Here's What You Need to Know Before Going on Trip to Kuching Sarawak

Did you know that Kuching is the only city in the world named after a cat? That’s right, Kuching means cat in Malay, and you can find many cat statues, murals, and museums in this charming city. But that’s not the only reason why Kuching is a great destination for travelers. Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, a state in Malaysian Borneo. It is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, nature, and food. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, Kuching has something for everyone.

In this insider guide, we will show you what you need to know before visiting Kuching Sarawak. You will learn how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and the best time to visit Kuching, Sarawak.

How to get to Kuching and where to stay

The easiest and fastest way to get to Kuching is by flying. There are direct flights to Kuching from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other parts of Borneo, such as Kota Kinabalu, Miri, and Sibu. You can find cheap flights with airlines such as AirAsia, Malindo Air, or Firefly, starting from as low as RM 100. The flight duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your departure point.

Once you arrive at Kuching International Airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a Grab to the city center, which is about 11 km away. The taxi fare is about RM 30, the bus fare is about RM 5, and the Grab fare is about RM 15. The travel time is about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Kuching has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. You can find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or homestays in different areas of the city, such as the city center, the waterfront, or the suburbs. The prices vary from RM 20 to RM 200 per night, depending on the type, location, and facilities of the accommodation.

Some of the best and affordable places to stay in Kuching are:

• The Marian Boutique Lodging House: This is a stylish and cozy boutique hotel that was once a colonial mansion. It is located near the waterfront and the Sarawak Museum, and has a swimming pool, a cafe, and a rooftop bar. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV. The price is about RM 100 per night for a double room.
• The Ranee Boutique Suites: This is a charming and elegant boutique hotel that was once a shop house. It is located at the Main Bazaar, the oldest street in Kuching, and has a restaurant, a spa, and a gift shop. The rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV. The price is about RM 150 per night for a double room.
• The Waterfront Hotel: This is a modern and luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of the Kuching Waterfront and the Astana. It is located at the Sarawak Plaza, a shopping mall, and has a gym, a pool, and a restaurant. The rooms are sleek and spacious, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV. The price is about RM 200 per night for a double room.

How to get around Kuching and save money on transportation

Kuching is a relatively small and compact city, and you can easily explore most of the attractions by walking or cycling. You can also take a river cruise or a sampan (a traditional wooden boat) to enjoy the scenic views of the Kuching Waterfront and the Astana. The river cruise costs about RM 60 per person, and the sampan costs about RM 1 per person.

If you want to visit some of the attractions that are further away from the city center, such as the national parks or the wildlife centers, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a Grab. The bus fare is about RM 5 to RM 10, depending on the distance. The taxi fare is about RM 30 to RM 50, depending on the distance and the traffic. The Grab fare is about RM 20 to RM 40, depending on the distance and the demand.

Another option is to rent a car or a motorbike, which gives you more flexibility and convenience. You can find car rental services at the airport or the city center, and the price is about RM 100 to RM 200 per day, depending on the type and model of the car. You can find motorbike rental services at some of the hostels or guesthouses, and the price is about RM 30 to RM 50 per day, depending on the type and condition of the motorbike.

The best time to visit Kuching and what to pack

Kuching has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round. The average temperature is about 27°C, and the average rainfall is about 250 mm per month. There are two seasons in Kuching, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from April to September, and the rainy season is from October to March. However, there is no significant difference between the seasons, as it can rain at any time of the year.

The best time to visit Kuching depends on your preferences and activities. If you want to enjoy the sunny and clear weather, the festivals, and the crowds, you can visit during the dry season, especially from June to August, when the Gawai Festival, the Rainforest World Music Festival, and the Kuching Festival are held. However, this is also the peak season, so you can expect higher prices and more tourists.

If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, you can visit during the rainy season, especially from November to January, when the rainfall is the highest and the temperature is the lowest. However, this is also the low season, so you can expect lower prices and fewer tourists. You can also enjoy the green and lush scenery, the waterfalls, and the wildlife. However, you should also be prepared for the rain, the floods, and the landslides, which can affect your travel plans.

No matter when you visit Kuching, you should pack light, smart, and comfortable for a tropical destination. Here are some of the things you should pack for a trip to Kuching:

• Clothing: You should pack light and breathable clothing, such as cotton, linen, or silk, and avoid synthetic or woolen fabrics, which can trap heat and moisture. You should also pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to visit some of the religious or cultural sites, such as the mosques, the temples, or the longhouses. You should also pack a jacket or a sweater, as it can get chilly at night or in the air-conditioned places. You should also pack a raincoat or an umbrella, as it can rain at any time of the year.
• Footwear: You should pack comfortable and sturdy footwear, such as sandals, sneakers, or hiking boots, depending on your activities. You should also pack a pair of flip-flops or slippers, which are easy to wear and remove, especially if you plan to visit some of the beaches, the pools, or the spas. You should also pack a pair of socks, as some of the places may require you to take off your shoes before entering.
• Accessories: You should pack some accessories that can protect you from the sun, the rain, and the insects, such as a hat, a scarf, a sunglasses, a sunscreen, a mosquito repellent, and a first aid kit. You should also pack some accessories that can enhance your experience, such as a camera, a binoculars, a flashlight, and a water bottle. You should also pack some accessories that can make your travel easier, such as a passport, a visa, a money, a credit card, and a phone.
• Essentials: You should pack some essentials that can make your stay more comfortable, such as a toiletries, a towel, a laundry bag, and a plastic bag. You should also pack some essentials that can make your stay more enjoyable, such as a book, a music, a game, and a snack. You should also pack some essentials that can make your stay more safe, such as a lock, a key, a map, and a contact.

Get Ready to Visit Kuching

Kuching, the unique and charming city named after a cat, offers travelers a delightful blend of culture, history, nature, and delicious cuisine. With accessible transportation options and a range of affordable accommodations, exploring this vibrant Malaysian Borneo destination need not break the bank. Whether you visit during the sunny dry season or the lush rainy season, packing smart and light will ensure you make the most of your trip to Kuching. This insider guide has provided you with all the essential information to plan a memorable and budget-friendly adventure in this feline-inspired city, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and what to pack. Get ready to immerse yourself in Kuching's captivating attractions, culture, food, and wildlife, all without spending a fortune.