Now that the borders are open for tourists and holiday visitations, it might be a good time to look at our local tourist attractions, which could be handy when figuring out good spots to recommend overseas friends too.
Despite the popular tourist spots being crowded by well, tourists; several famous areas are well visited by locals. Whether it is a planned family outing or a spontaneous day trip with a group of friends, Kuching and its nearby towns has many outdoor attractions to satisfy your need for excitement.
These attractions cast away the grey skies in our minds and bring us back to our motherland, reminding us of how unique Sarawak is. So, if you are looking for an exciting activity to fill your schedule, why not give these a try?
Annah Rais
Located about 100 kilometers outside of Kuching at the base of Borneo Highlands, Annah Rais hosts one of the largest Bidayuh longhouses in Sarawak. The location is popular for experiencing the culture of Sarawak natives who will welcome you with open arms.
For us locals, we love dropping by for a quick soak in the hot springs which are located nearby the longhouse. Although the temperature may not be suitable for tropical weather, a dip in these waters sends a tremendous zen feeling of peace and relaxation.
We also recommend visiting the café for its one-of-a-kind menu made with local vegetation and kampung chickens. The meat and fish are cooked inside bamboo shells which give a fragrant flavor like no other.
Entrance Fees (Longhouse visits): RM10
Entrance Fees (Hot springs): Adults – RM10, Students – RM5
Address: 93, Annah Rais Longhouse, Jalan Puncak Borneo 93010 Kuching, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM (Mon-Sun)
Contact: Website | Facebook
Bako National Park
Bako National Park is the oldest among Sarawak’s national parks. It holds many rock formations created from years of sandstone erosions.This breathtaking scenery can only be accessed by a 20-minute boat ride from Bako Village.
You can easily spot wild boars and proboscis monkeys as you drift down the river. As the boat ride costs RM200, we encourage you to take the trip with at least five others.
If you are a nature lover, try out their hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging routes. Many hikers also encounter wild flora and fauna along the way.
Entrance Fees (Malaysians): Adults – RM10, Senior Citizens – RM5, Disabled – RM5, Children – RM3
Entrance Fees (Non-Malaysians): Adults – RM20, Disabled – RM10, Children – RM7
Address: Muara Tebas Peninsular, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM (Mon-Sun)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +6082-370 434
Sarawak Cultural Village
Despite being one of the most visited tourist attractions, Sarawak Cultural Village remains one of our favorite places. With their rich, preserved architecture and handicrafts, it brings you into a world of slow and mindful living.
A casual 45-minute drive away from Kuching, be prepared to explore traditional tribal homes. You’ll be able to gain insight into our local lifestyle dating back hundreds of years ago.
If you are an eager learner, why not witness the live demonstrations and be taught ancient techniques only found here such as weaving, bamboo carving, and bead making.
Entrance Fees (1 Day Admission): Adult – RM45, Child (2-12 years old) – RM22.50
Entrance Fees (1 Day Admission with Lunch): Adult – RM76.50, Child(2-12 years old) – RM46.20
Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 9AM-5PM (Tue-Sun, closed Mon)
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +6082-846 108, +6082-846 078
Damai Beach Resort
Damai Beach Resort is our to-go spot for a casual beach stroll. On a public holiday or during the weekends, many locals make a quick drive to get away from the urban life.
This resort has always been a popular spot for both tourists and locals due to its facilities. A fully-equipped gym, a massage and spa, jungle trekking, and canoeing are some of the reasons we locals cannot stay away! Furthermore, the Sarawak Cultural Village is just minutes away.
For sports enthusiasts, be sure to drop by the Damai Golf & Country Club to experience a game of golf. They also provide fun group sports such as beach volleyball or beach soccer.
Entrance Fees: Free admission for day trips to the beach
Address: Teluk Bandung, 93756 Kuching, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: Open 24/7 (Beach may be closed at night)
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +6082-846 999
Semenggoh Nature Reserve
While long drives aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, we love to plan for a road trip with several targets throughout the day. About 45-minutes away from Kuching, there are many popular spots you can visit along the way.
