KUCHING
KUCHING IS THE CULTURAL HEART OF SARAWAK,
WHERE INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS, COLONIAL
ARCHITECTURE, AND RIVER LANDSCAPES INTERTWINE,
CREATING A FASCINATING MIX OF HISTORY,
NATURE, AND BORNEAN AUTHENTICITY.
Choose your excursions
THE CITY OF
KUCHING / MUSEUMS
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 & 14:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Depart from the hotel for a city tour of Kuching, the charming capital of Sarawak, with beautiful historic buildings, open-air markets, Chinese temples, and mosques. The visit includes the Sarawak Natural History and Ethnographic Museum, built by the second White Rajah, Charles Brooke.
You will see the giant Cat Statue, the city’s mascot, in Padungan, visit Chinatown, and the oldest temple in the city, Tua Pek Kong Temple (1876). From the temple, enjoy a great view of the imposing Fort Margherita (1879) and the riverside.
The tour also passes by St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Syariah Muslim Court, Satok Market, and traditional Malay stilt houses. There will be a photo stop at the mosque along the river, and you will pass through Gambier Street (famous for spices) and the old colonial courthouse, featuring a clock tower and a granite obelisk in memory of Rajah Charles Brooke.
Along the river, admire the majestic Astana (1870), official residence of the White Rajah, and the impressive government building. Take a walk through the main bazaars along the waterfront and visit the Chinese Museum.
The tour ends at the Sarawak Museum, known as one of the most comprehensive, housing priceless archaeological and cultural artifacts.
NOTE:
The Sarawak Museum may be closed for renovation; in that case, it will be replaced with the Cat Museum.
SEMENGGOH ORANGUTAN
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 & 14:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is located 22 km from Kuching and is the only facility of its kind in Sarawak. Established in 1975, it covers 653 hectares of virgin forest and is home to orangutans and other animals. It takes about 30 minutes by car from the city or a 1.6 km walk (approximately 20 minutes) to reach the center.
This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe how orangutans are rehabilitated and taught to feed themselves before being released back into the wild. Visitors can observe these animals from a safe distance.
NOTE:
Feeding times for the animals are at 09:00/09:30 and 15:00/15:30.
SARAWAK RIVER CRUISE
DURATION: 2 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
The history of modern Sarawak begins when the adventurer James Brooke navigated the Sarawak River in 1839. Retrace this historic route with a boat tour along the same riverbank, which still retains its original charm.
The tour offers panoramic views of the growing city of Kuching, where old buildings stand alongside modern structures, giving the city a unique character.
Despite rapid economic development over the years, the riverfront has maintained its historic charm.
The river cruise passes by the Waterfront Esplanade, Fort Margherita, the Astana Palace, the Government House, the mosque, traditional Malay stilt houses, and a Chinese fishing village.
SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
(WITH SHOW)
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 & 14:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
About 34 km from the city, you will find the award-winning Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), a unique “living museum” set on 17 acres at the foot of the legendary Mount Santubong. The village showcases seven different types of ethnic dwellings – Bidayuh Longhouse, Iban Longhouse, Penan Hut, Orang Ulu Longhouse, Melanau House, Malay House, and Chinese Farm House. These homes are built in authentic styles and filled with traditional artifacts.
SCV is considered a living museum because natives still actively live in these houses. This tour provides a comprehensive insight into the vibrant traditions and cultures of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups.
Observe women crafting pearl necklaces and baskets, their traditional cooking methods, and the skills of men handling blowpipes, ceremonial swords, or practicing fishing techniques in the lake.
SCV also features an air-conditioned theater with daily live performances showcasing the colorful dances of these communities.
RAINFOREST KAYAKING (DAYTRIP)
DURATION: 10 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure for about an hour’s drive from Kuching to Kampung Bengoh. The journey passes through stunning landscapes of rice fields, rubber, cocoa, and pepper plantations, interspersed with forests, rivers, and mountains.
Arrive at Bengoh, a Bidayuh village, which serves as the starting point for your adventure. Here, you will receive a safety briefing and essential instructions before heading to the stream to begin your kayaking experience.
The river is shaded, lined with jungle vegetation and steep banks. The starting point is a bridge, from which you paddle a short distance before reaching views of the Sg. Sarawak Kiri.
