Guide to The Most Fun Things to do In Kuching for Nature and Culture Lovers

Are you looking for a fun and diverse travel destination in Borneo? If so, you should definitely consider visiting Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. Kuching is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers something for everyone, from nature and wildlife, to culture and heritage, to food and nightlife, to shopping and souvenirs. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family or a group of friends, you will find plenty of things to do in Kuching that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.

In this article, we will provide you with a guide to the most fun things to do in Kuching for travelers of different interests and preferences. We will also give you some tips on how to make the most of your time and money in Kuching. And if you need more information and booking options, you can always visit trip.com, the best website for planning and booking your travel.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the most fun things to do in Kuching, Sarawak.

Kuching Waterfront

The Kuching Waterfront is the most iconic and lively part of the city, where you can enjoy scenic views, historical buildings and cultural performances. The waterfront stretches for about 1.3 kilometers along the Sarawak River, which divides the city into two parts: the north and the south. The waterfront is a great place to stroll, relax and admire the beauty of the city, especially at night when the lights and the musical fountain create a magical atmosphere.

Some of the attractions and activities you can find at the waterfront include:

• The Astana, the former palace of the White Rajahs and the current official residence of the Governor of Sarawak. You can see the elegant white building from across the river, but you cannot enter it unless you have a special invitation.
• Fort Margherita, a 19th-century fortress that was built by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah, to protect the city from pirates. The fort now houses the Brooke Gallery, a museum that showcases the history and legacy of the Brooke family and their rule in Sarawak.
• The Darul Hana Bridge, a modern and futuristic pedestrian bridge that connects the north and the south banks of the river. The bridge has a unique S-shaped design and offers panoramic views of the city and the river. The bridge is also illuminated with colorful lights at night, making it a popular spot for selfies and photos.
• The Sarawak River Cruise, a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the city from a different perspective. The cruise takes you along the river and lets you see the landmarks and attractions of Kuching, such as the State Legislative Assembly Building, the Kuching Mosque, the Square Tower and the Malay Kampungs. The cruise also offers live commentary, cultural shows and buffet meals on board.
• The musical fountain, a spectacular show of water, lights and music that takes place every night at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm at the waterfront. The show lasts for about 15 minutes and features various themes and songs, such as Sarawakian folk music, pop music and classical music. The show is free and open to the public, and it attracts many locals and tourists alike.

Some tips on visiting the Kuching Waterfront are:

• The best time to visit the waterfront is in the evening, when the temperature is cooler and the atmosphere is more lively and festive. You can also catch the sunset, the musical fountain and the night views of the city.
• The easiest way to get to the waterfront is by walking, as it is located in the heart of the city and close to many hotels and attractions. You can also take a taxi, a bus or a Grab (a local ride-hailing app) to the waterfront, but be aware of the traffic and the parking fees.
• The waterfront is a safe and family-friendly place, but you should still be careful of your belongings and avoid any suspicious or shady people. You should also respect the local culture and customs, and dress modestly and appropriately.

The Kuching Waterfront is one of the most fun and popular things to do in Kuching, and you should not miss it when you visit the city. It is a place where you can experience the history, culture and beauty of Kuching in one place.

Sarawak Cultural Village

The Sarawak Cultural Village is a living museum that showcases the diverse cultures and lifestyles of the indigenous groups of Sarawak. The village is located about 35 kilometers from Kuching, at the foothills of Mount Santubong. The village covers an area of 17 acres and features seven traditional houses that represent the major ethnic groups of Sarawak, such as the Iban, the Bidayuh, the Orang Ulu, the Melanau, the Malay, the Chinese and the Penan.

Some of the attractions and activities you can find at the village include:

• The traditional houses, where you can see how the different ethnic groups live, work and play. You can also interact with the villagers, who are dressed in their native costumes and perform their daily tasks and rituals. You can learn about their history, culture and beliefs, and even join them in some of their activities, such as weaving, carving, cooking and dancing.
• The cultural shows, where you can watch and enjoy the performances of the villagers, who showcase their skills and talents in music, dance and art. The shows are held twice a day, at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm, at the village’s theater. The shows feature various instruments, songs and dances from the different ethnic groups, such as the sape, the ngajat, the tarian lilin and the tarian payung.
• The handicraft workshops, where you can learn and try some of the traditional crafts and arts of the villagers, such as beadwork, pottery, batik, wood carving and bamboo carving. You can also buy some of the handicrafts as souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family.
• The rainforest world music festival, where you can experience and celebrate the diversity and harmony of world music, especially the music of Borneo. The festival is held annually in July, at the village’s grounds. The festival features local and international artists and musicians, who perform various genres and styles of music, such as folk, jazz, blues, rock and reggae. The festival also offers workshops, lectures, exhibitions and food stalls.

