Kuching Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia)

The interesting tourist attractions of Kuching are best explored on foot, and when combined, really do hold much appeal. If you have the time, consider taking a walking tour of the city, passing attractions such as the Siang Ti Miao Temple, the Old Court House, the Square Tower, the Round Tower, the Indian Mosque and the Hong San Si Temple.

Originally enclosed within the Sultanate of Brunei, Kuching's astonishing colonial history began around 1800 with the gift of Sarawak by the Sultan to a British adventurer, James Brooke, as a reward for putting down a rebellion.


The lucky recipient of this generosity immediately proclaimed himself Rajah and formed an administration, declaring Kuching his capital city and ruling it as his personal kingdom. His descendants continued to rule until the Japanese occupied Borneo in 1941. This unique course of events gives Kuching a bizarre flavour all its own and has contributed to many of the attractions and historic temples here.

Astana

Address: Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Once the palatial mansion of the ruling White Rajahs, this impressive structure is now the residence of Sarawak's head of state. Constructed on the riverbank by James Brooke's son, White Rajah Charles Brooke, as a wedding gift to his new wife, the Astana building is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens in which visitors can stroll.
Open hours: closed to the public
Admission: free

Chinatown

Address: Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The city's Chinatown district is a compact experience, with a good many traditional temples, small bazaars, markets and quaint streets packed with shops and Chinese restaurants, all within an easy stroll. Based around the Jalan Carpenter, between the Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg and the Jalan Wayang, Chinatown is generally a fairly quiet spot, except at festival times, when the area explodes with fireworks and lion dances. Various oriental attractions are distributed around Chinatown, such as the ornate Harmony Arch, the Siang Ti Miao Temple, the Hong San Si Temple and the Tua Pek Kong Temple.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Address: Jalan Padungan, Chinatown, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tua Pek Kong Temple is Kuching's oldest and most popular temple, serving the Chinese Buddhist community since the early 19th century. Set right on the waterfront and within Chinatown, this brightly painted shrine holds images of Tua Pek Kong - the God of Prosperity and Wealth, and Kwan Yin - the Goddess of Mercy, and is the focal point of many important Chinese festivals.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

India Street (Jalan India)

Address: Jalan India, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The pedestrianised walkway of India Street, home to many of the city's Indian businesses, is crammed with terraced shophouses selling colourful textiles, fashions, household goods, incense and religious artefacts, as well as being home to some excellent restaurants. Part-way down the street, the interconnecting Jalan Gambier is where you will find the local produce market based, with its spice merchants and fresh fruit and veg. Whatever you buy, bargaining on Indian Street is compulsory!
Open hours: daily - most shops close by 18:00
Admission: free

Square Tower

Address: Waterfront, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 426 093
Built in 1879 as a prison with its own dungeons, this sparkling white mini-castle was subsequently a fortress and later, surprisingly became a dance hall. The Square Tower stands alongside the Sarawak River (Sungai Sarawak), with its traditional castle crenelations and tower, while close by is a reflection pool, lawns, flowerbeds, a play area for children and the Brooke Memorial. Nowadays the Square Tower fulfils a useful career as the tourist office and multimedia information centre.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free