KuchingHub

You know that tiny pause you get when you step off a busy Kuching street and suddenly everything smells like incense, old timber, and red lanterns? That is the mood at Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple. It is not the kind of place where you rush in, snap one photo, and cabut. Go a bit slower here. [image: 1784945306885-hiang_01_interior.jpg] Source: Kuching Old Bazaar [image: 1784945307143-hiang_05-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos [image: 1784945307850-hiang_06-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos [image: 1784945308238-hiang_08.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos This temple is tucked along Carpenter Street and dedicated to Xuan Tian Shang Di, the Deity of the North. Sarawak Tourism says the present temple replaced an earlier site in 1863, was badly damaged in the 1884 fire, then rebuilt in 1889. KCH Old Bazaar also records the Teochew link very clearly: locals know it as Lao Ya Keng, and the annual deity procession is still one of those old Kuching traditions that can fill the street with drums, flags, and people. What I like about this stop is that it feels small but alive. Tripadvisor reviewers keep saying the same thing in different ways: it is colourful, well maintained, historically meaningful, and worth a quick look even if temples are not usually your thing. One traveller said to remove your shoes and go inside; another liked that the information board outside gives the temple story without making you guess. Trip.com travellers lean more into the photo side: red pillars, roof carvings, murals, ornate altar, that old-school Carpenter Street setting. Wanderlog-style review summaries also mention the same calm feeling, especially early morning or late afternoon when it is less busy. Airial's review roundup adds practical reminders that match the place: speak softly, dress modestly, take off shoes before entering the main hall, and do not touch religious items. Practical stuff: Address: 22, Carpenter Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak. Opening hours: Trip.com lists it as 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some visitors have mentioned seeing it open later during preparations, but I would not gamble on that. Entry: Free. Best timing: morning for quieter photos, or late afternoon if you want softer light around Carpenter Street. Nearby makan: Lau Ya Keng is just opposite, so this is an easy temple-plus-kolo-mee stop. Good to know: remove shoes before entering, keep your voice down, and give space if devotees are praying. My take: this is not a huge tourist attraction, and that is exactly why it works. It is a 10-20 minute stop, but a nice one. If you are walking Carpenter Street with a visitor, bring them here before makan and let them see a quieter side of old Kuching. Anyone here still remembers watching the procession when it passed through town?

That short Bau drive where you suddenly feel Kuching traffic is far behind you? Bung Bratak gives exactly that kind of reset. [image: 1784859011710-bungbratak_02_hilltop.jpg] Source: Wilson Chin Blog [image: 1784859011845-bungbratak_03_baruk.jpg] Source: Wilson Chin Blog [image: 1784859011923-bungbratak_04_view.jpg] Source: Travel Guide Kuching [image: 1784859011982-bungbratak_05_dayakdaily.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Bung Bratak is not the kind of place where you go expecting malls, cafes and air-con comfort. It is more like: park the car, climb a bit, sweat a little, then reach a quiet hilltop with longhouse-style buildings, forest around you, and a view that makes the effort feel fair. From the official Bung Bratak Heritage Centre page, the place is at Kampung Tembawang Sauh, Bau, and is managed by the Bung Bratak Heritage Association. Their own write-up mentions two longhouses, a lodge, conference hall, mini museums, offices, a traditional dining hall and kitchen, plus nature and hill scenery. KuchingBorneo adds the useful background: the centre sits around 1,000 feet above sea level and represents what was once a large hill settlement with seven longhouses. It also notes that visitors can either hike up or drive up, with the walk usually around 15 to 30 minutes. The more practical comments are where this place gets interesting. Wanderlog's Google review summary gives it 4.5/5 from 95 reviews. One reviewer called it a good beginner hike and said it took about 30 minutes, with a breathtaking view at the end. Another said the stairs make the trail beginner-friendly, but the view is the reward. There is also a fair warning from someone who went during Bung Bratak Day: crowds and traffic can get heavy when there is an event. Wilson Chin's hike write-up is useful if you are going for the walking part: he mentioned fallen leaves, mosquitoes on the trail, the RM10 entry experience during his visit, Mount Singai visible from the centre, and a separate waterfall path with a bamboo bridge. Travel Guide Kuching also points out the weekend feel nicely: bamboo shrubs along the way, views toward Mt Singai and Matang, a small museum, a big covered activity area, and traditional food that may only be available on weekends or by advance arrangement. My honest take: this one is best for people who want a light outdoor morning, not a full hardcore hike. Go early, bring water, wear shoes with grip, and do not assume the entrance fee or food availability is still the same as older blog posts. The safest move is to check their Facebook page or call before driving out. Useful info: Place: Bung Bratak Heritage Centre, Kampung Tembawang Sauh, Q115, 94000 Bau Drive: around 45 to 60 minutes from Kuching, depending on your starting point and road conditions Walk up: commonly reported around 15 to 30 minutes Opening hours listed on Wanderlog: around 8am to 4pm on weekdays, 7.30am to 4pm on weekends Contact listed online: +60 19-858 1515 Best time: morning, especially if you want cooler weather and clearer views Bring: water, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes, small cash Would you go here for the view, the heritage side, or just to escape the city for half a day? Sources: Official Bung Bratak Heritage Centre: https://bungbratakbbhc.wixsite.com/mysite/about KuchingBorneo: https://kuchingborneo.info/bung-bratak-heritage-centre-bbhc/ Wanderlog / Google review aggregation: https://wanderlog.com/place/details/9622894/bung-bratak-heritage-centre Wilson Chin Blog: https://wilsonchin.blogspot.com/2019/08/Bung-Bratak-Heritage-Centre-and-Waterfall-Hike.html Travel Guide Kuching: https://www.travelguidekuching.com/2020/10/01/bung-bratak-go-before-it-gets-crowded/ DayakDaily: https://dayakdaily.com/bung-bratak-gazetted-as-historical-site-heritage-centre/