Some tips on visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village are:

• The best time to visit the village is in the morning or afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the village is less crowded. You can also avoid the peak hours of the cultural shows, which are usually around 11:00 am and 3:30 pm.
• The easiest way to get to the village is by taking a shuttle bus from Kuching, which departs from various hotels and locations in the city. The bus fare is about RM 20 per person for a round trip, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a taxi, a Grab or a private car to the village, but the cost might be higher and the availability might be lower.
• The entrance fee to the village is RM 60 per adult and RM 30 per child, which includes the admission to the houses, the cultural shows and the handicraft workshops. You can also buy a combo ticket that includes the entrance fee and the shuttle bus fare for RM 75 per adult and RM 40 per child. You can buy the tickets online or at the village’s counter.
• The village is a respectful and educational place, where you can learn and appreciate the cultures and traditions of the indigenous people of Sarawak. You should follow the rules and etiquette of the village, such as dressing modestly and appropriately, asking for permission before taking photos or videos, and not touching or damaging any of the items or displays.

The Sarawak Cultural Village is one of the most fun and educational things to do in Kuching, and you should not miss it when you visit the city. It is a place where you can experience the diversity and richness of the cultures and lifestyles of Sarawak in one place.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured orangutans and other wildlife. The centre is located about 24 kilometers from Kuching, in the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The centre was established in 1975 and has since rescued and rehabilitated over 1000 animals, including sun bears, hornbills, crocodiles and monkeys. The centre’s main attraction, however, is the orangutans, the endangered and charismatic primates that share 97% of their DNA with humans.

Some of the attractions and activities you can find at the centre include:

• The feeding sessions, where you can watch and admire the orangutans as they come down from the forest to the feeding platforms to receive their food. The feeding sessions are held twice a day, at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, and last for about an hour. The feeding sessions are not guaranteed, as the orangutans are free to roam in the reserve and may not show up if they have enough food in the wild. However, if you are lucky, you might see up to 20 orangutans of different ages and personalities, such as Ritchie, the dominant male, Seduku, the oldest female, and Annuar, the cheeky youngster.
• The nature trails, where you can explore and enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity of the reserve. The reserve covers an area of 740 hectares and features various types of vegetation, such as lowland dipterocarp forest, kerangas forest and swamp forest. The reserve is also home to many other species of flora and fauna, such as ferns, orchids, pitcher plants, squirrels, civets, porcupines and birds. You can follow the marked trails or join a guided tour to learn more about the ecology and conservation of the reserve.
• The botanical garden, where you can see and learn about some of the medicinal and ornamental plants that are native to Sarawak. The garden is located near the entrance of the centre and has over 200 species of plants, such as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and hibiscus. The garden also has a nursery, a herbarium and a library, where you can find more information and resources about the plants and their uses.
• The wildlife gallery, where you can see and learn about some of the animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated by the centre. The gallery is located near the feeding area and has various exhibits, photos and videos that showcase the stories and achievements of the centre. The gallery also has a souvenir shop, where you can buy some items and support the centre’s work.

Some tips on visiting the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre are:

• The best time to visit the centre is during the feeding sessions, when you have the highest chance of seeing the orangutans. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the feeding time and follow the instructions of the staff and the rangers. You should also be quiet and respectful, and keep a safe distance from the orangutans and other animals.
• The easiest way to get to the centre is by taking a shuttle bus from Kuching, which departs from various hotels and locations in the city. The bus fare is about RM 10 per person for a one-way trip, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. You can also take a taxi, a Grab or a private car to the centre, but the cost might be higher and the availability might be lower.
• The entrance fee to the centre is RM 10 per adult and RM 5 per child, which includes the admission to the feeding area, the nature trails, the botanical garden and the wildlife gallery. You can buy the tickets at the centre’s counter or online.
• The centre is a responsible and ethical place, where you can learn and appreciate the wildlife and their welfare. You should follow the rules and etiquette of the centre, such as not feeding, touching or disturbing the animals, not using flash photography or loud noises, and not littering or smoking.

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is one of the most fun and rewarding things to do in Kuching, and you should not miss it when you visit the city. It is a place where you can see and interact with the orangutans and other wildlife in a natural and respectful way.

Visit Sarawak Today!

These are just some of the many places that are super interesting to visit in Sarawak! For more information on other attractions, stay tuned for more articles coming your way!