City in Sarawak, Malaysia
Kuching
Relaxed riverside Borneo capital with great food, easy rainforest and cultural day trips, and low prices. Hot and wet, with a quiet nightlife and little public transport.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$857–1,270Comfortable, one person · RM3,500–5,200Details
- Value for money87/100Better value than 86% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–AugWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet179 MbpsFixed broadband, Malaysia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated and generally clean, but many residents filter or boil it.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$12–32Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for kopitiams, markets, boats and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Kuching
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Waterfront and Main Bazaar | First-timers: river views, cafés, markets and guesthouses |
| Padungan | Cafés, bars and cheap local restaurants |
| Tabuan Jaya and Stutong | Quiet residential long stays near malls |
Apps that work in Kuching
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Main app; cars and airport pickups |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Touch 'n Go: Card for trains, buses and tolls
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce and often unmetered; use Grab. Longboats to Bako and river trips need a fixed price.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Malaysia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for kopitiams, markets, boats and small shops. Sarawak Pay QR is common.
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR). US$1 ≈ RM4.08 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many bank ATMs add no local fee for foreign cards; your own bank's fees still apply. Decline currency conversion offers.
- Tipping: Not expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus SST. Round up or leave small change for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay widely accepted; DuitNow QR works with linked apps like Alipay+ and some Asian banking apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival; Singaporeans are exempt. Fake MDAC sites charge fees.
- Passports need six months' validity; officers can ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
- Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration control, so you are checked again flying in from the peninsula.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 994 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Malaysia
Going to Kuching solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kuching meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Sarawak Tourism Board
- Kuching International Airport (Malaysia Airports)
- Grab Malaysia
- Normah Medical Specialist Centre
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.