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Piping works are now underway in Kenyalang Park after residents and hawkers complained about weak or inconsistent water supply. [image: 1784973906745-kenyalang_water.jpg] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, July 25 - Kenyalang Park residents may see water pressure return to normal after Sarawak Water completes pipe works now being carried out in the area. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said Sarawak Water had identified the issue and was working on the affected pipeline, including installing and welding a 600mm by 200mm clamp tee. Why people are watching this Some residents had to wake up late at night to store water. Some hawkers also complained that low water pressure at night affected business operations. Wee said the works could be completed by next week if everything goes smoothly. MBKS will continue monitoring the matter and channel updates to residents. Location: Kenyalang Park, Kuching Details: Sarawak Water pipe works underway, MBKS monitoring follow-up Source: https://dayakdaily.com/piping-works-underway-to-resolve-kenyalang-park-water-pressure-issues/ What do you think?

Two rabies cases were confirmed this week in Siburan and Jalan Puncak Borneo, both linked to dog bite cases. [image: 1784973849117-rabies_siburan.jpg] Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, July 25 - Pet owners around Siburan and Puncak Borneo are being reminded to stay alert after two animal samples tested positive for rabies between July 20 and July 24. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said 22 animal samples were tested during the period. Two came back positive. Where the cases were found Kampung Simpok, Siburan: stray dog Kampung Sinar Baru, Batu 14, Jalan Puncak Borneo: free-roaming pet dog Wee said the situation is not at major outbreak level, but rabies is still around and residents should not treat it lightly. Dog owners are urged to bring their pets for vaccination when the next drives are held. Avoid touching stray animals, and report bite cases quickly. Location: Siburan and Jalan Puncak Borneo Details: 2 positive cases from 22 animal samples tested Source: https://dayakdaily.com/public-urged-not-to-let-guard-down-as-two-rabies-cases-detected-in-siburan-puncak-borneo/ What do you think?

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?

Two current Kuching-friendly promos to note for this weekend: [image: 1784858539535-everrise-walls.jpg] 1. Everrise Metrocity - Wall's Take Home Range free gift promo Deal: Buy selected Wall's Take Home Range products and receive exclusive free gifts. Date: 25-26 July 2026 Place: Everrise Metrocity Note: Free gifts are while stocks last, so better check earlier if you are planning grocery shopping there. Source: https://www.everydayonsales.com/928411/25-26-july-2026-everrise-walls-take-home-range-free-gift-promotion-at-everrise-metrocity/ [image: 1784858539625-face-to-face-fries.jpg] 2. Face To Face Noodle House - RM2.50 Song Song Fries add-on Deal: Add Song Song Fries for RM2.50 with any main dish purchase. Toppings include Signature Dried Chili, Chicken Floss, Seaweed and Tomyum Mayo. Date: From 23 July 2026 onwards Place: Face To Face Noodle House outlets in Malaysia; Kuching customers can check with the nearest branch before going. Note: Limited quantity, while stocks last. Excludes Kids Meal, Toast and Side Dishes. Source: https://www.everydayonsales.com/928520/23-july-2026-onwards-face-to-face-noodle-house-song-song-fries-promotion-add-loaded-fries-for-only-rm2-50-with-main-dish-purchase/ Image source: EverydayOnSales / respective merchants.

This weekend in Kuching is quite packed. If you do not want to stay home, here are a few places/events worth checking out on 25-26 July 2026. [image: 1784851502928-kff-crowd.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Kuching Festival Fair 2026 + Garden Show Time: 25-26 July, 5.00pm-11.00pm Place: Dewan Masyarakat MBKS / Kuching Park area If you only pick one easy plan, this is the one. Food stalls, night crowd, Garden Show, and that yearly Kuching Festival mood are already back. Good for family, couple, or just jalan-jalan cari makan with friends. [image: 1784851503013-kuching-festival-launch.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition 2026 Time: Saturday, 25 July, 7.00pm-11.00pm Place: MBKS Theatre For anime, game, and pop culture fans, this one should be fun to watch even if you are not joining. Expect coswalk, skit, costumes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments around the festival area. MBKS Pickle Rush Kuching 2026 Time: Saturday, 25 July, schedule by organiser/on-site notice Place: PicklePro Kuching Pickleball is getting hot everywhere now, and Kuching Festival is bringing it into the weekend lineup. There are boys', girls' and mixed doubles categories, so it is more of a sporty community event than just another food-fair side activity. [image: 1784851503081-pickle-rush.jpg] Source: DayakDaily K-Stage: K-Pop Dance Cover Competition 2026 Time: Sunday, 26 July, 7.00pm-11.00pm Place: MBKS Theatre Sunday night is for K-pop fans. Dance crews will be on stage, with Best Costume and Random Play Dance also part of the programme. Good option if you are already going to the festival for dinner. Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2026 Time: Sunday, 26 July, from 4.00am Place: MBKS Kuching Early morning crowd will be huge, with over 4,200 runners expected. 21.1KM flags off at 4.00am, 10KM at 6.00am, and 5KM at 6.30am. If you are not running, just take note of traffic around MBKS and heritage route areas. [image: 1784851503239-khmhr-resized.jpg] Source: JomRun Quick tip: if you are going MBKS in the evening, go earlier, carpool if can, and expect queues. The festival crowd already started strong on opening night. Sources: DayakDaily, Sarawak Tribune, JomRun, MBKS/Facebook event listings.

