What to do and see in Kuching, Sarawak: The Best Free Things to do

September 16, 2021 Myesha Cogley

Kuching is a fine choice for an enriching vacation that's as packed with learning as it is leisure. Its many museums and impressive planetarium will enthrall even the tiniest travelers, and a quick climb to the top of the Kuching Civic Center will reward you with jaw-dropping 360-degree views. Grab a snack from a stall on the bustling waterfront, and don't miss the absolutely massive Sunday market, which is an electric experience for shoppers, vendors, and observers.
Restaurants in Kuching

1. Borneoartifact Asian Art, Antiques, Cultural artifacts

464, Lorong 14, Jalan Stampin Jalan Stampin, Kuching 93350 Malaysia +60 12-888 2040 [email protected] http://borneoartifact.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Borneoartifact Asian Art, Antiques, Cultural artifacts

Gallery of museum quality Borneo tribal ancient arts, artifacts, antiques, crafts & info, We specialize in museum quality Borneo tribal art, antiques, native`s collectibles, native`s charms, and native`s traditional musical intruments, native`s daily items, native`s used items, native`s hunting trophy and the native`s weapons. By appointment only, please call first..

Reviewed By nayem754

Nice gallery and art store !! Antiques, artifacts from Borneo.. most of the items are also on their website...

2. Mount Santubong

Kuching Malaysia http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/santubong
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Mount Santubong

Reviewed By ashaec - Bangkok, Thailand

The jungle loop trail is the easier of the two trails. The trek took us only about one and half hours to complete. It’s a short trail and well marked but there are some confusing sections. It would be a good idea to get a contact number before staring out from the park office just in case. I had read that there are multiple exits but these exits were not marked well. Physical fitness is required as this is not a flat and easy esp for people who don’t trek frequently. There were some climbs and descents where we had to hold on to ropes or tree roots. There is plenty of shade but the path would definitely be very slippery and dangerous during the rainy season. Would recommend good waterproof shoes as the trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots and some small streams and brooks to cross and also carry plenty of water. The waterfall is right below the suspension bridge and would require climbing down some slippery rocks To get there: We had to drive around a bit after Culvert to find the park entrance. Look out for cars parked near “Santubong puteri trail start” ( google maps)

18 or 62, Main Bazaar 18 , 62, Kuching 93000 Malaysia +60 82-232 188 [email protected] http://facebook.com/JohnsGallery18
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Johns Gallery

We offer local handicrafts and carvings made from Ironwood, pua kumbu textiles and teak furniture of the finest grade. Made with love and skill, we proudly present products ranging from home display items, souvenirs and unique gifts from Borneo you can take back to gift your loved ones. Please do like our Facebook page: Johns Gallery for more info and updates! We appreciate our visitors' review on our Facebook page as well! :)

Reviewed By AndyIsobel - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Very knowledgeable staff...some brilliant furniture in this shop that they will ship. We came away with a cabin bag sized item!

4. The Spring Shopping Mall

24 Jalan Simpang Persiaran Spring, Kuching 93300 Malaysia +60 82-238 111 http://www.thespring.com.my/
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

The Spring Shopping Mall

Reviewed By LifeisanAdventurenow

It's not as big as Vivacity or other megamalls, Spring packs a punch in many ways that other malls don't. The selection of shops is well-curated. Many of the stores that appear here exist only here in Kuching: Sephora and Bath & Body Works to name a few. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Ta Kiong supermarket offering a wide variety of imports. Their selection is immense, perfect for those seeking particular sauces from different countries.

5. Mount Singai

1305, 94000 Bau,Sarawak, Kuching 94000 Malaysia http://www.borneoescapade.com/bukit-singai-catholic-church-pilgrimage-retreat-centre-kuching/
Excellent
50%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Mount Singai

Reviewed By Cocospie

It was a very good experience for me and my friends spending time hiking together during the break. Its a very healing hike for nature lover and its a little bit tough tho,theres a little bit of mosquitoes and red ants bites.make sure to wear a long sleeve shirt and pants.but it was a good exercise.we found "periuk kera",and a big durian fell out from the tree,be careful with your head and we even found a crab at the top of the mountain!????btw,Make sure to bring a lots of water and some food to enjoy the view up there while eatingg. Goodd vieww.

