Guidebook for Kuching
Getting Around
There are also plenty of taxis just across the road from the apartment building. Make sure that they use the meter. Sometimes during peak periods they will quote a price. Be sure to bargain a little.
Taxi Service Sarawak Plaza
There are also plenty of taxis just across the road from the apartment building. Make sure that they use the meter. Sometimes during peak periods they will quote a price. Be sure to bargain a little.
This car rental company has been around for a long time. They do sedan cars only.
No 254, 1st Floor, Jalan Padungan, 93100 Kuching
Tel: +6082 410110/7
Mayflower Car Rental
This car rental company has been around for a long time. They do sedan cars only.
No 254, 1st Floor, Jalan Padungan, 93100 Kuching
Tel: +6082 410110/7
Personally would not recommend getting around by buses unless you have plenty of time to just ride where they go. They are not always on schedule and you may need to wait a while
Bus Stop Jalan Chan Chin Inn
48 Jalan AbellPersonally would not recommend getting around by buses unless you have plenty of time to just ride where they go. They are not always on schedule and you may need to wait a while
Food Scene
While strolling the waterfront, do drop by this place for coffee, tea, cakes and delicious meals. Please try the laksa dishes especially the one with the rich creamy broth. Short walk from the apartment.
Waterfront Cafe
While strolling the waterfront, do drop by this place for coffee, tea, cakes and delicious meals. Please try the laksa dishes especially the one with the rich creamy broth. Short walk from the apartment.
The atmosphere is unusual because its literally full of junk but in a very decorative way. Love the carbonara spaghetti, salads and cakes. Lovely place in the evening. There is a funky bar at the back.
Along the same stretch is Bla Bla Bla which serve local cuisines in style. Another great place with interesting decor and outdoor seating. Must try the local vegetable dish, bidin and mani chai ( cangkok manis )
27 locals raden deze aan
The Junk
80 Wayang StThe atmosphere is unusual because its literally full of junk but in a very decorative way. Love the carbonara spaghetti, salads and cakes. Lovely place in the evening. There is a funky bar at the back.
Along the same stretch is Bla Bla Bla which serve local cuisines in style. Another great place with interesting decor and outdoor seating. Must try the local vegetable dish, bidin and mani chai ( cangkok manis )
A selection of local dishes. Nice relaxing ambience. Try their specialty nasi lemak with ayam pansoh ( Coconut rice with chicken ) Open from 10am to 10pm. Closed on Monday.
lima.tujoh Cafe & Guesthouse
China StreetA selection of local dishes. Nice relaxing ambience. Try their specialty nasi lemak with ayam pansoh ( Coconut rice with chicken ) Open from 10am to 10pm. Closed on Monday.
Upscale eatery with a variety of western and local dishes. The owner and chef, Thomas, was trained in Switzerland and with many years of experience. They have the best cakes in town. Try their variety of delicious and very rich cheesecakes. They also have lovely pies and salad. You can do private parties here. See Map. Approx 10/15 mins walk
Tom's
160 Jln PadunganUpscale eatery with a variety of western and local dishes. The owner and chef, Thomas, was trained in Switzerland and with many years of experience. They have the best cakes in town. Try their variety of delicious and very rich cheesecakes. They also have lovely pies and salad. You can do private parties here. See Map. Approx 10/15 mins walk
Do not leave Kuching without eating here. Great seafood and all kinds of local dishes. Eat till you drop. Enjoy the breeze from the open and outdoor seating while enjoying your feast. Fresh coconut drinks are available. Try the crabs from the ABC stall. Directions: Walk left towards the shophouse where Mc Donalds is located. Cross the road towards the white office building, Wisma Bukit Mata. Topspot is just across the road from the office building. Approx 10 mins
33 locals raden deze aan
Topspot Food Court
off Jln PadunganDo not leave Kuching without eating here. Great seafood and all kinds of local dishes. Eat till you drop. Enjoy the breeze from the open and outdoor seating while enjoying your feast. Fresh coconut drinks are available. Try the crabs from the ABC stall. Directions: Walk left towards the shophouse where Mc Donalds is located. Cross the road towards the white office building, Wisma Bukit Mata. Topspot is just across the road from the office building. Approx 10 mins
Great breakfast place serving local dishes like laksa and kolo mee ( noodle ), local tea and coffee. There's also toast and half boil eggs. Anthony Bourdain was here filming a documentary.
Teh O: Tea with sugar only.
Teh O kosong: Tea without sugar and milk.