Sarawak is a popular place to catch a glimpse of orangutans, which are native great apes found in the rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for their distinctive red fur, orangutans can be seen swinging from tree to tree with their long, powerful arms.
Semenggoh Nature Reserve is a favorite of many animal lovers as they run a successful rehabilitation program for orphaned or rescued orangutans. Even after being released back into the wild, these apes are prone to visit the reserve during feeding seasons.
Entrance Fees (Malaysians): Adults – RM5, Senior Citizens – RM3, Disabled – RM3, Child – RM2 (6-18 years old)*
Entrance Fees (Non-Malaysians): Adults – RM10, Senior Citizens – RM10, Disabled – RM5, Child – RM5 (6-18 years old)*
*Children below six years of age gain free admission.
Address: KM 20, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 93250 Siburan, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Visiting Hours: 8AM-10AM & 2PM-4PM (Mon-Sun)
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +6082-618 325, +6082-618 324
Kubah National Park
Surrounded by streams, waterfalls, and bathing pools, Kubah National Park is another top attraction we love. Its selection of beautiful wild orchids and palm trees attracts many photographers.
Although its wildlife encounters cannot be compared to Bako National Park, the main attraction here lies in its waterfalls and nature hikes. This park has six hiking trails varying from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the waterfall hike, taking you through swampy lands and cooling streams.
For hikers wanting the full experience, we encourage you to stay overnight in the chalets and longhouses. That way, you can get you the best local experience in Sarawak!
Entrance Fees (Malaysians): Adults & Senior Citizens – RM10, Disabled – RM5, Child (6-18 years old) – RM3*
Entrance Fees (Non-Malaysians): Adults & Senior Citizens – RM20, Disabled – RM10, Child (6-18 years old) – RM7*
*Children below six years of age gain free admission.
Address: 93050 Kuching, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Visiting Hours: 8AM-5PM (Mon-Fri)*, 7:30AM-4:30PM (Weekends & Public Holidays)*
Contact: Website | +6082-845 033
*Cut-off time for hiking is 10AM.
Borneo Tribal Village
A new addition to our cultural attractions, Borneo Tribal Village is a jungle resort and an Eco-Tourism retreat focusing on our local heritage. We are wildly intrigued by their living museum of flora and fauna, reminding us to live learn and enjoy life.
You are given the privilege to choose as how simple or luxurious your stay can be, as options range from a traditional longhouse stay to an air-conditioned room with facilities. Self-catering or be catered? Your choice!
Be sure not to miss the wind cave adventure, along with other mountain and cave expeditions. We are impressed with their “user-friendly” routes, taking us to every nearby attraction with ease. We enjoy driving around the area and wowing at every sight. Definitely planning a second visit!
Address: Jalan Kg Apar, 94000 Bau, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM (Mon-Fri), 8AM-2PM (Sat, closed Sun)
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +6082-450 450
Entrance Fees (Non-Staying Guests): Adult – RM5, Child (6-12 years old) – RM 2, Infants (below 6 years old) + Senior Citizens + Disabled – RM3 (Sat)*
*These groups gain free admission on weekdays.
Jong’s Crocodile Farm
Known as the oldest and the only breeding crocodile farm in Malaysia, Jong’s Crocodile Farm has gained a reputation as one of the largest crocodile farms in the world. We always make sure to watch the feeding demonstration of the crocodiles, which are held at 11AM and 3PM every day.
We have been visiting since we were kids, and with every visit there is always a new excitement to behold. Aside from the fascinating sights of these crocodiles, this farm also hosts numerous rare species of birds and animals that are found only in Borneo.
Our favourite part is likely the crocodile museum. It takes us back to the history of this farm when it all started in 1963. If you are a history lover like us, it is time to plan a visit to this one-of-a-kind crocodile farm!
Entrance Fees (Malaysian): Adult – RM20, Child (3-12 years old) – RM10
Entrance Fees (Non-Malaysian): Adult – RM25, Child (3-12 years old) – RM15
Address: Jalan Kuching – Serian, 94200 Siburan, Sarawak (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 9AM-5PM (Mon-Sun)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +6082-863 570
Featured image: Thomas Quine & Thomas Quine
