Kuching
From Halal Explorer
Kuching is the capital and largest city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak and the neighborhood of Kuching.
Kuching Riverfront Dusk - Kuching riverfront at dusk
Contents
- 1 Kuching Halal Explorer
- 2 Local Language in Kuching
- 3 Travel to Kuching
- 4 How to get around in Kuching
- 5 What to see in Kuching
- 6 Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kuching
- 7 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kuching
- 8 Halal Food & Restaurants
- 9 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kuching
- 10 Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kuching
- 11 Muslim Friendly Hotels
- 12 Stay Safe
- 13 Medical Issues in Kuching
- 14 Telecommunications in Kuching
- 15 Cope in Kuching
- 16 News & References Kuching
- 17 Travel Next
Kuching Halal Explorer
Once the capital of the White Rajahs of Sarawak, now with a population of some 600,000, Kuching is small enough to walk around but interesting enough to keep you there for several days, and a good base for adventuring Sarawak. It's safe and relatively clean. The name of the city, Kuching, is thought to derive from the (Malay) word kucing, meaning cat. Many of the local residents refer to Kuching as the "Cat City" but it more likely comes from the Chinese word for port ("cochin") coupled with the (Malay) name mata kucing (cat's-eye) for the longan fruit, a popular trade item. The people of Kuching take pride in being the cleanest city in Malaysia and their diverse cultures, so be prepared for a totally different experience from that of West Malaysia.
Kuching Skyline - Kuching Skyline
History
Sarawak was a part of the Sultanate of Brunei 200 years ago but as a reward for help in putting down a rebellion, it was ceded to the British adventurer James Brooke who ruled it as his personal kingdom. Kuching was made his capital and headquarters. The Brooke Administration was given the status of Protectorate under Rajah Charles Brooke's rule and was placed behind the Indian Rajs and Princes. The Brooke family ruled Sarawak until the Japanese occupation in December 1941.
Kuching was surrendered to the Japanese forces on 24 December 1941, and Sarawak was part of the Japanese Empire for three years and eight months, until the official Japanese surrender on 11 September 1945 on board the Australian naval vessel HMAS Kapunda at Kuching. From March 1942 the Japanese operated a POW and civilian internee camp at Batu Lintang, 5 kilometers (3 ml) outside Kuching.
After the end of World War II the third the last Rajah, Sir Charles Vyner Brooke ceded Sarawak to the British Crown in 1946. Sarawak and the British Commonwealth fought an "Undeclared War" with Indonesia to keep Sarawak from being absorbed into Sukarno's Indonesia. The British gave Sarawak independence in 1963 and together with North Borneo, Sabah and Singapore, helped form Malaysia on 16 September 1963. Singapore became an independent nation in 1965.
The People of Kuching
Kuching prides itself on being one of the most multi-racial cities in Malaysia. The Chinese speak Hokkien, Hakka and Foochow. Other notable "dialect" groups among the Chinese include the Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese and Heng Hua. The Malays, who are comprised of Kuching's original inhabitants as well as migrants from neighboring Indonesia, form only slightly less of the population than the Chinese, while Ibans form about 5% of the population. There are also original Indian migrants who have lived in Kuching for many decades. The Indians are divided evenly between Tamils, Sikhs and Punjabis. The remainder are other indigenous races, most notably the Bidayuhs, Melanaus, (Javanese) and Orang Ulu settlers. What makes Kuching city unique from other towns in Sarawak is, Kuching city population does not reflect the true demography of the whole Sarawak.
Most people of Chinese descent live in South Kuching area, like Padungan and Pending. The (Malay) mostly live at North Kuching area, and are spread evenly throughout South Kuching area. Other races like Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu are spread evenly throughout Padawan and some at South and North Kuching. Indian communities of Tamil descent mostly live at Batu Lintang and Gita area, while (Javanese) communities mostly live at Mile 20 Kuching-Serian Road, Rantau Panjang (Batu Kawa) and Kg. Kolong at Matang.
How is the Climate in Kuching
Kuching enjoys sunshine throughout the year like any other tropical rainforest climate. There's no dry season and no pronounced summer or winter; it typically averages a degree or two around 26C, 80F and rainfall is both heavy and frequent. One day can be very similar to the next, in Kuching it is drier in July and August and wetter between November and February and the time of the Landas (monsoon). However, this does not hinder tourists' activities. Because Kuching is about 100 miles, 160 km, north of the equator hurricanes are most unlikely to occur. It is not on the "Ring of Fire" so earthquake tremors are rare.