Teh C : Tea with evaporated milk and sugar.
Teh C kosong: Without the sugar.
Kopi O: Coffee with sugar only.
Kopi O kosong : without the sugar.
Kopi C : Coffee with sweetened milk/evaporated milk.
Kopi C kosong : without the sugar.
If you want it cold with ice, add the "peng" at the back of the name. e.g Teh C peng.
The store at Abell has closed. Go to main store at Jalan Ban Hock, near end of Jalan Song Thian Cheok.
16 locals raden deze aan
Chong Choon Cafe
275 Jalan Chan Chin AnnGreat breakfast place serving local dishes like laksa and kolo mee ( noodle ), local tea and coffee. There's also toast and half boil eggs. Anthony Bourdain was here filming a documentary.
Teh O: Tea with sugar only.
Teh O kosong: Tea without sugar and milk.
Teh C : Tea with evaporated milk and sugar.
Teh C kosong: Without the sugar.
Kopi O: Coffee with sugar only.
Kopi O kosong : without the sugar.
Kopi C : Coffee with sweetened milk/evaporated milk.
Kopi C kosong : without the sugar.
If you want it cold with ice, add the "peng" at the back of the name. e.g Teh C peng.
The store at Abell has closed. Go to main store at Jalan Ban Hock, near end of Jalan Song Thian Cheok.
The ambience is not great but the food is. As the name suggests, it chinese food. Must try the Hong Kong style noodles. There are rice, meat and vegetable dishes too. Directions: Walk left towards Mc Donald and continue straight past Wisma Tun Jugah till you reach Jalan Padungan. Keep walking till you see it on the left hand side. Approx 15 mins.
Hong Kong Noodle House
93 Jln PadunganThe ambience is not great but the food is. As the name suggests, it chinese food. Must try the Hong Kong style noodles. There are rice, meat and vegetable dishes too. Directions: Walk left towards Mc Donald and continue straight past Wisma Tun Jugah till you reach Jalan Padungan. Keep walking till you see it on the left hand side. Approx 15 mins.
Fancy some Taiwanese food? Try the specialty beef stew noodle soup and fried dumplings. There is a variety of rice, noodles, vegetable dishes and side dishes. You must also sample their aromatic selection of tea. See Map Approx 20 mins walk.
Jade Pot Tea House
Jalan Song Thian CheokFancy some Taiwanese food? Try the specialty beef stew noodle soup and fried dumplings. There is a variety of rice, noodles, vegetable dishes and side dishes. You must also sample their aromatic selection of tea. See Map Approx 20 mins walk.
Its a big covered open sided structure with a variety of stalls selling local food and drinks. A must have here is our local ice cream, ais kacang with evaporated milk or coconut milk. Its powdered ice with lots of toppings and milk and sweet syrup. If you want less sweet, just tell them less syrup. You can also find here our famous pao ( sweet white dough with meat filling) and sio bee ( meat dumpling ) Directions: Walk to the end of the Main Bazaar or waterfront and then onto the old courthouse. Proceed to India Street and walk to the end till you see a big single storey open sided covered structure. Approx 30 mins walk.
Open Air Market
Jalan PowerIts a big covered open sided structure with a variety of stalls selling local food and drinks. A must have here is our local ice cream, ais kacang with evaporated milk or coconut milk. Its powdered ice with lots of toppings and milk and sweet syrup. If you want less sweet, just tell them less syrup. You can also find here our famous pao ( sweet white dough with meat filling) and sio bee ( meat dumpling ) Directions: Walk to the end of the Main Bazaar or waterfront and then onto the old courthouse. Proceed to India Street and walk to the end till you see a big single storey open sided covered structure. Approx 30 mins walk.
Great place ( covered open sided building) for local dishes like belachan bee hoon, fried kueh teow/mee, kolo mee, tomato crispy mee, fried rice, pao, sio bee, rojak or simply rice with meat and vegetables. You can also get ice kacang, chendol and local desserts.
Please familiarise with the following:
(bee hoon : thin rice noodles)
(mee : noodles)
(kueh teow : flat rice noodles)
(crispy mee : deep fried noodles till crispy)
(pao : steam sweet white dough with meat filling)
(sio bee : meat dumpling)
(ice kacang/chendol: fine powdered ice with toppings, milk and syrup)
7 locals raden deze aan
Song Kheng Hai hawker centre
Jalan Song Kheng HaiGreat place ( covered open sided building) for local dishes like belachan bee hoon, fried kueh teow/mee, kolo mee, tomato crispy mee, fried rice, pao, sio bee, rojak or simply rice with meat and vegetables. You can also get ice kacang, chendol and local desserts.
