Most visitors cross the river for the Waterfront, but a north-side drive reveals a different Kuching story at Kuching North City Hall, or DBKU. I would go for the building and the hilltop breathing space, not expecting a museum tour: this is a working city hall on Bukit Siol. [image: 1788316491776-dbku-front.jpg] Source: Medelam / Wikimedia Commons The civic story is part of what makes the stop specific. DBKU was established in 1988 after Kuching received city status, and the hilltop complex was inaugurated in 1993. From here, the northern half of the city is administered across a 369.48-square-kilometre area; the formal, wide-fronted building is therefore less a decorative landmark than a visible piece of Kuching’s post-city reorganisation. [image: 1788316491878-dbku-side.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The visitor version is simple: look at the facade, landscaping and changing view rather than searching for an attraction entrance. Public visitor impressions consistently highlight the green grounds, free parking and open outlook, while the Cat Museum on the lower level is the more obvious indoor pairing. I would keep voices low and stay within clearly public areas because offices and council business continue here. [image: 1788316492043-dbku-wide.jpg] Source: DBKU / Wikimedia Commons If I were arranging the route, I would combine DBKU with the Cat Museum or another Petra Jaya stop and allow 30–60 minutes. Driving or e-hailing is realistic; the Bukit Siol address is not a useful detour from the old-town walking circuit, and weekday parking is generally easier. There is no normal attraction ticket, but internal access, parking arrangements and event use can change. [image: 1788316492622-garden-resized.jpg] Source: Cerevisae / Wikimedia Commons This suits travellers who like civic architecture, quiet viewpoints and seeing how a city works. Anyone wanting a dedicated heritage gallery or a guaranteed panoramic platform may feel the drive is too much for an exterior stop. Check DBKU’s current notices before leaving, especially for maintenance, ceremonies or temporary access limits, then let this small detour add a north-bank chapter to the day. Kuching North City Hall, Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang Open in Google Maps