Do you love cats? Are Malaysian cats your favorite breed, and would you like to have them by your side all the time? Then you should plan a trip to Kuching, in Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia), the homeland of this wonderful feline.
The Cat Capital
Kuching is known as the City of Cats, and not just because you see them on the streets. Here, the cat has become the symbol of the city: you’ll find it in statues, murals, on store signs, in the most unexpected souvenirs, and even in a museum entirely dedicated to it. The name “Kuching” itself means “cat” in Malay, although the exact reason remains somewhat of a mystery.
As for actual cats, the most common breed in Malaysia is the kucing kampung, which literally means “village cat.”
It is not an officially recognized breed, but rather a population of medium-sized, short-haired cats with coats that are almost always mottled, shaped by generations of living freely on the streets and in villages. It is said to be partly descended from crossbreeding with Manx cats brought by British settlersi, although unlike the Manx, the kucing kampung almost always has a long tail. It is a hardy cat, resilient to the humid tropical heat, with few hereditary conditions related to selective breeding—the classic “everyone’s and no one’s” cat that can be seen napping outside shops in every corner of the country, including Kuching.
Alongside him, in the city, you may also come across more unusual cats, such as the Kucinta—also known as the Singapura, one of the smallest breeds in the world, with large eyes, wide ears, and short, mottled fur—to which the Cat Museum has dedicated more than one temporary exhibition. But the true heart of Kuching’s feline fame lies elsewhere: in its culture, legends, and the city’s nearly unbroken tribute—in every possible form—to an animal that has become, first and foremost, a symbol.
The version you’ll hear most often involves James Brooke, the British man who became the first Rajah of Sarawak in 1841. It is said that he asked a local resident what the area was called, accidentally pointing to a cat nearby. The man, thinking the question was about the animal, simply replied, “kuching.”
But what exactly is it capital of?
Kuching is indeed a capital city—that of Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo—and today has a population of over half a million. It developed along the Sarawak River, and its history is inextricably linked to the Brooke family, the so-called White Rajahs, who ruled Sarawak for most of the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century.
James Brooke arrived here in 1839 and became Rajah two years later. His family remained in power until 1946, when the territory came under British rule. That legacy is still clearly visible when strolling through the historic center, among the buildings overlooking the river.
It’s also a city that debunks many common stereotypes about Malaysia: here, Malay, Chinese, and various indigenous groups from Sarawak live side by side, with mosques, Chinese temples, churches, and commercial districts dating from different eras coexisting without much friction. You only need to take a leisurely stroll to notice this. And in the midst of it all, right on cue, the cat keeps peeking out.
The Truth About the Name: Does “Kuching” Mean “Cat”?
Is it true through and through? Who knows. Other explanations are also circulating: some link the name to the mata kucing, a tropical fruit whose name literally means “cat’s eye, ” while others trace it back to an old waterway in the area. The fact is that, whatever its origin, the cat has stuck around and become part of the city’s identity—not just a postcard gimmick, but something more deeply rooted.
Because this feline has always held this kind of fascination for humans. There’s an almost biological explanation behind our attraction to cats: large eyes, a rounded head, and proportions that resemble those of a kitten even in adulthood. Ethologists call this the “baby schema,” and it’s more or less the same mechanism that makes us melt when we see a newborn baby.
Purring also plays a role (literally) —its sound, at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hz, has a measurable calming effect on those who hear it. And then there’s independence: a cat doesn’t ask to be taken outside three times a day, adapts well to small spaces, and its attention—when it’s given—always feels more like a reward than an obligation.
It’s no surprise, then, that over the centuries, different cultures have come to revere this animal in much the same way: from ancient Egypt, where the cat was sacred, to Japan’s maneki-neko, the lucky cat with its paw raised. Kuching, with its name and its fascination with cats, is part of this long Asian tradition of respect—almost mystical—for cats, taking it to a level that few other cities in the world can boast.
Everywhere you look, a Siamese cat
You only have to walk through the historic center to see it for yourself. Cat murals on every corner, statues dedicated to the Malayan cat that have become real attractions, and shops that seem to be competing to see who has the most cat-themed merchandise.
The most photographed sight is the large white cat statue on Padungan Street, which is even dressed up and decorated during certain holidays, almost as if it were the city’s official mascot. It’s worth stopping by the area just to check out the local spots and shops nearby.
And then, of course, there are the souvenirs: T-shirts, bags, magnets, figurines, postcards. The cat ends up on just about anything that can be sold to a tourist. After all, that’s exactly how it works: while elsewhere you have to go out of your way to find the symbol to photograph, in Kuching, the symbol comes to you.
Don’t expect, however, a city literally overrun with stray cats in every alleyway. The connection is more cultural and visual than tangible: Kuching has chosen to present itself this way, and it does so with a consistency rarely found elsewhere.
The Cat Museum in Kuching
A city named after a “cat” simply had to have a museum dedicated to the subject—and indeed, it does. It’s located in Petra Jaya, inside the Kuching North City Hall, and houses over 4,000 items—including photographs, paintings, statues, posters, and everyday objects related to the world of cats—from all over the world.
There are sections on different breeds, on the history of the relationship between humans and cats over the centuries, and a few references to the most famous cats in pop culture. Open since 1992, over the years it has become one of the most intriguing stops on a tour of Kuching—it doesn’t take long to visit, and it fits easily into a day trip along with the rest of the city center. For cat lovers, however, it’s practically a must-see.
Mata kucing, the cat’s-eye fruit
The connection between Kuching and cats even extends to the dinner table—in a rather amusing way. The mata kucing is a tropical fruit very common in Southeast Asia, a close relative of the longan: it has a thin brown skin, pale, translucent flesh, and a dark seed in the center. When you cut it open, it really does look like an eye staring back at you. That’s where the name comes from: cat’s eye.
