Kuching, the charming capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Known as the “Cat City”, Kuching welcomes its visitors with numerous cat statues and a unique charm. With abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, Kuching offers a variety of experiences that are both exciting and unforgettable. On our trip to Malaysia, we explored some of the best sights and experiences in this region and would like to share our experiences.
Bako Nationalpark
Our adventure began in Bako National Park, one of the oldest and most famous national parks in Malaysia. After a short one-hour bus ride from Kuching, which only cost us 20 cents per person, we arrived at the park entrance. The ride was cheap and comfortable, and we were looking forward to the experiences ahead.
From here, the only way to the national park is by boat. The whole system works in such a way that only whole boats are sold for 200 RM (40 €) there and back. There at the jetty you can look out to see if you can join a group of up to 5 people, as that is the maximum number of people per boat. We were lucky and met 3 other people who also wanted to spend the night there.
In Bako National Park, we stayed in a tent for just €1 per person, which made the experience even more adventurous. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, especially the proboscis monkeys, which are exclusive to Borneo. These unique primates with their distinctive noses were a highlight of our visit. In addition to the proboscis monkeys, we were also able to observe various bird species, monitor lizards and even bearded pigs.
We were particularly impressed by the night walk for just €3 per person, during which we were able to see several scorpions under UV light, snakes, spiders, an owl that caught and ate a snake, stick insects, a sleeping proboscis monkey and much more. Between the mangroves, we searched in vain for the red eyes of saltwater crocodiles, the largest in the world, but found ourselves among an infinite number of glowworms.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Another unforgettable experience was our visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center, where we had the opportunity to observe orangutans in their natural environment. These majestic animals are also only found on Borneo and Sumatra. We reached the center for free by bus from Kuching, and for only €4 entrance fee we could watch the orangutans feeding and admire their impressive climbing skills. During our visit we saw Annalisa her son Mas and her current 2 year old baby (2024). It was particularly impressive to see how she cracked open a coconut on the tree and then drank the coconut water.
Boat tour through the wetlands
The wetlands of Sarawak are another must-see for nature lovers. We went on a fascinating boat tour through the mangrove forests, where we were able to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat. The Irrawaddy dolphins were particularly impressive as they moved elegantly through the water. They were also very interesting, as this dolphin species does not have a typical “nose” and looked as if something was missing from its face. We also saw eagles, proboscis monkeys and even crocodiles during the tour. The tranquillity and beauty of the mangroves and the variety of wildlife made this boat tour a very special experience. As we started our boat tour at around 16:15, we were able to watch the beautiful sunset towards the end and how the sky turned orange and red.
Gunung Gading Nationalpark
Gunung Gading National Park is famous for the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia. This impressive plant can reach a diameter of up to one meter and only blooms for a few days a year. With a bit of luck, we were able to admire this extraordinary flower in all its glory and experience the not-so-pleasant smell. The national park also offers beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls that are well worth a visit. To make sure whether a Rafflesia is currently in bloom, it is worth following the national park’s Facebook group, as it always has the latest news about this famous flower.
Kubah Nationalpark
Kubah National Park is located near Kuching and is known for its lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. We explored the various hiking trails that lead to impressive waterfalls and viewpoints. The park is a paradise for botanists and nature lovers, with a variety of plant and animal species to discover. The path to the viewing platform in particular is not without its challenges and leads steeply uphill, but the walk is worth it not only for the view from the top, but also for the snakes and pitcher plants that we were able to see on the way up.
Cave systems in Mulu National Park
Mulu National Park is home to some of the most impressive cave systems in the world. The Sarawak Chamber, the largest natural cave chamber in the world, and the Deer Cave, inhabited by millions of bats, are just some of the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are spectacular and offer a unique adventure for spelunkers and adventurers. It is worth booking an overnight tour in advance, as the bus ride takes a long time.
Annah Rais
The traditional longhouse village of Annah Rais offers a fascinating insight into the culture and way of life of the Bidayuh, one of Sarawak’s indigenous ethnic groups. It is about a 2-hour drive from Kuching to almost the border with the Indonesian part of Borneo. Once there, the entrance fee is €2 and there is a delicious lunch and a musical interlude by the locals. During a day trip, you can explore the traditional longhouses and learn about the history and customs of the Bidayuh.
Kuching city
The city of Kuching itself also has a lot to offer. The picturesque waterfront is particularly impressive and is perfect for relaxing walks. There are numerous restaurants, cafés and markets along the waterfront that invite you to linger. In Chinatown, in addition to the beautiful temples, there are also many restaurants offering delicious food. There is also Little India, where there is a shopping mall and typical Indian food.
Another highlight is the Sarawak Culture Museum, which offers interesting insights into the history and culture of the region. In the evening, the city puts on a spectacular water show that captivates both locals and tourists alike. Kuching translates as “cat city” and so there is something with cats on almost every corner. Be it a picture, a statue, a magnet or a print on a T-shirt. Caution is also advised, as it is not uncommon for scorpions to cross the road or for a crocodile to swim past on the waterfront.
Conclusion
Kuching is the perfect base for touring the surrounding nature reserves and national parks, with good bus connections making it easy to explore the diverse sights and experiences in the region. From the impressive wildlife in the national parks to the fascinating mangrove forests, this region offers a wealth of experiences that will delight any visitor. Our time in Sarawak Kuching was filled with unforgettable encounters with nature and exciting adventures that we can only recommend to any traveler.
Next time we plan to explore the southeast side of Borneo in Sabah, especially Sipadan for diving and the Kinabatangan River. Sipadan is world-renowned for its stunning dive sites, where we look forward to seeing turtles, barracudas, sharks, and a variety of colorful coral reefs. The Kinabatangan River, on the other hand, is famous for its abundant wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of exotic bird species. This region promises more unforgettable adventures and impressive nature experiences.
