Top 12 Things to Do in Kuching, Sarawak’s City of Cats!

A cool city on the island of Borneo, Kuching is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. A fairly small city, it’s pretty easy to get around on foot. Known as the City of Cats, Kuching has a long and interesting history, having formerly been the capital of the unusual White Rajahs of Sarawak.

A culturally diverse city with plentiful places to eat, drink, and shop, Kuching is also one of the cleanest cities in all of Malaysia. Nature, history, and culture meet in Kuching, and the city also has its fair share of quirky sights. Here are some of the best things to see and do on a trip to Kuching!

Also read: A 5D4N Kuching Itinerary to Explore the Beauty of Borneo

Fun things to do in Kuching

1. See the city’s large cat family statue

Located rather unglamorously on a roundabout in front of a McDonald’s fast food restaurant, the charming cat statue cannot help but make you smile. A large statue of a family of felines, the giant cats come in all colours and patterns. Make sure you stop by to snap plenty of pictures.

2. Stroll along the riverfront

Previously lined by warehouses, the renovated waterfront in Kuching is a pleasant place for a stroll. Several interesting buildings can be seen, including the small castle-like structure of the Square Tower and the Sarawak Steamship Building, while on the opposite side, you can spot the Astana and the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building. The riverside is a popular place for locals to hang out, and several food stalls try to entice visitors.

3. Visit the Malaysia-China Friendship Park

Located just 15 minutes from the airport, the Malaysia-China Friendship Park (Taman Sahabat) is a beautifully landscaped sanctuary built to celebrate the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The park is a visual treat, featuring a massive statue of the legendary explorer Admiral Zheng He and a serene lake crossed by a traditional zig-zag bridge. The vibrant architecture makes it one of the most picturesque things to do in Kuching.

For a modern twist on tradition, head to the park’s Chagee flagship outlet. You can relax and enjoy a cup of tea while overlooking the scenic water!

4. Visit the Great Cat of Kuching

Sitting at the centre of a large roundabout on Jalun Padungan, the Great Cat of Kuching was the city’s first such cat statue. The tall statue is all white, and the cat has striking blue eyes and scraggly whiskers. The cat stands with one paw in the air, as though ready to playfully swat someone. Plants grow around the cat, and an ornate Chinese arch stands in the near background behind the cat, making for some lovely pictures. On special occasions, the cat is dressed in cheerful clothes!

5. Hunt for the city’s OTHER cat statues

There are several other cat statues dotted around Kuching, including two playful kitties in the Malaysia-Chinese Friendship Garden and life-size cat statues cast in bronze on a patch of grass between the riverside and the James Brooke Bistro and Café. Walk to the opposite end of Jalan Padungan from the Great Cat of Kuching, towards the Soho area, and you’ll find another four small white cats on a platform around a lamppost. This was one of the most interesting statues for me, as the lamppost not only features snow-white cats but is topped by a giant Rafflesia flower too.

6. Get your feline feel at the Cat Museum

If you’re a fellow cat lover, the Cat Museum in Kuching is an absolute must-see. While many online reviews suggest a quick 30-minute visit, I found myself captivated for over two hours. How much you enjoy the museum truly depends on your passion for felines and your appreciation for unusual displays, but even sceptics will find the trip worthwhile for the sheer novelty of the experience.

True to its name, this museum is the biggest collection of feline-related memorabilia on the planet. It is an educational, fun, and delightfully bizarre space that houses over 4,000 artefacts tracing the history of cats back 5,000 years. You’ll find everything from a mummified Egyptian cat and a rare preserved Borneo Bay Cat to quirky cat-themed advertisements, vintage pet food supplies, and even touching memorials like an ancient cat’s tombstone.

The “cat-mosphere” is incredibly diverse, featuring an array of items ranging from global statues and fine art to everyday kitsch. Poring over the displays, you’ll encounter cat-print clothing, jewellery, and household items like teapots and tea towels from various cultures. Perched atop Bukit Siol, the museum also offers panoramic views of Kuching city, making it a great spot for photos both inside and out.

7. Hunt for local delicacies around the city centre

No trip to the “Cat City” is complete without diving into its legendary food scene. Start your journey at Sin Chong Choon Cafe, a local favourite for the “breakfast of the gods.” This bustling spot is famous for authentic Sarawak Laksa with its deep, flavorful broth. Pair your meal with a Three Layer Milk Tea, sweetened with local palm sugar for a perfect caramel finish.

As the sun sets, head to Topspot Food Court for a quintessential seafood experience. This open-air dining spot sits on a rooftop and lets you hand-pick fresh catches from various stalls. Be sure to order the crispy Oyster Pancake and butter prawns. You must also try Midin, a crunchy jungle fern unique to Sarawak that is stir-fried with savoury shrimp paste.

8. Admire the colours and details at Tua Pek Kong

Tua Pek Kong is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Kuching. The statues and pictures depicting characters from Chinese folklore are interesting, and there are plenty of brightly coloured details to admire. Colourful carvings adorn the outer walls, while inside the elegantly carved and ornate main temple building, you’ll find many statues, lanterns, and more. The smells of incense float through the air and the atmosphere is one of calm.

9. Photograph the Kuching Town Mosque

Once the main mosque in Sarawak, Kuching Town Mosque sees many devout Muslims coming to pray five times each day. The main building is a dusky pink colour, and it is topped with yellow domes. Although non-Muslims are not allowed to look inside, the exterior vies make it worth going here. There’s also a Muslim cemetery in front of the mosque, with simple markers honouring those who have passed.

10. Tour Kuching’s other religious buildings

As with many places in Malaysia, Kuching is home to a variety of religious buildings from different faiths. Showing the multi-religious makeup of the population, each religious site is special in its own way.

Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple is one of the city’s main Hindu temples, and it features a colourful gopuram above the entrance. Masjid Jamek is another of Kuching’s busy Islamic places of worship. Beautiful Chinese temples include Hong San Si, Hiang Thian Siang Ti, and Chingsan Yan Temple. You’ll come across interesting religious buildings simply wandering Kuching’s streets—go forth and discover!

11. Shop at the Main Bazaar

While Kuching has several shopping centres, the Main Bazaar is a bustling shopping area where you’ll find an array of goods at reasonable prices. Perhaps one of the best places to buy souvenirs in the city, the old shophouses contain many delights, with stalls set up in front of the shops to act as an enticement to enter.

12. Discover Kuching’s many (non-cat-related) museums

Kuching offers a diverse range of museums, many of which are free to explore. A highlight is the Sarawak Museum (Ethnology Museum), a historic building showcasing local heritage through tribal carvings and traditional dwellings. For a deeper dive into the region’s history, you can also visit the Borneo Cultures Museum, the Textile Museum, and specialised spots like the Islamic and Chinese History Museums.

Beyond the galleries, the city is packed with activity. You can take a cooking class, admire street art, or visit the Sarawak Cultural Village to see Borneo’s ethnic traditions in one place. For nature lovers, Bako and Gunung Gading National Parks offer incredible trekking and wildlife spotting. With so many “purr-fect” attractions, it would be a missed opportunity to skip this vibrant capital!

Also read: Sarawak Food Trail: 12 Dishes in Kuching You Must Try!

With so many diverse things to do in Kuching, from quirky feline galleries to serene sunset river cruises, this Bornean gem is far more than just a stopover. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down and stay a while.