Public Holidays in Kuching
Kuching, and Sarawak as a whole celebrate all Federal holidays except Deepavali. Sarawak has also declared holiday for Good Friday (1 day) and Gawai Day (2 days). Unlike other states in Malaysia, not all Islamic events are declared as a holiday other than; Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2 days), Hari Raya Aidiladha (1 day), Maulud Nabi (1 day) and Awal Muharram (1 day).
Avoid touring to the Santubong area during first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri as heavy traffic occurs at Petra Jaya. Tourists can expect a large local celebration for major holidays such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Day . Gawai is a local ritualistic celebration similar to a harvest celebration with proceedings commencing around sunset on the evening of 31 May. It is an officially recognised holiday only in Sarawak and the subsequent celebrations may last for several days.
Orientation
Kuching city can be divided into a few areas:
- Padawan - It's a small town at the outskirt of Kuching city. It's popular with its traditional Bidayuh kampungs and longhouses. This area is home for multiracial communities such as Bidayuhs, (Javanese), (Malay), Chinese and Iban & Orang Ulu settlers.
- Kota Sentosa - Before being named Kota Sentosa, Kota Sentosa was called (now colloquially) 'Batu Tujuh' or 7th Mile. This area is a commercial hub for people from Batu Kitang, Kg. Haji Baki and surrounding areas. Sarawak Mental Hospital is also located here. Kota Sentosa has also grown its importance due to its vicinity of Army Camps.
- BDC - BDC was long time ago a remote housing area. However, today it has grown importance as a commercial hub for Stutong and Tabuan Heights area and also a growing elite housing areas.
- Tabuan Jaya - Tabuan Jaya, like BDC, was long time ago a remote housing area. Today, it has emerged into Kuching satellite city. It is also well connected to other important areas in Kuching such as Pending, BDC, Muara Tabuan Industrial Estate and Demak Jaya Industrial Estate.
- Pending - Pending is an industrial area with connecting wharf, ports & harbour. It is a mostly Chinese majority populated area of the white & blue collar middle working class, living in sub-areas of Kenyalang Park & Bintawa. Major industrial players here with their factory setup, among them are Komag, CMS Concrete, Taiyo-Yuden, Kuching Plywood, Gold Coin Fertilizer and Sarawak Clinker Plant. Pending is connected to Kuching downtown via Padungan.
- Batu Kawa - Batu Kawa got its name from volcano crater found at Gunung Serapi. It has now emerged into important satellite city of Kuching, which consist of MJC Commercial Area (with condominium housing, elite housing areas and shoplots), Sg. Maong and Pekan Rantau Panjang.
- Matang - Matang is another emerging town under Kuching. Among its prominent attraction is Matang Jaya and Gita.
- 3rd Mile - An emerging commercial area once the home to Sunny Hill School, Sarawak's first private school, and also an old-fashioned cinema, Capitol Cinema. 3rd Mile was once an important train route in Kuching.
- Padungan - Padungan is the oldest commercial & shopping hub in Kuching. Chinatown is located here. It's also an important area for nightlife and clubbing, 4-5 star hotels such as Crowne Plaza, Grand Margherita (formerly Holiday Inn), Hilton, Pullman, Somerset Gateway and Novotel, popular tourist spots such as Kuching Waterfront and Cat statues.
- Simpang Tiga - Simpang Tiga is famous with its federal government complex, Swinburne University and newly opened "The Spring" shopping mall.
- Satok - Satok is the most widely spoken place among tourists for its weekend market. It is also the smallest DUN (State Legislative) area in Sarawak.
- Petra Jaya - Petra Jaya is home for majority of (Malay) population in Kuching, and most probably in Sarawak. It has a lot of (Malay) kampungs, low-cost housing schemes, housing estates and it is also a headquarters for Sarawak state government, which is an idea later copied by Federal Government for their Putrajaya. Petra Jaya consist of area from Kg. Tupong to Semariang to Demak Laut Industrial Estate.
- Santubong - Santubong is located 30 kilometers away from Kuching. It is a tourist spot for beach and annual international events such as the World Rainforest Music Festival.
