Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching from US$13

Kuching, also known as Malaysia’s cat city, is the largest city on Borneo Island. It is well-known for its flora and fauna, it’s delicious Sarawakian delights as well as its rich history, well preserved Brooke era architectural heritage and 19^th Century Chinese shophouses and diverse culture.

Getting There

Kuching can be reached via Kuching International Airport (KCH) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). There are about 185 Kuala Lumpur-Kuching flights per week. Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air and Thai Lion Air operate from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, providing direct flights to Kuching. Kuching city center is a 15-minute drive from the airport. The best option to travel is an airport transfer or a taxi. 

Tip: Purchase taxi coupons at the airport as taxis in Kuching do not operate by a meter. 

Things to Do

Go for a stroll along the Kuching waterfront, a 900 m promenade with many historic buildings which include the Square Tower, Chinese History Museum and Sarawak Steamship Building. There are also several food stalls and landscaped gardens. On the opposite side is the Astana, the Rajah’s Palace built in 1870 and the State Legislative Assembly Building, which is an architectural wonder in Borneo. You can get a better view from the Darul Hana Bridge, and at night, light show and musical fountain take place daily. Kuching has an impressive collection of colonial buildings dating back to the White Rajahs of Sarawak who ruled from 1841 t0 1946. Check out the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, the Old Court House, The Bishop’s House, the General Post Office, and the Sarawak State Museum. 

Spending some time at the Main Bazaar in old Kuching is one of the best things to do. It has several art galleries, handicraft shops, and antique coffee shops with Chinese shophouses lining the street.

Kuching City Mosque is a combination of Western, Italian and contemporary Islamic styles which makes for a beautiful photograph. Non-Muslims can enter outside of prayer times.

Hike through Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest nature reserve which is home to unique flora and fauna. The park can be reached in about 20 mins on a boat from the Bako village, and it offers 18 different trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Check out the nearby town of Muara Tebas which was previously Malay fishing and trading village. 

The Kuching Wetlands National Park is 5 km from Damai Beach and 15 km from Kuching and is best explored by boat. The park protects over 6000 hectares of mangrove forests. Commonly spotted animals are the probosci’s monkeys, Irrawaddy dolphins, monitor lizards, estuarine crocodiles, and long-tailed macaques. 

Sarawak Cultural Village is just a 30 min drive from Kuching where you can learn all about the different indigenous groups that live in this part of Malaysia as well as ancient techniques like weaving, bamboo carving, and bead making. You can take a day trip to this village and check out its architecture such as a Penan hut, Iban longhouses, and a Chinese farmhouse.

The two famous dishes in Kuching are Kolo Mee and Sarawak Laksa. Head to Choon Hui Café on Ban Hock Rock or Chong Choon Café at 275 Jalan Chan Chin Ann. 

Tip: Buses are the best way to get around the city with frequent timings and bus stops located conveniently near major tourist sights.

Where to Stay

The best areas to stay in Kuching are Petra Jaya, Kuching City Centre which is close to the main sights,

Damai Beach is perfect for families on holiday, Jalan Song Thian Cheok is for those who seek a nightlife experience, Padungan is suitable for those on a budget and Satok is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture. 

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