cat city travel kuching

Kuching: Your Guide to Exploring the Cat City

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What to visit and do, when you’re in Kuching

Kuching, the vibrant capital of Sarawak In Malaysia, is a city that effortlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modernity. Nestled on the island of Borneo, Kuching is often referred to as the “Cat City” due to its name’s similarity to the Malay word for cat. But beyond its feline-inspired nickname, Kuching boasts a treasure trove of must-visit places that make it an alluring destination in 2023. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or culinary adventurer, Kuching has something to offer everyone. 

KUCHING WATERFRONT

Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the stunning riverside scenery at Kuching Waterfront. This picturesque esplanade stretches for almost a kilometer along the southern bank of the Sarawak River, offering a vibrant blend of history and modern charm. As you stroll, admire the colonial-era architecture of historical buildings like the Chinese History Museum and the Sarawak Steamship Building. Modern art installations and sculptures add a touch of contemporary flair to the landscape. At one end, the majestic Astana, the former palace of the White Rajahs, stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Gazing across the river, you’ll see the iconic Darul Hana Bridge, its graceful curves creating a stunning contrast against the sky. Kuching Waterfront is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy local street food, or simply bask in the beauty of the city.

Address:  7, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Operation hours:  24 hours, daily

Image credit: www.petai.net & www.sarawaktourism.com

Sarawak Cultural Village

Immerse yourself in a living museum at the Sarawak Cultural Village! This open-air exhibit showcases the rich tapestry of Sarawak’s indigenous communities. Explore replicas of traditional longhouses, unique dwellings built by the Iban people. Witness vibrant cultural performances with pulsating music and captivating dances. Learn about local handicrafts, sample regional delicacies, and get a hands-on experience with traditional activities. The Sarawak Cultural Village is a captivating journey through Sarawak’s diverse heritage!

Address:   Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak

Operation hours:  9am – 5pm, daily

Contact: +6 082-846 108 | Website

Image credit: www.malaysia.travel & www.traveltriangle.com

Bako National park

Adventure awaits just a boat ride from Kuching! Bako National Park is a nature enthusiast’s dream, teeming with lush rainforests and exotic wildlife. Spot playful proboscis monkeys with their signature oversized noses, or keep an eye out for the elusive bearded pig. Hike through the vibrant jungle canopy, explore hidden waterfalls, and soak in the beauty of secluded beaches. Spanning 27 square kilometers at the meeting point of the Bako and Kuching Rivers, Bako National Park offers a true escape into Borneo’s wild beauty.

Coordinates:   1°43′N 110°28′E / 1.717°N 110.467°E

Contact:  +6 011 6572 9229 | Website

Image credit: www.travelyamu.com & www.paradesaborneo.com.

Kuching Cat Museum

Got a soft spot for felines? Then purr yourself over to the Kuching Cat Museum, a haven for all things feline! This unique museum, the first of its kind in the world, boasts over 4,000 exhibits dedicated to our furry companions. Immerse yourself in a world of cat-themed art, historical artifacts, and even a glimpse into the reverence Egyptians held for these captivating creatures. Don’t miss the mummified cat – a fascinating relic from ancient times! Whether you’re a casual cat admirer or a devoted cat lady (or gent!), the Kuching Cat Museum is sure to leave you feline fabulous.

Address:  Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

Operation hours:  9am – 4.30pm, daily

Contact: +6 082 512 200 | Website

Image credit: www.wikipedia.org & www.traveloka.com

Annah Rais Longhouse Homestay

Experience a living piece of Sarawak’s heritage at Annah Rais Longhouse! Nestled amidst the lush rainforests surrounding Kuching, this traditional Bidayuh longhouse offers a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people. Annah Rais Longhouse is a centuries-old communal dwelling, housing over 80 families under one impressive roof. Explore the intricate wooden architecture and wander the communal walkways that connect individual family living spaces. Learn about Bidayuh culture, witness traditional crafts, and maybe even catch a glimpse of their fascinating headhunting history (though thankfully, a practice of the past!). Annah Rais Longhouse offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for Sarawak’s vibrant indigenous communities.

Address:  No. 9, Kupo Saba, Kampung Annah Rais Longhouse, Jln Borneo Height, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak

Contact:  Website | Facebook

Image credit: www.klook.com & www.tripadvisor.com

Kek Lapis Sarawak

Calling all cake lovers! Kuching has a hidden weapon in its arsenal of deliciousness – Kek Lapis Sarawak! This isn’t your average slice of cake. Imagine a rainbow explosion of flavour, painstakingly layered into a mesmerizingly colourful treat. Each vibrant layer boasts a slightly different taste, creating a symphony of sweetness on your tongue.

Kek Lapis Sarawak is like a party in your mouth, and the best part? You can find it practically everywhere! Local bakeries and markets are bursting with these beauties, so keep an eye out for the eye-catching displays. Forget boring souvenirs – a box of Kek Lapis Sarawak is guaranteed to make your friends back home jealous. Imagine their faces when you whip out this masterpiece and tell them it’s a local legend! Trust us, this layered wonder is Kuching’s sweetest souvenir. Check out our Kek Lapis Sarawak go-to places below.

Kek Lapis Mama Su Address : 58, Jalan Main Bazaar, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak Operational Hours : 9.30am – 10pm , daily Contact : +6 012 735 9858 | Facebook | Instagram

Asma Cake Lapis Address : No.42, Lorong 22 Taman Desa Ilmu 94300, Kota Samarahan Contact : +6 013 806 6879 | Instagram

Kek Lapis Dayang Address : No 40, Kpg Gersik, Kuching, Malaysia Contact : +6 019 816 8689 | Shopee Shop | Facebook

Image credit: www.pinterest.com

Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Calling all animal lovers! Swing on over to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for an unforgettable encounter with Borneo’s gentle giants – orang utans! This sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated orang utans, allowing them to roam semi-wild within the lush rainforest. Twice a day, feeding sessions offer a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close. Watch them swing through the trees, snatch their favourite fruits, and get a glimpse into their playful personalities. It’s a truly heartwarming experience and a must-visit for anyone visiting Kuching.

Address : KM 20, Borneo Highland Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak Operational Hours : 8am – 10am , 2pm – 4pm, daily Contact : +6 082 618 325 | Website

Image credit: www.sarawaktourismboard.com

Siniawan Night Market

Let Kuching’s nightlife sizzle at the Siniawan Night Market! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, this quaint town transforms into a vibrant food paradise. Dive headfirst into the local scene with a dazzling array of street food stalls tempting your taste buds. From sizzling satays to steaming noodle soups, explore a kaleidoscope of flavors that will leave you wanting more. As the night unfolds, live music fills the air, adding an electrifying buzz to the atmosphere. String up some fairy lights (or grab a table under the red lanterns!), indulge in delicious eats, and soak up the infectious energy of Siniawan’s night market magic.

Address : Jalan Siniawan, Siniawan, 94000 Bau, Sarawak Operational Hours : 4.30pm – 11.30pm , Friday, Saturday and Sunday only

Image credit: www.sarawaktourism.com & www.borneotravelnetwork.com

Sarawak State Museum

History buffs, rejoice! The Sarawak State Museum is your treasure trove in Kuching. This grand old dame, established in 1888, houses a fascinating collection that unveils Sarawak’s story. Explore intricate tribal artifacts, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, and marvel at stunning displays of local art and natural history. The museum even whispers tales of hidden treasures – keep an eye out for exhibits showcasing Sarawak’s unique crown jewels! Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Sarawak’s heritage, the Sarawak State Museum promises a captivating journey through time.

Address : Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak Operational Hours : 10am – 4pm, daily Contact : +6 082 548 181 | Website

Image credit: www.sarawaktourism.com

Kuching is definitely a place to visit when it comes to nature wonders, cultural gems, and food delights. Whether you’re a history geek, a nature enthusiast, or just someone who loves to eat, Kuching promises a wild and unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let Kuching show you what it’s made of!

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Stepping into a Unique Kuching Cat City in the Sarawak State – Borneo

Jan 12, 2020 | Sarawak | 0 comments

It’s indeed a Kuching Cat City.

