[MALAYSIA] Sarawak - Kuching Waterfront

10:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Kuching Waterfront along the south bank of Sarawak River offers scenic views of the Astana, the iconic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building and Fort Margherita across the river. The most convenient way to cross the river is to take a ride on a local Penambang boat or go for a stroll across the newly constructed Darul Hana Bridge that connects both riverbanks. During sunset time, it is popular to take a cruise along the river which usually last for 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy the panoramic view of Kuching.

Arriving Kuching around noon. The Sarawak River can be seen from the plane.

Kuching Waterfront is best enjoyed when you take a stroll from one end to the other end. You can either start your stroll from the Darul Hana Bridge or from the Cat Statue. Since my hotel, The Meritin Hotel, is near the Cat Statue, I began my stroll from the hotel towards Kuching Waterfront after checking in to the hotel. It was just a 15-min walk from the hotel to Kuching Waterfront (click to see enlarged map).

Passed by a juction with white cats statue near the hotel. However, this is not the official Cat Statue in Kuching.

Taking photo in front of the Cat Statue is a must for tourist.

The Kuching sign is another photo stop.

Passed by the pink building of Chinese History Museum. The building was built in 1912. Opening hours is 9am to 4.45pm (Mon - Fri) and 10am to 4pm (Sat & Sun). Admission is free.

Opposite the Chinese History Museum is the Tua Pek Kong temple. It is the oldest temple in the city. 

There is a children playground in front of the Chinese History Museum. Many children play in the playground during the evening before the sun sets.

A Chinese pavilion and a modern sculptures along the Kuching Waterfront.

View of Kuching River.  

Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building is easily recognized by its gold umbrella-like roof.

Opposite the Kuching Waterfront is the Main Bazaar Street. This is the best place to buy souvenirs. Popular souvenirs include straw woven bags, bead bracelets, wood crafts, printed T-shirts and etc. The souvenir shops closed around 6pm.

Kek Lapis (thousand layer cake) is also a great souvenir to get while in Kuching. The shop that I bought kek lapis from is Kek Lapis Mama Su on the Main Bazaar Street. The kek lapis price range from RM 13 to RM 15 in this shop. You can taste different flavours of the cake before buying.

The Old Courthouse Kuching is another great place to visit just opposite the Kuching Waterfront. In 1924, the memorial for Charles Brooke was constructed at the building entrance square. It is now a heritage building housing restaurants, bar and event place.

If you take a ride on a local Penambang boat, the boat ride cost RM 1 per person if it is crossing the river directly to opposite jetty. If you need to go further, the boat ride could cost RM 2 to RM 3. 

Darul Hana Bridge was officially open in November 2017. The bridge span 335 metres across the river. When viewed from afar, the towers and cables resemble hornbills—the state’s emblem.

Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board website

At night, Kuching Waterfront Darul Hana Musical Fountain which is right in front of the Sarawak State Legislative Building will start its performance from 8.30pm. The performance time is 8.30pm - 8.45pm & 9.30pm - 9.45pm (Mon - Fri) and 8.30pm - 9.30pm (Sat & Sun).

Kuching Waterfront