[image: 1785463423063-switch-battery-care.jpg] Two current deals at The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching: Switch World - iPhone Battery Care Deal: iPhone battery replacement at RM299 for selected iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 series. Validity: 30 July to 2 August 2026. Location: Switch World, Ground Floor Centre Court, The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching. Note: 150 vouchers available daily from 10AM, while stocks last. Bring the physical iPhone for diagnosis. [image: 1785463423166-pandora-spring-promo.jpg] Pandora - complimentary bracelet with purchase Deal: Free selected silver bracelet with RM688 spend; free selected 14K rose or gold-plated bracelet with RM1088 spend. Validity: 23 July to 2 August 2026. Location: Pandora, Ground Floor Lot G11A, The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching. Note: Terms and conditions apply. Source: The Spring Kuching official News & Events page. Image source: The Spring Kuching / Switch / Pandora promotional posts.

Weekend plans still empty? Here are a few things happening around Kuching and nearby this weekend. Save this first, then jio your makan kaki or family. [image: 1785456208290-kuching-festival-2026.jpg] Kuching Festival Food Fair 2026 Time: 22 July - 16 August, 5.00pm - 11.00pm daily Place: MBKS Community Hall / MBKS grounds Still the easiest weekend plan: makan, drinks, local snacks, cultural performances and plenty of crowd energy. Good for family, date night, or just walking around after dinner. International Friendship Cities Night Time: 31 July - 2 August, from 7.30pm nightly Place: MBKS Theatre Part of Kuching Festival. Expect cultural performances from Kuching's friendship cities, including groups from China, South Korea and Japan. Nice option if you want something more performance-focused after food fair. 38th Kuching City Day Time: 1 August Place: MBKS Kuching marks its 38th City Day this Saturday. If you are already going to the festival area, this one is worth checking out together with the city celebration atmosphere. [image: 1785456208415-pokemon-tcg-2026.jpeg] Kuching Festival Pokemon Trading Card Game Competition Time: 2 August, 10.00am - 6.00pm Place: MBKS Lobby / MBKS Community Hall area For Pokemon TCG players and curious visitors. Even if you are not joining, can drop by to watch the matchups and feel the gaming crowd. DBKU Mayor's Run Time: 2 August Place: Padang Merdeka, Kuching For the early birds. A Sunday morning community run in the city, good excuse to start the day active before heading for food later. [image: 1785456208355-jom-heboh-2026.jpg] Bonus nearby: Karnival Jom Heboh Sarawak Segulai Sejalai 2026 is also happening from 31 July to 2 August at the area beside Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan. Expect family activities, contests, booths, food, meet-and-greet sessions and concerts on Saturday/Sunday nights. Quick tip: MBKS area will likely be busy in the evening. Go earlier, carpool if can, and check the organiser pages before heading out in case timing changes. Sources: DayakDaily, The Borneo Post, KuchingBorneo event listing.

Serikin is the kind of Saturday road trip I would start before breakfast: the road out of Kuching is long, the market is warm and a little rough around the edges, but the first rows of woven goods, batik and snacks make the drive feel purposeful. [image: 1785377240888-serikin_s2.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The bazaar sits in the Serikin area of Bau, close to the Malaysia–Indonesia border and roughly 60–80 km from Kuching depending on the route. It is a weekend market, not a permanent shopping mall, so the experience is shaped by the morning: more stalls, cooler air and less trouble finding a place to stop. [image: 1785377240977-serikin_s4.jpg] Source: DayakDaily The useful finds are practical rather than precious—rattan work, mats, woven bags, batik and other clothing, household pieces, toys, snacks and seasonal produce. Prices are not automatically lower than Kuching, and stock changes from week to week. I would compare two or three stalls before buying, especially for furniture or anything that needs a larger vehicle. [image: 1785377241068-serikin_s6.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Bring small notes, water, a hat and reusable bags. Bargaining is normal, but a polite offer and a clear decision are enough; there is no need to turn every purchase into a contest. For woven or wooden goods, check joins, finish, dampness and whether the item can actually fit in your car. If you buy something bulky, settle delivery details and keep the receipt before paying. [image: 1785377241156-serikin_s7.jpg] Source: DayakDaily I would allow about 1.5–2 hours each way from Kuching and at least 90 minutes in the market, then add a nearby Bau stop only if the weather and return drive leave enough room. The stalls are exposed, so late-morning heat and sudden rain can change the mood quickly. Parking and the exact spread of stalls can also shift on busy weekends. The market is currently being presented as a Saturday–Sunday attraction, but published closing times conflict: some current listings show Sunday ending around noon, while others show late afternoon. Treat the hours as a moving target and confirm locally before making the long drive; do not assume the Sunday timetable is fixed. The international border is not part of the shopping shortcut—use the proper immigration and customs process if you intend to cross. For people who enjoy a slow drive, browsing and the chance of finding something useful, Serikin earns the detour. If the plan is only one inexpensive souvenir, I would spend that day in Kuching instead. Would you go for the market atmosphere, or are you mainly hunting for rattan and batik?

