12 Best Places to Visit in Kuching Old Town

If you’re heading to Malaysian Borneo, exploring the Places to visit in Kuching Old Town should be at the top of your itinerary. Rich in history, multicultural heritage, colonial architecture, and riverside charm, old Kuching offers a relaxed yet fascinating glimpse into Sarawak’s past and present. Located in the capital of Sarawak in eastern Malaysia, Kuching blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Bornean influences beautifully. Its Old Town area is compact, walkable, and packed with character. Here’s your complete guide to the best Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

1. Kuching Waterfront

The Kuching Waterfront is the heart of the Old Town and one of the most iconic Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

Stretching along the Sarawak River, it offers:

• Beautiful sunset views
• Street performances
• Local food stalls
• River cruise departures

Across the river, you’ll spot the striking golden-domed Astana and the majestic Fort Margherita, both historical landmarks tied to Sarawak’s colonial past. It’s the perfect place to begin your Old Town exploration.

2. Sarawak Museum Complex

One of the most important Places to visit in Kuching Old Town is the Sarawak Museum. Established in 1888, it’s one of the oldest museums in Southeast Asia and offers fascinating insights into:

• Indigenous cultures of Borneo
• Tribal artifacts
• Traditional longhouse lifestyles
• Natural history

The newly upgraded complex makes it a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand Sarawak’s heritage.

3. Chinese History Museum

Located near the waterfront, the Chinese History Museum highlights the contributions of Chinese communities to Kuching’s development.

Exhibits cover:

• Early migration history
• Trade and commerce
• Clan associations
• Cultural traditions

It’s a small but informative stop among the top Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

4. Carpenter Street

Carpenter Street is the oldest street in Kuching and one of the most atmospheric Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

Here you’ll find:

• Traditional Chinese shophouses
• Goldsmith shops
• Local snack vendors
• Handicraft stores

It’s especially lively during festivals like the Chinese New Year.

5. Tua Pek Kong Temple

One of the oldest Chinese temples in Sarawak, Tua Pek Kong Temple is a colourful and spiritual landmark in Old Town. Dating back to the 19th century, it’s dedicated to prosperity and good fortune. The intricate architecture and riverfront location make it one of the most photogenic Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

6. India Street Pedestrian Mall

India Street is a lively pedestrian zone filled with textile shops, spice stores, and traditional goods. It reflects the Indian-Muslim heritage of Kuching and offers:

• Sarongs and fabrics
• Traditional sweets
• Local snacks
• Budget shopping

It’s one of the more culturally immersive Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

7. Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita

Across the river from the Waterfront stands Fort Margherita, built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, one of Sarawak’s famous “White Rajahs.” Today, it houses the Brooke Gallery, which tells the story of:

• The Brooke dynasty
• Colonial-era Sarawak
• Political and cultural transformations

It’s a key historical stop among the Places to Visit in Kuching Old Town.

8. The Astana

The golden-domed Astana sits gracefully on the north bank of the Sarawak River. Built in 1870 as a residence for the Brooke family, it’s now the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak. While visitors can’t enter, it’s an impressive sight from the Waterfront and part of the historic landscape of Old Kuching.

9. Square Tower

The Square Tower is a charming colonial-era structure near the Waterfront. Originally built as a prison and later used as a fortification, it now serves as a café and cultural venue. Its unique architecture makes it one of the more underrated Places to visit in Kuching Old Town.

10. Darul Hana Bridge

The futuristic Darul Hana Bridge contrasts beautifully with Old Town’s historic buildings. Lit up at night, it connects the southern Waterfront with the north bank and offers stunning panoramic views of:

• The Astana
• Fort Margherita
• The Kuching skyline

It’s especially popular for evening walks and photography.

11. Cat Statues Around the City

“Kuching” means cat in Malay, and you’ll find cat statues scattered across the city. While not confined strictly to Old Town, the iconic Cat Statue near Padungan Roundabout is part of the broader charm that defines the Places to Visit in Kuching Old Town.

12. Local Cafés and Kopitiams

No visit to Old Kuching is complete without sampling local cuisine.

Try:

• Sarawak Laksa
• Kolo Mee
• Teh C Peng (iced milk tea)

Traditional kopitiams (coffee shops) are woven into daily life and are essential cultural stops among the Places to Visit in Kuching Old Town.

Best Time to Explore Kuching Old Town

Kuching has a tropical climate year-round.

• Morning: Best for sightseeing before the heat builds
• Late afternoon: Ideal for waterfront walks
• Evening: Cooler temperatures and vibrant street life

Rain showers are common, so carrying a small umbrella is wise.

How to Get Around

The Old Town area of Kuching is compact and walkable. Most Places to visit in Kuching Old Town are within easy walking distance of each other. For crossing the river, traditional sampan boats are available for a small fee, a fun and local experience.

Final Thoughts on Places to Visit in Kuching Old Town

The Places to visit in Kuching Old Town offer far more than just sightseeing. They tell the story of:

• Indigenous Bornean heritage
• Chinese migration
• Colonial-era White Rajahs
• Modern multicultural Malaysia

From riverside sunsets and historic forts to temples and traditional streets, Old Kuching blends history, culture, and laid-back charm effortlessly. If you’re exploring Sarawak, make sure to slow down and soak in the character of Old Town. It’s the cultural heart of Kuching and one of Malaysia’s most underrated historic quarters.