Top 8 Museums to Visit in Kuching During Your Free Time
Sarawak’s captivating capital of Kuching proves to be a great destination for curious travellers and culture seekers alike with its wide array of museums.
From the quirky and cute attractions in the Cat Museum to the beautiful displays in the Borneo Cultures Museum, you’ll find something that you’ll immediately fall in love with. Read on for a sneak peek within the walls of these remarkable museums in Kuching. Let’s get started!
Cat Museum (Muzium Kucing)
— Media credit: tomatojen
Address: Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-512 200
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entrance fee: Free (taking photos and videos costs additional)
There’s no better place to witness Kuching’s fondness for felines than the Cat Museum. As you may have gleaned from its name already, this one-of-a-kind museum houses one of the most impressive cat-themed art collections you’ll find in the country.
The museum houses more than 4,000 of these artworks, from realistic paintings to cute figurines, massive sculptures and anything in between. There’s even an Egyptian cat mummy, which really doesn’t need any sort of explanation.
Furthermore, a visit to the capital of Sarawak just wouldn’t be complete without stopping by this “purrfect” museum since it’s literally named “cat” in the Malay language. Plus, admission is free and it’s open daily so you have no real reason to not stop by while you’re in Kuching.
Pro tip:
If you can’t get enough of the cute attractions inside this museum, you can also bring home some cat-themed souvenirs from their gift shop!
Furthermore, you can also take photos and videos to forever remember your trip to this quirky museum. Keep in mind, however, that the museum charges a fee for camera and video use.
Sarawak Museum
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Website: https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-548 181
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Malaysian (Sarawakian):
- Children 12 years old and below: Free
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM5
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM10
- Senior 61 years and above: RM5
- Malaysian (Non-Sarawakian):
- Children 12 years old and below: Free
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM5
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM20
- Senior 61 years and above: RM10
- Foreigner:
- Children 12 years old and below: RM20
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM25
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM50
- Senior 61 years and above: RM25
The Sarawak Museum is a must-visit attraction whenever you’re in Kuching, whether you’re a history buff or just want to be immersed in the state’s culture. Some dub it as the granddaddy of museums in Kuching, which isn’t hard to see why given that it was founded back in 1891.
You don’t even have to enter this museum to understand why it’s one of the best attractions in the city. This is thanks to its magnificent exterior, which features a Victorian-era architectural design that’s begging to be admired and photographed.
Entering it is just as satisfying though, as your eyes will be treated to captivating artefacts that perfectly tell the story of Sarawak. From intricate wildlife displays to tribal artefacts, these displays will help you gain a better understanding of the indigenous communities of the state.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with your kids, make sure to bring their school IDs so that they can get a hefty discount!
Borneo Cultures Museum
Website: https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/169
Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-548 215
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entrance fee:
- Malaysian (Sarawakian):
- Children 12 years old and below: Free
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM5
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM10
- Senior 61 years and above: RM5
- Malaysian (Non-Sarawakian):
- Children 12 years old and below: Free
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM5
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM20
- Senior 61 years and above: RM10
- Foreigner:
- Children 12 years old and below: RM20
- Students 13 to 17 years old w/ID: RM25
- Adults 18 to 60 years old: RM50
- Senior 61 years and above: RM25
Borneo Cultures Museum is one of the newest additions to Kuching’s impressive list of museums, officially opening its doors back in 2022. This modernity allows it to display some of the most state-of-the-art sensory experiences and exhibits.
The aforementioned multi-sensory experiences focus on the country’s indigenous communities and the diverse biomes. For instance, one gallery is called “Love Our Rivers” and it showcases Borneo’s waterways as well as their significance by displaying lifelike exhibits.
It’s also worth noting that the new Borneo Cultures Museum is the largest museum in Malaysia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia. Boasting over 6,000 square metres of exhibition space and five storeys, it will take the wind out of you so make sure to pace yourself!
Pro tip:
If you want to be immersed in Sarawak’s masterful craftsmanship, be sure to check out the top floor of the museum where you’ll find the Objects of Desire exhibit!