About a quarter of the way along the river, you will reach Kampung Canu just after passing a suspension bridge.
Visit the village and enjoy a packed lunch. Continue paddling along the river with a brief stop on a sandy riverbank beneath towering limestone mountains.
You will also experience some Class 1/2 rapids (depending on water levels). The journey ends at Kampung Semadang, followed by a return by road to Kuching.
GUNUNG GADING NATIONAL (DAYTRIP)
DURATION: 10 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure from Kuching for a two-hour drive to Gunung Gading National Park. On the way, visit Lundu, a typical town of the Dayak community. This 120 km journey passes through rice fields, rubber, cocoa, and pepper plantations, interspersed with lush rainforest, rivers, and mountainous terrain, arriving in Lundu for a quick lunch break.
Continue to the park’s visitor center and walk through the primary forest to study the flora and fauna, in search of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. Afterwards, head to Pandan Beach, one of the most beautiful and famous beaches for a swim, before returning to Kuching by minibus.
MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE TOUR & KUBAH PARK
DURATION: 10 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure from Kuching for about a one-hour drive to Matang Wildlife Centre. This facility serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned or rescued animals previously held in captivity.
Experienced rangers focus on teaching the animals how to survive in the jungle. Walking along the center’s trails, you can observe exotic animals such as orangutans, sun bears, owls, deer, butterflies, and many more.
Next, continue to Kubah National Park, about 15 minutes away, and follow the trail to the waterfalls. After approximately 1.5 hours of walking, enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to the van and heading back to Kuching.
NOTE:
Wear comfortable clothing, sports shoes, bring binoculars, insect repellent, and a rain jacket.
WIND CAVE AND FAIRY CAVE
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
At 08:30, depart from Kuching for a 45-minute drive through picturesque landscapes, farms, fishing lakes, and orchards to reach the outskirts of Bau, a former gold-mining center. Upon arrival, receive a briefing before visiting the caves.
The Wind Cave offers a stunning river landscape contrast through the rock, leading to an exit on the opposite side of the hill overlooking the Sarawak River. A wooden walkway takes you through the cave, providing a close-up view of the bats inhabiting it.
The Fairy Cave, the largest cave entrance just a few minutes from Wind Cave, requires a bit of effort to access but is safe, with stone steps ascending about 100 feet, followed by a series of wooden steps to the main chamber.
The ceiling rises above as you enter through a small side passage. This huge space was carved by water action, and you can observe stalactites, stalagmites, and columns adorning the main chamber.
Return to the van and continue back to Kuching and the hotel.
NIGHT FROGGING AT KUBAH NATIONAL PARK
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 17:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
At 17:30, depart from the hotel in Kuching and head to Kubah National Park. The park is located on a sandstone plateau, mostly covered by dense forest, home to mammals, birds, and many species of reptiles and amphibians. It serves as the main watershed for the Rayu River, composed of mud and sand deposited on fairly steep terrain, with streams and elevations ranging from 20 to 800 meters above sea level.
The park is home to over 61 different frog species, representing about one-third of all frog species on the island of Borneo. Notable species include the horned frog, Matang narrow-mouthed frog, giant river frog, peat swamp frog, spotted frog, harlequin frog, and more.
Return to the hotel.
MOUNT SANTUBONG CLIMB (FULL DAY)
DURATION: 9 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 07:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Mount Santubong is located on the Damai Peninsula, about 35 km north of Kuching, with approximately a 45-minute van transfer from the city. At 810 meters above sea level, this mountain rises sharply from the surrounding flat land near the sea, offering an impressive view as you approach from the city.
The climb can be challenging due to its steep slope, especially near the summit. The best time to start the ascent is at 08:00 from the base station, aiming to reach the summit by 17:00.
Begin the climb slowly to enjoy the sights and sounds of the tropical jungle. You will use ropes on the more difficult sections and often need to climb over large, irregular boulders, which can be moss-covered and slippery during the rainy season.
The descent from the summit is nearly vertical. For those who reach the top, the reward is a panoramic view of Kuching city, the surrounding Damai Peninsula, the South China Sea, and a refreshing cool breeze.