You know that feeling when Kuching is hot, traffic is noisy, and you just want trees without driving all the way to Bako? Sama Jaya Forest Park is exactly that kind of quick reset. [image: 1784772395876-samajaya_01_trail_sfc.jpg] Source: Sarawak Forestry Corporation [image: 1784772395958-samajaya_02_garden_sfc.jpg] Source: Sarawak Forestry Corporation [image: 1784772396020-samajaya_03_walking_sfc.jpg] Source: Sarawak Forestry Corporation [image: 1784772396081-samajaya_04_baruk_sfc.jpg] Source: Sarawak Forestry Corporation What I like about Sama Jaya is that it does not try to be a big adventure. It is a compact urban forest, easy to reach from town, and the trails are simple enough for a slow walk, light jog, or a short family outing. Sarawak Forestry describes it as one of Kuching's few remaining virgin jungle patches, with kerangas forest, jogging tracks, a fitness trail, an ethnobotanical garden, and the Hiroshima-Sarawak Friendship Garden. The walking and jogging loops are around 870m and 1.6km, so you can do one quick round or repeat it if you want a proper sweat. Visitor comments match that vibe. Wanderlog/Google reviews mention the calm tree cover, refreshing jogs, clean paths, birdwatching, and even long-tailed macaque sightings. One practical reminder from reviews: bring mosquito repellent. This is still real forest, not an air-conditioned garden. Malaysia Traveller gives a very fair verdict: for locals, it is excellent for exercise and fresh air; for visitors, it is a safe first taste of Sarawak greenery before going to tougher places like Bako. Kuching.info also notes that early morning is the nicest time, especially if you want cooler air and better chances of spotting birds. Practical info: Address: 14, Lorong Setia Raja 14a, Taman Rimba, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Hours: usually 7:00am - 6:00pm ️ Entry: free according to Malaysia Traveller and Kuching.info Parking: available near the entrance ️ Time needed: 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many loops you do Small tips before you go: Go morning or late afternoon; midday can feel heavy under the humidity. Wear shoes with grip because leaves and wet patches can be slippery after rain. Bring water and mosquito repellent. Keep snacks packed away if monkeys are around. Stay on the marked paths; the whole charm is that this little forest is still alive. Would you go here for jogging, healing walk, or photo session? Locals, share which loop is the nicest.

AirBorneo has started its Kuching-Singapore service, with Jakarta expected to follow within two months. [image: 1784768721478-airborneo-singapore.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) AirBorneo is now flying the Kuching-Singapore route, marking another step in Sarawak's push to build its own regional air network. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Singapore service started on Sarawak Day, just two days after AirBorneo began commercial jet operations between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20. Why it matters The State is positioning AirBorneo as part of a wider transport plan, alongside roads, airports and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. Abang Johari also said Jakarta is expected to be AirBorneo's next international destination within two months. Better links could mean easier travel, stronger tourism and more business movement for Sarawak. Location: Kuching / Singapore Details: Kuching-KL flights started July 20; Kuching-Singapore service launched on Sarawak Day; Jakarta targeted next. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Police seized 25kg of suspected methamphetamine in MJC Batu Kawah, with a 63-year-old man arrested. [image: 1784693120117-mjc-batu-kawah-drugs.jpg] Kuching police made the arrest at a carpark in MJC Batu Kawah New Township during a raid on July 15. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Zainal Abdullah said the suspect was inside an SUV when police found the drugs, believed to be methamphetamine. What police said Police believe the man was acting as a runner for a drug trafficking syndicate. He tested negative for drugs, but police said he had previous records under the Entertainment Ordinance and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. The suspect has been remanded until Thursday. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Location: MJC Batu Kawah New Township, Kuching Details: 25kg suspected methamphetamine seized; 63-year-old man arrested Source: Original report Image source: The Borneo Post / Malay Mail What do you think?

