Kuching

Best Apr – Sep Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo Hidden Gems 2 – 3 nights

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo's largest state, and unlike any other city in the country. Malay, Chinese, Dayak and colonial influences play out in its architecture, food and daily life. The Sarawak River divides the old town from the Astana, and the waterfront promenade is a superb evening walk.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve, 24 km south, has semi-wild orangutans that swing down for feeding at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bako National Park has proboscis monkeys, pitcher plants and trails ending at deserted beaches. In between, laksa Sarawak for breakfast and sunset drinks at the waterfront.

Why Honeymoon in Kuching?

The old town clusters around the Main Bazaar, a row of 19th-century shophouses filled with antique dealers and cafes. The Sarawak Museum houses one of Southeast Asia's finest ethnographic collections, from Iban headhunting swords to a full-scale Dayak longhouse reconstruction. Fort Margherita across the river is now a museum of Brooke family history.

Semenggoh feels intimate compared to Sepilok, with no more than 30 visitors at each feeding session. The dominant male, Ritchie, often descends with theatrical presence. Bako National Park, reached by a 20-minute boat ride, has habituated proboscis monkeys on the Telok Paku trail.

Laksa Sarawak is the city's defining dish, best at Chong Choon Cafe or Mom's Laksa. The Top Spot Food Court serves fresh seafood by the kilogram. Evening walks along the waterfront, with the Astana lit up across the river and the Darul Hana Bridge glowing gold, make Kuching unexpectedly romantic.

Highlights of Kuching

Semenggoh Orangutan Feeding

Watch semi-wild orangutans swing from the canopy at this intimate rehabilitation centre 24 km from the city.

Bako National Park

Take a boat to Borneo's oldest national park for proboscis monkeys, pitcher plants and secluded beaches.

Waterfront Promenade

Stroll the riverside promenade at sunset as the Astana and Darul Hana Bridge light up across the Sarawak River.

Laksa Sarawak Breakfast

Share Kuching's legendary coconut-sambal laksa at Chong Choon Cafe, the dish Bourdain called breakfast of the gods.

Iban Longhouse Visit

Travel upriver to an Iban longhouse on the Lemanak River for traditional welcome ceremonies and tuak rice wine.

Sarawak Cultural Village

Explore seven traditional houses representing Sarawak's ethnic groups at this living museum below Mount Santubong.

Best Time to Visit

April to September is driest, ideal for Bako trails and outdoor exploration. Temperatures hold at 23 to 33 degrees year-round. October to February is wetter with afternoon thunderstorms, though mornings are often clear. The Rainforest World Music Festival in July is worth timing around.

Getting There

Kuching International Airport has direct flights from KL (1 hour 50 minutes), Singapore (1 hour 40 minutes) and Kota Kinabalu. The airport is 11 km south, about 20 minutes by taxi. Grab operates throughout and is the easiest way to reach Semenggoh and Bako.