Kuching Heritage City Tour plus Sarawak Sunset River Cruise

India Street is lined with shops selling all kinds of goods, particularly textiles. Mid-way down India Street (if you can find it!) there is a narrow passageway that leads to Gambier Road. If you follow this passageway you’ll pass a small Indian Mosque hidden away in the middle of the city. The Mosque’s structure has undergone many changes since it was originally built by Kuching’s Indian Muslim community in the mid 19th century.

Nestled in the heart of Kuching, Carpenter Street is one of the city’s most iconic and vibrant streets, steeped in rich history and heritage.

These days, the area houses not only an array of decades-old establishments easily identified by their faded vintage signboards but also several new businesses which have organically settled in.

Beautiful place for ones who love to take pictures and street photography enthusiasts. Despite these fresh additions, much of the street’s authentic charm has been well preserved over the years. Taking a stroll down Carpenter Street can often feel like one has travelled back in time.

The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse is a heritage building near the Kuching waterfront. It was built by Sir Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, in 1883. It was built of ironwood and embellished with Sarawak motif. At the time of its construction, it was intended as government offices and venue for state ceremonies. The Sarawak state council meetings were held here between until 1973.

The Round Tower

The Round Tower of Kuching is a distinctive heritage building in the state capital of Sarawak. It was built in 1886 following a devastating inferno that razed much of the structures between Carpenter Street and Main Bazaar. This austere, fort-like building could have been initially intended for military use, but instead became the new Public Dispensary upon its completion in 1886 until 1947. This building was later used by the Labour Office and the Subordinate Courts Registry. Today, the Round Tower is used as the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council.

Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of the Sarawak River, is a place to sample the city's cosmopolitan vibes. During the day, it offers scenic views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river; but the best time to enjoy the Waterfront is after sunset, when the vibrant nightlife takes over the esplanade.

A social hub for locals of all ages, there is always something for everyone to do at the Waterfront. Take a ride on a local Penambang boat and savour the different sights and sounds between the two riverbanks or go for a stroll across the newly constructed Jambatan Darul Hana, or Darul Hana Bridge that connects both riverbanks. There are also numerous food stalls, restaurants and entertainment facilities lined along the Waterfront. A number of older buildings have been preserved and incorporated into the design, including the Chinese History Museum, the Sarawak Steamship Building, an open-air theatre and the Square Tower.

Sarawak River Cruise is the best way to enjoy a breathtaking 360’ panoramic view of the Kuching skyline and the historical landmarks that dot the riverbank.

A cruise on the Sarawak River provides the unique insight of the riverine of the life of Kuching. You will pass “tambangs,” small house like boats used for ferrying locals across the river from the Malay Kampong built on stilts and also the fishing village. You will also have a full view of Astana, former residence of the Rajah Brooke and now the Governor’s residence. 

The constant changing of this living scenery gives you the best picture of the history and lifestyles in Kuching. The Sarawak River is the best way to view the city. The river cruises and the tambang give you an unobstructed view of the city and its surroundings that is impossible to experience from dry land.” Sungai Sarawak serves as the main highway for many dwellers whose live in the coastal villages outside Kuching.