Kuching, officially the City of Kuching, is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. It is also the capital of Kuching Division. The city is on the Sarawak River at the southwest tip of the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo and covers an area of 431 square kilometres (166 sq mi) with a population about 165,642 in the Kuching North administrative region and 159,490 in the Kuching South administrative region with a total of 325,132 people.

Be won over by Kuching’s natural charms on this 4 days 3 nights tour of Sarawak’s cultural capital, including hotel pick-up. Lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of Old Kuching, practice your haggling skills at the bustling Central Markets and pay a visit to the fascinating Sarawak Museum. This comprehensive tour also includes many of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Cat Museum, Sarawak Culture Village, Semenggoh Wildlife Center, Annah Rais Longhouse and Borneo House Museum.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Kuching is the capital of the East Malaysian State of Sarawak. Kuching is the most populous city in the state of Sarawak and the fourth largest city in Malaysia Nestled on the banks of the Sarawak River, the capital, Kuching, retains the old-world charm of its romantic past. The river is the focal point of the town and features a graceful, European-style esplanade – The Kuching Waterfront – with views across to the Astana (The Palace) and Fort Margherita.

The narrow, bustling streets near the river are crammed with ornate temples, markets, historic buildings and traditional Chinese shop houses selling local handicrafts. Kuching also lays claim to nine museums, many within walking distance of each other. No other city in Malaysia displays its charm with such an easy grace as Kuching, the capital of Sarawak.

The city is cut almost in half by the meandering Sarawak River – its lifeline since time immemorial and where it all began in 1839. Its skyline is a mix of minarets and domes, ornate temple roofs, church spires, fortress, towers, modern and colonial buildings – all set amidst a profusion of greenery against the dramatic backdrop of the inky-blue Santubong and Matang Mountains. A tour of Kuching will take you from the era of the White Rajahs to the present day.

Day 1 :

Airport - Kuching City Tour - Hotel

Arrive in the early morning in the city of Kuching. Be amazed by the tranquil lifestyle and the proud homage the locals pay to their roots, as well as the welcoming embrace of the morning tropical breeze. Proceed first to the hotel for check-in, and have the rest of the morning for free-and-easy.

After settling down, starting a short city tour from the Sarawak river bank. There will be some of the Malay vessels, or ‘sampan’ to bring you on a short but spectacular cruise along the Sarawak River bank. For a minimal fee, the tour includes the sights of various important architectural remains of the days of past. This includes two castles left during the British Colonial Days – Fort Margherita and the Astana. Both were strongholds of Charles Brooke and an important monument in Sarawak’s history. Marvel at the grandeur of the castles and their white walls, as well as their landscaped gardens.

Also, make a visit to the Square Tower, another heritage site and distinct building. The Orchid Gardens is also on the list, where one can see the marvelous state flower – the Normah Orchid. Take a walk along the Main Bazaar, which is filled to the brim with visitors, tourists and shoppers alike who are in for a good bargain. The markets sell all kinds of goods including souvenirs and foodstuff.

Day 2 :

Semenggoh Wildlife Center - Annah Rais Longhouse

Starting the morning with a visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center for the chance to see more of the Sarawakian wildlife. Built almost 40 years ago, the reserve was with the sole purpose of rehabilitating wounded wildlife and serves as a nurturing ground for endangered species. It is home to more than 1,000 types of bird, reptiles and mammals. It is also the largest reserve for Orang Utan rehabilitation. Get the chance to see these special creatures up front, with their distinct reddish brown fur and one of the world’s largest primates.

After lunch, pay a visit to the Annah Rais Longhouse. Annah Rais is a Bidayuh longhouse settlement in the foothills of the Borneo Highlands. Annah Rais comprises three separate longhouses, Kupo Terekan, Kupo Saba and Kupo Sijo, which travelers can visit solo or with a guide. Each longhouse has a covered bamboo verandah, called an awah, used for communal activities. Doorways spaced along the longhouse lead to each family’s private quarters.

While some visit Annah Rais just for the day, some of the residents open their homes to visitors as part of a cultural homestay program. Visitors are paired with a local family who provide a traditional dinner and breakfast in addition to the enriching cultural exchange.

Day 3 :

Sarawak Culture Village - Cat Museum - Kek Lapis Sarawak - Borneo House Museum

Wake up to a wholesome breakfast and head to the Sarawak Cultural Village for a journey into the life of the indigenous tribesmen of the land. Sarawak Cultural Village (Kampung Budaya Sarawak) is a very popular attraction near Kuching, in the state of Sarawak (on Borneo). Known as the Living Museum, it showcases real life traditional folks living inside it, who will showcase their daily routines, cultures and allow you to experience, learn and be entertained. The Museum is also houses the traditional longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and the distinct Melanau tall-house. Here you can experience local tribes in their authentic homes; you can learn their customs by participating in one of many workshops.

After lunch, proceed to visit the Sarawak Cat Museum, which will definitely satisfy the palette of the cat lover. The theme revolves around the gentle feline creature, and is one of a kind in the world – equipped with vivid paintings, articles, posters, figurines as well as toys of cats. There is also a mummified Egyptian cat, making it an interesting stop in the city of Kuching.

Meanwhile, you get to have a taste on the traditional Kek Lapis in Kuching city. The Sarawak layer cake, known as Kek Lapis Sarawak (meaning "Sarawak layer cake") or Kek Lapis moden Sarawak in Malay, is a layered cake served in Sarawak, Malaysia on special occasions. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Deepavali, birthdays and weddings. People in Malaysia practice an open house on festival day, and the modern layered cakes way be served in Sarawak.

Ending the day with a short visit to the Borneo House Museum. The Borneo House Museum is an interactive 3D and educational museum in Kuching with a floor of more than 12,500 sq ft. The museum’s interactive display Sarawak’s nature, culture, heritage and food to life. It contains Sarawak's Nature, Old Sarawak, Sarawak Today and Sarawak Iconic Food.

Day 4 :

Leisure Time - Transfer to Airport

Starting the day with a free roam. This is a time where you can roam anywhere you want, shop anywhere you like and eat anything special. Be back at the hotel by noon to pack your belongings and head home.