Please familiarise with the following:
(bee hoon : thin rice noodles)
(mee : noodles)
(kueh teow : flat rice noodles)
(crispy mee : deep fried noodles till crispy)
(pao : steam sweet white dough with meat filling)
(sio bee : meat dumpling)
(ice kacang/chendol: fine powdered ice with toppings, milk and syrup)
Air conditioned western style coffee cafe serving coffee, tea, cakes and light food. See Map. Next to Toms. Approx 10/15 mins walk.
Bing! Coffee @ Jln Padungan
84 Jln PadunganAir conditioned western style coffee cafe serving coffee, tea, cakes and light food. See Map. Next to Toms. Approx 10/15 mins walk.
How about having a meal amidst cool cars and motorbikes inside a cafe? Its a different kind of atmosphere. Owned by our Kuching celebrity who is a competitive jet skier and musician.
See Map. Approx 10 to 15 mins walk.
Feast & Furious Cafe
Jalan Tunku Abdul RahmanHow about having a meal amidst cool cars and motorbikes inside a cafe? Its a different kind of atmosphere. Owned by our Kuching celebrity who is a competitive jet skier and musician.
See Map. Approx 10 to 15 mins walk.
If you miss a brand name coffee, we've got it too. Walk to Sarawak Plaza. Approx 5/10 mins.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Sarawak Plaza
291 Jalan Tunku Abdul RahmanIf you miss a brand name coffee, we've got it too. Walk to Sarawak Plaza. Approx 5/10 mins.
Everything Else
Great place for a stroll in the late afternoon, evening and night especially during the weekends when the waterfront is alive with stalls selling food, drinks, local products, children's toys and art.
49 locals raden deze aan
Kuching Waterfront
37 Jalan Main BazaarGreat place for a stroll in the late afternoon, evening and night especially during the weekends when the waterfront is alive with stalls selling food, drinks, local products, children's toys and art.
There is a hotel , spa and golf course here. Its very nice and cool up in the highlands. Be prepared for a winding road and steep at few stretches to get to this place. www.borneohighlands.com.my
7 locals raden deze aan
Borneo Highlands Resort
Lorong Kota Padawan 10aThere is a hotel , spa and golf course here. Its very nice and cool up in the highlands. Be prepared for a winding road and steep at few stretches to get to this place. www.borneohighlands.com.my
This is located at 18 1/2th mile from Kuching City. See www.jongscrocodile.com for more information. Its not just a crocodile farm. There are other animals too.
22 locals raden deze aan
Jong's Krokodillenboerderij en Dierentuin
Jalan Kuching - SerianThis is located at 18 1/2th mile from Kuching City. See www.jongscrocodile.com for more information. Its not just a crocodile farm. There are other animals too.
Many years ago I tried this. It was great fun. Very nice and serene to kayak on the stream amidst nature. A friend was taking friends kayaking as a hobby and he invited my husband and I. I have not tried this company but for more information visit www.rainforestkayaking.com. There is a very interesting short video on the website.
The Rucksack Rainforest Kayaking
8962 Jalan SekamaMany years ago I tried this. It was great fun. Very nice and serene to kayak on the stream amidst nature. A friend was taking friends kayaking as a hobby and he invited my husband and I. I have not tried this company but for more information visit www.rainforestkayaking.com. There is a very interesting short video on the website.
Sightseeing
We were once under the British rule. They left somethings behind. Worth going and see the view of the river and city from village side.
21 locals raden deze aan
Fort Margherita
We were once under the British rule. They left somethings behind. Worth going and see the view of the river and city from village side.
It is not very big but shows our history, culture and tradition.
26 locals raden deze aan
Sarawak Museum
Jalan Tun Abang Haji OpengIt is not very big but shows our history, culture and tradition.
There are tons of local products here from edibles to arts and craft and souvenirs. A must go to place for tourists and locals too.. Get our hand made traditional hats, bags, clothes and home grown produce. Directions: Walk to the waterfront till you see the old shops and cross the road. Approx. 10 mins
8 locals raden deze aan
Main Bazaar (Kuching Waterfront Bazaar)
There are tons of local products here from edibles to arts and craft and souvenirs. A must go to place for tourists and locals too.. Get our hand made traditional hats, bags, clothes and home grown produce. Directions: Walk to the waterfront till you see the old shops and cross the road. Approx. 10 mins
I used to come here with my mother when I was young to buy cloth for making curtains. Her usual store was Salleh Ahmad. She would cut and sew them into curtains. The shops here have been around for decades. You will find stores selling fabric, clothes, bags, shoes, watches, jewellery and local food products. Directions: Walk left to main bazaar, then go past the courthouse to India Street. Approx 15/20mins walk.
