wildlife encounters at Semenggoh, to thrilling feeding shows at Jong’s Crocodile Farm Kuching has it all.
Whether you’re after culture, shopping, nature, or family fun, these five attractions make Kuching a truly unforgettable destination.