[image: 1784685709656-auntea-jenny-kuching.jpg] A quick Kuching deal for bubble tea fans. Shop: Auntea Jenny Malaysia Deal: Buy 2 Free 2 opening promotion Valid: 22-24 July 2026 Location: Auntea Jenny Malaysia, The Spring Kuching Time: During outlet operating hours Good for sharing if you are already around The Spring. Expect opening-period crowd, so go earlier if you do not want to queue. Terms and availability may depend on outlet conditions. Source: https://www.everydayonsales.com/927616/22-24-july-2026-auntea-jenny-malaysia-opening-promotion-at-the-spring-kuching-buy-2-free-2-bubble-tea-celebration-event-in-east-malaysia/ Image source: EverydayOnSales / Auntea Jenny Malaysia

Sarawak commercial crime cases went up sharply in the first half of this year, with losses now at RM90.4 million. [image: 1784606637184-sarawak-commercial-crime-resized.jpg] Sarawak Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Saifullizan Ishak said police recorded 2,530 commercial crime cases from Jan 1 to June 30, 2026. That is a 36.31% increase from 1,856 cases in the same period last year. What police are seeing The spike is mainly linked to cybercrime and scams, including: e-commerce scams fake investment schemes non-existent loan offers job scams phone scams Losses also rose to RM90.4 million, up 35.38% from RM66.7 million last year. Police also said an online scam syndicate was recently taken down, with two suspects arrested in Miri for allegedly withdrawing scam money through ATMs. Location: Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters, Kuching Details: 2,530 cases, RM90.4 million losses, Jan 1-June 30 period Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/21/sarawak-commercial-crimes-jump-36-pct-losses-reach-rm90-4-mln/ What do you think?

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?

[image: 1784512993587-baskin-robbins-31-buffet-2026.jpg] Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors Buffet For Kuching folks looking for a quick dessert deal this week: Shop: Baskin-Robbins Deal: RM31 all-you-can-eat Fun Scoop ice cream buffet Date: 21-24 July 2026 Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Place: Baskin-Robbins, Level 1 Centre, Vivacity Megamall Kuching Notes before going: the promo is for dine-in buffet only, one scoop at a time, no sharing or takeaway. Children below 5 can join free with a paying adult/guardian. Flavours are subject to outlet availability. Source: SAYS / Baskin-Robbins Malaysia / Vivacity Megamall https://says.com/my/Lifestyle/baskin-robbins-is-hosting-an-all-you-can-eat-ice-cream-buffet-for-rm31-this-july

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.

You know that feeling when you drive into Padungan and the big white cat just quietly waves at you? That is the whole charm of this spot. It is not a place you plan half a day for. It is more like: park nearby, snap a few photos, then walk off for kopi, kolo mee, or a slow Padungan stroll. [image: 1784254027459-padungan-cat-01-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Wee Hong, CC BY-SA 4.0 [image: 1784254028185-padungan-cat-02.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Stefan Krasowski, CC BY 2.0 [image: 1784254028448-padungan-cat-03-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Marufish, CC BY-SA 2.0 [image: 1784254028985-padungan-cat-04-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Marufish, CC BY-SA 2.0 [image: 1784254029301-padungan-cat-05.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Anatroppolo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Why people still stop here: Sarawak Tourism calls the Padungan big white cat the most popular of Kuching's cat statues, partly because it keeps changing outfits for festivals and even wore themed masks during the pandemic. That is exactly why locals keep noticing it again and again. Same cat, different mood. Tripadvisor reviews are pretty honest too: people treat it as an original iconic Kuching photo stop, worth a quick stop or drive-by, especially if you are already around Chinatown / Padungan. Nobody is pretending this is a massive attraction. The fun is in the photo, the location, and the small city joke that Kuching really committed to the cat theme. Wanderlog visitors say the outfit changes depend on celebrations, and that there is a small info plate below the statue. Trip.com lists the spot around 82, Jalan Padungan, so it is easy to pair with nearby cafes, hotels, shops, or the old street walk. MBKS also had the Padungan cat lit up for Gawai in May 2026, so this little landmark is still being cared for and dressed up by the city. My take: go in the morning if you want cleaner photos and less harsh road glare. Night is nice when lights are up, but phone photos can get messy unless you steady your hand. If there is a festival outfit on, then yes, it is worth the extra five minutes. Useful details: Location: Padungan roundabout / Chinatown gateway area, around 82 Jalan Padungan Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes Fee: Free Best paired with: Padungan food, coffee, old shophouse walk, nearby waterfront area Small warning: it sits by a busy road, so please do not stand in traffic just for the angle If you have an old photo of this cat wearing a festival outfit, drop it in the comments. Those versions are always the fun ones. Sources: Sarawak Tourism Board, Tripadvisor, Wanderlog, Trip.com, MBKS