For those who prefer not to attempt the full climb, a lighter trek is offered to a mountain stream or waterfall, which still requires about 2 hours one way, perfect for a swim and a picnic.
NOTE:
Mount Santubong is not suitable for those unfit or inexperienced in trekking, slippery rocks, or muddy trails.
Wear proper non-slip shoes and bring at least 2 large bottles of water per person, bananas or other fruit, and insect repellent.
ANNAH RAIS LONGHOUSE
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure from Kuching for a one-hour drive to Annah Rais, a Bidayuh longhouse hosting around 120 families, located 75 km from Kuching. Situated in an isolated valley among the mountains, its strategic location helped the village hide from headhunter attacks.
The tour passes through breathtaking landscapes of rice fields, rubber, cocoa, and pepper plantations, interspersed with tropical forest, rivers, and mountainous terrain.
Explore the longhouse with your guide and observe the lifestyle of the locals. Among the most interesting relics are the famous “peace cannons” and several human skulls, around a hundred years old, still preserved in the main house, the “Baruk.”
Enjoy a refreshing break at a nearby stream before departing for the return journey to Kuching.
ANNAH RAIS LONGHOUSE AND BAMBOO RAFTING
DURATION: 8 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure from Kuching to Annah Rais Longhouse, approximately 75 km away. The journey passes through breathtaking landscapes including rice fields, rubber, cocoa, and pepper plantations, interspersed with lush tropical jungle, rivers, and mountainous terrain.
Upon arrival at the longhouse, meet the host for a welcome drink (tuak) and a brief introduction and tour of the longhouse. Walk through the tropical forest and learn about the natural resources that can be obtained from it.
Reach a cool stream for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The local guide will demonstrate how to build a bamboo raft, and you can help if you wish, followed by a local-style picnic lunch.
Embark on an exciting rafting experience along the stream, surrounded by the forest, and enjoy the beauty of the jungle. You can also try traditional spear fishing before the end of the rafting.
Return via a different trail, bid farewell to the village and its chief, and head back to Kuching.
MANGROVE, DOLPHINS AND WET LAND CRUISE
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure for a 45-minute drive to the pier, then board a motorized boat for a cruise through the mangrove forest to observe local flora and fauna.
Near the mouth of the Santubong River, dolphins are often easily spotted. Continue along the Salak River and Wetland National Park in Kuching to look for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
Return to the pier and transfer back to Kuching.
MANGROVE, DOLPHINS AND FIREFLY CRUISE
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Departure for a 45-minute drive to the pier, followed by a motorized boat cruise through the mangrove forest in search of local flora and fauna.
Near the mouth of the Santubong River, dolphins are often easily spotted before continuing along the Salak River in Wetland National Park to look for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
As evening falls, continue the cruise in search of crocodiles and enjoy the magical spectacle of fireflies lighting up the night.
Return to the pier and transfer back to Kuching.
MANGROVE, DOLPHINS AND WET LAND CRUISE AND SATANG ISLAND
DURATION: 8 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure for a 45-minute drive to the pier, where you will board a motorized boat for a cruise through the mangrove forest in search of local flora and fauna.
Near the mouth of the Santubong River, it is common to spot dolphins before continuing along the Salak River in the Wetland National Park to look for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
From there, continue by boat for another 60 minutes to Satang Island. Upon arrival, register at the island and visit the nursery, where turtle eggs are protected and conserved.
Enjoy a packed lunch and some free time before returning to the pier and transferring back to Kuching.
BAKO NATIONAL PARK
DURATION: 7–8 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Morning departure from Kuching for a 45-minute drive through the mangrove forest to reach Bako Fishing Village. Continue by motorized boat for about 30 minutes along the South China Sea coast to reach and visit Bako National Park. After the visitor center, begin your walk through the forest.
During low tide, you can observe the fiddler crabs emerging from their hiding spots to feed. Continue along the Paku Trail to spot proboscis monkeys, climbing to the plateau that hosts various botanical delights and different species of carnivorous plants.
After lunch at the park cafeteria, continue with another forest trek, discovering giant rainforest trees, enjoying birdwatching, and trying to spot other wildlife.
Return to the pier and then by boat back to Kuching.
