Kuching, the heart of Sarawak, means “cat”. Many believe the city was named after the fruit mata kuching. Shaped like a cat’s eye, it grew in abundance along the riverbanks.

• Enjoy kolo mee, Sarawak’s laksa at the popular hawker stalls.


• Savour picturesque views and local traditions by strolling down Chinatown and India street for glimpses of old shophouses, or check out traditional longhouses at Sarawak Cultural Village.


• Animal lovers must visit the world’s only Cat Museum or the Semengoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. For those who prefer the wilderness, drive to the Mulu National Park for limestone caves and see 3 million bats pour out of the caves at sunset.