This is one of those Kuching spots you can pass many times, then one day you walk up the hill and realise, eh, this place has a very different kind of quiet. [image: 1784599602429-st_thomas_01-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Medelam (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1784599602839-st_thomas_02.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Medelam (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1784599603081-st_thomas_03-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Medelam (CC BY-SA 4.0) [image: 1784599603731-st_thomas_04-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Medelam (CC BY-SA 4.0) St Thomas Cathedral sits on Jalan McDougall, just behind Padang Merdeka and near Plaza Merdeka. It is not the flashy type of landmark. The outside is clean and restrained, but once you step inside, the high ceiling, red interior lines and calm compound make it feel like a proper pause from the city. I like that this place works as a short stop. You do not need to plan half a day. If you are already around Waterfront, Carpenter Street, Padang Merdeka or the museums, just detour up for 20 to 40 minutes. Take a few photos, walk slowly, then head back for coffee. What people say: Wanderlog pulls together Google reviews with a strong 4.8 rating from 500+ reviews. Visitors keep mentioning the peaceful feel, spacious hall, clean facilities and that it is welcoming even if you are just visiting quietly. Tripadvisor only has a small review count, but one visitor called it a stylish cathedral on the hill and noted the Sunday crowd, so timing matters if you are coming mainly for photos. KuchingBorneo points out the useful bits: entry is free, dress modestly, and it is only about 5 to 10 minutes on foot from Kuching Waterfront or Carpenter Street. Patrick Comerford's 2024 write-up gives the nice heritage angle: the cathedral faces Padang Merdeka, and the compound links to old Kuching's Anglican story through Bishop McDougall. My honest take: do not come expecting a museum-style attraction with ticket counter, exhibits and a fixed tour route. Come for architecture, old Kuching atmosphere and a quiet city-centre stop. If there is a service, wedding or funeral event happening, keep your camera low-key and give people space. Useful info: Address: Jln McDougall, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak Entry: Free, donation boxes available Best time: weekday daytime, or outside service/event hours Nearby: Padang Merdeka, Plaza Merdeka, Carpenter Street, Kuching Waterfront Dress code: modest clothing; avoid sleeveless tops, short shorts or anything too beach-style Photo tip: exterior from the compound first, then interior only if it is quiet and respectful Sources checked: https://stthomascathedralkuching.org/background-history-heritage/ https://stthomascathedralkuching.org/contact/ https://wanderlog.com/place/details/1718454/st-thomass-cathedral-anglican-church https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g298309-d26564229-Reviews-St_Thomas_Cathedral-Kuching_Sarawak.html https://kuchingborneo.com/st-thomas-cathedral-kuching/ https://www.patrickcomerford.com/2024/10/saint-thomass-cathedral-in-kuching-is.html Have you ever actually gone inside St Thomas, or only passed by from Padang Merdeka side?