Don’t get me wrong; I am not what you would call a “cat person,” not that I have anything against the loveable feline; it’s just how it rolls.

Therefore, my fascination with a city dedicated to cats comes as a surprise and anyone who knows me.

You see, I went to Kuching with the unknown, except I knew the surrounding area had so much natural beauty with an abundance of National Parks.

Therefore, on my first morning walk in the city, cats’ fascination truly hit you with many Cat statues, symbols of the feline and stray cats throughout the laidback city streets.

It had me thinking, what is the deal with Kuching and Cats? Well, a bit of research was required.

In Kuching of Sarawak, it’s a cat thing.

Kuching and Cats – Where does it Originate?

It makes simple sense when you know why?

The word Kuching in the Malay language translates to a cat. While it’s said to be unsure why the city initially chose the name, in modern times, it certainly has embraced the feline name, whether it’s a friendly domestic cat or a fearsome tiger.

Why not too!

Many of the world’s population loves cats, and when someone is selecting a new and unique destination to visit, Cat City may top the list of a traveller’s bucket list.

The City of Kuching is not only about cats, but there are also plenty of wonderful attractions to visit.

How does Kuching embrace the cat for tourists?

The cat is symbolic in Kuching in many ways with even a few quirky places to visit,

Kuching not only has popular cat souvenirs of fridge magnets, shirts and hats, but it also has several striking cat monuments in various locations within the city streets or along Sarawak River.

You can stop in for a coffee at a cat café a see a few of the domestic variety roam in the comforts of an air-conditioned, and at times during mealtimes, a few stray cats will attempt to join you for dinner. As off-putting as it sounds.

However, the quirkiest place you’ll visit is the Kuching Cat Museum.

The Museum is a distance from the festivities of the foreshore. Although worth a grab drive to discover the world of cats in terms of the animal, cat food and the famous cats in the entertainment business.

It’s a Kuching Cat City for a specific reason. Whether you’re a fan of the animal or not, much like myself, Kuching is worth a visit for its laidback city life, stunning outdoor attractions, delicious food and beautiful culture.

And, let’s not forget the cats!

Cat Museum in Kuching.

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Travel agency, about cat city holidays sdn. bhd..

Cat City Holidays Sdn. Bhd. is a Travel Operator licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia (license No. KKKP/PL 1627) specializes in inbound / outbound tours, ticketing, and ground handling. The Inbound division organizes from local, adventurous tours, to Eco and Agro-tourism. The Agency also caters to specialized incentive trips to Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu in the State of Sabah, other parts of fascinating Malaysia and our neighboring country, Brunei. The major markets we serve are Europe, South East Asia and the USA. Cat City Holidays owns a fleet of vehicles that suit all occasions! We have 43-seater air-conditioned deluxe coaches for larger groups, 4-Wheel Drives, Vans, Sedans and chauffer-driven limousines should you wish to travel in style! All our vehicles are available on lease at competitive rates; chauffer serviced or self-driven.

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12 Reasons To Visit The Cat City – Kuching, Sarawak

Have you ever heard of the Cat City ? Also known as Kuching, this city is the capital of Sarawak which is located on the island of Borneo. There is a few theories how the name “Kuching” came about. One of the version is based on a story of miscommunication between James Brooke and a local guide when he asked the name of the town. The guide thought that James Brooke was pointing to a cat and said “Kuching” which is a Malay term for cat. Today, Kuching is well known with its rich history, scenic views and delicious food. Getting around Kuching city is not difficult as you can walk or take a taxi around the city. However if you want to explore some of the places mentioned below, you will probably need to rent a car or join a tour as it requires a bit of travelling. Want to know more about our trip to Kuching? Check out our post on  4 DAYS TRAVEL GUIDE IN KUCHING, SARAWAK

So what are the 12 Reasons to Visit the Cat City – Kuching ?

1. take a stroll at “the peoples place”, kuching waterfront, 2. go shopping at india street (kuching old bazaar).

Being one of the most popular streets in Kuching today, India Street came about in the 1840s as the first Indian settlement here. The street is located  between 2 parallel rows of shophouses and can be easily spotted by the street arts along the way. You can find all sorts of textiles and fabrics here, selling at a cheap price. It is a 7 minutes walk here from Kuching Waterfront. Be sure to drop by and pick up some souvenirs for you and your loved ones. 

3. Visit the World’s First Cat Museum

Yes, of course there is a Cat Museum in the Cat City! The Kuching Cat Museum  is the first one of its kind to showcase over 4,000 exhibits, artworks and souvenirs collected and donated by cat owners over time. The Cat Museum is located in Petra Jaya, a 15 minutes car ride to get here. 

4. Sit back and relax at Damai Beach

Damai Beach Resort  is the main beach in Kuching and is located around 45 minutes from Kuching city. The resort has a stunning view of Mount Santubong  and offers various activities to chose from. You can just sit back and relax or go on a hike up the various trails available here. 

5. Go dolphin watching!

6. join the turtle conservation efforts at satang island.

One of the best way to see all of Sarawak’s local cultures and lifestyles is to visit the Sarawak Cultural Village  (SCV) which is located just 850m away from Damai Beach Resort. There are 9 replica buildings at the cultural village to represent the major ethnic groups in Sarawak; Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay and also Chinese. In each of the traditional houses, there will be a representative to answer any of your questions regarding their lifestyles and cultures.

8. Hangout with the Orangutans 

9. check out the matang wildlife centre, 10. stay at the resort above the clouds : borneo highlands .

Located 60km away from Kuching city is the Borneo Highlands Resort. This resort sits approximately 1,000m/3,281ft above sea level and boasts one of the world’s oldest rainforest. If you are planning to drive up here yourself, we suggest you to use a 4WD as the roads here is steep and could be challenging for the first timers. Otherwise, you can contact the  resort  to arrange transport for you. 

11. Venture into the magical Fairy & Wind Cave

12. explore bako national park.

Bako National Park  is well known for its diverse wildlife species, white sandy beaches and jungle trekking. At the national park, you can easily spot the proboscis monkey, silver-leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques roaming around the park casually. To get here, you have to travel to Kampung Bako (30 minutes drive) and from there take a 20 minute boat ride to the park. As you make your way to the national park, you will pass by sea stacks along the way. If you wish to get a closer look, you will have to join a  tour . Accommodation is also available at the park for those who want to spend a night here.

Tourist’s guide to Kuching – the cat city in Malaysia

If you want to visit a modern Asian city surrounded by a tropical jungle, then it’s time to go to the city of Kuching, Malaysia. Located on the banks of a picturesque river, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak is a peculiar combination of the latest architectural buildings and structures of the colonial era, parks and vibrant markets, historic temples and luxury hotels.

It is often difficult for tourists to decide which city is best to stay in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. And many of them still make the choice in favor of the first option. After all, the city of Kuching with its many nightclubs and shopping centers, a variety of cultural attractions and unique reserves is an unexpected find for most travelers.

Related entries:

• Tourist’s guide to Johor Bahru – Malaysia’s transit city en route to Singapore
• Tourist’s guide to the 10 best beaches in Malaysia
• The 10 best Langkawi beaches in Malaysia
• Tourist’s guide to Malaysia: main attractions

General information

Geographically, Malaysia is divided into two parts: the peninsular, located next to Thailand, and the island, adjacent to Indonesia and Brunei. It was on the island site of the country (Borneo island) that the city of Kuching grew up. Located 32 km from the South China Sea, it is the fourth largest city in Malaysia, and its population is 325 thousand people. Most of the residents of the capital of Sarawak profess Islam, but here you can often meet representatives of Buddhism and Christianity. The population of the city is a mixture of Malays, Chinese, Dayaks and Indians.

Kuching in translation from Malay means “cat”, which is why it is often called a cat city. Moreover, the local population really loves cats and expresses their respect to them in the form of various symbols: in the vicinity you can find many stone sculptures and graffiti depicting this animal. Kuching even has a Cat Museum. Such love for these creatures is explained by the beliefs of local residents who believe that the cat brings happiness and harmony to life.

