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Views Last 30 days : 3028Kuching, Sarawak, is a hidden gem in Malaysia that reminded me so much of my hometown. The positive and laid-back atmosphere, combined with the rich cultural heritage, made my visit unforgettable. During my short trip, I had the pleasure of being guided by a local, which gave me a deeper insight into the city’s hidden treasures.
As a food enthusiast, one of the highlights of my visit was the local cuisine. Kuching offers a unique culinary experience that I couldn’t resist, from savoury Asam Pedas to the bold flavours of local teas.
If you’re planning a short trip to Kuching, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
I flew with Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
I flew to Kuching with Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which cost me RM1,417.90. The flight lasted about 1.5 hours, and despite the short duration, they provided me with a meal. On the way there, I had ‘Nasi Lemak,’ and on the return flight, they served me rice with garlic fish. While the food wasn’t exceptional, the salted peanuts served were a nice touch.
Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, the process was smooth. There’s no longer a requirement for RTK antigen tests, which makes the entry process simpler. For Malaysians, you can either show your IC or passport at the immigration counter. If you show your IC, you’ll receive a paper with your details, which you’ll need to keep safe throughout your trip, as you’ll need to return it at the immigration counter when departing from Kuching, Sarawak. If you lose it, a police report will be required.
The city reminded me of my hometown.
Kuching instantly felt like home. It shares many similarities with my hometown (Ipoh, Perak)—from the city’s structure to its atmosphere. It’s a city that blends modernity with rich history, and I found myself immediately at ease.
What pleasantly surprised me was how clean, organized, and culturally rich Kuching is. The city has a laid-back and relaxed feel that made me feel at ease during my visit. It’s truly a place where you can find peace and simply unwind.
I chose to stay at the Hilton, Kuching.
I stayed at the Hilton Kuching, chosen for its convenient location and closeness to several popular attractions within walking distance. It was a great base for exploring the city. For a detailed review of my stay at the Hilton, check out my full post here: Hotel Review: Hilton Kuching, Sarawak.
The food was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip.
The food here was so good that I’m worried about gaining weight if I had extended my stay any further! Here are some of the highlights:
- Asam Pedas: A must-try in Kuching, their version of Asam Pedas was unlike anything I had before. It was fascinating to learn that Sarawak has its own unique take on Asam Pedas, which surpassed my expectations and even rivalled those found in Peninsular Malaysia.
- Teh C Peng: This three-layer tea, sweetened with Apong sugar, was absolutely addictive! If you love bold flavours, you’ll love the local tea and coffee in Kuching—‘Kaw,’ as they call it (a Malay term often used to describe food or drinks that are strong in flavour or taste).
The activities you can do.
Kuching has a lot to offer for those looking to experience local culture and natural beauty. Here are some of my favourite activities:
1) Boat Ride Across the River
- For a small fee of RM1.00, you can take a local river taxi across to Pengkalan Kpg Boyan. The boat ride provides a scenic view of landmarks like Astana and Fort Margherita. Once you arrive on the other side, you can explore attractions like the Brooke Gallery or the DBKU orchid garden.
- If you’re a fan of unique souvenirs, consider picking up Ikan Terubuk Masin (salted fish) or Kek Lapis Sarawak (layered cake). Both are popular souvenirs from the region.
- Don’t miss the chance to bring home some of Sarawak’s famous ‘Kek Lapis’, a sweet layered cake with various patterns and colours. Dayang Salhah and Mira Cakehouse are among the oldest establishments and are well-known for their cakes.
- If you wish to visit the Darul Hana Bridge, you can request a river taxi to take you there. The cost for this trip is RM3.00 per person.
2) Stroll by The Waterfront.
- No trip to Kuching would be complete without a visit to The Waterfront. This scenic spot offers a stunning view of the Sarawak River’s north bank. Spanning 900 meters, the esplanade truly comes alive in the evenings with its lively food stalls, restaurants, bistros, and street food hawkers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you enjoy a mix of ethnic and contemporary music, accompanied by the mesmerizing Darul Hana musical fountain.
- For a different perspective, consider taking a Sarawak River Cruise during the daytime. You’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery, and the price is quite reasonable, making it a worthwhile experience.
- Another activity you shouldn’t miss is strolling across the Darul Hana Bridge at night. The bridge is beautifully illuminated with vibrant lights, creating a captivating ambience. Take your time and enjoy the enchanting views as you explore this illuminated landmark.
3) Plenty of eateries for food hunting.
Here are some of my top picks:
My Village Barok.
This place has a charming vintage atmosphere with distinctive Borneo elements. The food here is absolutely delicious—I can’t argue with that! I tried their Nasi Ayam Ketok, which reminded me of Nasi Ayam Penyet, and it was simply delightful. I also tasted Mee Kolok special; it was incredibly flavorful. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the mouthwatering dishes at My Village Barok.
Babaganoush Restaurant.
- This place is a gem! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this place hits the spot. The best part? It’s a fully Halal-certified Chinese restaurant, so you can enjoy your meal without any worries. The restaurant offered a wide selection of seafood dishes. When you take a look at their menu, get ready to be blown away. The menu is quite long, and you’ll find 3 different portion sizes to choose from. Talk about variety!
- Here’s what impressed me—the owner. He is incredibly helpful and friendly. In fact, he convinced me to try something I had never tasted before—raw jellyfish. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be amazing! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. I also had Ikan Kurau Asam Pedas, Midin Umai, butter chicken, and beef black pepper. Everything was super delicious.
Tok Janggut Cafe.
If you’re a fan of Biryani rice, then this is the place for you. I must admit, I found the rice a tad dry, but the flavours were on point. The highlight, though, was the honey chicken dish that accompanied the rice—it was delicious. The portion size was quite generous, but because it was so tasty, I managed to devour every last bite.
- Gula Apong Ice Cream.
It’s a small ice cream stall situated at the Kuching waterfront. If you find yourself in Kuching, you absolutely must try this ice cream. Trust me, it’s incredibly delicious.
Read more about my second trip to Kuching here: My second short trip to Kuching, Sarawak.
X, Hani.
