Day Trips & Excursions: Kuching

Bako National Park

Sarawak's oldest national park. Known for its unique ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and iconic proboscis monkeys.

Approximately 37 km (23 miles) northeast of Kuching. A Grab or taxi ride to Bako Buntal Bay (45 minutes) followed by a mandatory 20-minute boat ride to park headquarters.

Tour & Travel Tips

Organized tours simplify logistics, including transport, boat arrangements, and a guide.
Independent travel is cheaper but means arranging transport to the jetty and securing a boat upon arrival. This can mean waiting for other passengers to fill a boat.
Plan a full day trip (8-10 hours) for travel, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
Book day trips: GetYourGuide Day Trips

Nearby Natural & Cultural Wonders

Discover more of Sarawak's natural beauty and cultural heritage near Kuching.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

A rehabilitation center for semi-wild orangutans. Observe these primates during feeding times.

Practical Details

About 24 km (15 miles) south of Kuching. Reachable by Grab or taxi (30-40 minutes).
A half-day trip (2-4 hours) usually suffices, timed around feeding sessions at 9 AM and 3 PM.
These are the prime times to see the orangutans.

Annah Rais Longhouse

A traditional Bidayuh longhouse village.

Access & Duration

About 60 km (37 miles) south of Kuching. Best by organized tour or private car/taxi.
Plan a half to full-day trip, depending on the tour and activities.
Public transport options are limited.

Natural Exploration

Kubah National Park & Matang Wildlife Centre

Kubah National Park: Known for palm species, waterfalls, lush rainforest trails.
Matang Wildlife Centre: Focuses on Sarawakian animal rehabilitation.
Located about 20 km (12 miles) west of Kuching.
A half to full-day for park trails and wildlife center.

Mount Santubong & Damai Beach Area

Mount Santubong: Challenging hiking, panoramic coastal views near Damai Beach.
Damai Beach: Popular resort area, with a beautiful beach.
Sarawak Cultural Village: Cultural performances, traditional houses.
Damai Beach is about 30 km (19 miles) north of Kuching.

Regional Travel Connections

Flights remain the most efficient for major Borneo cities.
Long-distance buses connect towns within Sarawak.
River ferries access remote longhouses.
airports: Kuching (KCH), Mulu (MZV), Kota Kinabalu (BKI), Brunei (BWN).

Sarawak Loop: Kuching to Sibu, then Miri, and Mulu.
Borneo Explorer: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, then Brunei.
Sibu & Kapit: Riverine cultures and Iban longhouses.
Requires flight or long bus/boat journeys.

Plan Your Natural Escape

Evening cruises along Santubong River or wetlands find proboscis monkeys, Irrawaddy dolphins, crocodiles, and fireflies. This typically lasts 3-4 hours.

Day Trips & Excursions