The state of Sarawak is quite isolated from the peninsular part of Malaysia. Upon arrival here you will put an additional stamp in your passport. Here, even the language is slightly different from the generally accepted: locals speak a special dialect of Malay. In general, Kuching is quite lively and at the same time a clean city, from which you can begin your journey through Malaysia.

The price of accommodation and meals

Kuching in Malaysia can be praised for the high level of development of its tourism infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants and night clubs for every taste and pocket await tourists at almost every step.

Along with luxury hotels in the city there are inexpensive hostels and guesthouses, in which prices for a night in a double room range from $ 11-15. In Kuching, there are many three-star hotels that set the cost of living in the range of $ 20-50 for a day for two. However, some concepts include free breakfast in the indicated prices.

In the capital of Sarawak, you will find many cafes and restaurants serving both local cuisine and Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Indian dishes. At the same time, Malay treats in this city are slightly different from the foods generally accepted in Malaysia. Only here you will be able to try the real “Sarawak-Luxa” stew – a dish made from a mixture of seafood, vegetables and fruits, generously seasoned with hot sauce.

Special attention should be paid to the curious umay salad of chilled fish with onions and chili peppers, poured with lime juice. And, of course, in Kuching, as in any other Asian city, lunch is not complete without noodles: in the local version it is supplemented with meatballs and meat slices.

Without a doubt, in urban areas you can find restaurants with the usual European cuisine, as well as a variety of pizzerias and fast foods. In order to taste delicious tasty dishes, we recommend visiting the following places:

• Indah Cafe Art & Event Space
• Lepau restaurant
• Zinc restaurant and bar
• Top spot food court
• My little kitchen
• Balkanico pizza

A snack in an inexpensive cafe will be $ 2 per person, and for a lunch of two three-course meals in a mid-range restaurant, you will have to pay $ 12. Here you can eat in fast food for $ 3. Prices for drinks in the cafe:

• Local beer (0.5) – $ 2.5
• Imported beer (0.33) – $ 2.4
• A cup of cappuccino – $ 2.3
• Pepsi (0, 33) – $ 0.5
• Water (0, 33) – $ 0.3

Attractions and entertainment

If you happen to visit Kuching, then you definitely will not be bored: the city is rich in sights and offers a lot of entertainment events that will become a pleasant decoration of your vacation. What cultural and historical sites are worth visiting in the first place?

• City embankment. Kuching’s business card is located in the heart of the city. The place is suitable for leisurely walks and offers views of the city landscapes. Here you can ride a boat (for $ 0.5) or a boat (for $ 7.5).
• Chinese Temple Tua Pek Kong (Tua Pek Kong). Built by the first Chinese colonists, a valuable cultural monument is located right in the center near the city embankment. The hospitable staff of the temple will help you perform a traditional ritual – ignite incense and thereby attract financial fortune.

• Kuching Mosque. A beautiful pink mosque looks especially attractive in night light. Located in the center, a five-minute walk from the promenade.
• Carpenter Street A secluded historic place with a rich selection of bars and restaurants. The street is quite calm, so it is good for hiking.

• The main monument to cats. Also located in the heart of the promenade near the Margarita Hotel. Especially beautiful shots on the background of the monument can be shot during sunset.
• Building of the Sarawak Government Assembly in Malaysia. The ultra-modern construction stands out against the general architectural background. The building is especially beautiful in the evening hours when its golden illumination turns on. You can get here by boat, crossing the opposite shore from the central promenade.

Entertainment

This is one of the most unique places in Malaysia, where everyone can explore the nature of the jungle and get acquainted with their inhabitants. The reserve offers tourists more than a dozen routes of different lengths and complexity. It organizes both day and night excursions (the park is open around the clock), during which travelers can meet wild boars, nosaschi, macaques, crocodiles, snakes and spiders.

The park is 38 km from Kuching, and getting there is pretty easy. We find a bus in the parking lot to the village of Bako (runs every hour), which drops passengers off at the pier, and then we transfer to a boat ready to deliver tourists to the designated point for $ 7-9.

The entrance fee to the reserve is $ 7.5 for adults and $ 2.5 for children from 6 to 18 years old (up to 6 years old is free).

This reserve, which contains more than 1000 species of mammals that are endangered. But the park got the most fame thanks to its program for the rehabilitation of orangutans, for the sake of meeting with which tourists come here. The center is 24 km from Kuching, and you can get here by bus for $ 1 (6, 6A, 6B, 6C) from Chin Lian Long station.

• The park is open in the morning from 8:00 to 10:00 and in the afternoon from 14:00 to 16:00.
• Entrance fee is $ 2.5.

It is a full-fledged zoo, where different species of crocodiles, birds and fish live, as well as the smallest Malay bear in the world. The main attraction of the farm is a show with feeding crocodiles, which takes place twice a day – at 11:00 and 15:00. The park is located 20 km southeast of the city.

• Ticket price for an adult is $ 5.5, for a child – $ 3.
• Opening hours: 9.00-17.00.

This is a picturesque area with rivers and ponds, where visitors can get acquainted with the way of life of the Malays. There are 8 houses with typical interiors on the territory, where women bake, spin and play national instruments. This is a kind of living installation museum, where a dance performance is also held twice a day (at 11:00 and 16:00). Here you can shoot archery and play the local spinning top game. The village is located about 30 km north of Kuching, and it is most convenient to get here by taxi.

• Ticket price – $ 15.

The huge grotto formed in the limestone mountain is located at an altitude of 20 meters above ground level. A very beautiful and majestic cave in Malaysia is a must visit. The facility is located outside the village of Bau 30 km from Kuching. You can get here by taxi or by rented transport.

• Entrance fee is $ 1.2.
• Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Although Kuching itself is not washed by sea waters, its close proximity to the South China Sea provides tourists with the opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches, some of the best in Malaysia.

Opens Kuching’s top beaches in Malaysia. In the midst of the season, hundreds of tourists from all over the world are resting here. Located about 30 km north of the city. On the periphery of the beach there are three luxury hotels, restaurants and cafes where you can always have a snack after swimming and sunbathing. In the rainy season there are big waves and a cluster of jellyfish.

But with the end of bad weather the beach blooms and appears before tourists in all its glory. Its pure white sand, clear blue waters, framed by tropical palm trees, create a heavenly atmosphere for vacationers. This is a very beautiful and convenient beach for holidays, but due to its popularity it is quite crowded.

Less well known among the beaches of Kuching, it is located 25 km north of the city and 6 km south of Damai Beach. Santubong’s small popularity is explained by the meager choice of accommodation on its territory: there are no hotels here, but there are a couple of guesthouses. Near the beach you will not find chic restaurants, but there are several cafes that will not let you stay hungry. Light sand, beautiful turquoise water, tranquility and the absence of crowds of tourists – this is what really makes this place valuable.

The sandy beaches of Palau Talan Besar and Palau Talang Kesil, located 30 minutes from the coast of Sematan in the south-west of Sarawak, amaze not only with clear waters, but also with their rich underwater world. This is a real paradise for divers and divers, as well as for hotel lovers. The islands have become a haven for green turtles, listed in the Red Book. The developed tourist infrastructure of this area allows you to comfortably enjoy an exotic vacation.

Weather and climate

Since Kuching is located in the southern latitudes, its climate has a mild equatorial character. Throughout the year, the temperature in the city remains at about one point. The average daytime temperatures range from 30-33 ° C, and the nighttime temperatures are around 23-24 ° C. However, the period from November to February is considered the rainy season. Therefore, the period from March to October is considered more suitable for visiting the city of Kuching, Malaysia.

Video: A view of Kuching from above.

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Cat City Holidays Sdn Bhd

Cat City Holidays Sdn. Bhd. is a Travel Operator licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia (license No. KKKP/PL 1627) specializes in inbound / outbound tours, ticketing, and ground handling. The Inbound division organizes from local, adventurous tours, to Eco and Agro-tourism. The Agency also caters to specialized incentive trips to Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu in the State of Sabah, other parts of fascinating Malaysia and our neighboring country, Brunei.