Visitor information
- Visitor Information Centre in the complex of buildings at Barrack and Jln. Gambier 1.559548, 110.345095 by the Renee Margaret Museum
Local Language in Kuching
Kuching is a very multicultural place, and most local residents speak at least (Malay) and their ethnic tongue, with quite a number able to speak a decent level of English as well. This is due to the fact all Kuchingnites take English as a second or third language. The ability to speak either (Malay), English or Mandarin is usually enough for someone in Kuching to get by.
Speaking (Malay) in Kuching|Please notice some basic communication terms in Bahasa Melayu Sarawak.
- Kamek - I
- Kitak - You
- Auk - Yes
- Sik - No
- Igek - Piece
- Kamek Mauk Pergi Jamban Dolok - I Would Like To Go To The Toilet
- Kitak Dari Siney? - Where Are You From?
- Nyaman Juak Makanan Tok - This Food Is Quite Tasty
- Kamek Ngupok/Mupok Dolok - I'd Like To Make A Move
- Nama-Name
- Maok-Want
- Jamban-Toilet
- Duit-Money
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While standard (Malay) is well understood and the local dialect, known as "Bahasa Melayu Sarawak", is different enough to be officially categorized as its own language. Malays from coastal part of Sarawak, especially the one from Sebuyau, Kabong, Saratok, Betong, Sri Aman and the surrounding areas speak different dialect called "Bahasa Orang Laut". Malays from Sibu and Miri speak similar language with Kuchingites (Malay), but they have some terms unique to their dialect, for example "Pia" in Sibu (in Kuching and they called it "Sia", which means "there"), "Cali" in Miri (in Kuching and they called it "Jenaka", which means "funny"). However, Bahasa Melayu spoken in Limbang and Lawas is a distant difference from Bahasa Melayu Sarawak spoken throughout Kuching-Miri.
Most Chinese in Kuching speak Minnan phrasebook|Hokkien (Minnan) as their native tongue, but Mandarin is the standard language of education and spoken by nearly all Chinese in Kuching.
The Iban phrasebook|Iban language is spoken by some Iban people in Kuching, but almost all of them also understand (Malay). You may also encounter speakers of other tribal languages like Bidayuh phrasebook|Bidayuh, Melanau phrasebook|Melanau and Orang Ulu.
The lack of homogeneous language used by the peoples is also clearly reflected around the city. Signs such as road names are written in (Malay) and Chinese. Street signs are in (Malay). Shop names and other private signs are usually written in (Malay), English or/and Chinese.
Travel to Kuching
As Kuching is in Sarawak, which retains control of its own immigration procedures, some additional complications apply and an ordinary Malaysian visa may not suffice. Most visitors, though, can get visas on arrival at Kuching International Airport. See Sarawak#Get in|Sarawak for details.
Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kuching
- Kuching International Airport IATA Flight Code: KCH 1.484444, 110.346667 - Kuching International Airport - Is Sarawak's main gateway. There are near-hourly connections to Kuala Lumpur as well as frequent Flights to Singapore, Johor Bahru, Labuan, Kota Kinabalu and other cities in Sarawak like Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. MASwings links Kuching with Mukah. International connections are rather limited, although there are a few weekly services to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Pontianak and Brunei. Flights to Kuching are also operated by AirAsia and Firefly. International airlines operating in Kuching includes SilkAir, Scoot Tigerair, and Batavia Air.
The airport underwent a major facelift in 2005-2006 and is now modern and pleasant. When checking in, note that passengers onboard all flights leading out of Sarawak (including Peninsular Malaysia, Labuan and Sabah) must head through passport control. On the airside, all domestic flights (both within and outside Sarawak) are on the lower concourse (second floor, airside) and the few international flights are on the upper concourse (third floor, airside). The three gates on the upper concourse (H7, H8 and H9) lead to the holding rooms for gates 7, 8 and 9 below, respectively. There are neither shops nor restaurants on the upper concourse, so international passengers will not have the benefits of domestic ones (unless you are lucky enough to have a heavily delayed flight and the airport grants you access to the lower concourse).
Meanwhile the lower concourse has gates R1-R3 and 1-9. Gates R1-R3 on one end are used by MASwings flights (i.e. that requires passengers to walk on the taxiway to their plane), 1-4 are usually used by AirAsia, Firefly and other budget airlines, and the remaining gates (5-9) by other airlines. Shops, restaurants and makeshift shop stalls are found between gates 4 and 7, including Marrybrown fast food near gate 4 and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf near the holding room for gate 7. Walking from gate R1 to gate 9 takes about 10 minutes.