Quick deal notes for Kuching shoppers this week. [image: 1784253735121-everrise-members-weekend.jpg] 1. Everrise Kuching - Members' Weekend Deal: Members' Weekend grocery promo with selected member-price items, including fresh produce, household items, drinks and pantry goods. Valid: 17-19 July 2026. Extra Time promo is listed for 19-20 July 2026 at BDC, 4th Mile and Metrocity. Where: Everrise Kuching outlets: Padungan, BDC, 4th Mile, Plaza Merdeka, Vivacity, CityONE, Green Heights Mall, Metrocity, Stutong, Pending, Samarahan, Matang Jaya, Batu Kawah and Tabuan Jaya. Note: Prices are member prices and subject to stock availability. Source: https://everrise.com.my/promotion/members-weekend-17-19-july-2026-everrise-kuching/ [image: 1784253735295-takiong-weekly-good-deal.jpg] 2. TA Kiong Kuching - Weekly Good Deal Deal: Weekly Good Deal / Best Deal items, including imported selections, drinks, snacks and grocery items. Valid: 17-23 July 2026. Where: TA Kiong, The Spring Shopping Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching. Note: Prices in the poster are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia and may be subject to member/non-member pricing. Source: https://takiong.com.my/weekly-good-deal-17-23-jul-2026-ta-kiong-kuching/ Images/source: Official Everrise and TA Kiong promotion pages.

AirBorneo passengers, check your schedule if you are flying between July and October. AirBorneo says about 4,000 passengers may be affected by temporary flight frequency changes on selected routes from July 6 to Oct 24. The airline said the move is linked to maintenance issues involving several ATR72 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, plus delays in getting critical parts and spares. [image: 1784250399755-airborneo-plane.jpg] Source: DayakDaily [image: 1784250399820-airborneo-reschedule.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / AirBorneo What passengers should know Around 594 flights will have frequency changes, while another estimated 1,337 flights will be retimed. Affected passengers will be moved to the next available flight, either on the same day or the next day. AirBorneo also said the temporary changes will not increase fares on affected routes. The airline said all destinations in its network will continue to be served, with no route suspended or discontinued. Location: AirBorneo network across Sarawak and the region Details: Selected routes affected from July 6 to Oct 24; rebooking and refund options apply under MACPC. Source: DayakDaily Anyone here got their AirBorneo timing changed already?

This weekend in Kuching got a few nice options, from tuak, family-friendly STEM, morning workout to mall activities. Here are some easy picks if you are planning where to go. [image: 1784246669260-event-tuak-2026.jpg] 1. Borneo Tuak Festival 2026 Time: 17-19 July 2026, 11.00am-10.00pm Place: 11 Ridgeway, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching A three-day celebration of Borneo tuak culture with 100+ tuak varieties, local food, artisan booths, cultural showcases, workshops and live performances. Good one if you want something lively and very Sarawak. [image: 1784246669357-event-robowalk-2026.jpeg] 2. Smart Kid, Smart City Challenge - RoboWalk 2026 Time: 18 July 2026, Saturday Place: MBKS Boulevard, Jalan Padungan A Kuching Festival prelude event where kids showcase robot-themed costumes, props and creative wearable designs. Nice for families, especially if your children like robots, STEM and creative parade-style activities. 3. TRAIN ME @ UNITY PARK Free Community Workout Time: 18 July 2026, 6.30am-8.30am Place: Reservoir Park, Kuching Free guided community workout for all levels. If you want to start Saturday early without spending money, this one is simple: show up, move, sweat a bit, then go breakfast. 4. Culture, Creativity & Community @ Vivacity Time: 18 July 2026, 10.00am-7.00pm Place: Ground Floor, East Atrium, Vivacity Megamall Kuching Free-entry mall event with a culture and creative theme. Easy weekend plan if you prefer somewhere indoor, family-friendly and convenient for makan or shopping after that. Quick note: event details can change last minute, so check the organiser page before heading out. Sources: STATOS, DayakDaily, Eventbrite, Vivacity Megamall updates.