Chinese Heritage Museum
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Website: https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/102
Address: Chinese History Museum, Jalan Bazar, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-258 388
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free
Kuching is heavily influenced by Chinese culture, and one of the best places to learn about how this came about is the Chinese Heritage Museum. This museum mostly tells the story of the Chinese settlers in Kuching back in 1830 through a variety of artefacts.
These artefacts include paintings, musical instruments, and photographs, all of which show the contribution of the Chinese community to Kuching’s development. Furthermore, the exhibits will give you a better picture of the settlers’ migration patterns, trade practices and more.
It’s a small and intimate museum, but it’s instantly recognisable with its bright pink colour. Also, it played a much bigger role back in the day when it was used as a court by the Chinese community in Kuching.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, make sure to stop by the nearby Kuching Waterfront to catch the best views of the magnificent Sarawak River. Moreover, if you want to admire this river up close, you can go on the Royal Kuching Cruise!
Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum
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Website: https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/103
Address: Jalan P. Ramlee, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-244 378
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free
Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum is often overlooked when talking about the best museums in Kuching, which is such a shame, given the wonders that it houses. It’s simply a must-visit for anyone looking to be immersed in the Islamic culture in the country.
For starters, it’s separated into seven different galleries, with each one focusing on different topics like economy, arts, weaponry, etc. Furthermore, the displays also highlight some of the Muslim community’s contributions to Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.
Also, just a quick history lesson, this museum was originally built back in 1930 when it was known as Madrasah Melayu Sarawak. It was initially created as a centre used to train teachers in a higher level of Malay education before being transformed into a museum in 1992.
Pro tip:
Don’t bother bringing your cameras here, as the museum doesn’t permit photos and videos inside. Don’t worry though, you can take as many photos and videos outside!
Upside Down House
Website: https://www.facebook.com/upsidedownhousekuching/
Address: Ground Floor, No.281-1-1, Lot 281, Section 48, KTLD, Block H, Taman Sri Sarawak Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman, Off, Jalan Borneo, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-305 6725
Operating hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Locals:
- Adults 13 to 59 years old: RM15
- Children, OKUs, Senior Citizens: RM10
- Foreigners:
- Adults 13 to 59 years old: RM20
- Children, OKUs, Senior Citizens: RM15
If you’re looking to do something fun with your kids in Kuching, one of the best museums you can visit is the Upside Down House. From the name itself, everything inside this quirky house is flipped on its head, creating some of the most out-of-this-world backdrop for your photos!
Aside from these masterfully executed illusions, you can also check out their gift shop to bring home some amazing souvenirs and local artisan works.
Pro tip:
Check their website regularly to see if they have ongoing promos on their entrance fees! Furthermore, booking a ticket online is cheaper compared to walk-ins!
The Borneo House Museum
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/theborneohousemuseum/
Address: No.1, Jalan Batu 6-7, Jalan Penrissen, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-622 968
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Locals:
- Adult: RM19
- Children: RM15
- Foreigners:
- Adults: RM29
- Children: RM25
The Borneo House Museum offers both fun and education under one roof. This is because aside from featuring exhibits that highlight Sarawak’s history, culture and food, it also features a wide variety of realistic 3D portraits—perfect for your Instagram feed!
These illusions have been created by locals and they’re huge reasons why it’s such a huge draw in Kuching.
It’s also worth noting that the collection of artefacts housed in this museum is constantly refreshed and added upon to keep the experience fresh.
Pro tip:
Be sure to explore all four zones while you’re here! These include Sarawak’s Nature, Old Sarawak, Sarawak Today and Sarawak Iconic Food.
The Brooke Gallery
Website: https://www.brookegallery.org/
Address: Fort Margherita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 16-310 1880
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
Entrance fee:
- Locals: RM10
- Foreigners: RM20
The Brooke Gallery should be on your radar if you’re a history buff who’s looking to step into the world of a bygone era. It mostly tells the story of the century-long rule of the Brooke family in Sarawak by featuring artefacts of their personal belongings, documents and more.
It’s a great destination to stop by if you’re looking to understand how Sarawak came to be the state it is today.
For instance, one of the most important things you can learn here is how the relationship between the indigenous people and the Brooke family began—as complex as it was.
Pro tip:
Make sure to explore Fort Margherita while you’re here! This is an important landmark in Sarawak’s history and it’s worth taking photos of thanks to its beautiful English castle architectural style.