In the arrival hall (ground floor, landside) and there are several restaurants, including the kopitiam 'OldTown White Coffee' at one end and a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) outlet beside the escalators. In the departure hall (second floor, landside) and there are KFC and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) outlets.
Getting there: Kuching city is about 20 min away by taxi, for a fixed rate of RM30 (2022). From the city you can get a private vehicle for around RM20 or catch a mini bus (RM7.99 for Tune guests); RM10 for others. must be booked at least 1 day in advance leaving hourly from 8:30AM Monday - evening.
A cheaper option is taking Uber or GrabCar from the airport, which will cost about RM20 (2022).
The Sarawak Transport Company's (STC) bus 12A no longer serves the 5 daily trips between the airport and the downtown. There is a series of other buses which can drop you off or pick you up roughly 1 KM west of the Airport (turn left as you exit the airport and walk to the main T intersection, turn left again and walk until you reach the big roundabout (also Express bus terminal) and catch a bus heading north to town namely 3A, 6, 8G and 9. The most convenient place to catch these buses back to the airport intersection is at the main bus terminal located in the city.
Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kuching
Kuching express boat terminal 2 - A boat waiting at the Kuching jetty before a voyage to Sibu
The Express Bahagia runs an once daily service from Kuching to Sibu. RM55 one way and the journey takes 5–5.5 hours, with stops at Sarikei and Tanjung Manis. The boats depart from the Pending Express Boat Jetty GPS 1.554663,110.397942 Kuching express boat terminal 1 - to the east of the city at about 8:30AM, but the exact time varies depending on the tides, so arrive an hour early to buy your tickets just in case. From downtown, City Public Link bus K1 goes to the express boat jetty for RM1. The boat from Sibu to Kuching leaves daily at 11h30 (March 2022). Check the official schedules].
Bring Snacks or buy some at the terminal before you leave, as none are for sale onboard. Board early to get a good seat. The boat isn't that big and the waves are choppy, so you might feel seasick—sit upstairs to avoid nausea and for views of the water. You can even sit outside for the fresh air and views, though this also leaves you vulnerable to rain (but you can always go inside when the rain starts).
There are some cruise liners operating daily between Kuching and Singapore. One of them is StarCruise.
Travel on a Bus in Kuching
Kuching's regional express bus terminal (or Kuching Sentral) is located along Jl. Datuk Tawi Sli, also dubbed as "3 and a half miles", located south of the city, 1km west from the airport. All long-distance express buses arrive from and leave for major Sarawak cities like Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, as well as Pontianak in Indonesia. Regional buses for some towns near Kuching such as Lundu (for the Gunung Gading National Park and Tanjung Datu National Park) and Sri Aman also arrive/depart from here.
To get from the downtown, go to the city bus terminal near main mosque. Sarawak Transport 3A or City Public Link bus K3 pass in front of Kuching Sentral. Its destination although is Serian and depart every 30 min from 5:30 am to 6pm.
Buses for some towns and destinations nearer Kuching, such as the Bako National Park, Bau and the Semenggoh Orang Utan Centre, leave from various locations in the downtown near main mosque, depending on the bus company being used. See the individual destinations below for details.
- From Bako National Park: Petra Jaya Transport(red) bus No. 1 departs from the open air market near Electra House in the downtown. RM3.5 one way, journey time 45 min. There are also public mini buses, more expensive and a little bit faster and more regular. The buses bring you to Bako Bazaar where you pay your RM10 park entrance fee and transfer to a boat to reach the national park. Boat costs RM47 one way and can carry up to 5 people. See Bako National Park page for details.
- From Lundu: Sarawak Transport Company (cream and green) express buses depart from the regional bus terminal at 8:15AM, 11AM, 2PM and 4PM. Buses depart Lundu at 8AM, 11AM, 2PM and 4PM for RM12 one way. Travel duration roughly 2 hr. At Lundu, take a taxi or van or walk roughly 2.5 kilometers (north) to the Gunung Gading National Park. For Tanjung Datu National Park, catch a connecting Sarawak Transport Company bus to Sematan where you will have to charter a boat to the park.