Ever feel like Kuching suddenly changes mood once you leave the city lights? This mangrove cruise is exactly that kind of trip. Kuching Wetlands Mangrove Cruise takes you into the waterways around Kuching Wetlands National Park, about 15km from Kuching and close to the Damai side. It is not a theme park ride. It is more like sitting on a small boat, letting the river slow you down, then quietly scanning the trees for movement. [image: 1784081373851-kwetlands_01.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - Kuching Wetlands National Park riverside view What makes this one fun is the mix: mangrove tunnels, fishing village scenes, wide river views, and if luck is on your side, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, birds, fireflies, or even Irrawaddy dolphins near the estuary. [image: 1784081374077-kwetlands_03-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - mangrove cruise boat scene I checked a few traveller notes before writing this. Sarawak Tourism Board says you basically have to explore the park by river cruise, and most trips take around half a day through the Salak River, smaller creeks, and sometimes the Santubong/Salak estuaries. Trip.com reviewers were pretty happy with the wildlife side. One visitor mentioned the view was beautiful, with plenty of animals, and they even managed to spot a crocodile. That sounds about right for this place: don't expect zoo-style guarantees, but when something appears from the mangrove edge, it feels properly exciting. [image: 1784081374650-kwetlands_04-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - sunset over the wetland waters A travel blogger on GRRRLTRAVELER did a late-afternoon wetlands outing and described the more raw side: rubber boots, tall shrubs, mosquitoes, and a night river safari where they spotted things like a kingfisher, slow loris, crocodile and fireflies. So yes, this one is not only pretty photos. Wear long pants and bring repellent. The Wetland Wildlife Cruise reviews on Tripadvisor/Viator also lean the same way: people liked the boatman, the easy river pace, and the chance to see monkeys, crocodiles and fireflies. The important note is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Go for the river atmosphere first, then treat every animal sighting as bonus. [image: 1784081374975-kwetlands_05-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo - visitors on the Kuching wetlands boat My honest take: this is best for people who enjoy slow nature trips. If you need constant action, maybe you will feel it is too quiet. But if you like sunset, river breeze, camera in hand, and that little suspense of "what is moving in the trees?", this cruise is a very Kuching kind of experience. {img4} Source: Trip.com traveller photo - river village and mangrove edge Quick notes before you go: Area: Kuching Wetlands / Santubong-Salak river area Best way: book a licensed local boat/tour operator Usual duration: half-day or sunset cruise, depending on route Bring: mosquito repellent, water, light rain jacket, long pants, camera/zoom lens Ask before booking: pickup point, life jackets, whether the route includes fireflies or dolphin search, and what happens if weather turns bad Would you rather do this at golden-hour sunset or go for the darker firefly/night-safari feel?

Two drink promos around Kuching to note this week. Check the app/counter before ordering because outlet participation and stock may vary. [image: 1784081071052-hwc-buy2free1.jpg] 1. HWC Coffee - Buy 2 Free 1 via GrabFood Deal: Buy any 2 eligible handcrafted drinks and get 1 selected drink free. Eligible paid drinks: Specialty Coffee, Matcha Series and Chocolate Series. Free drink options listed: Berry Lemonade, Lychee Lemonade, Jasmine Tea, Jasmine Tea Latte, Da Hong Pao Tea and Da Hong Pao Tea Latte. Valid: 14-19 July 2026. Location: Participating HWC Coffee outlets via GrabFood. Kuching outlets include HWC Coffee at The Spring and Vivacity; availability depends on GrabFood listing. Photo/source: EverydayOnSales / HWC Coffee Malaysia https://www.everydayonsales.com/926676/14-19-july-2026-hwc-coffee-malaysia-buy-2-free-1-promotion-on-grabfood-enjoy-free-refreshing-drinks-with-every-two-beverage-purchase/ [image: 1784081071102-kfp-sarawak-day.jpg] 2. Kung Fu Panda Tea Sarawak - 50% off 2nd drink Deal: 50% off the second drink on all beverages. Valid: 11-26 July 2026. Location: Walk-in only. Kuching outlet: Kung Fu Panda Tea, Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching, G-11. Photo/source: Kung Fu Panda Tea Sarawak https://www.instagram.com/p/Daou3mOjr4i/ Useful if you are already ordering for office, friends or family. Terms and conditions apply.