India Street
India StreetI used to come here with my mother when I was young to buy cloth for making curtains. Her usual store was Salleh Ahmad. She would cut and sew them into curtains. The shops here have been around for decades. You will find stores selling fabric, clothes, bags, shoes, watches, jewellery and local food products. Directions: Walk left to main bazaar, then go past the courthouse to India Street. Approx 15/20mins walk.
Another interesting stretch here. Lots of kopi tiam ( local cafes without aircondition) and old shops selling local products, jewellery, bicycles and furniture. Directions: Walk left to main bazaar, then turn left at the main road or any of the small alleys into Carpenter Street. Approx. 10 mins.
22 locals raden deze aan
Carpenter Street
Jalan CarpenterAnother interesting stretch here. Lots of kopi tiam ( local cafes without aircondition) and old shops selling local products, jewellery, bicycles and furniture. Directions: Walk left to main bazaar, then turn left at the main road or any of the small alleys into Carpenter Street. Approx. 10 mins.
It has been renovated to house a restaurant, cafe and exhibition halls. It still retains the charm of the old courthouse appearance. The cafe serves from breakfast till night. In the morning, talk a stroll along the waterfront and have breakfast here. Directions: Walk to the end of waterfront, then cross the road. Approx 10/15 mins.
16 locals raden deze aan
Kuching Old Courthouse
7 Jalan BarrackIt has been renovated to house a restaurant, cafe and exhibition halls. It still retains the charm of the old courthouse appearance. The cafe serves from breakfast till night. In the morning, talk a stroll along the waterfront and have breakfast here. Directions: Walk to the end of waterfront, then cross the road. Approx 10/15 mins.
This is a vintage old town with 2 rows of very old shophouses selling local goods. It is about 30 to 40 minutes drive from Kuching City, 15 minutes from 7th mile bazaar. At night it comes alive with a night market and brightly lighted streets. The population is mostly Hakka and the famous food dish here is meat ball noodles. Google Siniawan Old Town for pictures.
11 locals raden deze aan
Siniawan Night Market
This is a vintage old town with 2 rows of very old shophouses selling local goods. It is about 30 to 40 minutes drive from Kuching City, 15 minutes from 7th mile bazaar. At night it comes alive with a night market and brightly lighted streets. The population is mostly Hakka and the famous food dish here is meat ball noodles. Google Siniawan Old Town for pictures.
I have not been to this one but I have visited a longhouse and it is a very good experience to see how the natives live amidst the jungle. We ate with them and drank their local wine ( tuak )
They live in wooden self made longhouses which are like link houses except that there are no walls nor fencing in between. It is community living with spirit of "gotong royong" which means cooperating and helping each other. Their lives are very simple. They grow and hunt their own food.
Annah Rais Longhouse Homestay
I have not been to this one but I have visited a longhouse and it is a very good experience to see how the natives live amidst the jungle. We ate with them and drank their local wine ( tuak )
They live in wooden self made longhouses which are like link houses except that there are no walls nor fencing in between. It is community living with spirit of "gotong royong" which means cooperating and helping each other. Their lives are very simple. They grow and hunt their own food.
This place is about an hour's drive from Kuching Town. A short drive from the Annah Rais Longhouse. The hot spring is in the middle of a cold shallow swift running river. Be careful of the slippery rocks that you would need to navigate to get to the hot spring. Please google for more information and pictures.
No 58, Kampung Annah Rais, Jalan Borneo Highland, Padawan, Kuching, 93250.
11 locals raden deze aan
Annah Rais Hotsprings
This place is about an hour's drive from Kuching Town. A short drive from the Annah Rais Longhouse. The hot spring is in the middle of a cold shallow swift running river. Be careful of the slippery rocks that you would need to navigate to get to the hot spring. Please google for more information and pictures.
No 58, Kampung Annah Rais, Jalan Borneo Highland, Padawan, Kuching, 93250.