Cat City Holidays owns a fleet of vehicles that suit all occasions.  They have 43-seater air-conditioned deluxe coaches for larger groups, 4-Wheel Drives, Vans, Sedans and chauffer-driven limousines.  All their vehicles are available on lease at competitive rates; chauffer serviced or self-driven.

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Kuching Highlights

This trip is a great introduction to the Cat City! Experience the urban life of Kuching City and venture into the attractions that you don’t want to miss out on. Wander around this historical city and visit iconic places in Kuching such as the Cat monument, China Town, Tua Pek Kng Temple and many more! A city adventure is guaranteed.

from MYR 131 / person

Kuching City

We will pick you up at your hotel on your preferred session. This trip enables you to experience the beauty of Kuching City in 3 hours. We will explore the must-visit attractions around this historical city such as the Cat Monument before cruising through China Town, the Tua Pek Kong Temple, that is believed to be one of the oldest standing temples in Sarawak and many more historical buildings and sights to discover!

A visit to Borneo Culture Museum and meals are excluded.

You may opt to start your city tour either on the morning session (9.00am) or on the afternoon session (2.00pm). Note: Visit to Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) can be arranged with additional surcharge for entrance fee.

Price Remarks

• Validity Rates are valid for travel by 31 March 2025.
• Availability   This tour runs everyday. Prior booking required.
• Transfer Inclusion   This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from  Kuching Airport or city hotel in Kuching . Additional charge per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside this area and pick up time may vary.

Explore Borneo Your Way!

Our Borneo Specialist can tailor this itinerary for you.

Notes [ Expand All ]

Tour includes.

• English speaking guide
• This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Kuching Airport or city hotel in Kuching.

Tour Excludes

• Items not mentioned.

Things to Bring

• Water bottle

Additional Notes

Bring Your Own Bottle Borneo Eco Tours is moving towards a single-use plastic free environment! So, please join our movement by bringing your own refillable water bottle during your time with us. 

Rainforest Kayaking

For those who love to see a countryside in a different perspective, you will surely enjoy a daytrip ...

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Cat City Holidays

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Cat City Holidays - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Exploring Kuching and a Sarawak River Cruise (Borneo)

A morning exploring ‘Cat City’ and a Kuching Sarawak Cruise in the afternoon gliding down the river, is the perfect way to spend a day in Borneo.

Known colloquially as Cat City, Kuching is an important Malaysia trading port with a colourful history. People from very different cultures have come to live in Borneo’s capital city over the centuries; the original Sarawak tribesmen have been joined by mainland Malays, Indonesian Muslims, Chinese miners, Indian Sikhs and British colonial settlers. A number of different languages and dialects are spoken, including English which is generally understood.

Exploring Kuching (Cat City)

Juan and I spent our last morning in Borneo exploring downtown Kuching, one of the most unique places in Malaysia .

The port of Kuching, at the far end of the waterfront, has a flourishing fish industry and commercial trade. The natural river harbour and cargo pier are filled with colourful trawlers lined up along the docks.

The different faiths have built temples in Kuching over the ages and we had time to visit a few.

Tua Pek Kong is a bright red Chinese temple overlooking Kuching waterfront dating to the 17th century.

It’s most fascinating to see – fierce dragons stand guard outside the shrine which is intricately decorated with mythical creatures, while the scent of burning incense and flower offerings fill the air.

An impressive building with golden domes is the Sikh temple. As soon as we entered a barefoot old man wearing a turban and long white flowing robes came up to speak, politely telling us to cover our arms and take our shoes off (it didn’t seem to matter about brief shorts and bare legs!). This incredibly interesting person was a voluntary caretaker, a retired commissioner from the Sarawak Police Force, profoundly religious, well-educated, very informative and gregariously friendly. The colourful character spent the next hour proudly showing us around on a personal tour of his place of worship.

The ‘Old Mosque’ is definitely one of Kuching’s most prominent landmarks. Sitting beside a grassy riverbank cemetery, the intricately designed pink building has splendid golden cupolas. Rushed for time, we didn’t venture inside, but non-Muslims (adequately attired – head, arms, and legs covered, bare feet) are allowed to visit outside of prayer times. The best place to admire the mosque is from a Sarawak river cruise boat, especially at dusk to see the domes reflecting the sunset on the water.

China Street and the ‘bazaars’ running parallel to Kuching waterfront esplanade are popular tourist attractions in the ‘old town’. The lively pedestrian streets are lined with old buildings and small stores which mainly sell clothes. There are interesting souvenir shops to browse in the renovated colonial buildings opposite the waterfront, where I actually got some nice craft items such as wooden masks and embroidered wall hangings, and cat magnets! I couldn’t resist buying a large ornate blow pipe which, surprisingly, doesn’t fit in with my home decor.

River Sarawak Cruise

We had a lazy lunch in a lovely restaurant with views over River Sarawak and then caught an afternoon cruise boat.

It’s the best way to see Kuching, gliding down past the waterfront on a Sarawak Cruise, the Kampung village we’d previously visited on the north bank, the classy modern hotels and the colourful fishing vessels in port on the south bank.

Turning back, the cruise boat sails along past the historic landmarks Fort Margherita, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building’s golden umbrella and the Astana Palace…

…past the lush tree lined riverbanks, the fairytale pink mosque, the beautiful ‘Cat City’ scenery highlighted by the burning golden sunset.

Kuching is magical but this tiny corner of Borneo is only a tempting insight into the adventurous territories waiting to be discovered in this vast destination.

Borneo Trip Information

My trip to Borneo was part of an independent journey to Malaysia. After a weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Juan and I flew to Kuching and then to Johor Bahru back on the mainland, travelled by bus up the coast to Mersing for the night, before getting the morning ferry to Tioman Island for a few days of pure relaxation and snokelling. A return boat to Mersing port and a coach ride through the countryside to KL city for a couple of days of sightseeing ended our exciting 2 week Malaysia itinerary .

*Like most capital cities, accommodation in pocket friendly hostels can be quite basic while central hotels can be horrendously overpriced. The Face Suites is a stylish alternative in central Kuala Lumpur that has been recommended to us by fellow blogger Lauren Jessica.

Websites with interesting info: www.sarawaktourism.com www.allaboutsikhs.com/gurudwaras-in-malaysia/gurudwara-sahib-kuching-sarawak

Top Places to See In Borneo

Kuching Waterfront – Top Places to See in Sarawak

I was actually going to Kuching (Cat City) in Borneo! A vast, remote, exotic island full of adventure stories with headhunting tribes and blow darts…hey, wake me up I must be dreaming! Borneo pertains, as if it’s sliced across the middle lengthwise, to two nations – Malaysia and Indonesia.

Read more… / Leer más…

Northern Bank of Sarawak River, Kuching

Next morning we caught a small, colourful wooden ferry boat over to the northern bank of the Sarawak River. The boatman punts off when the ‘tambang’  riverboat has enough passengers, mainly locals, school children and families. This side of the river was totally different from Kuching main town…

BORNEO – Santubong Sunset Cruise, Sarawak

A wildlife cruise in Borneo. The wide Santubong river is calm, the meandering mangrove swamps awesome, and the scenery magical. I listened to the mythical legend of Mount Santubong as we slid by the mysterious mountain on our journey towards the estuary.

BORNEO – Bako National Park, Sarawak

The highlight of my Borneo adventure was a day out in Bako National Park. A short trip along the Sarawak taking in the scenery and we arrived at Bako, Borneo’s oldest national park (2,727 hectares); it’s the most fascinating rainforest nature reserve, jutting into the China Sea on the Muara Tebas peninsula.

BORNEO – Bau, Fairy Caves & Blue Lake, Sarawak

Hearing that we wanted to explore beyond the tourists spots in Kuching, local girls Lucy and Jennifer drove us to rural Sarawak – to Bau fresh food market, on to explore the eerie Wind Caves, to a secret beach by the Kanan River, to the sacred Fairy Cave, and finally to Tasik Biru (Blue Lake).

Top Places to See in Malaysia

Penang Island (Insider Guide) – Top Things to Do and See

Our Penang Island ‘insider guide’ explains the top things to do and see in Malaysia’s top holiday destination. A tropical island with exotic beaches, rain forests, beautiful temples, World Heritage Sites, and amazing food.