Bintawa now has a new landmark: a roundabout featuring a traditional kotak fishing boat to honour Kuching’s early fishing community. [image: 1784595888415-bintawa-kotak-roundabout.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The Bintawa Kotak Roundabout was officially launched on July 20, with the landmark built around a traditional wooden fishing boat once widely used by Bintawa fishermen. Mayor of Kuching South Dato Wee Hong Seng said Bintawa was one of Kuching’s earliest fishing settlements. Many early Chinese immigrants settled there because of its close link to the Sarawak River, where fishing supplied fresh seafood to the growing city. He said the kotak boat symbolises the courage and resilience of local fishermen, and that the city should keep these stories visible even as Kuching continues to modernise. MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Bintawa community leaders and MBKS councillors were also present. Location: Bintawa, Kuching South Details: New roundabout landmark features a traditional kotak fishing boat; MBKS says it honours Bintawa’s early fishing community. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/bintawa-kotak-roundabout-honours-kuchings-early-fishing-community/ What do you think?

That little white castle-looking building near the water? That is Square Tower. Most people walk past it, snap two photos, then only later realise it has been sitting there since the Brooke era. [image: 1784513434214-square-tower-01.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons - Square Tower 01 [image: 1784513434344-square-tower-02.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons - Square Tower 02 [image: 1784513434446-square-tower-03.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons - Square Tower 03 [image: 1784513434509-square-tower-04.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons - Square Tower DSC05966 Real talk first: do not plan this like a full museum visit. Square Tower is more of a 15-30 minute heritage stop while you are already around the old town area. The outside is the main thing: white walls, wooden shutters, Brooke-style details, and a nice angle with the State Legislative Assembly building across the water. I checked a few traveller notes before writing this. Tripadvisor reviewers generally like it as a well-kept old building and easy photo stop, but a few also mention that signage and access can be limited. Wanderlog's collected Google-style reviews say the best part is the scenery and the heritage feel, especially when paired with the nearby bridge and old courthouse. HolidayGoGoGo is more enthusiastic about the view and says the late afternoon or evening breeze makes the visit nicer. KuchingBorneo gives the most practical take: the exterior is free to walk around any time, while any indoor access depends on whatever tenant or restaurant is active. My take: worth stopping if you are already doing the Waterfront / Main Bazaar / Old Courthouse walk. Not worth driving across town just for this one building only, unless you really enjoy old architecture or want a clean photo spot. Quick tips Best time: around 5:00 PM onwards, less hot and better light. Time needed: 15-30 minutes. Ticket: free for the outside area. Access: exterior is on the public walkway; indoor access can change. Nearby: Old Courthouse, Main Bazaar, Darul Hana Bridge, Chinese History Museum. Photo angle: try the side with the golden DUN building in the background. If you have walked past this place many times but never stopped, maybe next time give it five minutes. Sometimes Kuching's small old buildings quietly carry more story than the big tourist spots. Sources checked: Tripadvisor - Square Tower visitor reviews Wanderlog - Square Tower / Magenta Restaurant review collection HolidayGoGoGo - The Square Tower Discover the History KuchingBorneo - Square Tower Kuching Wikimedia Commons - image sources https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298309-d457116-Reviews-Square_Tower-Kuching_Sarawak.html https://wanderlog.com/place/details/146324/square-tower--magenta-restaurant https://www.holidaygogogo.com/the-square-tower-discover-the-history/ https://kuchingborneo.com/square-tower-kuching/ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Square_Tower,_Kuching