It’s sweet, juicy, eaten fresh, and you can find it everywhere amid the abundance of tropical fruit in the city’s markets. According to one theory about the origin of the city’s name, there’s a direct link between this fruit and Kuching itself, although no historian has ever confirmed this with certainty. It remains, however, an interesting tidbit in a city where cats pop up from every possible corner.
The Kuching Waterfront
If you’re not sure where to start, begin at the Kuching Waterfront: a walk of about one and a half kilometers along the Sarawak River, right in front of the historic district.
During the day, the river is crisscrossed by perahu tambang, small local boats that shuttle back and forth between the two banks. From the promenade, you can get a good view of Astana and Fort Margherita, while the Darul Hana Bridge lets you cross on foot and see Kuching from a different angle.
Everything changes in the evening. As the heat finally begins to ease, the Waterfront fills with families, young people, and tourists, and becomes one of the liveliest spots in the city. It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat, have a beer, and take in the view of the river at a leisurely pace.
Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street
Just behind the Waterfront lies one of the most beautiful areas of the historic center. Main Bazaar still preserves many of its shophouses—the typical Southeast Asian commercial buildings with a shop on the ground floor and living quarters above. Today , they mainly sell handicrafts, textiles, traditional items, and, of course, cat-themed souvenirs.
Carpenter Street, just a little further on, is another historic street: restaurants, small shops, and old buildings that reflect the city’s commercial heritage. In the evening, when the bars and restaurants start to fill up, it’s especially pleasant.
What to Eat in Kuching, Sarawak
Sarawak’s cuisine alone is worth extending your stay by a few days. The signature dish is Laksa Sarawak, a spicy soup with noodles, meat or fish, bean sprouts, egg, and other ingredients that vary from recipe to recipe. Kolo Mee, a noodle dish typical of the city, is also very popular.
If you’re looking for something different, try the Kek Lapis Sarawak, a brightly colored layer cake that’s practically made for a photo.
Prices remain low at the places frequented by locals, so eating well without spending a fortune here is no problem at all. And if you’re still in the mood for cats after dinner, you’ll have no trouble finding a shop full of cat-themed souvenirs.
Other Animals in Kuching: From Orangutans to Proboscis Monkeys
Kuching is also the ideal starting point for exploring part of Borneo, and the landscape changes rapidly as soon as you leave the city center.
About twenty kilometers away is the Semenggoh Wildlife Center, best known for its orangutan rehabilitation efforts. The animals live freely in the forest, and during certain feeding sessions they may approach the areas where food is distributed—although, since they are wild animals, there’s no guarantee they’ll show up. It remains, however, one of the most beautiful excursions for those who travel all the way here from the other side of the world.
Then there’s Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park: rainforest, mangroves, beaches, and jungle trails. It’s best known for its proboscis monkeys, a species endemic to Borneo recognizable by the males’ large noses, but you may also encounter macaques, monitor lizards, bearded wild boars, and various species of birds. You can take a day trip from Kuching, or stay overnight in the park to fully experience the atmosphere of the forest.
When to Visit Kuching in Malaysian Borneo
Kuching has an equatorial climate: hot and humid, with rain possible year-round. Those who want to focus on hiking will find generally more reliable conditions between March and September. Between November and February, rainfall becomes more frequent, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the city: tropical downpours are often intense but brief, and rarely ruin the entire day. If your itinerary includes Bako or other forest excursions, it’s still a good idea to check the forecast a few days in advance.
How much does a vacation in Borneo cost?
Compared to many Asian cities that are more heavily frequented by international tourists, Kuching remains an affordable destination. Simple accommodations cost approximately 25–60 Malaysian ringgit per night, while mid-range hotels cost around 110–300 ringgit.
A meal at local restaurants typically costs 10–20 ringgit, much less than at more touristy spots. For a mid-range vacation, you can plan on a budget of about 180–300 ringgit per person per day, excluding international flights and more extensive excursions—which remain the biggest expense, especially if you choose private tours in the rainforest.
How many days do you need to visit Kuching?
Two days are enough to get a feel for the city center and the cat-themed attractions. In three days, you can take your time visiting the Cat Museum, the Waterfront, Main Bazaar, and Carpenter Street, and even squeeze in your first day trip to the surrounding area.
For a more comprehensive trip, I’d suggest planning for a week: that’s just enough time to enjoy the city and organize at least two day trips—one to Semenggoh to see the orangutans and one to Bako to see the proboscis monkeys. If you want to use Kuching as a base to explore Sarawak further, you can easily stay for a week or even longer.
The journey that begins with a single word: cat
In Kuching, everything starts with one word: cat. You’ll find it in the city’s name, in statues, in murals, in stores, and at the Cat Museum. You’ll even find it in the mata kucing, the fruit known as “cat’s eye,” which, according to one theory, may have given the city its name.
Then there’s much more, of course: the Sarawak River, the Waterfront at sunset, the old shophouses, the markets, and the history of the White Rajahs. And just outside the city center, the forests of Borneo, with the orangutans of Semenggoh and the proboscis monkeys of Bako, await those willing to venture a little further afield.
But when you think back on Kuching, in the end, it always comes back to him. On the walls, in the store windows, in the souvenirs you end up buying without even realizing it.
For cat lovers—especially those who love Malaysian cats—it will be almost impossible to find a more suitable destination.
Speaking of which, given your love for cats, I recommend that you read this article as wellabout the six-toed (polydactyl) cats on Key West!
