Kuching Landmarks and Monuments

(Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia)

When viewed from across the river, the cityscape of Kuching really is a landmark in itself, with modern high-rises contrasting with the spires and domes of temples and mosques, and the massive bulk of the colonial buildings.

Many more everyday structures, like the 150-year-old shophouses, are monuments in themselves and showcase the various ethnicities who helped develop the city over the centuries. The most eccentric of all the landmarks in Kuching are the statues of cats found just about everywhere, based on a mistranslation of the city's name and often resembling the Japanese 'Maneki Neko' (Beckoning Cat), being widely believed to bring business to shops.

Fort Margherita

Address: Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 244 232
Perched high above the city and commanding magnificent views across the river, this 19th-century landmark castle was named for Rajah Charles Brooke's wife, Ranee Margherita. It now houses a Police Museum containing ancient artillery pieces, a condemned cell and reconstructed opium dens, as well as scenes of punishment and execution, cannons and a lookout tower. However, most visitors will agree that it is the bright-white architecture of the fortress itself that is the most impressive feature. Water taxis regularly drop-off close by, with the fort being roughly a 10-minute walk away, uphill.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Divisional Mosque / City Mosque

Address: Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The gilded cupolas of this splendid mosque can be seen from across the entire city. This majestic building was completed in 1968, after being built on the site of an older wooden mosque. Formerly the Sarawak State Mosque, the Divisional Mosque is today one of the city's most striking landmarks and well worth a look. It is worth noting that non-Muslims may not enter during prayers, and the necessary dresscode must be observed at all times.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Brooke Memorial

Address: Main Square, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Set in front of the old Court House (now the visitors information centre) on the downtown main square, is this 6-metre / 20-foot obelisk. The Brooke Memorial was erected in 1924 to commemorate the second White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke, whose commitment to his little protectorate kingdom brought considerable benefits to its mixed-race community.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Civic Centre

Address: Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 415 806
The viewing platform of the Civic Centre's tall tower is the best place for a 360-degree view of the cityscape, hiding behind its coverage of trees. Interestingly, the Civic Centre also boasts the highest public toilet in the city, plus a restaurant on the penultimate level and a planetarium on the ground. A public library is also location on site should you require a spot of light reading or research.
Open hours: daily - daylight hours
Admission: free

Waterfront

Address: Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The city's beautifully landscaped waterfront promenade is a popular meeting place for locals as well as tourists, with rows of food stalls and bars contrasting with the luxury hotels and spas along the riverbanks. This is a good place for an evening stroll with the locals. The waterfront also provides a pleasant spot for an afternoon sit down, where you can relax on a bench and watch the water taxis (tambangs) sailing on by, down the Sarawak River.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Main Bazaar

Address: City Centre, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The Main Bazaar is literally the main street of Kuching, set along the riverbanks in the old part of town. This area consists of a maze of 19th-century Chinese shophouses, which together offer visitors the best of the city's antiques, curios and handicrafts. If you are looking to spend a little holiday money on a souvenir to take back with you, the Main Bazaar is the place to come. All kinds of pottery and tribal arts are available here, amongst the other Malaysian goodies.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Seated Cat / Great Cat

Address: Jalan Pandungan, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
In spite of the probable mistranslation of 'Kuching' as 'cat', this popular tourist destination is often known as 'Cat City' and is smothered with cat images in various more or less attractive forms and sizes, including cats along the waterfront and outside the Hotel Grand Margherita. The largest and most kitsch is this particular statue, a huge white concrete version glaring at passersby with its paw raised. With blue eyes and often dressed in a top hat and waistcoat, or a big bow tie, the Great Cat was erected in 1990 and measures in at 1.5 metres / 5 feet in height.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free