Kuching City Guide

Local dishes include Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee. International food is widely available. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Many hawker centers stay open late.

Nightlife is modest with bars and live music along Jalan Padungan and near the river.

Coffee scene mixes old kopitiams with new specialty cafes.

Tipping is not expected; service charges cover it. Small tips appreciated for good service. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and malls. Celcom, Maxis, and Digi offer good coverage. Registration with ID is needed.

Kuching is generally clean, especially in tourist areas. Waste services are in place.

7-Eleven stores open 24/7. Some pharmacies have extended hours but not all. Food stalls open late. Limited night clinics.

Supermarkets like Everrise and Boulevard sell international goods. Wet markets open early and have fresh produce. Bargaining happens only in wet markets and small shops.

Cards are common in big shops and hotels. Mobile payments work in the city. Cash is needed for markets and small stalls.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, malls, and stores. Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank ATMs are common. Check your bank for fees on international cards.

International schools like Tunku Putra-HELP and Lodge offer English-based curricula. Check directly for admission details.

Community is small but growing with some co-working spaces and meetups.

Parks like Friendship Park offer shaded walks and space for running and leisure.

Safe running spots include Kuching Waterfront and Friendship Park. Air quality is usually good except haze season.

Gyms and public sports complexes are available for fitness and sports.

Tennis courts exist at clubs and public areas but require booking or membership.

Padel courts are not common here.

Yoga studios with English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are available.

Training for Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, and Muay Thai can be found at local clubs.

No skiing; tropical climate.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on the river and nearby resorts.

No surfing opportunities in Kuching.

Limited diving; better spots are farther away.

Hospitals have English-speaking staff. Private hospitals have better service. Pharmacies are common and carry OTC meds.

Tap water is treated but it's safer to boil or use bottled water.

Parks have playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes exist. Attractions like Sarawak Cultural Village and Cat Museum are good for families.

The city is more tolerant than other areas but laws are conservative. Discretion is advised.

Pet policies vary. Vets and pet supplies are available. Parks may allow pets on leash.