You know that kind of place where you arrive thinking, "just rocks only lah", then 20 minutes later everyone is pointing at the stone walls saying this one looks like a T-Rex, that one looks like a face? Paku Rock Maze Garden is exactly that kind of easy little adventure. It is not a huge theme park. It is a quiet limestone maze tucked behind Shak Bong Kung Temple in Paku, about 30km from Kuching city. The fun part is the narrow path, mossy rock walls, tree roots, and those odd shapes that make the whole place feel a bit prehistoric. [image: 1785290800848-paku_rock_maze_garden_3.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Cerevisae, CC BY-SA 4.0 [image: 1785290800972-paku_rock_maze_garden_2.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Cerevisae, CC BY-SA 4.0 [image: 1785290801065-rocks_inside_the_paku_rock_maze_garden.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Cerevisae, CC BY-SA 4.0 [image: 1785290801200-walkway_inside_paku_rock_maze_garden.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons / Cerevisae, CC BY-SA 4.0 What people say after going: Wanderlog/Google reviewers keep calling it underrated and good for a short family stop. One common point is that the formations are more interesting when you slow down and try to spot animal-like shapes. Another visitor mentioned parking near the temple, donation box, old-style but clean toilet, resting areas, and around one hour to explore if you do not rush. A recent review also said some paths are natural while some are concrete or brick, with signs, a small map, a viewing tower, and exit arrows. That is good news if you are bringing parents or kids, but I would still say wear proper shoes because the stones and leaf-covered ground can be uneven. DayakDaily had a fun travelogue from the place too: their group spent more than an hour comparing whether the rocks looked like T-Rex, mummy, mermaid tail, ghost face and other strange shapes. They also noted the stream area about 180m further in, with fish feed available for RM2, plus the tortoise pond beside the temple. Useful info: Address: C5GV+G2, Paku area, 94000 Sarawak, Malaysia Hours: Listed on Waze/Wikiloc as daily 9.00am to 5.00pm ️ Fee: Official/community info says no fixed entrance fee and donations are welcome. Some recent visitors mentioned a small RM2 local-adult collection at one counter, so just bring small cash. Getting there: Around 40 minutes to 1 hour from Kuching depending on traffic. Private car is easiest. Bring: Proper shoes, mosquito repellent, water, and a little patience for photo stops. ️ Avoid: Heavy rain days. Reviews mention some terrain can flood or get messy. My honest take: this one is best as a quick half-day detour, not a full-day main attraction. Pair it with nearby food, hot spring, or another stop and it becomes quite ngam. If you like natural photo spots without crowds, put it on your list. Anyone here been before? Which rock shape did you see first?

[image: 1785290665913-deal-everrise-icecream.png] Everrise Imported Ice Cream Promotion For anyone restocking ice cream at home, Everrise is running a limited-time imported ice cream promotion. Store: Everrise Deal: Special deals on selected imported ice cream Valid: 24 July - 9 August 2026 Location: Everrise Kuching outlets Note: Selection and stock may vary by outlet. Check the shelf tag or ask staff before checkout. Source: https://www.facebook.com/myeverrise/videos/cool-off-with-everrise-from-24-july-9-august-2026-enjoy-special-deals-on-importe/788673134303123/ Image: KuchingHub generated illustration for deal coverage.

