Kuching: Seriously Cool Things to Do + Best Food

Kuching is one of Malaysia’s most underrated spots. It’s got everything—quirky cat statues (we love them!), ethical orangutan sightings, amazing culture, and incredible street food.

It’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families with kids looking for fun things to do and some time to relax in nature.

Nothing here is fancy, but it’s full of heart. Get ready to be amazed, not pampered!

Coolest to Do in Kuching

Kuching's magic doesn't come from anything fancy. It's the unexpected encounters, the genuine warmth of the people, and the chance to explore untouched nature that makes it special.

1. Ethical Orangutan sightings at Semmengoh

Kuching has some seriously incredible wildlife, including rescued Orangutans! Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is one of the best places in Asia to see Orangutans in a responsible way. The centre rescues and rehabilitates Orangutans, allowing them to roam freely in the reserve.

While rangers provide food at scheduled feedings (9 AM and 3 PM), it’s entirely up to the Orangutans whether they show up or stay in the jungle.

If it’s fruit season (from September), they’re more likely to forage in the wild, so sightings aren’t guaranteed—but that’s actually a great sign that they’re staying wild.

If you don’t have time for a full-on jungle trek to see wild Orangutans, this is the easiest and most sustainable way to (try to) see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat!

2. Go back in time at a traditional Longhouse.

Kuching is famous for its iconic longhouses, where many families of the same tribe live together (up to 100 families in one!). This is one of our favourite experiences in Kuching as it's raw and real - it's like being transported back to 100 years ago

Top Tip: Most of these iconic longhouses have been abandoned as younger generations moved away to cities. So when travellers go to Kuching, they’re actually just seeing shells of longhouses curated for tourists, not real ones that tribes still live in. Visiting these doesn’t really help regenerate the community.

Instead, we’d recommend visiting living longhouses where the community still thrives. The last functioning Bidayuh longhouse or further out Batang Ai longhouse are great options. Whether it’s a day trip or overnight stay, it’s an incredible way to support the community and experience Sarawak’s heritage in a meaningful way.

3. Kayak through Lush Rainforest

One of our favourite experiences in Kuching is kayaking down the Semadang River, surrounded by lush rainforest. You’ll tackle a few fun rapids and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with the welcoming Orang Ulu tribe—authentic Borneo at its best.

What really makes this trip stand out, though, is the crew. We’ve done a fair share of adventure activities, but this team is next level—especially your guide. His energy is infectious, and his knowledge of the area is incredible.

The river views are epic on their own, but the crew’s warmth and humour make the day unforgettable. If you’re up for an adventure with stunning scenery and plenty of laughs, this is a must-do!

4. Try Sarawak Laksa

Kuching is famous for its Sarawak Laksa, a totally different take from the Penang or Curry Laksas you might know! Unlike most places in Singapore and Malaysia, locals in Kuching enjoy it for breakfast, not lunch—and once you try it, you’ll see why.

Spicy, tangy, fresh, and packed with incredible depth, it’s so good that Anthony Bourdain called it the “breakfast of the Gods.” It's the one dish we would happily go back to Kuching for over and over again.

Top Tip: For one of the best Sarawak Laksas in town, head to Choon Hui Kopitiam—it’s a must-try! Or try a food tour to taste all of Kuching's hidden gems so you won't miss a thing!

5. Bako National Park

Bako National Park is just a short drive from Kuching and packed with wildlife like proboscis monkeys, wild pigs, and monitor lizards. With 16 colour-coded trails, you can take your pick—go all out with a full-day hike or overnight camping, or keep it chill with an easy forest walk.

Top Tip: You can explore Bako National Park on your own, or take a guide for cool insights into the park’s wildlife. And while you're at it, take a trip to the scenic Bengoh Dam and immerse yourself in the daily life of Kampung Sting village.

6. Spot wild dolphins at Satang National Park.

As if Orangutans and probiscus monkeys weren't enough, Kuching is also home to wild Irrawaddy dolphins and critically endangered hawksbill turtles at Satang National Park! You can spot them on this boat trip.

When we first heard about this wildlife boat trip, we were worried it might not be ethical, as dolphin tours in other places often chase after the animals. But after checking with local conservationists, we found out it’s a sustainable experience. The boats don’t chase or feed the dolphins, which means sightings aren’t guaranteed—but we actually prefer it that way!

Top Tip: If you want to see dolphins, mornings are your best bet. They love feeding on fish bait from local fishermen, and we were lucky enough to spot over 10 during our trip! There’s also a turtle sanctuary on Satang Island doing great work to protect hawksbill turtles—make sure to stop by, chat with the rangers, and support their conservation efforts.

