This post on local places of interest to visit in Kuching is dedicated to those who are planning to visit Kuching.
Occasionally, I do have friends or relatives visiting Kuching for the first time. Usually, they will request to visit places of local interest. Sometimes, they will request to experience the life of local Kuching people.
I guess, if it is me, I would prefer to visit and experience the life of the local place as well, rather than just follow the itinerary provided by tour agencies.
8 local places of interest to visit in Kuching
So, here I listed down 8 places of interest with some Kuching feels.
1. Sarawak Museum
Based on the name, you already roughly have an idea about this place. The Sarawak Museum is located within the Kuching city centre.
A visit to Sarawak Muzeum will enhance your knowledge about the life of the local people, their culture and their history.
Highly recommended if you visit Sarawak for the first time.
2. Ewe Hai Street
Usually, I see a lot of tourists along Ewe Hwai Street. You can easily locate Ewe Hai Street or Jalan Ewe Hai from Google Maps. Along Ewe Hai Street, there are many Bed & Breakfast, Lodge, eateries, cafes and other local shops.
Besides, you will be able to find the tourist-famous local coffee cafe, Black Bean Coffee & Tea Company.
For one thing, you will be able to smell the freshly brewed coffee from far away. The Black Bean Coffee & Tea is famous for its Sarawak gourmet coffee. These coffee beans are planted by the local Bidayuh and it is organic.
Personally, I would say the coffee has a very special taste. Perhaps that is why my bro-in-law from Taiwan loves this coffee very much. If you are a coffee lover, I would strongly encourage you to give our local coffee a try.
3. India Street
This is a very busy street located within Kuching city centre. It is famous for its textile and spices.
Other than that, there are many other shops as well. You will experience many different layers of Kuching people here.
4. The Pasar Tani MJC, Batu Kawah (MJC’s Farmer’s Market)
Whenever I have the chance, I would visit Pasar (Local language for market) Tani (Farmer) MJC (a local town in Kuching developed by MudaJaya Corp). Because I love to see the fresh produce from the local farmers.
Besides, you can see the different walks of life of Kuching people here. Moreover, you can see many unique foods such as the ulat sagu (sago worm).
So far, I don’t see many tourists visiting this place. But, I would strongly suggest you pay a visit to this place. It’s located about 20 minutes drive from Kuching town.
Do take note, the farmer market is only open on Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 10 pm. It is better to visit on Thursday as there are more traders on Thursday compared to Friday.
5. Jong’s Crocodile Farm
Jong’s Crocodile Farm is a famous place of interest among the locals as well.
Located along Kuching/Serian Highway, you will need about 40 minutes drive from Kuching city centre. The majority of the travel agency will arrange for their tour to visit Jong’s Crocodile Farm.
You will not only expect to be entertained by the crocodile show but also have the chance to see many other unique animals as well. I would strongly suggest you visit during crocodile feeding time, at 11 am and 3 pm daily.
Do take note, there are entry fees applied.
For more details, please visit Jong’s Crocodile Farm official website.
6. Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS)
MBKS is the administrative centre of Kuching City South. But, I am not suggesting you visit the administration office. Instead, late in the evening, between 5 pm to 7 pm, I would suggest you have an evening walk at MBKS.
You will see many local Kuching people from all walks of life also taking the opportunity to jog, have an evening walk, bringing their kids to the playground and some old folks chit-chatting at the garden along with the MBKS buildings.
Besides, you will be entertained by the local flora and other plants as well.
7. Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
This is another famous tourist attraction, located about 25 minutes from Kuching city centre. I myself have been here a few times.
If you are lucky, maybe you will be able to have a selfie with the orangutans.
The centre is open from Monday to Friday only, 8 am to 5 pm. Remember to visit during feeding time, which is 9 am and 3 pm.
For more details, do visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve official website.
8. Local Pottery Shops along Jalan Penrrisen
Along the journey to Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, you will be passed by a number of pottery shops along Jalan Penrissen.
I would strongly suggest you drop by these local pottery shops to see the different designs of Sarawak pottery. You will be able to find local Sarawak souvenirs at a very reasonable price too.
Final thoughts
The above are among the local places of interest to visit in Kuching.
I believe visiting these places will be able to give you the Kuching feel. Of course, there are many other places of interest in Kuching too.
If this is your first time visiting Kuching, I hope you will enjoy your stay here. Feel free to drop me a message if you would like to know more about these places.
Read more: Will RM2500 suffice for fresh graduates in Kuching?
These attractions are the most famous attraction in Kuching city that you share in your blog. This city is the capital and most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. I visited there last year before with my friends. We are going to many places but the Sarawak State Museum is my favourite place in this city. It is the oldest museum in Borneo. It was founded in 1888 and opened in 1981.