- From Pontianak: Biaramas Express ☎+60 82 456999 at the regional bus terminal, ☎ +60 82 610111 headquarters. Buses depart Kuching regional bus terminal for Pontianak via the Tebedu-Entikong border crossing daily at 7:45AM. RM45 adult 1 way. From Pontianak, buses depart daily at 9PM. Fare is Rp 240,000. SJS Super Executive ☎ +60 82 456999) buses departs the regional bus terminal at 11AM and cost RM70. See the Pontianak to Kuching for travel itinerary detail of this route.
- From Semenggoh: Feeding times for the Orangutans are 9AM and 1PM so catch the 7:30AM or 11AM bus. Sarawak Transport Company buses No.6 depart from their bus terminal RM2.50, 1 hour, near the open air market in the downtown but are not so frequent (at 1 and a half hour or even rarely). Also there are plenty of mini buses at the open air market that can drive you there, public RM5-10/passеnger) and also more expensive mini bus taxies, bargaining starts from RM100 for the whole bus for return journey.
- From Sibu: Various express buses depart from the regional bus terminal. Most of them go via Sarikei.
By car
From Indonesia
To travel by vehicle from Indonesia is pretty straight forward. As a member of Asean, an Indonesian driving license is legal and accepted in Malaysia.
Please see the Pontianak to Kuching for travel itinerary on this route.
From Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam
Sarawak is a huge state. The road networks connecting towns and places in Sarawak including Kuching are somehow quite satisfactorily maintained. However, long and winding roads with sometimes no rest stops in between might bore you or scare you. Here are the distance chart from Kuching to other towns:
From | To | Distance/Accumulative Distance From Kuching (in Kilometre) | Rest Stops |
---|---|---|---|
Kuching | Sri Aman | 193/193 | Siburan, Tapah, Beratok, Tarat, Serian, Balai Ringin, Lachau |
Sri Aman | Sarikei | 179/372 | Engkilili, Betong, Saratok |
Sarikei | Sibu | 90/462 | Meradong, Julau, Pakan, Jakar |
Sibu | Bintulu | 202/644 | Stapang, Selangau, Tatau |
Bintulu | Miri | 198/842 | Suai, Batu Niah, Sibuti, Bekenu, Bakam |
Miri | Limbang | 230/1072 | Sg. Tujuh, Kuala Belait (Brunei), Seria (Brunei), Tutong (Brunei), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) |
Limbang | Lawas | 128/1200 | Bangar, Temburong (Brunei), Sundar, Trusan
Sabahan people as well as from Brunei can also commute freely to Kuching using Pan Borneo Highway network. However, it is subject to a lot of stopover at immigration checkpoints. Therefore, travelling to Kuching from Sabah is not advisable. Bruneian commuters should produce driving permit which is simply by filling a form at the Malaysian border checkpoint. Bruneian driving license is a valid, legal and accepted form of document in Sarawak/Malaysia. By helicopterIn case you are in a hurry or desire a bit of luxury, helicopters and other method of air transports are available from Hornbill Skyways. How to get around in KuchingTravel on a Bus in KuchingThe old bus company 'Chin Lian Long' has been taken over by City Public Link . You wouldn't miss it because it is bright green and you notice it frequently plying around Kuching city. The old rickety stage buses have been wiped out by the government in 2009. With these new buses, traveling around Kuching city has become more comfortable now. Perhaps and the only downside would be the waiting time for a bus. Frequency is about 30 minutes and the fare ranges from RM1.80 to RM2.30 depending on the number of stops you are taking and whether you paid on the bus. Nonetheless and the stage buses between Kuching and its outskirts like Petra Jaya, Serian, Bau and so forth, have not been replaced with new buses. The main bus terminal in Kuching is located opposite the Old Mosque near the old downtown. All the buses listed below leaves from here. However and there is another bus terminal for inter-state departure which is located at 3rd Mile Bus Terminal. You should take your bus to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri from this terminal. Check BUS ASIA for online booking via eHalal Hotels]. Local stage buses are run by 4 companies of colourful assortments, but there's a reasonably logical route numbering system and bus stops usually have some signage indicating bus route numbers.
