On my recent trip to Kuching, I was astonished at how lovely the old town of Kuching is. I am going to share with you why Kuching should be on your travel wish list. In no particular order, these are the top 10 things to do in Kuching, Sarawak. My very own version of top 10 things to do in Kuching.
Thatsofarah’s Top 10 Things to do in Kuching, Sarawak
1. Heritage Trail in Kuching
The Kuching Heritage Trail comprises of two routes highlighting 25 historical buildings from the Brooke era. The Brookes ruled Sarawak for 100 years (1841 to 1941). The early architectural and urban development of the state capital of Sarawak has the influence of English Renaissance and English Colonial which are prevalent in Heritage City of Georgetown and Penang.
The interesting historical landmarks include the Astana (the former palace of the White Rajahs and currently the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak) and Fort Margherita. The oldest street of Kuching is the Main Bazaar, a row of 19th century Chinese shophouses located along the Kuching Waterfront overlooking the Sarawak River. Don’t forget to visit the old courthouse, the Carpenter Street, India Street and the Chinatown of Kuching
2. Eat Local Food in Sarawak
The most famous local food of Sarawak is Sarawak Laksa which is a creamy, spicy noodle soup consisting of prawns, fresh lime and coriander. The broth is thicker, a cross between curry and asam soup. The noodles used to make Sarawak Laksa is thin vermicelli. [Tips: Chong Choon Café, Jalan Abel, Kuching serves one of the best Sarawak Laksa in town]
Apart from Sarawak Laksa, there is also Kolok Mee, a noodle served with minced pork and char siew. In halal eateries, the minced pork and char siew are substituted with beef. There are just as good as the non-halal Kolok Mee. When ordering a cup of coffee, make sure you know how to differentiate Kopi, Kopi-C, Kopi-O and Kopi-O Kosong.
3. Visit Kuching Wetlands National Park
Located just 15km from Kuching, Kuching Wetlands National Park is a wetland of international importance. It attracts nature enthusiasts with its ecosystem and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities amidst the mangrove environment. It is also home to Sarawak’s three populations of rare and elusive Irrawady dolphin. The park also consists of a wide variety of wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silvery langurs, monitor lizards, estuarine crocodiles, kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles and many shore birds.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Kuching Wetlands National Park
4. Turtle Watching at Talang Satang National Park
Home to all five sea turtles species – the Green Turtle, Hawsbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and Loggerhead Turtle, turtle watching is just a short boat away from Kuching which is on the islands of Talang-Satang National Park. The largest of these islands, Pulau Satang Besar, is open for visitors and local tour operators offer day and overnight trips including a visit to turtle hatchery and snorkelling.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Talang Satang National Park
5. Frog Race in Kubah National Park
Sarawak has over 100 amphibian species, including Asia’s tiniest frog, the pea-sized Microhyla nepenthicola, found in Kubah National Park. Having personal experience on a frog race in Kubah National Park, this Borneon experience may bring you exploration in Sarawak to a higher level. For 2 hours of frog race, one would be able to spot more than 20 species of frogs.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Frogs of Kubah National Park
6. Matang Wildlife Centre
It is located 35km from Kuching. It houses endangered wildlife in large enclosed areas of rainforest. Matang Wildlife Centre is part of Kubah National Park. It aims to protect and rehabilitate surrendered or rescued or confiscated indigenous wildlife with special emphasis to Protected and Totally Protected Species.
Matang Wildlife Centre focuses to rehabilitate orang utans, primates and sun bears. At present, altogether there are 28 individual orang utans (5 as living exhibits, 6 on rehabilitation process, 7 on quarantine attention and 11 in the free semi-wild jungle. Some orang utans who fail in the rehabilitation process will become a permanent inmates as living exhibits for educational and research purposes.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Matang Wildlife Centre, Kuching
7. Cave explorations
Just 50 minutes drive from Kuching City, there are Fairy Cave and Wind Cave for those with adrenaline rush. Observe the beautiful staglactites and stalagmites that resemble the Goddess of Mercy and old man crouching down. The caves are filled with bats, swiflets and bird nests.
8. Visit Long House
A visit to Sarawak will not be complete without a visit to the long house. Sarawak has more than 40 sub-ethnics, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. Although modern civilisation has altered the lifestyle of many, the sub-ethnics of Sarawak still retain their origins. That said, there are many long houses which are open for visitors. Annah Rais Long House is one of the options for a long house visit near Kuching. Those who wish to visit a less commercial long house could consider visiting Sg. Rayu Iban Long House, which can be combined with a visit to Matang Wildlife Centre and Kubah National Park.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Sg Rayu Iban Long House
9. Homestay with the locals
If you are thinking of engaging socially with the locals, why not stay at a homestay with local family? You will be served local food, do their daily work and observe their way of life. Fret not, your itinerary at a homestay will be planned so as to include excursion to interesting areas near the homestay that you wish to stay at.
For more info : My Sarawak Adventures : Homestay Telaga Air
10. Hiking in Gunung Santubong
There are a number of places where you could trek and climb in Kuching, for examples, Gunung Santubong, Gunung Gading and numerous national parks near Kuching. The hike to Mount Santubong is a moderate to difficult day hike from Kuching. You will traverse through steep trails and high diversity rainforest where there are ample opportunities to see wildlife. All for the rewarding view from the mountain top.
Let me know if you think there’s an interesting place in Kuching that does not make it to the list. For all you know, I might not know the existence of that place.
My Sarawak Adventures are made possible by Sarawak Tourism Board.