Hidden gems in Kuching

Kuching's landscape is defined by its colonial history and diverse cultural heritage. This collection features 19th-century landmarks like Fort Margherita and The Astana, alongside specialized museums dedicated to textiles and feline history. Visitors can explore the living heritage of the Annah Rais Longhouse, find tranquility in the Malaysia-China Friendship Park, or observe wildlife at the Matang Wildlife Centre. From the gilded domes of the Kuching Mosque to the vibrant stalls of Medan Niaga Satok, these sites offer a glimpse into the Sarawakian capital's unique identity.

Kuching's Hidden Gems — Map

A

Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita is an old fort constructed in 1879 by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, situated in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

B

The Astana

The Astana is a palace in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, on the north bank of the Sarawak River, opposite the Kuching Waterfront.

Patrick Liu / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Cat Museum

The Kuching Cat Museum is a cat museum in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. It was founded in 1993.

D

Friendship Garden

A well-maintained park where you can stroll around artificial ponds and explore buildings in Chinese style.

E

Medan Niaga Satok

A sprawling market complex known for fresh local produce, jungle ferns, wild honey, and traditional Sarawakian snacks. It serves as the modern replacement for the historic Satok Sunday Market.

Vernon Chan / CC BY 2.0

F

Sarawak State Museum

The Sarawak State Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo. It was founded in 1888 and opened in 1891 in a purpose-built building in Kuching,…

Peter Gronemann / CC BY 2.0

G

Sarawak Cultural Village

Experience the life and culture of Sarawak in this living museum! See the farming and music houses as well as handcrafts.

Eugene Yong / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Kuching Mosque

Also known as the Old Mosque, this temple will catch your eye with its gilded onion-shaped cupolas. It was built in 1968.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

I

Sarawak Textile Museum

This museum houses a huge collection of textiles and clothing from the area of Sarawak. Its colonial building is a gem.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Hong San Si Temple

A century-old Chinese temple dedicated to Kuek Seng Ong, featuring intricate roof carvings and vibrant murals depicting traditional folklore.

Hasimmuaddin / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Pantai Pasir Panjang

A long stretch of sandy coastline located near the Santubong Peninsula, offering views of the South China Sea and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

L

Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple

A Teochew temple on Carpenter Street rebuilt in 1889. It is notable for its ornate entrance and serves as a focal point for the local Chinese community.

Cerevisae / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Kubah National Park

The Kubah National Park is a national park in Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, located at 20 km from the city centre.Wild animals are…

Laura / CC-BY-SA

N

Brooke Memorial

A six-meter-high granite obelisk standing in front of the Old Courthouse, dedicated to Rajah Charles Brooke with bronze relief panels representing Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups.

O

St. Joseph's Cathedral

The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching, featuring modern architecture with a distinctive roof design and detailed stained glass windows.

P

Matang Wildlife Centre

Do you want to see how little orangutans are trained to survive in nature? Then come to this center where you can also see other animals.

Q

Annah Rais Longhouse

An ancient Bidayuh settlement located at the foothills of the Borneo Highlands, consisting of traditional bamboo longhouses built along a central stream.

R

Heroes' Monument

A memorial site within the Sarawak State Museum grounds dedicated to those who lost their lives during the various conflicts in Sarawak's history.

S

Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple

The oldest Hindu temple in Sarawak, featuring a colorful gopuram entrance tower and dedicated to the goddess Mariamman.

T

Hin Ho Bio

A Chinese temple located near the riverfront dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, featuring traditional seafaring motifs.

U

Great Cat of Kuching

A large white cat statue located at a major city intersection, frequently dressed in traditional ethnic costumes during local festivals and holidays.

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Kuching's Absolute Essentials Majestic Peaks and Hills Scenic Viewpoints and Towers Sacred Sites of Kuching Beautiful Beaches and Coasts Sarawak Museums & Galleries