Planning a holiday doesn’t have to be a stressful – or expensive – ordeal. In fact, if you’re cracking your head thinking of somewhere to visit for your next getaway, why not consider Kuching? And before you say “aiyer, Kuching not fun also”, here are a couple of reasons why you couldn’t be more wrong. Kuching is actually full of surprises and it’s sure to give Malaysians and tourists alike an exciting and memorable time. What’s more is that it’s affordable so you don’t have to worry about needing a huge budget!
Without further ado, here are a couple of unforgettable things you can do in Kuching without going broke:
1. Visit Sarawak’s oldest Bako National Park
Almost 7,000 acres large, this park has been around since 1957 and is the go-to place for a perfect introduction to Sarawak’s forests and wildlife. This national park also has a coastline covered with small bays, coves, and beaches! Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
What to expect:
- Relax by the beach, take a swim or simply bury your feet in the soft, white sand in between jungle treks (Telok Pandan Kecil beach is said to be the best beach in Bako)
- Be awed by the larger-than-life limestones and sandstone cliffs that surround the park’s beaches
- Trek through the large forest and expect to see some incredible creatures including the rare proboscis monkey, monitor lizards, long-tailed macaques, wild boars and more, as well as a wide variety of colourful, exotic birds too!
Where: Jalan Bako, Kuching
When: 8am to 5pm daily
How much: RM10 (entrance fee)
2. Check out the old school Siniawan Night Market
The old town of Siniawan is lined with red lanterns all across its streets, making it a pretty unique night market. It’s basically a picturesque pasar malam, complete with shop lots that have been around since our grandparents’ time and of course, delicious food.
What to expect:
- Numerous food stalls selling delicious Chinese, Malay as well as authentic Sarawakian food (make sure to try the Lui Teh, Pitcher Plant Rice and Ngo Hiang)
- Many hipster, IG-worthy backgrounds and corners to snap your OOTDs and couple shots
- A chilled and relaxing time among the wooden shop lots and peaceful surroundings
Where: Pekan Siniawan
When: 6pm to 10pm, Fri to Sun only
How much: Approx. RM10 – RM20 (depending on what you buy)
3. Drop by the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehab Centre and get up close and personal with adorable Orangutans
I mean, who doesn’t love Orangutans? They’re the most lovable little things!
What to expect:
- Watch as professionals feed the Orangutans between 9am and 10am, and 3pm and 3.30pm
- Learn about how these Orangutans are rehabilitated and sent back into the wild
- If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the Orangutans while trekking through the forest reserve
Where: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching, Sarawak
When: 8am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 4pm, daily
How much: RM3 (entrance fee), additional RM40 for a professional guide
4. Visit ‘Feast and Furious Cafe’ for a cuppa and check out their amazing collection of vintage cars
If you’re a fan of the Fast & Furious franchise, this is the cafe for you. Not only do they serve great food, their interior decor is also pretty special.
What to expect:
- A wide collection of vehicles; from race cars and super bikes to vintage motorcycles and hipster cars placed all around the cafe (ceiling, walls, floor and even right under your feet in glass cases!)
- Delicious coffee as well as affordable Western and Sarawakian food
- Pose and take photos with the many cool cars and bikes in the cafe
Where: 244, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching
When: 7.30am to 11.30pm daily
How much: RM14 – RM30
5. Check out walls and walls of gorgeous street art
Yes, Kuching has their own unique murals as well, painted by Malaysians’ favourite street artist, Ernest Zacharevic. So, make sure you check them out and get a picture or two!
What to expect:
- Murals consisting of a variety of animals and other things such as Orangutans, Giant Hornbills, cats (but of course), people and so forth
- Take tons of IG-worthy photos here amidst the colourful backdrop
Where: Jalan Power, Kuching
When: Drop by anytime, anyday
How much: FREE
6. Take a sunset cruise down the Santubong river
Enjoy a three- to four-hour relaxing and unforgettable cruise down the river of Santubong that’s sure to help you forget about your worries and your strife.
What to expect:
- Be in awe of the majestic Mount Santubong towering overhead while on the cruise
- Get ready to meet the resident wildlife there including Irrawaddy dolphins, Proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and so forth
- Say hi to fishermen when you cruise by the traditional fishing villages on stilts
Where: Sungai Santubong, Kuching
When: Go just before sunset
How much: RM300 for 3 to 4 hours
7. Explore the mystical Fairy Cave
This place is said to be where Japanese soldiers used to hide to avoid persecution during the war. Others say orphaned children used to live here with magical fairies watching over them.
What to expect:
- Surround yourself with eerie yet beautiful, larger-than-life limestones
- Numerous rock climbing spots for both the pros and beginners as well as multiple paths that intertwine and criss-cross all along the cave
- Large rock formations that look deity-like
Where: Bau, Sarawak (40km from Kuching)
When: 8.30am to 4pm daily
How much: FREE
8. Have the time of your life at the annual three-day Rainforest World Music Festival
Yes, a music festival that goes on for three days straight! What’s more, it takes place in a rain forest! How cool is that?!
What to expect:
- Groove along to music from all over the world as musicians come from all across the globe perform together and celebrate musical diversity
- Dance and sing your lungs out right smack in the middle of a rain forest, among the unique tribal houses
- Food and drink stalls as well as workshops and arts & crafts will be held here as well
Where: Sarawak Cultural Village 1
When: 13 to 15 July
How much: RM123.80 (1-Day pass), RM323.80 (3-Day pass)
Get your tickets right here!
Are you already itching to give Kuching a visit? Well, stop delaying and book your tickets now!
In fact, if you book a flight with AirAsia before 24 June, you can fly from KL, Johor, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, or Miri straight to Kuching from just RM57, all in!
Wait what wor? Travel period is until 31 Jan 2019 only, so hurry up, book your flight tickets here and prepare for an unforgettable and most importantly, affordable trip! Don’t say we bojio.