Bus drivers and conductors do not actually have Public Relations and Tourist Guiding as part of their training syllabi. Should the bus conductor exist, kindly demand for the ticket because some bus inspectors might just walk inside and do a surprise inspection of passengers' tickets. There are some OMO (One Man Operation) buses that are equipped with a big coin box beside the driver's seat. Ask for the fare first before inserting the exact change into the box. Sit in the front half of the bus so you have easy access to the driver or conductor. Cheating, pickpocketing and sexual harassment might sometimes occur in public buses, so be watchful of your surroundings. Inconsistent passenger load along certain routes can lead to drops in frequency and thus, bus operators cannot comply to a fixed timetable and that results in frustrating delays. By shuttle vanCaution-Van sapu|Unlicensed shuttle vans also ply the primary streets in Kuching, offering lower (if not the same) fares than their legal counterparts. If you are coaxed to board these vans, please do so at your own risk. Due to its illegal operations, van sapu passengers are not covered by insurance should an accident occur. Yellow roofed kereta sewa or shuttle vans fill the void left by stage bus operators, offering somewhat more frequent trips throughout Kuching to as far as Tebedu and Bau. Each shuttle van has their own commuting routes so watch out the routes by reading the destination on the body of the van. Minimum fare for each trip is RM1 and increases with respect to distance. Fares also differ from one shuttle van to another plying the same route by commuting frequency, peak and off-peak periods and passenger load. If in doubt, ask the passengers, not the driver. Best way to travel in Kuching by a TaxiTaxis are somewhat expensive in Kuching. Although taxis are metered and the drivers seldom use it and normally they will try to charge you any fare they like. They may also hide the meter behind a rudimentary cover and claim to have no meter. Take your time and appraise the honesty of the driver before proceeding. A reasonable taxi fare from Kuching downtown to Santubong is RM42. Some hotels provide their own shuttle vans or buses to designated tourism spots and downtown. Check with your hotel should they provide this kind of service. By e-hailingE-hailing services including Uber and Grab have become commonplace in Kuching and are a hassle-free way of going around the city, including to and from the airport. However, if you want to go to rural areas outside of Kuching (such as Santubong or Semenggoh), although Uber and Grab drivers will take you there, you will hardly find a Uber or Grab to return to the city. Also, when asking a driver to go to one of these rural areas, don't be surprised if the driver asks you for a tip, as they need to go back to Kuching to go back to work. By carAll major roads in Kuching city and suburban areas are well tarred and fairly maintained. Driving orientation is on the left and is generally slow-paced. Speed limits on dual-carriageway roads can reach a maximum of 90 km/h and can be reduced to 80km/h or 70 km/h during festival seasons. Tourists from cosmopolitan cities may not appreciate the driving attitude of local road users. Some drivers tend to make a turn or overtake without using indicators, and others drive beyond the speed limit. You may also find a handful of road hoggers (cars, lorries and even motorcycles alike). Honk vehicle horns and flash high beams with careful discretion. Self-driving in and around Kuching can be challengingly fun. Directional signs in Kuching are so inadequate and it takes a good road map and a good sense of direction to get you around. For those who use wisely their smartphone though and there are many affordable and efficient apps that can be used as here by nokia is free, has a pretty good downloadable database for borneo (for free) and warns user about speed limits. googlampas is almost as good but you need a mobile internet connection (prepaid prices from 50RM/month). Car rental
By motorcycle
Travel by bicycle in KuchingIt is feasible to see the sights of Kuching City by bicycle. You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to take a full day bicycle tour of the city. Roads in Kuching are adequate for moving around by bicycle, though it is definitely not bicycle friendly. Bicycling is a healthy and budget conscious way to explore the city and it enables you to explore and see things you simply cannot achieve by walking or by taking the bus.