Unique Places To See In Malaysia

Looking for somewhere unusual to visit in Malaysia? Whether you’re staying in Borneo, on Penang Island, in the Highlands or Kuala Lumpur city, you’ll love our choice of unique places to see in Malaysia.

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Kuching Sarawak

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Kuching Sarawak is a city in Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Kuching, its capital, of Sarawak, and is also known as Cat City. Kuching Sarawak is one of our favourite destinations in the world, find out why in our post. The word Kuching actually means “cat” and cat-related landmarks abound. That has to be the number one thing to do in Kuching – check out the cat statues. We absolutely loved Kuching and we hope our guide to Kuching attractions is helpful to you. We also talk about Kuching history, culture and food while giving you reason to visit!

I think Kuching is the best place to visit in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur amd Malacca, It’s a really nice city with a stunning old town and beautiful waterfront. Cultures blend here, from Chinese and Indian, to the many local tribes of the forests. We were lucky enough to stay with one such tribe in a forest longhouse. Read more in our post!

I’ll also mention that the people of Kuching are some of the nicest I’ve ever met and Kuching seemed a very safe place to me.

I’m not a huge fan of Malaysia generally, but we do really like Kuching.

Here are some amazing things to do and see in Kuching along with a few day trips and tours to take from Kuching. All can be done using Kuching as a base. Our short video, below features some of the highlights of Kuching Sarawak.

See the Cat Statues of Kuching

Why is Kuching called ‘Cat City’?  The story goes that the first British Rajah of Sarawak, James Brooke, asked the local people what the name of this city was.  At the same time, he asked the question, they thought he was pointing to a cat.  So, of course, the locals thought he was asking them what it was – and so they replied ‘kuching’ which is ‘cat’ in Malay.

Kuching has several cat statues and a fair amount of cat-related street art. Be sure to check them out. The cat family above is just one.

You won’t see many cats (or dogs) on the streets in Kuching. We were told they had been destroyed following a rabies outbreak. We did see a few cats kept in cages in private homes, which seems horribly cruel.

Charles Brooke Memorial

Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak succeeded his uncle James Brooke ( mentioned above). You’ll find this memorial near the riverside in old-town Kuching.

The Kuching Cat Museum

You can’t visit Kuching, ‘Cat City’, without visiting the Cat Museum.  There are over 2,000 cat objects in the museum, and it will take you about an hour to visit everything. 

The museum should be open every day, from 9 am-5 pm, and entry is free.  However, you may be asked to pay a small fee of about $1 if you want to take photos or videos. Double-check opening times and admission price for yourself here.

You’ll be amazed at how many different cat object there are!  You’ll even see a mummified cat, said to be more than 5,000 years old, as well as displays featuring Hello Kitty, and the Broadway show Cats. 

This is possiblt the weirdest museum I’ve ever been to and yes, it is worth visiting the cat museum because it is so odd. You’ll need to take a taxi there, it’s out of town.

Kuching Waterfront

Strolling along the Kuching Waterfront is a ‘must do’ in Kuching.  There’s a lovely path, and stunning views over the main sights of the town, which are even more stunning if you choose a stroll at night. 

You’ll also be greeted with some small cafes, various food and drink carts, and benches for resting your weary legs. This is a good place to come for cheap street food and snacks in the early evenings. In addition, you might be lucky enough to encounter buskers or street performers to entertain you.

The best time to take a stroll along the Kuching waterfront is at sunset, when the sun is behind the mountains with the last sunlight of the day peeking out from behind.  And after that, you can head to one of the many bars or restaurants you’ll find in this vibrant part of town.

Kuching offers amazing sunsets over the river. If you want to fully enjoy them find a rooftop perch or consider staying at the Kuching City Cozy Waterfront Riverfront Property. I was very envious of my friend’s sunset photos taken from here and this hotel has excellent reviews and family provisions.

Stay in an Iban Longhouse

A number of indigenous groups have their home in the region, including the Iban people, making it an interesting destination for the curious adventure lover.  One of the huge highlights of our trip to Kuching was our adventure in the jungle with the Iban people. We stayed with them for 3 nights observing their way of life and trying our hands at farming, hunting and fishing.

If there’s one thing you should do during your time in Kuching, it’s to stay in a longhouse.  These amazing, multi-family houses are still in use today and you can begin your stay from Kuching. These people are the formerly feared headhunters of Borneo and to stay with them is simply incredible.

Longhouses are practical for tropical living, with cool air circulating under the raised floors, which can also provide shelter for livestock.  Each family has their own private home within the longhouse and shares a communal covered living area

When you stay in a longhouse, you’ll learn all about indigenous culture, hunting, farming and maybe even experience traditional dancing and a musical performance by the locals. We have a full post on our magical stay in a Sarawak Iban longhouse here. If you’d like to book the tour we took, or make further enquiries, do that here.

The Square Tower Kuching

This interesting little building started life as a prison in the 1800s before becoming Kuching Fortress. Today it is another pretty addition to the Kuching waterfront. The whole area is beautiful by night with every feature lit with colour as the hues of the Golden Anniversary Bridge constantly change and delight.

Visit the Sarawak Museum

This museum is the oldest in Borneo, founded in 1891.  It has one of the best collections in Southeast Asia, and therefore is well known and very popular with tourists and locals alike.

In the museum, you’ll see natural history displays, traditional wood carvings, stuffed animals, tribal weapons and there’s even a section on the oil industry in Sarawak.

The Sarawak Museum was located in a huge and impressive building, which dates back to the Victorian era, however at the time of writing it is closed for refurbishment.  The building is expected to be open again in March 2020, when the entire project is finished, which includes new buildings along with the refurbished existing building.  Entry to the mueseum is free, and it’s open daily apart from some public holidays, so be sure to check before heading out.

There is a huge new museum on the other side of the road. It was closed when we last visited but we’d love to check it out.

Proboscis Monkeys of Bako National Park

Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Sarawak, and also the smallest, covering only 3,000 hectares.  Access is by car, then by small charter boat, and will take about 90 minutes to reach this natural jungle wonderland.

Here you’ll find walking trails, waterfalls, and hidden beaches.  And don’t forget the flora and fauna, including the strange-looking, big nosed, proboscis monkeys, flying squirrels and Bornean bearded pigs. We were able to see one of the world’s smallest frogs along with a pretty peaceful green pit viper on our walk in the park.

We chose to visit with a guide, he arranged our boatman and was able to find some incredible wildlife that we would never have been able to see by ourselves. It was incredibly hot and there was a lot of walking on uneven terrain but for the less sure-footed, some parts of the park are easily accessible on flat trails and boardwalks.

It’s also possible to stay a night or two in Bako national park. To do this you’ll need to book accommodation at simple lodges and chalets direct with the park, they’re not on Booking.com.

If staying overnight you can opt for a guided night walk in the jungle.  They take place almost every night at around 8 pm, and cost roughly $10. 

You may be lucky enough to see venomous snakes, tarantulas and scorpions. This tour is very much on our wish list for our next visit to Kuching.

Giant Rafflesia Flowers at Gunung Gading National Park

Another national park that is easily accessible as a half-day trip from Kuching city. Most people visit this Gunung Gading National Park for the flora, not the fauna.  This is one of the places you’ll find the rare giant rafflesia flower near Kuching.

The Rafflesia flower is the largest flower in the world, and they bloom throughout the year so you will have a good chance of seeing one in all its glory. 

There are also jungle trails, and waterfalls and you can even climb to the peak of Gunung Gading Mountain.

We had a superb guide and she found beautiful lizards, bugs, and spiders for us to see. Again, without her, we would have missed them. She also showed us how to take decent photos of the rafflesia blooms.

This was a much better experience than any tour in Sabah. If you compare Sarawak v Sabah, Sarawak is better we think.

It takes about 2 hours by car to get to Gunung Gading National Park from Kuching, so it’s possible to visit it as a day trip. We arranged a car, driver and guide and had a superb afternoon.

See The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse is now the Sarawak Tourism Complex, so there are two reasons to visit.  Firstly, the Old Courthouse building dates back to 1871 and you’ll find several other interesting buildings on the site.  There’s the clock tower, which was built in Baroque style in the colonial period, as well as the round tower, which dates back to 1886.