If you like quiet little stops where you can slow down and actually look at details, the Textile Museum is one to keep on your old-town list. Quick heads-up first: as of 19 July 2026, the Sarawak Museum Department website says the museum is temporarily closed for maintenance, so treat this as a save-for-later spot until it reopens. [image: 1784427122557-education_department_-_sarawak_pavilion_01.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeojiuntzen [image: 1784427122699-education_department_-_sarawak_pavilion_02.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeojiuntzen [image: 1784427122771-wanderlog_textile_01.jpg] Source: Wanderlog [image: 1784427122848-wanderlog_textile_02.jpg] Source: Wanderlog What makes this place interesting is not that it is huge. It is more of a close-up look at Sarawak textiles, clothing and craft. The official museum page mentions Pua Kumbu from the Iban community, Kain Songket Melayu Sarawak, and displays that follow the process from yarn to finished cloth. If you usually only see the finished pieces around Main Bazaar, this museum helps the patterns and workmanship make more sense. I checked a few visitor sources and the mood is pretty consistent. On TripAdvisor, visitors liked the three floors of textile and history displays, and several mentioned that it is easy to include because it sits around the waterfront district. Trip.com reviewers describe it as a small, easy-to-find white building, free to visit, and good for a simple introduction to local customs and older fabric-making techniques. Wanderlog’s Google review summaries lean the same way: people like it as a free heritage stop, with the building itself getting a lot of love. Asian Itinerary also points out that the 1907 Pavilion Building is part of the attraction, not just the exhibits inside. My take: do not plan this as a half-day museum mission. It works better as a 45-minute to 1-hour stop on an old-town walk. Pair it with Padang Merdeka, the Old Courthouse area, Waterfront, or a coffee break around Carpenter Street and it feels just right. Useful info: Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg / 5, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak ️ Entry: older visitor sources list it as free; check again after reopening Status: official page shows temporary closure for maintenance as of 19 July 2026 Time needed: around 45 minutes to 1 hour once reopened Tip: the exterior is still worth a look if you are nearby, but check the official page or call first before planning an indoor visit Anyone here visited before the closure? I am especially curious about the Pua Kumbu section. Those patterns never feel like “just decoration” once you start looking properly.

If you are already around Waterfront or Plaza Merdeka, India Street is the kind of stop you do not need to over-plan. Just slip in under the shade, slow down for 20 minutes, and let the fabrics, little stalls, spice smells and old shopfronts do their thing. [image: 1784340469928-india-street-1-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Fabio Achilli - India Street, Kuching, Sarawak [image: 1784340470272-india-street-jalan.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Stefan Fussan - Kuching Jalan India [image: 1784340470331-india-street-waterfront.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Aron Paul - Kuching Waterfront India Street area [image: 1784340470920-masjid-india-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Zairon - Masjid India Bandar Kuching What I like about this place is that it still feels useful, not just decorative. Wanderlog's review summary puts it at 4.3 from 1,054 Google reviews, and the comments I checked keep coming back to the same things: textiles, souvenirs, cheaper local-design items, and the shade making the walk easy even in Kuching heat. Tripadvisor is a bit more honest and mixed, which is actually helpful. One recent reviewer basically said it is a normal street with some India flavour, but still has shopping and dining options. Another liked the colonial buildings and traditional businesses, while also saying the area is not as lively as before. That sounds about right: do not expect a huge modern mall. Treat it as an old-town browse. Asia for Visitors describes it as a pedestrian mall lined with shops, with clothing, jewellery and side-street stalls nearby. Evendo lists it at 4.2 from 944 reviews and frames it as a place for local culture, food and little finds. My take: best for people who enjoy short heritage walks, bargain hunting, fabric shops, and linking it with Gambier Street, Masjid India and the riverfront. Quick practical notes: Address: India Street, 93000 Kuching, near Plaza Merdeka / Waterfront side. Usual listed hours: around 9am-5pm daily, but individual shops can close earlier. Entry: free. Best time: morning or early afternoon before the sleepy late-afternoon mood starts. Parking: limited nearby, so walking over from Plaza Merdeka or Waterfront is easier. Bring: cash if you plan to buy small items, and a bit of patience for browsing. Would I make a special 40-minute drive just for this? Maybe not. But if you are already in old Kuching, this is a nice little detour. Pair it with coffee, Carpenter Street, Main Bazaar, or a riverfront walk and suddenly it becomes a very Kuching half-day.