6. Darul Hana Bridge

Near Square Tower, Kuching 93050 Malaysia
Excellent
46%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Darul Hana Bridge

Reviewed By iisechew - Malaysia, null

Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching, built to completion in November 2017, spans over the serene Sarawak River. Pedestrians are able to admire the beautiful view of Kuching City, with iconic buildings such as the State Legislative Assembly Complex (DUN) and the entire Kuching Waterfront Walkway in sight. Some special facts to take note of: - The bridge is shaped as an 'S', for Sarawak - The supporting towers of the bridge are made in the form of the unique hornbill bird, which is a prominent symbol of the Sarawak culture. -This bridge not only is used daily by commuters. It provides direct access to the iconic Fort Margherita and the Brooke Gallery. This bridge has a soft spot in my heart. Often when I return to Kuching to visit my wife and family-in-law, I'd somehow end up in the Kuching Waterfront walkways, admiring the tranquility of the Sarawak River. That would then take me to the Darul Hana Bridge, where I have spent much time enjoying a certain calmn. It is really beautiful to be immersed in this amazing culture that is unique to Kuchingites.

7. Kuching Waterfront

Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching 93000 Malaysia
Excellent
58%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Kuching Waterfront

Reviewed By kellygkb - Kuantan, Malaysia

Launching on 14-Oct 2018, still new attractive place to visit. Sitting beside river front, sharp at 10.30pm start showing us the fountain with main 3 element: music, water and lighting.Started with the traditional sarawak musical song and drama, follow by water and colourful lighting. Most important is free. Nighttime have a place for sightseeing at the middle of town.

8. Kuching Esplanade

Jalan Main, Kuching 93000 Malaysia
Excellent
32%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,071 reviews

Kuching Esplanade

Reviewed By PaulOoi

Kuching Waterfront esplanade located just opposite the Main Bazaar Street or for those not from Kuching it is just beside The Imperial Riverbank Hotel. You won’t missed it on the path where Gloria Jean’s Cafe stands. Those visiting Kuching, this is a MUST visit especially from evening onward. I will share my personal experience with you, the crowd started to build up as it gets dark into the evening. I was there on weekend, strolling along the riverbank straight on 2 evenings while staying at the Imperial Riverbank hotel. It is definitely a happening place to be and suitable for all people, be it a couple looking for a romantic backdrop, family bringing their children, elderly people sitting on the riverbank bench watching life passing by and tourists. This Sarawak river will tailor your mood for an enjoyable, relaxing & to forget your worries.... What you will see and participate :- 1. Riverboat ferry diners for a relaxing dining night out on a river cruise or simply let the river create your relaxation moods, cost around RM60+ 2. Or on a more like “AirAsia “ budget type, you can get a sampan boat ride on the river, price under RM20 per trip. 3. Then of course there is a sampan transportation to get you cross the other side of the riverbank. 4. Restaurants, there are the mak chik styles of cooking with plastic tables & chair along the path of this esplanade. Dishes are reasonably price and sedap too. Then there are the upper class dining choices, James Brooke restaurant & café surrounded by the park garden. Or the Gloria Jean’s Cafe with a river view on the top floor, for cakes, pies & coffee. 5. As you stroll along the riverfront, you will see stalls selling Sarawak souvenirs, cake lapis, lekor stall ( lekor stall was swamped with customers waiting for their orders, when I was there.... must be delicious ). 6. Street busking.... yes, you will see local singers performing, some in native Sarawak costume and some with bands too. Then you will see people dressing up in teddy bear outfit, Transformer characters performing generating happy mood . 7. THIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT – colourful water fountain show, jetting water up in the sky hundreds of feet above, with catchy songs to make the water fountain shows come alive using the Sarawak Legislative Assembly beautiful building as the backdrop.... awesome, you MUST not miss it. Do check out the timetable for this performance during the night, the show is on a schedule time. 8. You can walk across to the DUN & Fort Astana using the Darul Hana bridge. 9. Yes, there is a Tua Pek Kong Temple across the road where James Brooke's restaurant & cafe is. You won't miss it . There are plenty to do and pass your time in a memorable way..... don’t forget to take as many photos as possible so that when you get back home you can look at them longer..... Enjoy and have a wonderful time like I did...

9. Sarawak Museum

Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching 93590 Malaysia 6082-244232 https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sarawak-museum/
Excellent
22%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 814 reviews

Sarawak Museum

Nature studies, tradition and local craftsmanship come together in this 1891 museum.

Reviewed By TeraIbrahim - Canillo, Andorra

The Sarawak museum was on renovation when we went, but the Urang Sarawak exhibition was open. It was so informative and retails, from ethnics migration to current Malaysia, if you are planning to learn the history and culture or doing research on this topic, this is the place for sure. Free entry some more!

10. Chinese Museum

Kuching Waterfront, Kuching Malaysia +60 82-231 520 http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/chinese-history-museum/
Excellent
30%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 369 reviews

Chinese Museum

Reviewed By AnonNightshade - Perth, Australia

The heritage seen in this is incredible. The only problem is when you go in large groups, there are small walkways that cause congestion. Other than that I found it ???? ????. I found it interesting to learn the origins of the Chinese family names and the diverse types of people in Sarawak.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.