Secondly, you’ll be able to get a lot of interesting and useful information on tours, cooking experiences and much more from the Tourism office.

Still want more?  Here are some more things to do in Kuching!

Kuching Sarawak Cultural Village

This must-see living museum is only 35kms (22 miles) from Kuching Sarawak, and here you can learn about the diverse indigenous groups of this part of Malaysia. This attraction, not too far from Kuching Sarawak can be reached by taxi or Uber and is one of the best days out we’ve ever had, we loved this place, even in the rain.

Members of these indigenous groups dress in traditional costume, and perform traditional dances and create music for their guests. It was good to see traditional Iban costume, lacking in modern villages we’d stayed in. We were also treated to a lively display of blow-pipe hunting and got to taste several traditional snacks.

You can learn new skills from live demonstrations, such as bead making, weaving, and bamboo carving.  Visitours tour on foot, walking between various traditional village buildings from various eras, tribes and lifestyles. The traditional architecture is diverse and wonderful. You can, of course, go inside the houses and longhouses, be ready for a lot of steps and ladders, most of the houses are on stilts.

Check Out Kuching’s Street Art

Kuching has some of the best and most evocative street art I’ve seen anywhere in the world. For me, it beats the street art in Penang or Ipoh Malaysia by a very long way. The depictions of craftsmen in the carpenter and silver-smith quarters were particular favourites along with the faces of Kuching at the markets and various wildlife, orangutangs and children. Kuching is small, so find yourself a street art map and just explore. You’ll find them all soon enough.

Learn About Food in Kuching with a Tour or Class

One of our favourite mornings in Kuching was spent cooking at Indah Vegan Cafe and Gallery. Before cooking, we spent some time touring the food markets and buying ingredients. There is an eye-opening array of interesting produce to discover. We’ve always struggled with Malaysian food as even vegetarian dishes have a tendency to contain dried shrimp – to which I am allergic – so vegan Malaysian food was a game-changer for us. Kuching is where we learned to love Malaysian food.

Speciality dishes of Kuching include kolo mee, Sarawak laksa and, of course, Kek Lapis Sarawak. You’ll find this special cake all over Kuching city often at pavement stands.

The Kuching Mosque

There is more than one mosque in Kuching, but the Kuching Mosque is one not to miss.  Formerly known as the State Mosque of Sarawak, the current structure was built in 1968 as a replacement for the old wooden mosque, which dated back to 1852.

Stunning is one of the most common words to describe this incredible pink place of worship.  And especially magnificent is seeing the golden cupolas and dome shining under the Malaysian sun.

As with all sacred places, some rules are in place if you want to visit the Kuching Mosque.  You must dress ‘respectfully’, and remove your shoes before entering.  Also, non-Muslims cannot enter during prayer times.

See Orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve

One of the most delightful things to do in Kuching is to visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve.  And the reason is that it’s a sanctuary for the orangutan.  It’s been a rehabilitation centre for more than 30 years, and in addition to the orangutans, there are also other birds and animals to see there.

Plan your visit to coincide with feeding time, which is at about 9 am and then again at about 3 pm, and you could be lucky enough to see these beautiful mammals as they come to the feeding platforms for fruit provided by the rangers. There are no guarantees, but we saw 10 or so individuals including babies and the huge alpha male.

The Semenggoh Nature Reserve is about a 40 minute trip from Kuching, so it can easily be done as part of a day trip. We took a Grab car. Outside the nature park mobile coverage was bad, walk up to the road to call your return vehicle, we shared with another visitor. There are buses but it’s not an easy route and the bus doesn’t stop outside.

The Open Air Market

The Kuching Open Air Market is actually in a covered area, and comprises many different food stalls, most of which sell only one type of food.

This is the place to go in Kuching for trying traditional Chinese and Malaysian food and drink. For instance, Sarawak laksa (a spicy, coconut, noodle soup), Mee Sapi (traditional beef noodles), or Sio Bee (a kind of pork dumpling).

Prices are cheap, starting from around $1, and the market is open every evening from about 5pm to 11.30pm.

A River Cruise or Kayaking on the Sarawak River

There are plenty of options for cruising on the Sarawak river The more adventurous and active tourist/traveller can explore the area by kayak. 

You’ll see much more than your land-bound friends.  You can take the kayak along the river where you’ll see the city from a different perspective. Or, for an even bigger thrill, you can even go to the open sea and try your luck finding a pod of dolphins. Watch out for crocodiles!

There are several kayak companies in Kuching, and prices are at around $45 per person, for a six hour guided kayak trip. For the less physically exuberant regular boat tours are also available from waterfront jetties.

Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple

Not forgetting the Chinese population of Kuching, pay a visit to the Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple.

This temple is a brightly coloured, Chinese style, traditional temple with records dating back to 1843.  It was one of the few buildings to survive the Great Fire of Kuching in 1884, and is said to possess strong, positive powers of Feng Shui.

The temple sits on high ground overlooking the Sarawak River, and is still used by the locals for prayers.  This beautiful, ornately decorated temple is really small and you can visit it in less than 10 minutes.

Kuching Sarawak and More Malaysia

If you need more information on Malaysia, Borneo and Kuching, our posts below could be useful to you. Over the years we’ve spent months in Malaysia and I have to say, Kuching and Kuala Lumpur are our two favourite places in this country. Our post on Thaipusam, a Hindu festival in KL , is one to see. On the island of Borneo, we enjoyed the Kuching area a lot more than the east of Sarawak and Sabah . We also enjoyed Ipoh on the mainland and we think you should visit Malacca . We have a lot more information on travel in Malaysia in our further posts, below.

Photo Credit : Photos marked ** were used with permission of Sarawak Tourism website under Creative Commons license. I have my own photos, but theirs are better!

There are many more amazing places to visit and things to do in Kuching Sarawak, but for now this list will help you to start imagining and planning your time in Kuching. We think we’ve covered the best things to do in Kuching here, but we’re us and you’re you. We have posts in production on Kuching accommodation and food to help you more. What do you think is the best thing to do in Kuching?

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Alyson Long

Family travel trivia quiz questions, can you swim in port douglas (2024), 11 thoughts on “kuching sarawak”.

Very interesting. I’d never heard about this place before. I have a kid who is mad about cats, so this definitely goes on our list of places we want to visit once the current situation is over.

Fabulous article! Don’t know if the place is my cup of tea but maybe I’ll send my sister who loves cats…..

I love your posts Alyson the problem is they make me want to go everywhere! Sending lots of love x

Can’t wait to go! Hopefully next year. Thanks so much for all this super useful info.

Great article, makes me want to go back to Kuching to catch some of the things we didn’t have time to do!

Great information! Thanks! Looking forward to being able to explore the world again.

I do hope we can all travel again soon!

Great information and so thorough! I’m saving this in hopes that we can do some of the activities you recommend someday.

I hope you get there, it’s such a great city!

I definitely need to get to Sarawak!

It’s my favourite place in Malaysia!

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• Why Kuching Malaysia Is Called...

Why Kuching, Malaysia is Called 'The City of Cats'

Kuching, formerly named Sarawak in the 19th century, translates to ‘cats’, earning it the affectionate nickname ‘City of Cats’. Nobody knows for sure why the state’s third capital was called Kuching and what originally connected today’s feline-centric city to their four-legged meowing friends.

Comical colonial mishaps.

It’s a bit of mystery as to why the city became Kuching . Some stories mix myth with age-old mishaps from communication barriers. Ask almost anyone in the tourist industry and they’ll speak of a funny misunderstanding between James Brooke and an indigenous tribesman. The First White Rajah in the middle of the 19th century, they’ll say, asked the name of a settlement. The tribesman thought he pointed to a cat and replied Kucing (pronounced the same way as Kuching).

A real city of cats?

