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Kuching

Malaysia · City · MYR · 1.560600, 110.349400
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: April-September

Best for

Suitable for ecotourism, culture, history, gastronomy, and quiet holiday lovers

Best season

April-September

Daily budget
$63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 290 MYR)
For 7 days
$441.00 (≈ 37 009 ₽ · ≈ 2 029 MYR)
Kuching is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, located on the banks of the scenic Sarawak River. The city charms visitors with its colonial architecture, cozy waterfront, and rich cultural heritage where Malay, Chinese, and European traditions intertwine. The main attractions include the old Fort Margherita, the Cat Museum, and temples reflecting the city's multicultural character. Kuching is the perfect place to discover Borneo's culture and serves as a starting point for exploring national parks and indigenous villages.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
23.4°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural heritage of Borneo peoples

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich culture and history
  • Excellent local cuisine
  • Scenic waterfront
  • Orangutan sanctuary
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High humidity and frequent rains
  • Limited nightlife
  • No beaches within the city
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
31.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.4°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
31.4°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.4°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-February
Attractions

Kuching Waterfront

Scenic riverfront promenade with views of the Assembly and Darul Hana Bridge

Borneo Cultures Museum

Modern museum with collection dedicated to Borneo peoples' culture and history

Carpenter Street

Historic street with traditional Chinese shops, coffee shops, and craft workshops

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Orangutan sanctuary, popular wildlife viewing spot

Bako National Park

Scenic park with cliffs, beaches, and hiking trails

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Oldest Chinese temple in the city with rich decoration

Cat Museum

Unique museum dedicated to cats, with collection of figurines and artifacts

Best areas

Waterfront

Scenic riverside area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions

Padungan

Authentic area with Chinese shops, street food, and local atmosphere

Petra Jaya

Modern area with shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants

Must-try food

Sarawak Laksa

Spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, shrimp, and chicken, symbol of Sarawak cuisine

Kolo Mee

Noodles with sauce, served with meat, greens, and chili

Kueh Chap

Noodles with beef, chicken, and pork in aromatic broth

Manuk Pansuh

Chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs and spices, traditional Iban dish

Tuak

Traditional alcoholic drink made from rice or sugarcane

Kek Lapis

Layer cake with various flavors, traditional Sarawak sweet

Where to go next

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Orangutan sanctuary, 30 minutes away

Bako National Park

Scenic park with cliffs and beaches, 45 minutes away

Sarawak Cultural Village

Ethnographic village with indigenous culture, 40 minutes away

Kubak National Park

Park with limestone cliffs and caves, 1 hour away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kuching International Airport (KCH).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 64 MYR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 207 MYR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 368 MYR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 690 MYR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 552 MYR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 230 MYR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 55 MYR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 12 MYR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 16 MYR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.70
≈ 59 ₽ · ≈ 3 MYR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 32 MYR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 14 MYR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 37 MYR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.30
≈ 25 ₽ · ≈ 1 MYR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 14 MYR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 138 MYR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 37 MYR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 138 MYR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 207 MYR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 138 MYR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 37 MYR
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Frequently asked questions
Kuching: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kuching: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +31.4°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kuching: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.4°C, during the day — up to +31.4°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kuching: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-February. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kuching: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 290 MYR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kuching: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $14.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $45.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kuching: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.70. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kuching: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $8.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.30, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kuching: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kuching Waterfront — Scenic riverfront promenade with views of the Assembly and Darul Hana Bridge; Borneo Cultures Museum — Modern museum with collection dedicated to Borneo peoples' culture and history; Carpenter Street — Historic street with traditional Chinese shops, coffee shops, and craft workshops; Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Orangutan sanctuary, popular wildlife viewing spot; Bako National Park — Scenic park with cliffs, beaches, and hiking trails. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kuching: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Sarawak Laksa — Spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, shrimp, and chicken, symbol of Sarawak cuisine; Kolo Mee — Noodles with sauce, served with meat, greens, and chili; Kueh Chap — Noodles with beef, chicken, and pork in aromatic broth; Manuk Pansuh — Chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs and spices, traditional Iban dish; Tuak — Traditional alcoholic drink made from rice or sugarcane; Kek Lapis — Layer cake with various flavors, traditional Sarawak sweet. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kuching: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Waterfront — Scenic riverside area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions; Padungan — Authentic area with Chinese shops, street food, and local atmosphere; Petra Jaya — Modern area with shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kuching: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kuching: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Kuching International Airport (code KCH). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $8.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kuching: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MYR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 290 MYR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kuching: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kuching: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Kuching: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Orangutan sanctuary, 30 minutes away; Bako National Park — Scenic park with cliffs and beaches, 45 minutes away; Sarawak Cultural Village — Ethnographic village with indigenous culture, 40 minutes away; Kubak National Park — Park with limestone cliffs and caves, 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 188

Best season

April-September

Useful information

Currency: MYR
Coordinates: 1.560600, 110.349400