Explore Kuching’s Rich Culture: Top Attractions to Visit
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a vibrant city brimming with cultural heritage and diverse traditions. With a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, the city offers plenty of attractions that allow visitors to explore its cultural history. Here are some must-visit spots for those wanting to experience the essence of Kuching’s culture.
1. Borneo Cultures Museum
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying a modern museum experience, this five-storey gem is a must-visit. Blending contemporary design with architectural elements inspired by traditional crafts, the building itself is a reflection of the region’s unique identity. Each floor takes visitors on a different journey. Kids will love the “Love Our Rivers” gallery on the second floor, an interactive space designed to spark curiosity about Sarawak’s waterways. The third floor’s “In Harmony with Nature” gallery celebrates the deep connection between people and the environment, while the “Time Changes” gallery on the fourth floor offers a fascinating look at how history has shaped Sarawak over time. At the very top, the “Objects of Desire” gallery showcases rare and treasured artefacts.
2. Kuching Waterfront
A visit to Kuching isn’t complete without a leisurely stroll along the Kuching Waterfront, the city’s iconic riverside promenade. Once a bustling 19th-century trading port, this 1.5-kilometer stretch along the southern bank of the Sarawak River has transformed into a lively public space where past and present blend seamlessly. Lush, tree-lined pathways, colourful lights and heritage landmarks all come together to create a vibrant atmosphere, drawing both locals and visitors to soak in the sights and sounds of Kuching. As you wander, you’ll pass some of the city’s landmarks – the Astana across the river, the historic Old Courthouse, elegant Darul Hana Bridge, the DUN building, and the Kuching Floating Mosque, just to name some. It’s a gathering place where history, culture, and community come together and is a must-visit destination whenever you’re in Kuching.
3. Kuching Cat Museum
If there’s one place in Kuching that truly embraces the city’s feline connection, it’s the DBKU Cat Museum – the first of its kind in the world! Managed by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), this one-of-a-kind museum celebrates all things cat-related, from history and mythology to art and pop culture. The museum’s collection was originally displayed at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur before being acquired by the Sarawak Museum and brought to Kuching. On August 1, 1988, the collection made its debut at Dewan Tun Abdul Razak. When the DBKU headquarters was completed in 1992, the museum found its permanent home there. Covering 1,035 square metres, it houses four galleries filled with over 4,000 artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia that celebrate the role of cats in different cultures worldwide.
4. The Historic Chinese Temples of Kuching
One of the best ways to experience Chinese heritage in Kuching is by visiting its historical temples. Near Chinatown stands Tua Pek Kong Temple, the city’s oldest and most well-known Chinese temple. With its bright red walls, ornate carvings, and the ever-present scent of burning incense, this temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices and traditions that have been part of Kuching’s history for generations. Along Carpenter Street you’ll find Hong San Si Temple, another architectural treasure, with its intricate sculptures and elaborate rooftop dragons reflecting deep spiritual symbolism. This beautifully preserved temple tells stories of devotion, artistry, and the connection between the local Chinese community and their ancestral beliefs. Both temples are living pieces of history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the soul of Kuching’s Chinese heritage.
5. Sarawak Cultural Village
Located at the foothills of Mount Santubong, Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) offers an immersive experience of Sarawak’s cultural heritage. This award-winning 17-acre “Living Museum” brings Sarawak’s diverse ethnic traditions to life in a way that makes history feel truly tangible. SCV features authentic replicas of traditional homes representing Sarawak’s major ethnic groups – the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese. They are brought to life by local community members dressed in traditional attire and conducting daily demonstrations of intricate beadwork, blowpipe, sago-processing and how life is traditionally like for these ethnic groups. One of the highlights of Sarawak Cultural Village is its award-winning dance troupe, which puts on a mesmerising multicultural performance twice daily at the Village Theatre.