Several Kuching PPR projects are part of Sarawak's low-rent housing safety net for B40 families. [image: 1785287187066-ppr_rentals_20260729.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Housing Development Corporation Sarawak currently manages 3,715 People's Housing Programme rental units across seven major projects statewide. HDC chief executive officer Fathi Hambali said the PPR rental scheme gives eligible households a temporary place to stay before they are able to own a home. Kuching has a big share The Kuching-linked projects listed include: PPR Taman Dahlia, Kuching: 816 units PPR Batu Gong, Kuching: 500 units PPR Landeh, Kuching: 443 units PPR Demak Laut, Kuching: 256 units PPR Sri Wangi, Kuching: 200 units Monthly rental in Sarawak ranges from RM100 to RM250, including management fees. Eligible tenants include former squatter families, B40 households without home ownership, and persons with disabilities within the B40 income group. Location: Kuching and other Sarawak divisions Details: HDC Sarawak manages 3,715 PPR rental units across seven projects. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Some places in Kuching are not about rushing from one photo spot to another. VH Green Nature Park is more like a slow half-day with kids: feed a goat, look at bright little birds, walk past garden corners, then sit down before everyone gets too hot. [image: 1785204674450-vh_birds.jpg] Source: VH Green Nature Park official website [image: 1785204674538-vh_banner.jpg] Source: VH Green Nature Park official website [image: 1785204674602-vh_lettuce.jpg] Source: VH Green Nature Park official website [image: 1785204674668-vh_reptiles.jpg] Source: VH Green Nature Park official website What makes it nice is that the place is small enough for children to manage, but still has enough things to touch, see and ask about. The official site describes it as a 3.5-acre eco-playground in Matang, with petting-zoo style animal encounters, permaculture garden sections, botanical trails and eco-learning corners. Ticket2U lists it as an outdoor park, educational centre, petting zoo, permaculture and botanical discovery hub all in one. Visitor comments are mostly the kind parents care about. On TripAdvisor, one reviewer called it suitable for young children or school trips, and mentioned that the place was clean, with attentive and helpful staff. Trip.com shows a 4.8/5 score from a small review set, with one visitor saying the scenery is beautiful and the space has a lot of nice things. Evendo's listing gives it 4.1 from a larger review pool and frames it as a family-friendly animal and education stop. My take: this is not a wild jungle adventure like Bako or Kubah. It is better for kids who want safe, close-up animal moments without a long hike. Practical info: Address: Lot 1275, Block 6, Matang Land District, 4th Mile Jalan Matang, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. Opening hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm, including weekends and public holidays. Last admission is 4.00pm. Closed on the 1st Monday of the month. Tickets: Ticket2U currently lists Malaysian adult entrance from RM13, Malaysian child from RM11, and Explorer tickets with pet feed from RM18 adult / RM16 child. Family ticket options are also listed. Good for: families with young children, school trips, animal lovers, relaxed photo stops, short Matang outing. Bring: water, cap, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes, and a little patience if visiting during school-holiday crowd times. Small reminder: some activities can change by season or park operations. The official site currently marks Bird Show & Feeding as temporarily unavailable, so check before going if that is your main reason. Would you bring kids here for a chill animal-feeding morning, or do you prefer the wilder Matang/Kubah side?

A temporary drainage fix is coming to the KUTS project site along Jalan Tun Jugah after nearby residents raised flash-flood concerns. [image: 1785146712862-kuts_tun_jugah_20260727.jpg] The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project engineer and contractor have agreed to widen the drainage outlet along Jalan Tun Jugah as an interim measure. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the issue came from residents around Jalan Durian Burung, near the Federal Staff Quarters. They were worried that an existing roadside open drain had been buried and replaced with metal pipes that were too small, possibly worsening flash floods in an area already known to flood. Yap said the contractor agreed to further widen the outlet while waiting for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which is expected to arrive in early August. Once TBM works begin, the underground crossing below Jalan Tun Jugah is expected to be completed by October, allowing a more permanent drainage solution after that. Location: Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching Details: Residents had asked for larger temporary culverts and proper drainage while waiting for the long-term flood mitigation works. Yap said he will continue monitoring the agreed improvements. Photo credit: DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The kind of place where kids stop asking for screen time because the rabbits, fish and wide green space already won. Borneo Happy Farm is not a quick photo stop. It feels more like a countryside day out: animal feeding, a rainforest trail, Kiddyland, cafe breaks, and optional paid activities like shuttle bus or zipline if your group still has energy. [image: 1785118635081-happy_03.jpeg] Source: Borneo Happy Farm / Ticket2U [image: 1785118635154-happy_04.jpeg] Source: Borneo Happy Farm / Ticket2U [image: 1785118635220-happy_01.jpeg] Source: Borneo Happy Farm / Ticket2U [image: 1785118635288-happy_14.png] Source: Borneo Happy Farm / Ticket2U What visitors keep mentioning: Tripadvisor reviewers highlight the quiet environment, close interaction with animals and the convenience of spacious walkways plus buggy service. Sarawak Tribune's visit reads like a proper day trip: arrive with time, walk the farm slowly, and expect nature, animals and open-air heat. Tempat Cuti points out the educational side: farm animals, farmer life, rainforest learning and a calmer green setting away from town. The farm's own 2026 site positions it as a nature retreat about 45 minutes from Kuching city centre, with farmstay, meals and activity programmes. Best parts to aim for: Guinea Wonderland for rabbits and guinea pigs. Arowana Station if you want feeding time action. Savanna area for goats, sheep, horses and open farm views. Tropical Rainforest Trail if your group can handle muddy or uneven ground. Tropical Farm Cafe when everyone starts getting hot. Practical info: Address: Lot 485 & 490, Jalan Sungai Moyan No.3, Jalan Pei Yuan Selatan, Jalan Batu Kawa-Bau, 94000 Kuching, Sarawak. Opening: Wednesday to Sunday, plus Sarawak school holidays and public holidays, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Last farm entry / ticket counter close: 3:30pm. Ticket guide from Ticket2U 2026 listing: Malaysian MyKad adult: RM40 walk-in. Malaysian child: RM30 walk-in. Malaysian senior / OKU: RM30 walk-in. Non-Malaysian adult: RM70 walk-in. Non-Malaysian child / senior / OKU: RM50 walk-in. Age 3 and below: free. Small heads-up: this is an outdoor farm, so go early, bring water, wear shoes that can handle mud, and check the latest operating day before driving out. Some add-on activities and animal stations can depend on timing, weather and staffing. Would you bring kids here for a full morning, or only stop by if you are already heading toward Bau?