Like James Cook’s misunderstanding with aboriginal Australians and the name kangaroo meaning ‘I don’t know’ in a local dialect, it’s not true. The same holds for the other tempting explanation: Lots of cats once lived along the Sarawak River and so the residents named it Kuching . While these explanations are adorable and tempting, they’re almost certainly false. Sarawakian Bahasa Melayu uses the term ‘pusak’ to refer to cats rather than the standard Bahasa Melayu ‘Kucing’. If they held any truth, wouldn’t the city be called ‘Pusak’ instead?

Was the City of Cats named after a fruit?

Perhaps the name comes from a type of lychee-like fruit called mata kucing which grows in the nearby hills. The literal translation from Bahasa Melayu is ‘Cat’s Eyes’. But for this to hold any truth it would be mata pusak in Sarawakian. Perhaps the fruit’s name was an import after Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963 to help communication in a multi-lingual society? Since James Brooke renamed the city Kuching almost a century before in 1872, it suggests the ‘City of Cats’ isn’t named after a tropical fruit.

A more realistic explanation

In the 19th century, the British used the term ‘Cochin’ after the Indian port city to refer to any trading port. A variant of Cochin might have led to Kuching since there’s only a slight difference in pronunciation. Or maybe a small stream branching from the Sarawak River gave the name. Back then, naming a settlement after its location was common. But perhaps the most likely reason relates to the large Chinese population. Until the White Rajahs introduced pipes and plumbing, locals collected drinking water from a well. The Chinese referred to this long-forgotten old well as ‘Ku Ching’.

A city obsessed with cats

Does it matter where the name Kuching comes from? The ‘City of Cats’ has wholeheartedly embraced felines as their symbol. Cats are everywhere in Kuching from someone happily giving them food scraps at the coffeeshop to giant statues, street art and a museum dedicated to them. Kuching today really is the ‘City of Cats’.

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Cat City Holidays

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Cat City Holidays (Kuching, Malaysia): Address, Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Welcome To Kuching | The City Of Cats

Are you a cat lover? Then Kuching, the dreamy little seaside town is for you!

I got out of my 2-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and landed in this beautiful little city, Kuching, on the island of Borneo. On the way to my hotel in the city centre, I saw so many cats. They are omnipresent: on rooftops, at traffic signals, on sidewalks, in parks. There are a bunch of statues of cats too. Curious, I asked my guide why there were so many cats when she explained. “The city’s cat obsession is apparent from its name,” said, Selena, our guide. “In Malay, the word ‘kucing’ means ‘cat.’

There are different theories about why the city is named after cats.

The first Rajah of Sarawak pointed at the city and asked what is it called, and a local thought he was referring to a cat and said its called ‘Kucing’ and hence it became the name of the city.

Kuching was named after the trees that grew around the area, bearing small fruit called ‘ mata kuching’ , or cat’s eye fruit.

The residents of Kuching named the city after a short-tailed cat which lived in the area of Borneo Island.

The city was named after the famous Indian city ‘Cochin’ which became synonymous with a harbour town. It also has a link with the Chinese kaci or harbour. Since Kuching has a beautiful harbour, the British started to refer to it as Kuching from the year 1988.

The cat culture of Kuching

Sarawak has people from different parts of the world. There are Malays, Indians, Chinese as well as local tribes like the Iban, Orang Ulu, and Bidayuh to name a few. Cats play an important role in all of these diverse populations who live here in Sarawak. For example, the Chinese believe that cats are a good luck charm. Cats are more than just animals which live here in abundance. It’s a part of their culture in Sarawak.

The city of Kuching has cat graffiti sprayed on the walls, a cat museum, shops lined with cat souvenir, cat statues, a cute Cat B&B and even a Meow Meow Cat Café!

Cats to the Rescue

In the early 1950s, due to excessive malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the people of Sarawak and the tribes were killed. WHO sprayed the city of Sarawak with a chemical to control the Malaria. This chemical also killed a lot of cats during the process. Rats flourished and it gave way to a lot of diseases like plague and typhus. To cope with these problems the World Health Organization had to parachute 14,000 live cats into Borneo through the royal air force. This is often called ‘Operation Cat Drop’ or ‘The Flying Cat Story’.

What else does Sarawak have to offer?

There’s more to this famous feline town than just cats. Sarawak is also known for the hornbills and three different kinds of monkeys: The famous Proboscis monkey, (which is indigenous to the island of Borneo) Long-tailed macaques, and the silvered leaf monkey. The city houses one of the most beautiful national parks called Bako National Park. All the three varieties of monkeys can be seen in the wild here. There are multiple treks you can take which even offers stunning views of the ocean. Bako is also home to one of the most venomous snakes in the world: The Green Keeled Pit Viper of Borneo.

The Island of Borneo is also home to the very famous Orangutans. The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is the biggest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak. It is a sanctuary for the injured and orphaned orangutans.

I visited Kuching to attend the famous Rainforest World Music Festival. It’s a beautiful 3-day music festival with people from all over the world. The vibe and the music is the best I’ve ever experienced.

Go to Kuching for the Rainforest World Music Festival, go if you love cats, go if you love some adventure, go if you love nature. There’s so much character in this city you’d be surprised.

Getting there:

Kuching has an International airport and has direct flights to and from Kuala Lumpur connected by Malindo air and few other airlines.

Read more: There’s another country that is all about the cats, read about the feline conquerors of Istanbul here .

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Bako national park: borneo’s hidden gem, 7 reasons why the rainforest world music festival should be on your bucket list, dyk there’s an amazing music festival held in the rainforests of malaysia annually, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Kuching travel guide

Kuching tourism | kuching guide, you're going to love kuching.

Colonial-era buildings rub shoulders with modern office towers in Kuching, the largest city on the island of Borneo and the capital of Sarawak state. From the busy waterfront to landmarks like the Astana, the erstwhile palace of the White Rajahs, Kuching is known as a clean, safe city for travelers to explore. Add a fabulous dining scene and the burgeoning tourist industry is waiting for you to discover.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kuching

1. wild nature.

The city is the perfect hub to explore the area's gorgeous natural beauty, including rainforest, waterfalls, beaches, and more, with Bako National Park bordering the city along the waterfront, and Kubah National Park just outside town.

2. The Orangutans

You must check out the region's iconic wildlife on any visit to the city, and you can watch the orangutans feeding at Semenggoh Nature Reserve, an easy bus ride from downtown.

3. Beach Life

Enjoy the beach along with events like music festivals and a lively bar scene at Santubong, a short distance from the city.

4. Fascinating Museums

One of the legends around the city's name comes from the Malay word "kucing", which means cat, making it the perfect place for the delightful Cat Museum, just one of the city's impressive and intriguing museums that you can explore.

5. Great Food and Fun

From street food at the city's night markets to fine dining, the diverse population and lush environment result in a thriving dining and nightlife scene.

What to do in Kuching

1. unique wildlife.

Filled with a wide variety of plant and animal life, Bako National Park is on a peninsula just north of Kuching. Take a stroll or an all-day hike on one of the trails and there is a good chance you will see some exotic wildlife. The park has a wide range of plant life native to Borneo, including the carnivorous pitcher plant. Birdwatchers can view an astonishing range of colorful birds such as several varieties of kingfishers, owls, babblers and woodpeckers. It's not uncommon to catch sight of wild boars and there are several varieties of monkeys, including macaques, silver leaf monkeys, and almost 300 proboscis monkeys, rare and unusual creatures unique to Borneo. Take a break from a hike at one of the secluded coves with white sand beaches.

What would a visit to "Cat City" ("Kuching" means "cat") be without a visit to its Cat Museum? Touted as the world's first cat museum, this attraction is completely devoted to the feline species. From famous cats to cats in pop culture, the museum is a dream for cat lovers and is sure to have something for everyone to love.

3. Waterway To Walk

Whether you're looking for something to eat, something to buy, something to do, or just a nice view, this mile-long walk along the Sarawak River has a lot to offer. Modern and historic architecture frames the beautifully landscaped walkway. Sample local food like the "Kek Lapis" cake, shop the neighboring Malay Villages and cross the river in an iconic "tambang" boat to complete your experience. The scene is especially spectacular as the sun goes down, making sunset cruises a popular way to spend the evening.

