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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

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