Two useful Kuching F&B deals to check today (27 July 2026): [image: 1785117962687-starbucks-thespring.jpg] Source: The Spring Shopping Mall directory Starbucks Malaysia Deal: 2 Grande handcrafted beverages for RM20. Validity: 25-29 July 2026, 5.00pm-9.00pm. Location: Participating Starbucks Malaysia outlets. Kuching shoppers can check outlets such as The Spring and Vivacity before going. Note: Not valid for delivery/mobile ordering; modifiers or upsizes are charged separately. [image: 1785117962744-mixue-kuching.jpg] Source: DayakDaily file photo / Mixue Kuching MIXUE Malaysia Deal: GrabFood Combo Jimat - Buy 1 Free 1 on selected items. Validity: 27-28 July 2026, during GrabFood operating hours. Location: Participating MIXUE outlets via GrabFood. Kuching users can check available outlets in the Grab app, including mall and town-area outlets where listed. Note: Availability depends on outlet, stock and GrabFood coverage. Sources: Starbucks promo: https://www.everydayonsales.com/928720/25-29-july-2026-starbucks-malaysia-rm20-evening-promotion-enjoy-2-grande-handcrafted-beverages-for-only-rm20-limited-time-deal/ MIXUE promo: https://www.everydayonsales.com/928781/24-28-july-2026-mixue-malaysia-grabfood-combo-jimat-promotion-with-2nd-cup-50-off-buy-1-free-1-deals/

MBKS wants to bring mobile health screening into schools across Kuching South, focusing on staff, teachers and parents. [image: 1785114344953-mbks_health_school-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the programme is meant to help people detect health problems earlier, especially those who often put work and family ahead of check-ups. The latest Health Screening Programme 4.0 was held at the basement of Song Kheng Hai Food Court, with support from the Lions Club and Diabetes Malaysia. MBKS had earlier carried out similar outreach in Kenyalang and Bintawa. Why Song Kheng Hai Wee said Song Kheng Hai was chosen because it is close to the KMC flats, where many B40 residents live. He said MBKS will continue moving the service around the Kuching South area so more people can access basic screening and consultation. The programme also involves volunteers, including retired medical professionals and younger Leo Club members. Location: Song Kheng Hai Food Court, Kuching South Details: MBKS mobile health screening; schools next; focus on early detection for school staff, teachers and parents. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak Immigration checked 117 people across 21 locations and detained 30 foreign nationals over suspected immigration offences. [image: 1785038846558-sarawak_immigration_raids.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: The Sarawak Immigration Department detained 30 foreign nationals after enforcement raids from Thursday to Friday. The checks covered 21 locations, including Kota Sentosa, Tapah, Siburan, Serian, Kota Samarahan, Batu Kawa, Tabuan Jaya and Pending. What officers checked The department said the raids were based on public complaints and surveillance. The operations focused on coffee shops, premises suspected of illegal online gambling, and entertainment centres. Out of 117 people checked, 30 foreign nationals were believed to have committed offences such as overstaying, holding expired passes, having no valid pass, or misusing social visit passes. The alleged offences fall under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, plus Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. All detainees were taken to the immigration office for further action. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 26/30 What do you think?