This is the kind of small museum you can easily miss, then later wonder why nobody told you to pop in. [image: 1783908411605-ranee_mt_exterior.jpg] Source: Malaysia Traveller [image: 1783908411750-ranee3-resized.jpg] Source: Brooke Museums / Jee Photography [image: 1783908411999-ranee4-resized.jpg] Source: Brooke Museums / Jee Photography [image: 1783908412193-ranee_mt_margaret.jpg] Source: Malaysia Traveller The Ranee Museum sits inside Block D of the Old Courthouse, so it works nicely as a short heritage stop when you are already around the Waterfront, Main Bazaar or Plaza Merdeka side. What makes it interesting is that it is not trying to be a huge museum. The story is focused on Margaret de Windt, the Ranee of Sarawak, and how a young woman from England ended up tied to Sarawak's royal-era story. Brooke Museums describes the exhibition as a permanent display about her life, legacy, writing, music, craft and her appreciation of local skills like songket and keringkam. From visitor reviews, the feedback is quite consistent. Tripadvisor visitors call it small but excellent, especially if you like Sarawak history. Malaysia Traveller went stronger and said it is a must-see, best paired with The Brooke Gallery across the river. Trip.com lists it as a light stop with 5.0/5 from its small review set, which matches the vibe: not a noisy attraction, more like a quiet 30 to 60 minute deep dive. My honest take: come here when you want aircon, old Kuching atmosphere, and a story that is more personal than textbook. If you only want big interactive displays, Borneo Cultures Museum will suit you better. But if you like old photos, portraits, letters, and the Brooke-era side of Kuching, this one feels intimate. Useful details: Address: Block D, The Old Courthouse, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching Opening hours: daily and public holidays, 9:00am to 4:45pm Admission: local RM10, global RM20, concession RM5, children under 7 free Explorer Pass with The Brooke Gallery: local RM15, global RM30 Best plan: do this, walk the Old Courthouse courtyard, then cross to the Waterfront for coffee or sunset Sources checked: Brooke Museums official site, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tripadvisor, Trip.com, Malaysia Traveller. Have you been inside before, or only walked past the building?

Ever walked past the pink building by the Waterfront and thought it was just a pretty old shoplot? Go in once. This tiny free museum explains why Kuching's Chinese story is much bigger than Carpenter Street and kopitiam culture. [image: 1783649189531-chinese-history-museum-front.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Graystravels [image: 1783649189677-chinese-history-museum-angle.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen [image: 1783649189851-chinese-history-museum-side.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Cmglee [image: 1783649189998-chinese-history-museum-old01.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Yeo Jiun Tzen What people are saying: Tripadvisor travellers rate it 4.1/5 from 375 reviews. The pattern is pretty consistent: small, free, easy to miss, but worth 30 minutes to 1 hour if you like local history. One 2025 visitor called it a "small free museum" worth an hour or two, while a Dec 2024 review liked how it explains the migration story of the Chinese diaspora. Another Tripadvisor reviewer from Kuching liked the refreshed displays, dialect/language sections, musical instruments and kid-friendly interactive parts. A 2024 visitor was more measured: decent for a free 30-minute stop before walking Chinatown, not a huge museum you plan half a day for. Trip.com lists it as free entry and highlights exhibits such as musical instruments, jade, ceramics and old photos from the White Rajah period. Museum Volunteers JMM describes the building as a charming little museum on the Waterfront, originally built in 1912 as a court for Chinese traders. My take: this is best treated as a quiet add-on, not a headline attraction. Pair it with Tua Pek Kong Temple, Main Bazaar, Carpenter Street or the Waterfront evening walk. The fun part is not just the old objects, but seeing how Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Foochow and other communities shaped Sarawak's everyday life. Useful info: Location: Jalan Bazar / Kuching Waterfront, opposite the riverfront area ️ Entry: Free Hours: Sarawak Tourism lists Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM-4:45 PM, closed on public holidays. Some travel listings show weekend hours too, so check before making a special trip. ️ Time needed: 30-60 minutes for most visitors Best for: heritage walk, rainy day stop, family history angle, first-time visitors ️ Note: small space, so don't expect a big museum like Borneo Cultures Museum. Sources checked: Tripadvisor visitor reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298309-d457049-Reviews-Chinese_Museum-Kuching_Sarawak.html Sarawak Museum Department: https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/102 Sarawak Tourism Board: https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/things-to-do/thing-view/culture/museums/chinese-history-museum Museum Volunteers JMM: https://museumvolunteersjmm.com/2014/09/14/exploring-kuching-the-chinese-history-museum/ Trip.com: https://www.trip.com/moments/detail/kuching-781-15096464/ Have you been inside before, or only passed by from the Waterfront?