7. Go on a Cat statue hunt!

Kuching is a city that’s obsessed with cats, and that's a big part of its charm for us! "Kucing" means cat in Malay, and the locals have fully embraced it as the city’s identity.

There are over 20 cat statues around town, including the famous Cat Monument with its adorable cat family—perfect for a quirky photo. There's also a Cat Museum filled with the coolest cat-related treasures! You’ll spot feline touches everywhere, from murals to manhole covers, and even some cat themed B&Bs!

Fun fact: For big holidays like Chinese New Year, Hari Gawai, and Christmas, the city dresses up the statues in festive outfits!

8. Uncover Borneo's Gold Mining Past

A generation or two ago, Malaysia looked very different. Ipoh was the home to tin mining that made the area's fortunes and the now-sleepy surroundings around Kuching used to be the heart of Borneo’s gold rush! Miners all over the region rushed there to make their fortunes.

Visit the gold mines to get a glimpse into this unique chapter of Borneo’s past that few travellers have ever seen. This experience also includes a visit to Semmengoh Orangutan Centre at feeding time, and lush rainforest - so you'll get to see history, nature and wildlife in one adventure!

Yummy Food Places in Kuching

1. Best Local Coffee - Black Bean Coffee

Head to Black Bean Coffee, a quirky, old-school coffee shop serving the best authentic Sarawak coffee in town. Their coffee beans, sourced locally and home-roasted with care, are a true Sarawakian specialty. The café has been a Kuching favourite for over 20 years, run by people who are passionate about their craft.

The must-try? Their Iced Gula Apong Latte, a top-seller and local favourite. It’s the perfect spot for coffee lovers, but note there’s a one-hour sitting limit—it’s all part of the old-school charm! Don’t leave without grabbing a bag of their Sarawak coffee beans to take home—it’s the perfect gift for any coffee enthusiast.

2. Must-Try Dish: Lau Ya Keng Kueh Chap

One of our highlights and a local favourite! We love: savoury tiger prawn soup, perfectly crisped garlic pork belly, and melt-in-your-mouth kueh chap. It's a Kuching experience you won't want to miss.

3. Best Sarawak Laksa – Choon Hui Kopitiam 

If you haven't tried Sawarak Laksa yet, you have to! It's a spicy, tangy, fresh and has an incredible depth to it. Anthony Bourdain wasn't kidding when he dubbed it the "breakfast of the Gods". Head to Choon Hui Kopitiam for one of the best Sarawak Laksas in town.

4. Best Seafood - Top Spot Food Court

Top Spot Food Court is a seafood lover's dream come true. Get ready for really interesting flavour combos, and try something new – remember those edible ferns? They're a Kuching specialty!

5. Best Indigenous food

For a taste of indigenous tribal cuisine with a modern twist, check out The Dyak restaurant—it’s a delicious way to experience traditional flavours reimagined!

Itinerary Ideas for Kuching

Head to Kuching for a long weekend from Singapore, or spend a week if you don't want to miss out on anything!

Long Weekend Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kuching, and let the cat-itude begin! Check out Fort Margherita to learn about Sarawak’s colonial past and then stroll down the Waterfront. Explore the waterfront (or a river cruise!), seek out the quirky cat statues (there are tons!), and dive headfirst into a seafood feast at Top Spot Food Court.
• Day 2: Fuel up with a legendary Sarawak Laksa at Choon Hui Kopitiam (even Bourdain was a fan!). Then, it's time to connect with nature and the friendly Orang Ulu tribe on a Semadang River kayaking adventure – delicious home-cooked lunch included! Round off the day with a taste of Dayak cuisine at The Dyak. If you're not into kayaking, you can also go on a cycling adventure to see lush nature and a defunct goldmine!
• Day 3-4: Get comfy and experience true Bidayuh hospitality at a cozy homestay. Expect delicious food, nature treks straight out of an adventure movie, and even jungle cooking! Bonus: you'll get to see the majestic orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. Don't worry - it's ethical!

Extend Your Adventure: Days 5-7

• Day 5: Get curious about the quirky creatures (proboscis monkeys? They're totally a thing!) at Bako National Park.
• Day 6: Embark on a mission to spot playful dolphins! Best part is you also get to lend a hand with turtle conservation on Satang Island.
• Day 7: Discover the scenic beauty of Bengoh Dam and delve into the warmth of Bidayuh life at Kampung Sting village.

We really fell in love with Kuching's quirky charm, its warm people, and those flavors that linger in your memory long after you leave. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this Borneo gem won't disappoint. Trust us.