You do not come to Matang for a polished zoo day. You come because it feels raw: wet forest air, quiet paths, rescued animals, and that small reminder that wildlife trade is not some faraway story. [image: 1785031731277-matang_01_sign.jpg] Source: 360Tour.Asia [image: 1785031731365-matang_02_porcupine.jpg] Source: 360Tour.Asia [image: 1785031731436-matang_03_hornbill.jpg] Source: 360Tour.Asia [image: 1785031731514-matang_04_orangutan_area.jpg] Source: 360Tour.Asia What people usually like here is the setting. Sarawak Forestry describes Matang as 180 hectares of lowland forest on the western side of Kubah National Park, built for rehabilitation rather than entertainment. That matches the feeling on the ground: you walk between rainforest, enclosures and quiet corners, not neon signboards and souvenir noise. 360Tour.Asia notes the practical side clearly: around 34 km from Kuching, roughly 45 minutes by car, open daily 8.00am to 5.00pm, and the old listed Malaysian adult fee was RM10. Treat the fee as a guide only and check before going because park rates can change. A Couple Calling had a pretty honest take: Matang is meaningful, but not always cute. They liked that the centre focuses on rescued animals and conservation, while also saying some enclosures can feel upsetting because many animals came from illegal captivity and may never be fully released. I think that is the right expectation to set before you go. Tripadvisor-style reviews are mixed too. Some visitors enjoy the jungle trail and quiet, less-commercial vibe; others say Semenggoh is better if your only goal is a nicer orangutan viewing experience. So do not compare it like-for-like. Semenggoh is the easier crowd-pleaser; Matang is more of a rescue-centre reality check. Malaysian Wildlife / Orangutan Project also frames Matang as a rescue and sanctuary site for protected Sarawak wildlife, including orangutans, small primates, big cats and sun bears, many linked to illegal pet trade cases. That part makes the visit feel heavier, but also more worthwhile if you care about what happens after animals are confiscated. Useful notes: Location: Matang Wildlife Centre, Kampung Rayu / Kubah National Park side, about 40-45 minutes from Kuching Transport: drive, Grab, taxi or arranged tour; do not count on direct public bus service Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours, longer if combining with Kubah trails Bring: water, mosquito repellent, proper shoes, rain cover Be respectful: keep noise down, do not tease animals, no flash, follow ranger signs Worth going? Yes, if you want a quieter Kuching nature stop with a conservation angle. If you only want guaranteed cute photos, maybe manage expectations first. Have you been to Matang recently? Share whether the place feels improved or still rough around the edges.

A viral claim says an influencer ate RM76 worth of food at Kuching Food Festival without paying. MBKS says it will check first. [image: 1785027878912-mbks_rm76_claim.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said he will look into the claim before drawing any conclusion. He said during his ShallWeeTalk live session on July 25 that he was not sure if the allegation was true. If it is proven, he said the person involved should step forward and settle the bill. Wee also reminded the public not to spread unverified claims too quickly, especially when images online may point people toward the wrong person. He said vendors work hard for a living, and RM76 is not a small amount for small food operators. Location: Kuching Food Festival, MBKS Community Hall Details: MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng says he will investigate the viral RM76 food bill claim Source: https://dayakdaily.com/mbks-mayor-to-probe-viral-claim-influencer-did-not-pay-rm76-food-bill-at-kuching-festival/ What do you think?

SGH handled 2,975 ventilated patients last year, up from nearly 2,300 in 2020. [image: 1785027843706-sgh_critical_care.png] Source: DayakDaily Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching is seeing heavier pressure in critical care. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the rise shows Sarawak needs to keep building hospital capacity so seriously ill patients can get proper care. The figure came up at the Sarawak Critical Care Conference 2026 in Kuching on July 25. SGH's Medical Critical Care Unit is now a 13-bed facility focused mainly on critically ill medical patients. Conference organising chairperson Dr Rachel Chin Wei Ven said critical care depends on a full team, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists, physiotherapists and support staff. Location: Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Details: 2,975 ventilated patients in 2025, compared with nearly 2,300 in 2020 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/critical-care-demand-rises-as-sgh-ventilated-patient-numbers-near-3000/ What do you think?

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.