Parks & Nature
Join a tour to our " countryside " . Along the way you'll see the small suburbs and how the country people live. Plus a chance to see the orangutan ( Big monkey ). See www.city-discovery.com/kuching
23 locals raden deze aan
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
KM 20 Borneo Highland RoadJoin a tour to our " countryside " . Along the way you'll see the small suburbs and how the country people live. Plus a chance to see the orangutan ( Big monkey ). See www.city-discovery.com/kuching
The 20 min boat ride to the park is lovely. You can hike here or simply walk around and enjoy nature and its animals. For more information see city-discovery.com/kuching
44 locals raden deze aan
Bako
The 20 min boat ride to the park is lovely. You can hike here or simply walk around and enjoy nature and its animals. For more information see city-discovery.com/kuching
Drive out to the beach area. Here you have Damai beach resort, Santubong resort and Damai Lagoon Resort ( Damai Puri Resort and Spa. Hang out by the beach or the park or just relax at the resort. Approx. 45 mins by car
Santubong National Park
Jalan Sultan TengahDrive out to the beach area. Here you have Damai beach resort, Santubong resort and Damai Lagoon Resort ( Damai Puri Resort and Spa. Hang out by the beach or the park or just relax at the resort. Approx. 45 mins by car
When I was a teenager, a family friend invited my family to go on a cruise to Pulau Talang, one of the turtle islands. Our close neighbours and relatives came along. Including the crew there were about 60 plus people on board. We started from Sarawak River, slow cruise out to sea and arrived Talang on the third day. We even had mass on board on the open sided top deck held by my uncle, a priest.
Its a beautiful island and we swam in the clear blue waters. Mind you, there are small sharks in this area. Those days we were able to obtain permission to visit Talang. Now only Pulau Satang Besar is open to visitors. See www.sarawakforestry.com ( Talang-Satang National Park )
Nationaal Park Schildpaddeneilanden
When I was a teenager, a family friend invited my family to go on a cruise to Pulau Talang, one of the turtle islands. Our close neighbours and relatives came along. Including the crew there were about 60 plus people on board. We started from Sarawak River, slow cruise out to sea and arrived Talang on the third day. We even had mass on board on the open sided top deck held by my uncle, a priest.
Its a beautiful island and we swam in the clear blue waters. Mind you, there are small sharks in this area. Those days we were able to obtain permission to visit Talang. Now only Pulau Satang Besar is open to visitors. See www.sarawakforestry.com ( Talang-Satang National Park )
This is not far from Kuching City. You can see Mount Santubong from the apartment. If you are interested to reach the summit by trekking visit www.trekkingsarawak.com for more information. Also see Trip Advisor under Kuching Climb Mount Santubong ( Bing Mount Santubong Trek and Climb )
16 locals raden deze aan
Mount Santubong
This is not far from Kuching City. You can see Mount Santubong from the apartment. If you are interested to reach the summit by trekking visit www.trekkingsarawak.com for more information. Also see Trip Advisor under Kuching Climb Mount Santubong ( Bing Mount Santubong Trek and Climb )
Arts & Culture
If you have time, head to the beach area where the cultural village is located. Here you will see the different types of accommodation for the natives and the things that they use. And cultural performances on stage. A native will show you his skills on the blowpipe. Go on your own or join a tour.
51 locals raden deze aan
Sarawak Cultural Village
Pantai Damai SantubongIf you have time, head to the beach area where the cultural village is located. Here you will see the different types of accommodation for the natives and the things that they use. And cultural performances on stage. A native will show you his skills on the blowpipe. Go on your own or join a tour.
Shopping
This is a small suburban mall with departmental stores and individual stores, a supermarket, foodcourt, cinemas, hair salons, bookstores...etc Some brand names include Coach, Esprit, Levi, Bata ( shoe shop) , Toy r us, MPH book stores, Starbucks and Pizzahut. Approx. 15 mins by car.
38 locals raden deze aan
The Spring Shopping Mall
This is a small suburban mall with departmental stores and individual stores, a supermarket, foodcourt, cinemas, hair salons, bookstores...etc Some brand names include Coach, Esprit, Levi, Bata ( shoe shop) , Toy r us, MPH book stores, Starbucks and Pizzahut. Approx. 15 mins by car.
This suburban mall is the latest in Kuching and it is much bigger than Spring. Some international brand names are here.
Approx. 20 mins by car.
39 locals raden deze aan
Vivacity Megamall
Jalan Wan AlwiThis suburban mall is the latest in Kuching and it is much bigger than Spring. Some international brand names are here.
Approx. 20 mins by car.