Looking for things to do in Kuching?

Most international travellers heading to Borneo side of Malaysia think of going to Sabah, and few show interest to venture west into Sarawak, not realising they are missing out!

Being the crazy cat lady that I am, I was originally drawn to Kuching for its name – for the word ‘kuching’ in Malay, means cat! (Okay, so there are many different theories of why Kuching is called Kuching, but I prefer the cat version :))

Now that I have visited the city, I can see that Kuching, and Sarawak in general, is more than just about cats, and I have pick the top 5 things to do in Kuching for your visit.

1. Cat lovers should visit the Cat Museum

First on the list is a no brainer. Any visitor to Kuching, cat lover or not, should visit this fascinating Cat Museum. Why? Because it’s a museum all about cats!

No where else in the world will you find such complete display of history of cats, including cat food packaging through the ages, their old advertising posters, famous people whose lives have been enlightened by their cats, different cat toys, modern cat interpretations, stories about cats through history and anything else that the museum might think to be of importance to the feline fanatic.

You can imagine just how much time I spent studying each and every exhibit!

To get to the Cat Museum, take public bus 2B or 2C from the city. The museum looks like a spaceship on top of a hill. You simply can’t miss it.

Admission free.

2. Stroll through the colourful Kuching City

Kuching has a long history of English occupation and immigrant settlements. Sites such as Fort Margherita, Chinatown, Indian Street and the various Taoist temples and mosques give interesting insight into one of the most multi-cultural part of Malaysia.

Towards the end of the day, once you had done your sightseeing, go for a stroll along the riverfront. The sunset is gorgeous!

Those who love museums will also enjoy visiting Sarawak Museum and Ethnology Museum, both focus on the region of Sarawak and the indigenous culture.

3. Feast on fresh seafood!

Eating is definitely part of a list of things to do in Kuching.

Malaysia Borneo is well known for seafood, and just like Sabah waterfront, seafood establishments are plentiful (and cheap) in Kuching.

Most people recommend Top Spot Food Court, where numerous restaurants gather to provide a great selection of seafood available. It is a food court environment, where food is cooked to order and you can pick and choose from different places for different dishes if you wish.

4. Enhance your cultural understanding at the Sarawak Cultural Village

Near the beaches of Damai, about 30 mins drive from Kuching city centre, is the interesting and educational Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum where a few different indigenous tribes of Sarawak are still living in the ways their ancestors have always lived.

The indigenous culture of Sarawak is famous for their wooden long houses, and it is here that you’ll be able to see the finest examples.

During opening hours the villagers open their doors to visitors of the village, allowing visitors to participate in the demonstration activities and enjoy a cultural performance of colourful dances.

Go early in the morning to avoid day crowds, you’ll get to appreciate the quiet tranquility of the village and the surrounding nature.

www.scv.com.my

5. Orang-utan sighting at Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Equivalent to the Sepilok centre in Sabah, this is not as touristy and not as crowded. Not only does it protect orang-utans, the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre also attempts to rehabilitate monkeys, honey bears, frogs and other orphaned/rescued wildlife found from surrounding forests in Sarawak. To visit, arrange for a free permit at the visitor’s centre in town.

For more information on visiting Kuchin and Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com