Discover Sarawak

DISCOVER KUCHING

Where heritage meets culture, adventure and unforgettable Sarawakian experiences.

Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching
Welcome to Kuching

A City Where Stories Come Alive

Kuching brings together heritage, riverside landmarks, multicultural communities, food, nature and modern city experiences in one destination.

From the historic waterfront to museums, wildlife centres and cultural villages, Kuching offers visitors a journey through the many stories that shape Sarawak.

1839 · Brooke Arrival
1963 · Malaysia Formed
1988 · City Status
Places to Explore

Iconic Kuching Experiences

Discover riverside landmarks, cultural treasures, wildlife and rainforest landscapes around Kuching.

Kuching Waterfront

Kuching Waterfront

A scenic riverside promenade and one of Kuching's best-known city landmarks.

Explore Waterfront →
Borneo Cultures Museum

Borneo Cultures Museum

A five-storey museum showcasing Sarawak's cultural and natural heritage.

Visit Museum →
Orangutan at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

A wildlife conservation and orangutan rehabilitation destination near Kuching.

Discover Semenggoh →
A City Shaped by History

Kuching Through Time

A simplified timeline of key moments in the development of Kuching and Sarawak.

1836

Sarawak Rebellion

A major local uprising took place in Sarawak.

1839

James Brooke Arrives

James Brooke arrived in Sarawak.

1841

Brooke Era Begins

James Brooke became Rajah of Sarawak.

1868

Charles Brooke

Charles Brooke became the second Rajah.

1884

Great Fire

A major fire affected parts of Kuching.

1941–45

Japanese Occupation

Sarawak experienced the Japanese occupation during World War II.

1946

Crown Colony

Sarawak became a British Crown Colony.

1963

Malaysia

Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia.

1988

City Status

Kuching officially received city status.

Today

A Modern Heritage City

Kuching continues to combine heritage, culture, nature and modern urban life.

Culture & Community

Meet the People of Sarawak

Discover the diverse communities, traditions and cultural heritage that make Sarawak unique.

Iban traditional attire
Sarawak Ethnic Group

Iban

The largest indigenous ethnic group in Sarawak, renowned for longhouse traditions, Pua Kumbu, traditional crafts and Gawai Dayak.

Longhouse Pua Kumbu Gawai Dayak
Iban
Bidayuh traditional attire
Sarawak Ethnic Group

Bidayuh

Traditionally associated with areas such as Bau and Serian, known for the traditional baruk, hospitality and distinctive cultural traditions.

Baruk Serian Traditions
Bidayuh
Melayu Sarawak traditional culture
Sarawak Ethnic Group

Melayu

The Sarawak Malay community has a rich heritage reflected in traditional attire, crafts, textiles and cultural celebrations.

Traditional Attire Textiles Crafts
Melayu
Melanau cultural tradition
Sarawak Ethnic Group

Melanau

Traditionally associated with Mukah and Sarawak's coastal communities, known for fishing, boat-building, craftsmanship and Kaul.

Mukah Kaul Boat-building
Melanau
Cina Sarawak traditional culture
Sarawak Ethnic Group

Cina

The Sarawak Chinese community has contributed to the state’s diverse cultural heritage through traditions, cuisine, festivals, crafts and community life.

Festivals Cuisine Heritage
Cina
Shop Kuching & Samarahan

Retail, Lifestyle & Local Finds

From city-centre shopping to family lifestyle malls around Kuching and Kota Samarahan.

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Kuching City Centre

Plaza Merdeka

Convenient city-centre shopping close to Padang Merdeka and the heritage district.

View Location →
Jalan Wan Alwi

Vivacity Megamall

Modern lifestyle shopping, dining, entertainment and family activities.

View Location →
🏬
Kuching

The Spring Kuching

A popular lifestyle mall with retail, dining and family-oriented experiences.

Visit Website →
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Kota Samarahan

Summer Mall

Convenient shopping and lifestyle destination serving the Samarahan area.

View Location →
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Kota Samarahan

La Promenade Mall

Lifestyle shopping and dining option in the Samarahan area.

View Location →
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Kota Samarahan

Samarahan Commercial Area

Explore local shops, cafés, restaurants and everyday lifestyle businesses around Samarahan.

Explore Area →
Famous Food in Kuching

Halal-Friendly Sarawak Food Experience

Discover iconic Sarawak flavours and explore Muslim-friendly dining experiences around Kuching.

Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak Laksa

A rich and aromatic noodle soup with distinctive Sarawak spices and flavours.

Kolo Mee from Kuching, Sarawak

Kolo Mee

A popular dry noodle dish strongly associated with Kuching and Sarawak.

Stir-fried Midin

Midin

A distinctive Sarawak wild fern commonly stir-fried with local seasonings.

Ayam Pansuh

Ayam Pansuh

Chicken traditionally cooked in bamboo, reflecting indigenous Sarawak culinary heritage.

Kek Lapis Sarawak

Kek Lapis Sarawak

A colourful layered cake known for its intricate patterns and vibrant presentation.

🍽️ Halal Food Discovery

Looking for halal dining in Kuching? Explore Sarawak Tourism Board's Kuching Halal Food Crawl for recommended halal-certified dining options and local Sarawak flavours.

Halal Food Guide →
Explore the City

Interactive Kuching Map

Select a destination below to open its location directly in Google Maps.

START YOUR KUCHING JOURNEY

Heritage, culture, food, nature and people — discover the many stories that make Kuching special.

Explore Kuching →
Visual references: Wikimedia Commons / Sarawak Tourism Board. Cultural information: Amazing Borneo / Sarawak Tourism Board.

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