The oldest temple in Kuching — and probably the toughest. Honestly, when you stand in front of Tua Pek Kong Temple, it's hard to believe what this building has been through. 1884 — The Great Fire of Kuching burned the whole street to ashes. The temple? Untouched. 1941 — Japanese Imperial Army bombs rained down on the city. Buildings around it were destroyed. The temple? Still standing. Nearly 250 years later, the incense is still burning. [image: 1781230879510-img1-resized.jpg] Credit: 愛子棋枰 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) Tua Pek Kong Temple (also called Siew San Teng Temple) is the oldest recorded Chinese temple in Kuching, believed to have existed before 1839. It started as a simple thatched hut, and through major renovations in 1856, 1863, and 1880, it evolved into the temple you see today. [image: 1781230880238-img2.jpg] Credit: Damian Pankowiec / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) The older generation in Kuching will tell you this temple has the best Feng Shui in town — backed by hills, facing the Sarawak River. In 1871, Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah, issued the first official land title for the temple. Royal endorsement, you could say. The main deity is Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity), and many local business owners come here to pray for good fortune. During the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar, it gets so busy you can smell the incense from down the street. [image: 1781230880711-img3-resized.jpg] Credit: Boonjinchung / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) I checked Google Maps reviews — 4.4, and visitors consistently say the same thing: "Small but very atmospheric, the incense and red lanterns make it feel incredibly authentic" — Australian visitor "Right by the waterfront, 2 minute walk from the river. Free entry, surprisingly peaceful inside" — Singaporean visitor "Oldest temple in Kuching, a must-stop on the heritage trail" — UK visitor Over on TripAdvisor, the sentiment is similar. Many say it's not the biggest or grandest temple, but it feels more genuine than the large tourist-oriented attractions. What struck me is that locals don't really view this as a "tourist spot" — they're actually here to pray. Hang around for 10 minutes and you'll see elderly folks lighting incense, casting divination blocks, burning joss paper. It's everyday religious life, not a performance. [image: 1781230881352-img4-resized.jpg] Credit: Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY) Visitor Info: Location: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (opposite Kuching Waterfront, next to Chinese History Museum) Hours: Daily ~6am to 6pm (no strict enforcement) ️ Entry: Free Getting there: 2-min walk from Kuching Waterfront Dress code: Casual is fine, but it is a place of worship — keep it respectful Photos: Allowed, but be discreet when people are praying Xiao Wei's tips: Go around 5pm — the golden hour light hitting the temple interior is stunning for photos After visiting, cross the street to the Chinese History Museum (also free) Avoid the 1st and 15th of the lunar month if you prefer a quieter experience Have you been to this temple before? Or have you walked past it a hundred times without going in? Drop a comment Xiao Wei, your Kuching Places Hunter — see you next week!

A kopitiam that has survived nearly six decades — and still serves its char siew, steamed chicken and Hainanese coffee the old-school way. Just five days before Christmas in 1968, Ann Loke Hui Cafe was officially registered on Jalan Sekama. Almost 60 years later, it is still going strong under the Hua family. [image: 1780016782710-ann-loke-hui-01.jpg] John Hua (right) and his 83-year-old mother Chai Lan Jin at their coffee station. Today, 56-year-old John Hua runs the business, taking over from his father Hua Kia Jin in 2001. His father ran the cafe for 33 years before passing away at 64. His mother, now 83, still helps in the kitchen. What makes this place special? The cafe was at its busiest during the Lido Theatre era — cinema-goers would flood in before and after shows. Many regulars still come in today, reminiscing about those days. Signature dishes: steamed chicken, char siew, three-layer pork with savoury rice, meat curry rice, kueh teow in tomato sauce, and traditional Hainan coffee served in vintage kopitiam cups. [image: 1780016787269-ann-loke-hui-02.jpg] Meat curry rice and pork with savoury rice — Hainanese staples. Old habits die hard here. They still use old newspapers as takeaway wrappers — a tradition dating back decades. [image: 1780016787451-ann-loke-hui-03.jpg] Coffee served in vintage cups and newspaper wrappers — unchanged through the years. "It would otherwise go to waste," John explains about the newspaper practice. The Hua family hopes to pass the cafe to the next generation. John's children already help out, and the memorabilia on the walls tells the story of a kitchen that hasn't changed its ways for six decades. Location: Jalan Sekama, Kuching Hours: 10.30am - 2pm daily, closed Sundays Contact: 019-889 6101 Source: DayakDaily Ever been to Ann Loke Hui? What old-school kopitiam in Kuching do you still visit?