Things to see & do in Kuching, Sarawak

The first thing you’re probably going to notice about Kuching is the amazing number of cat statues everywhere you look. Indeed, towards the end of the 10km drive in from the airport you’ll pass a giant white one, five metres tall, with its paw outstretched. The reason is that Kuching means ‘cat’ in the Malay language, and there was once a belief that that’s how the city got its name. While there are more likely explanations, cats have become the symbol of the city – there’s even a museum dedicated to them. If you find that little nugget of knowledge interesting then keep reading, because it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this unique place.

Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak, Malaysia, has a wonderfully romantic history. Its modern origins begin with the Brooke dynasty, the White Rajahs, who over the course of a century gradually expanded the kingdom of Sarawak while protecting the indigenous tribes and their ways of life from the worst excesses of capitalism. Today the legacy of the Brookes can be explored through many well-preserved architectural landmarks across Kuching, including the Old Courthouse, Fort Margherita and the stunning Astana palace.

The Waterfront

Kuching has a sterling reputation as a foodie destination, and the restored waterfront area on the river’s south bank is without doubt the best place in the city to whet your appetite. The esplanade, around a kilometre long, is lined with food stalls serving Malaysian, Chinese and Indian delicacies, while several historic buildings such as the offices of the Sarawak Steamship Company have been elegantly incorporated into the renovation.