By river taxiKuching boats - Tambangs or river taxis provide easy and affordable transport across the Sarawak River in the heart of Kuching. For a leisurely commute across the Sarawak River, river taxis locally known as tambang or penambang offers daily services at various points along the Kuching Waterfront, with a one-way fare at RM0.40. The fare hikes up to RM1 from 10PM Monday - 6AM the next day. Kindly place the exact change on the designated plate instead of giving it to the operator, as you disembark the river taxi at your destination. By boatsBoats are sometimes available for visitors who wish to travel from one place to another along the Sarawak River. By speedboatsSpeedboats are available for people who wish to go to Taman Negara Bako, Satang Island and Talang-Talang Island from Santubong. Rate differs according to hotels, and in regards to public holidays and peak hours. Check schedule and rates at the respective hotels, such as Damai Lagoon. By cruisesThere are no river cruises anymore. Walk in KuchingKuching is unusually pedestrian-friendly for a Malaysian city, with tree-lined sidewalks and some pedestrian crossings, and the city core is compact enough to cover on foot. Good walks include the Kuching Waterfront and the pedestrian shopping street of Jalan India (Kuching's Little India). Drivers rarely stop for pedestrians on zebra crossings if there is no traffic light. However, since most roads are single-directional and have a single lane, crossing the street in Kuching isn't as treacherous as in other cities in Southeast Asia. What to see in KuchingKuching JalanIndia - Jalan India Kuching is a haven for tourists. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Sarawak. In Kuching, you can enjoy various sightseeing activities. Among them are visiting museums, sightseeing of Kuching city and sightseeing for nature lovers. Kuching is quite the sunset spot, often regarded as "one of the most memorable". Take your shots, and enjoy the sunsets from the Waterfront, Santubong Peninsula or Bako Peninsula.
One can enjoy sightseeing of Kuching City at various locations. What is unique of Kuching city in sightseers' eyes is how the skycrapers built in the vicinity of lush green jungles.
Please observe religious conventions|Visitors to masjids are requested to dress respectfully and remove their shoes. Non-Muslims should avoid entering during prayer times so as not to disrupt people during periods of religious observance, especially on Friday afternoons.
MuseumsKuching's major sights are its museums. Clustered just south of the centre, a program of refurbishment started in 2002 is shuffling up the exhibits.
Nearby
Top Muslim Travel Tips for KuchingKuching is a great home-base for jungle trekking and exploring Borneo.
Muslim Friendly Shopping in KuchingThere's some interesting shopping in Kuching. For a wide selection of tribal handicrafts and tourist gewgaws, head down to the aptly named Main Bazaar street on the Kuching waterfront. It's worth going inside for a look, as many shops have larger and more authentic collections hidden away upstairs or in a back room. Note that, in this mostly Christian city, some shops close on Sundays. MarketsKuching SundayMarket Bananas - Fancy a banana at the Sunday Market.
Shopping centres
Halal Food & RestaurantsCoffee, see, and tea, oh!|Coffee and tea in hawker centres and kopitiam goes from 60 cents to RM3 per cup/glass, a steep discount on Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) prices (not to mention an immeasurable improvement on their flavours), but you'll need to learn the lingo to get what you want. If you order just kopi (the (Malay) word for "coffee") or teh (Hokkien for "tea") in Kuching, it will definitely be served with a heaped spoonful of sugar, and more often than not with a squirt of sweet condensed milk. Kopi-C or teh-C substitutes unsweetened evaporated milk, while kopi-O or teh-O makes sure it's served with no milk. To get rid of the sugar, you need to ask for it kosong ("plain"), but if you want a cup of thick black Coffee, you need to ask for kopi-O kaw! If you want your drink cold, just add a peng to the end of the drink name, eg. kopi-O-peng, teh-peng, teh-C-peng, Milo-peng etc. and it will be served with ice. There's a special thing about Teh-C. If you request for teh-C-special, you'll get a Teh-C with 'gula apong' (coconut sugar) or sometimes with a little bit of honey. Some eating place come with different portion of soft-drinks, such as Small, Big/Large and Jumbo. Choose based on your appetite. The bigger the portion and the more expensive the drinks. Umei - Umei Eating out is the major pastime, with a huge variety of eateries and food available. Most places are pretty affordable with excellent service but the more "local" and the less English spoken. Be sure to sample some Sarawak laksa, but beware - it's considered a breakfast dish here and the popular places sell out fast. For the local Chinese, kolo mee, a Noodles dish served with slices of roasted Beef, is also a daily staple. Although most places are quite clean and there are some which are not. A rule of thumb is if you're not comfortable with it and then walk somewhere else. There are plenty to choose from. Sarawakian dishesUnlike fellow Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and the range of food and fruit drinks in Sarawak, particularly Kuching is somewhat different. Here are the food you might never heard of when you browse through the food menu:
Linut - Linut