4. Browse Native Artisans And Produce

Running from Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon, the Sunday Market is one of the best places to purchase local products and food. Many of the vendors are natives from rural areas who come to the city on the weekend to sell their wares. All kinds of local foods and fruits are available, as well as fruit trees and even livestock. Jungle products, local crafts and souvenirs are also widely available. Its colorful view of local culture and products make the Sunday Market a place that really should be included in your Kuching itinerary.

5. Relic Of British Colonists

Visible across the river from the Kuching Waterfront, Fort Magherita is one of many historic structures built by British colonists. Visitors can view old cannons, guns and fortifications. Today the fort hosts the Brooke Gallery, a collection of items from the family of Charles Brooke, the first white rajah, or king, of Sarawak. The display gives viewers insights into over 100 years of the area's history.

Where to Eat in Kuching

Explore local Dayak cuisine in elegant style at the.Dyak, where main dishes start at RM25. Sample innovative Chinese-style fusion dishes at Bla Bla Bla, where mains begin at RM22.

When to visit Kuching

Most travelers opt to visit the city during the drier months of the year, from June through August, when daytime temperatures average around 90 degrees.

How to Get to Kuching

Kuching International Airport (KCH) is about seven miles from the city center. A taxi into town should be available at a fixed rate of about RM26.

There are well-maintained highway connections within Sarawak state between Kuching and other centers such as Sarikei, Sibu, and Miri, but there is no guarantee of paved surfaces if you are traveling from farther away.

The Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal provides intercity connections to other major centers in Sarawak state, including Sibu, Miri, and Pontianak in Indonesia, among others. Sarawak Transport Company and Bintang Jaya Express Bus are two of the larger bus companies operating out of the terminal.

Airports near Kuching

Airlines serving kuching, where to stay in kuching.

Stay in stylish modern comfort at the Batik Boutique Hotel, with a convenient central location. You'll enjoy the contemporary decor and amenities at the Padungan Hotel, about a half mile from the waterfront.

Popular Neighborhoods in Kuching

Padungan - this is the city's historical commercial and shopping area, with plenty of nightlife and hotel options, along with attractions like the Kuching waterfront and cat statues.

Satok - this is where you will find the city's busiest weekend market, a mecca for bargains on local goods and food of all kinds, along with a restaurant scene nearby to sample from.

Siniawan - this area that runs along the Sungai Sarawak Kanan River is where you will find the famed Siniawan Night Market, along with a commercial area and dining options.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kuching

Most booked hotels in kuching, how to get around kuching, public transportation.

There is reliable bus service through the city by City Public Link, with bright green buses you can't miss. Fares vary by zone, ranging from RM1.80 to RM2.30.

Taxis are metered and fairly plentiful, and can be rented by the hour for about RM40.

Roads within the city are in good condition, and driving is oriented to the left. A car rental starts at about RM160 per day.

The Cost of Living in Kuching

Shopping streets.

You'll find modern shopping malls like the Riverside Shopping Complex in the city center, with many smaller stores along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which runs along the Sarawak River.

Groceries and Other

H&L and Upwell are two of the larger local supermarket chains. A quart of milk costs about RM6.25 and a dozen eggs should cost about RM4.30.

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No disrespect meant by dressing up Padungan White Cat Statue with Iban attire, clarifies mayor

The Padungan White Cat Statue dressed up for Gawai Dayak. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (May 31): The iconic cat statue at Padungan was recently dressed up with Dayak design material ‘pua kumbu’ but Kuching South City Council (MBKS) did not specify it was ‘sirat’ (loincloth) and ‘ketapu’ (headdress) as claimed, said Dato Wee Hong Seng.

The Kuching South mayor said MBKS would like to stress it was never their intention to disrespect or misappropriate the rich and vibrant heritage of the Iban community.

“Every year, the Padungan White Cat will be adorned with attire representing different cultures and religious festivals as a testament to celebrate diversity and unity among the community,” he said in a Facebook post today in response to a misunderstanding on the use of Iban traditional attire for the statue.

Wee said MBKS values the feedback and concern of the local community, but he advised people to approach him personally to see efficient and effective solutions to an issue rather than making a public statement.

He said during festive seasons, the council does not wish to create sensitivity amongst the community.

“The council will take the necessary action to take down the clothing of the White Cat statue.

“As we come together to celebrate the vibrant and joyous Gawai Dayak Festival, I wish everyone a Happy Gawai Dayak, ‘Gaya Guru Gerai Nyamai’,” he said.

On May 30, Tun Jugah Foundation senior advisor cum research Dr Peter Mulok Kedit issued a statement where he said: “We thank MBKS for promoting Gawai Dayak by dressing up the Jalan Padungan cat statue with the Iban ‘sirat’ and ‘ketapu’.

“However, dressing up a cat in such attire is a taboo according to Iban traditional beliefs and customs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s special assistant Michael Kong said it was crucial for MBKS and other authorities to recognise the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to consult relevant communities before undertaking such initiatives.

“Respecting the beliefs and customs of all communities is essential to avoid misunderstandings and unintentional insults,” he said.

Kong said actions that disregard the traditions and customs of any community can have serious repercussions and can undermine the spirit of unity that Sarawakians strive to build.

As such, he urged MBKS and all governmental bodies to engage with and seek advice from cultural representatives such as Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak before making decisions that may affect their communities.

“This approach will not only prevent similar incidents in the future but also promote a more inclusive and respectful society,” he added.

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Queenslanders will pay 50 cents to catch public transport from August 5. Here is what you need to know

Gold Coast commuters who catch the train to Brisbane will save up to $28 a day from August, with public transport fares to be slashed to $1 return.

Queenslanders will pay 50 cents for each trip on a train, bus, ferry and light rail from August 5 — for any distance and in any direction — with the state government introducing a six-month trial.

Donna Douthwaite from Kirra on the Gold Coast says she spends $90 a week travelling to Brisbane to work, and as a single mother the price dop will "help out so much". 

"The cost of living is insane at the moment," she says.

What are the savings?  

Among the biggest winners will be those who travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. 

During peak times — which is before 8:30am and after 3:30pm on weekdays — it costs $14.55 one way to travel across three zones in the Translink network.

That adds up to $29.10 a day return, which will be reduced to $1 from August 5. 

For those travelling return five days a week for the entirety of the six-month trial, it will cost $120.

For a concession fare, it costs $7.28 to travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast at peak times, meaning those who hold an eligible Go Card will save $6.78 each way.

For those who travel between Rosewood in Ipswich and Brisbane, it currently costs $8.72 one-way at peak times.

To travel between Caboolture or Beenleigh to Brisbane it costs $6.63 in peak times in one direction for an adult.

Travelling between Shorncliffe and Brisbane City costs $4.34 one way, which is $8.68 return and will be slashed by $7.38 during the trial.

How long will the cheap fares last?

The trial will start on August 5, and run for six months. 

Premier Steven Miles says the trial is designed to ease congestion on roads and help with the cost of living.

He says a campaign will rollout with the price change, which will include the message "use it or lose it".

"If it doesn't work … it won't continue," Mr Miles said when making the announcement on Sunday. 

Ross Elliott, who is the director of Suburban Futures, says paying 50 cents will allow for the government to determine how popular each route is. 

"The question is going to be, other than an initial flush on enthusiasm, what is that patronage going to settle back into?"

He says people on the road tend to be those heading to schools, the shops and the gym rather than to work. 

"We have this fixation it is all about the commuter driving themselves to work — [they're] not the main person on the road."

Who will pay 50 cents?

Half price concession fares will not apply from August 5, with fares on Translink services to cost 50 cents for six months.

Translink says children aged five to 14 will still be able to travel free on weekends using their orange child Go Card.

Children aged four years older and under will still be able to travel for free at all times.

The 20 per cent discount on off-peak travel will not apply during the six-month period, according to Translink. 

Senior concession card holders will be able to continue to travel for free on Brisbane City Council buses and in the Gold Coast City Council areas during off-peak travel times.

Airtrain services will not be included

The 50 cent fare will apply to buses, trains, ferries, trams and all regional buses in Queensland that are operated by Translink. 

It will not include Airtrain services that run to and from Brisbane's international and domestic airport terminals. 

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