Kuching

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo along the banks of the Sarawak River. The city's name literally means "cat" in Malay, and this feline identity is celebrated everywhere — from the iconic cat statues along the waterfront to the Kuching Cat Museum, the only museum of its kind in Southeast Asia. With a population of around 700,000, Kuching is a relaxed, walkable city that serves as the gateway to Borneo's extraordinary rainforests, wildlife, and indigenous cultures.

Kuching's history is unlike any other city in Malaysia. From 1841 to 1946, Sarawak was governed by the Brooke family, known as the White Rajahs — the only European dynasty to rule an Asian kingdom as personal sovereigns. Their legacy is visible in landmarks like the Astana, the riverside palace built by Charles Brooke as a wedding gift for his wife Margaret in 1870, and Fort Margherita, a defensive fortress overlooking the Sarawak River. The city's Main Bazaar, possibly the oldest street in Kuching, still houses antique shops selling Dayak headhunting artifacts, tribal beadwork, and Iban pua kumbu textiles.

The surrounding region offers world-class nature experiences. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, just 24 kilometres from the city centre, is one of the best places on earth to observe semi-wild orangutans during twice-daily feeding sessions. Bako National Park, Sarawak's oldest, is a 40-minute boat ride from the city and is home to the endemic proboscis monkey, along with pitcher plants, mangrove forests, and secluded beaches. The Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong is a living museum showcasing the traditional longhouses and customs of seven indigenous ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu.

Kuching's food scene reflects its multicultural character. Sarawak laksa — a coconut-milk-based noodle soup with prawns, chicken, and sambal belacan — is entirely different from Peninsular Malaysia's laksa varieties and has been called the best breakfast in the world by the late Anthony Bourdain. Kolo mee (springy egg noodles with pork and shallot oil), manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), and umai (a raw fish salad from the Melanau people) are other distinctive local dishes. Budget travellers can eat and stay comfortably in Kuching for USD 25–50 per day, while mid-range visitors should budget USD 60–120. The city's top hotels and Damai Beach resorts range from USD 80–200 per night.