Kuching has also absorbed (Thai) favourites such as tom yam, nasi paprik and pattaya. Bakso and soto originally from Indonesia, and nasi ayam Singapura (from Singapore) have moved onto restaurant and other menus. Chinese restaurants have also been daring to try more exquisite cuisine from North China, Korea and Vietnam. International food has also been widely accepted in Sarawak, especially Kuching. Fast food chains such as KFC, McDonalds, Kenny Roger's Roasters, Secret Recipe and Marrybrown, America's buffet has also taken place in Sarawakian's heart such as Hartz Chicken Buffet are also growing in presence. However, traditional nasi campur and traditional breakfast, high tea and dinner are always part of Sarawakian food ritual. It is however becoming common to see more modernised Kuchingites slowly adapting to International food culture such as eating Pastas or Pizzas for dinner. Dietary restriction guidesAs a guide to Muslim visitors, some of the restaurants serving Chinese food are non- unless stated or appear to handover the food preparation to Muslim cooks or sellers. Restaurants who clearly stated Beef or/and non- substances in their [https://ehalal.io/buy-halal-food/plant-based-food/ Vegetarian food menu (like using for cooking, frogs and snakes) are ones you should avoid. The easiest way to look for Halal restaurants are by looking at their certificate. Ensure that they display certificate produced by JAIS Sarawak, JAKIM or HDC Malaysia. Sometimes the restaurant owners choose not to display it, so please demand the certificate if they claimed that they serve food. For Vegetarian visitors, always look for the restaurant clearly stating Vegetarian food only. Some Vegetarian meals served can still contain non-vegetarian substances like anchovies, Chicken stock and lard. Please check with the restaurant owners for confirmation on their ingredients.
Mi hong kong - Tomato Noodles
Be sure to try Sarawak coffee - it is delicious and can be found in any local 'Kopi-tiam' (coffee shop). Also, try a drink called "White Lady". It usually consists of evaporated milk and a syrup base with fruit and a slice of lemon within. The colors vary from yellow to pink. The local favourite of "White Lady" is made by Ah Meng's stall at Hui Sing Hawker Centre at Hui Sing Garden. Another of the stall's signature drink is "Metahorn", made with jellies, syrup and local fruits. There are various knock-offs in Kuching but the taste is different. There are plenty of good bars and are usually grouped together in areas around Kuching. Cafes
eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to KuchingKuching - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kuching, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kuching. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kuching and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kuching. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kuching. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKuching: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kuching. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kuching: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kuching, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kuching. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kuching, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kuching, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kuching and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kuching, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kuching, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kuching without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kuching is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kuching. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Kuching is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Kuching, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Kuching Media: info@ehalal.io Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in KuchingeHalal Group Kuching is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kuching. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kuching. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kuching ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kuching. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kuching, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kuching are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io Muslim Friendly Hotels
Stay SafeThe most common crime in Kuching are bag snatches by motorbike riders. When walking nearby the road or in open parking lots, keep handbags and non-strapped items far from the side of the road, holding them firmly. Jalan Main Bazaar is particularly notorious for bag snatches; it can be avoided by walking in the waterfront instead. Other than that, Kuching is a very safe city. Armed robberies with knifes are known to happen, but much less frequently than in other Malaysia | Malaysian big cities such as Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur. Kuching is practically safe from natural disasters: no earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes or volcanoes.Aside from the very occasional flood the biggest hazard is haze during the dry season, caused by fires in Sarawak and neighboring Indonesia. Medical Issues in KuchingKuching has often been declared as one of the cleanest cities in Asia and still can hold the record for the cleanest city in Malaysia. The air pollution is minimum, while the Sarawak River is constantly being cleared from rubbish. Some part of the city might be a little bit dirty and messy. However, tourists spots are always being maintained clean. Public toilets are easily available throughout Kuching with entrance fee of 20 cents. The public toilets are generally sanitized and clean. However, some public toilets might be lightly vandalized with graffiti and cigarette burns. Public smoking is still allowed, except for areas like hospitals, government offices, public bus stops and supermarkets. Although the streets are clean and well-maintained, some Kuchingites are prone to litter their cigarette butts and Candies wrapping once in a while. However, litter bins are available at most of the places. Telecommunications in KuchingCope in KuchingConsulates in KuchingConsulate General of Brunei - No.297-2-2 Tingkat 2 Riverbank Suites and Commercial Towers, ☎ +60 82 456515 General Consulate of the People's Republic of China - Lot 3719, Dogan Garden, Dogan Road ☎ +60 82 238344 Consulate General of Indonesia - Lantai 6, Bangunan Binamas, No. 1 Jl. Pandungan☎ +60 82 241734 News & References Kuching
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