Hey Kuching! We're back with another round of things to do this weekend Here's what's happening around town on Saturday (Aug & Sunday (Aug 9): 1️⃣ Kuching Festival 2026 — The Biggest Food Fest in Sarawak! [image: 1786061104883-event-food-festival-resized.jpg] Kuching Festival / MBKS If you haven't been yet — bro, what are you waiting for? Hundreds of food stalls, live music every night, and the whole place is buzzing. This is THE event right now. Go with an empty stomach and a group of friends so you can share (and try more!). From grilled seafood to local kuih, ice-blended drinks to satay — you name it, they have it. 2️⃣ Voila Market @ AEON Mall Kuching Central ️ [image: 1786061105369-event-aeon-market-resized.jpg] AEON Mall Kuching Central A curated market with local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to fashion, snacks, and cute finds. Good place to chill, shop, and support local businesses. Plus AC so you don't have to suffer the heat. 3️⃣ TRAIN ME @ UNITY PARK Free Community Workout Reservoir Park, Kuching Saturday, 8 Aug | 6:30 AM — 7:30 AM Yes, you read that right — FREE! Open to all fitness levels. Come join the community for a morning sweat session at Reservoir Park. It's a great way to kick off your Saturday, meet new people, and get those endorphins flowing. Bring water and a mat if you have one. 4️⃣ Satok Weekend Market — The OG Weekend Experience 🥭 [image: 1786061105879-event-satok-market-resized.jpg] Satok Market Kuching's most iconic weekend market is always a vibe. From fresh local produce to exotic jungle produce (buah dabai, anyone?), traditional snacks, and even live plants — it's a sensory overload in the best way. Go early for the best picks and cooler weather. 5️⃣ UK Property Advice Clinic Sheraton Kuching Hotel Saturday, 8 Aug | 11:00 AM onwards Thinking of buying property in the UK? This clinic offers free advice and insights — great for anyone looking to invest or relocate. Free admission. Which one are you going for this weekend? Drop a comment and let us know!

Right in the middle of Kuching, there's this massive open field that practically every local has a memory of. Whether it's the Kuching Festival night market, watching National Day fireworks, or just bringing kids to fly kites on a Sunday afternoon — Padang Merdeka is the kind of place that's woven into daily life here. [image: 1782958072026-padang-merdeka-1.jpg] Source: Google Maps / Kuching Travel Let me be real with you — it's literally just a field. But somehow, it's one of the most happening open spaces in town. What Makes It Special What sets Padang Merdeka apart is not the field itself, but the energy around it. On any given morning, you'll see tai chi groups, joggers, and dog walkers sharing the space like it's a giant community living room. Come evening, families sprawl out on picnic mats while kids chase each other around. [image: 1782958072090-padang-merdeka-2.jpg] Source: Kuching Tourism During festive seasons — especially August leading up to Merdeka Day and the Kuching Festival in late July/August — the field transforms into a massive carnival ground with food stalls, rides, and non-stop activities. Real Talk from Visitors I dug through Google Maps reviews and here's what people actually say: "A great place to relax and take a stroll. Very well-maintained field in the middle of Kuching city." — Azman H. (4/5) "The Kuching Festival here is amazing! So much food and the atmosphere is electric." — Samantha T. (5/5) "Good place for morning exercise, clean and spacious. Free entry." — David L. (4/5) "Nice historical field but can get very hot in the afternoon. Best to visit in the early morning or evening." — Mei Ling C. (4/5) "Love watching the sunset here. The view of the surrounding buildings and hills is pretty nice." — Ravi K. (4/5) [image: 1782958072143-padang-merdeka-3.jpg] Source: Google Maps Reviews The History Behind It Padang Merdeka literally means 'Independence Field'. This patch of green was originally a recreation ground during the White Rajah era, used for polo and cricket matches. After Sarawak's independence and the formation of Malaysia, it became the site for national celebrations — hence the name. The distinctive MBKS (Kuching South City Council) building overlooking the field is itself an architectural piece worth noticing, with its traditional Sarawak motifs incorporated into a modern design. [image: 1782958072232-padang-merdeka-4.jpg] Source: Kuching South City Council / Local Blog What's Around This is where it gets good. Right next to Padang Merdeka is: Jalan Padungan — Kuching's most famous eating street. The seafood here is legendary (Bing! Seafood, Top Spot Food Court, you name it) Kuching Waterfront — A 10-minute walk away along the Sarawak River Main Bazaar — Souvenir shops, just a short stroll from the field Tua Pek Kong Temple — One of Kuching's oldest temples, nearby [image: 1782958072322-padang-merdeka-5.jpg] Source: Google Maps / Local Travel Guide Practical Info Location: Jalan Padungan, right in front of MBKS building Open: 24/7, free access Entry Fee: Free! Zero ringgit Parking: Limited street parking. Better to park nearby at the waterfront area Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 5pm) — the heat is real [image: 1782958072374-padang-merdeka-6.jpg] Source: Kuching City Guide Verdict Is it a must-visit attraction? I'd say yes — not because the field itself is stunning, but because it gives you a real sense of Kuching's community vibe. Come during the Kuching Festival if you can, or just drop by in the evening, grab some street food nearby, and watch the city wind down. It's not a whole-day thing. Give it 30-45 minutes max unless there's an event on. Pair it with a walk along Jalan Padungan for a solid evening out. Have you been to Padang Merdeka? What's your favourite memory of this place? Drop a comment below!