Kuching, fondly known as the City of Cats, is the capital of Sarawak and sits on the southwestern edge of Malaysia’s largest state. Set along the banks of the Sarawak River, this charming city blends heritage, culture, and modern living in a way few destinations in Malaysia can match.
From colonial landmarks and museums to living cultural showcases, Kuching offers visitors a deeper, more meaningful travel experience. In this first part of our Kuching travel series, we focus on top cultural attractions and museums in Kuching, perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike.
Let’s explore what makes Kuching such a fascinating city.
The Origins of Kuching’s Name: Stories Behind the City of Cats
Before diving into the attractions, it’s worth asking one curious question: where did Kuching get its name?
There are several popular theories. The most widely accepted links the name to the Malay word “kucing”, meaning cat. According to local lore, in 1841, James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, was travelling upriver with a Malay guide when they spotted a cat along the riverbank. When he asked the name of the place, the guide replied “kucing”, and the name stuck.
Another version suggests that James Brooke referred to the area as “Kuchin”, possibly derived from an old Indo-Chinese word for port, similar to Cochin in India. There are also claims that the name came from a Chinese Mandarin phrase meaning “old well”, or from mata kucing, a fruit once abundant in the area.
While the true origin remains a mystery, these stories reflect Kuching’s rich multicultural history, a blend of Malay, Chinese, indigenous, and colonial influences.
Meet Kuching’s Iconic Cat Statues
No visit to Kuching is complete without spotting its famous cat statues. In fact, they’re often the first attraction visitors look for after arriving.
The most iconic is the Kuching South City Council Cat Statue at the end of Jalan Padungan. Standing at 2.5 metres tall, this statue was built in the 1990s and is considered the city’s very first cat monument. During festive seasons, you’ll often find the statue dressed in themed costumes, a quirky and much-loved local tradition.
Other notable cat statues include the family cat statue near Kuching North City Hall and the playful mini statues near James Brooke Bistro. These make for fun photo stops and are a light-hearted introduction to the city.
Stroll Across Darul Hana Bridge
Next on your Kuching city tour is Darul Hana Bridge, the city’s only pedestrian bridge connecting the north and south banks of the Sarawak River.
Officially opened in November 2017, the bridge is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. During the day, it offers scenic river views and a refreshing walk across the waterfront. At night, the experience becomes even more memorable as the bridge lights up, with the Darul Hana Musical Fountain performing near the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building.
From here, you can easily walk to nearby attractions such as:
- Kuching Old Courthouse
- India Street
- Carpenter Street
- The Pink Mosque (Masjid India)
- Padang Merdeka
This area is perfect for leisurely exploration and soaking in Kuching’s old-town atmosphere.
Explore the Borneo Cultures Museum
One of the most impressive cultural landmarks in Kuching is the Borneo Cultures Museum, located just a short walk from the Kuching Waterfront. Opened on 9 March 2022, this modern museum spans five levels and is currently the largest museum in Malaysia. Its exhibitions offer deep insight into Sarawak and Borneo’s cultural diversity, biodiversity, ancient trade routes, and artistic heritage.
Interactive displays, well-curated artefacts, and immersive storytelling make it easy to spend several hours here. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as there is plenty to explore across all floors.
Nearby attractions include the Warriors Memorial and the Museum Garden, making this area ideal for a half-day cultural visit.
Experience Living Traditions at Sarawak Cultural Village
For a more immersive cultural experience, head to the Sarawak Cultural Village, located approximately 35 kilometres from Kuching city.
This award-winning living museum showcases Sarawak’s incredible ethnic diversity, home to over 27 ethnic groups. Visitors can explore traditional houses representing major communities such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese.
Each house is staffed by members of the respective ethnic group, dressed in traditional attire and demonstrating daily activities. Visitors are encouraged to interact, ask questions, and learn directly from the people themselves — an authentic and educational experience.
The visit concludes with a 45-minute cultural performance by an award-winning dance troupe. The show blends storytelling, music, humour, and mesmerising choreography, making it one of the highlights of any Sarawak trip.
More to Discover in Kuching
This is only the beginning of what Kuching has to offer. From its rich cultural heritage to its museums and living traditions, the city provides a thoughtful and rewarding travel experience.
In the next part of this series, we’ll explore Kuching’s natural attractions, including its wildlife, rainforests, and breathtaking landscapes — perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Stay tuned as we continue uncovering the many sides of Kuching, Sarawak.
