Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a variety of attractions, culture, and cuisine for travelers. Whether you are looking for nature, history, or adventure, Kuching has something for everyone. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 best places to go in Kuching, Malaysia, and why you should visit them on your next trip.
1. Sarawak Cultural Village
If you want to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures of Sarawak, the Sarawak Cultural Village is the place to go. This living museum showcases the traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay, Chinese, and Penan. You can explore the different types of houses, watch cultural performances, and even try some local delicacies. The Sarawak Cultural Village is also the venue for the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, which features musicians from around the world.
2. Kuching Waterfront
The Kuching Waterfront is the heart and soul of the city, where you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the Sarawak River and admire the historical and modern landmarks. Some of the attractions you can see along the waterfront include the Astana, the former palace of the White Rajahs; Fort Margherita, a 19th-century fortress; the Square Tower, a former prison and dance hall; and the Darul Hana Bridge, a modern pedestrian bridge that connects the two sides of the river. You can also hop on a traditional wooden boat, called a tambang, and cruise along the river for a different perspective.
3. Bako National Park
Bako National Park is the oldest and one of the most popular national parks in Sarawak. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the proboscis monkey, the silvered langur, the bearded pig, the flying lemur, and the hornbill. It also boasts a stunning diversity of habitats, ranging from mangrove forests and swamps to rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. You can explore the park by hiking the trails, which offer different levels of difficulty and scenery. You can also stay overnight at the park’s accommodation facilities and experience the nocturnal activities of the animals.
4. Cat Museum
Kuching means “cat” in Malay, and the city has a special affinity for felines. If you are a cat lover, you will enjoy visiting the Cat Museum, which is the world’s first and largest museum dedicated to cats. The museum displays over 4,000 items related to cats, including paintings, sculptures, photos, stamps, souvenirs, and even mummified cats. You can also learn about the history, legends, and folklore of cats in different cultures and regions. The museum is located at the Kuching North City Hall, which also offers a panoramic view of the city.
5. Sarawak Museum
The Sarawak Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo and one of the finest in Southeast Asia. It was established in 1891 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, to display the specimens and artifacts collected by the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. The museum has since expanded to include several buildings and galleries, covering the natural history, ethnology, and archaeology of Sarawak. You can see exhibits of animal skeletons, fossils, shells, insects, birds, and reptiles, as well as collections of weapons, tools, costumes, musical instruments, and pottery from the various indigenous groups of Sarawak. The museum also houses the skull of the Niah Man, the oldest human remains found in Southeast Asia.
Visit Kuching Today!
Kuching is a city that offers a mix of nature, culture, and history for travelers who want to experience the best of Borneo. Whether you are interested in wildlife, heritage, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in Kuching. If you are planning to visit Kuching, Malaysia, don’t miss these top 5 best places to go. And if you are looking for a reliable and affordable travel agency, check out my.trip.com, where you can book your flights, hotels, and tours with ease.
Best Places to Go in Kuching
What are the top 5 best places to go in Kuching, Malaysia?
The top 5 best places to visit in Kuching, Malaysia, are: 1. Sarawak Cultural Village, 2. Kuching Waterfront, 3. Bako National Park, 4. Cat Museum, and 5. Sarawak Museum.What can I experience at the Sarawak Cultural Village?
At the Sarawak Cultural Village, you can explore traditional houses, watch cultural performances, learn about various ethnic groups in Sarawak, and even try local delicacies. It's a living museum showcasing Sarawak's diverse cultures.What attractions can I find along the Kuching Waterfront?
Along the Kuching Waterfront, you can see historical landmarks like the Astana and Fort Margherita, as well as modern ones like the Darul Hana Bridge. You can also take a traditional wooden boat ride called a tambang along the Sarawak River.What is special about Bako National Park?
Bako National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys and hornbills, as well as a variety of habitats like mangrove forests and sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the park through hiking trails and even experience nocturnal wildlife activities.What is the Cat Museum in Kuching?
The Cat Museum is the world's first and largest museum dedicated to cats. It features over 4,000 cat-related items, including art, photos, and even mummified cats. Visitors can learn about the history, legends, and folklore of cats from different cultures and regions.How old is the Sarawak Museum, and what does it exhibit?
The Sarawak Museum, established in 1891, is the oldest museum in Borneo. It exhibits specimens and artifacts related to natural history, ethnology, and archaeology of Sarawak. Visitors can see animal skeletons, fossils, indigenous group artifacts, and even the skull of the Niah Man, the oldest human remains found in Southeast Asia.