Best Kuching hotels & resorts
Tucked away on the island of Borneo along the Sarawak River, Kuching in Malaysia might not be the first place that comes to mind when Singaporeans think of a short getaway. While it isn’t as popular as hopping over to JB or KL, it’s only 1.5 hours from Changi Airport by air. So, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, this list of the best Kuching hotels and resorts is your gentle nudge to book that flight.
Table of Contents
- Best Kuching hotels & resorts
- What to expect at Kuching?
- How to get to your Kuching hotel & around the city?
- Price breakdown of Kuching hotels & resorts
- 1. Hilton Kuching
- 2. The Waterfront Hotel
- 3. Pullman Kuching
- 4. Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites
- 5. The Marian Boutique Lodging House
- 6. Dormani Hotel Kuching
- 7. Sheraton Kuching Hotel
- 8. Riverside Majestic Hotel
- 9. Grand Margherita Hotel
- 10. UCSI Hotel Kuching
- 11. Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching
- 12. Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching
- 13. Cocoon Resort Kuching
- 14. Damai Beach Resort
- 15. Permai Rainforest Resort
What to expect at Kuching?
Kuching isn’t just the capital city of Sarawak – it also means “cat” when translated. And true to its name, you’ll find cat statues, cat-themed museums, and murals scattered all over the city. But there’s more to Kuching – it also has a long history in Borneo, and there are many museums you can visit to learn more about the history of the indigenous people who once inhabited the lands.
Bako National Park.
Image credit: 양진영 via Google Maps
For some R&R, Kuching has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied, such as hiking, kayaking, and boat trips to Bako National Park. Of course, don’t forget to indulge in the array of local dishes, including kolo mee, Sarawak laksa, and Teh C Peng Special, which uses gula melaka.
How to get to your Kuching hotel & around the city?
While there are public transport services in Kuching, many locals suggest avoiding them due to their unreliability. Similar to JB, the best way to get around is to use ride-hailing services such as Grab and Maxim. After landing in Kuching, remember to change your location to Kuching in the app, and you’ll be able to book rides straight to your hotel and around the city.
Price breakdown of Kuching hotels & resorts
| Hotel | Room | Price per night (for 2 pax) |
| Hilton Kuching | King Deluxe City View room | From RM480, ~S$146.10 |
| The Waterfront Hotel | Deluxe King room | From RM369, ~S$112.35 |
| Pullman Kuching | Superior King room | From RM425.60, ~S$129.55 |
| Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites | Deluxe King room | From RM140, ~S$42.60 |
| The Marian Boutique Lodging House | Chapel Wing room | From RM174, ~S$51.75 |
| Dormani Hotel Kuching | Deluxe King room | From RM180, ~S$54.80 |
| Sheraton Kuching Hotel | Superior King room | From RM428, ~S$130.30 |
| Riverside Majestic Hotel | Deluxe King City View room | From RM432, ~S$131.50 |
| Grand Margherita Hotel | Deluxe King room | From RM317, ~S$96.50 |
| UCSI Hotel Kuching | Superior King room | From RM216, ~S$65.75 |
| Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching | Double Room without windows | From RM74.10, ~S$22.55 |
| Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching | Superior King room | From RM211, ~S$64.20 |
| Cocoon Resort Kuching | Nature View Villa | From RM749, ~S$227.95 |
| Damai Beach Resort | Standard Balcony King room | From RM240, ~S$73 |
| Permai Rainforest Resort | Treehouse room | From RM350, ~S$106.50 |
1. Hilton Kuching
Malaysia’s first Hilton Kids Club
Image adapted from: Hilton Kuching
Hilton Kuching recently had a facelift – it now features Malaysia’s first Hilton Kids Club, an indoor play zone with climbing structures and hands-on craft stations for the little ones. RYE speakeasy, a whiskey-forward bar with a wide selection of drinks and bar bites inspired by local ingredients, will also be opening later this year – making Hilton Kuching perfect for both families and young adults.
King Deluxe City View room.
Image credit: Hilton Kuching
A night in the King Deluxe City View room starts from RM480 (~S$146.10), and if you prefer a scenic view of the river, the King Deluxe River View room is available from RM514/night (~S$156.50). The hotel is only a pedestrian crossing away from the waterfront, where you can enjoy a stroll during golden hour before ending your day on a Royal Kuching Cruise.
Book a stay at Hilton Kuching.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
2. The Waterfront Hotel
5 minutes away from iconic pedestrian bridges
Image credit: The Waterfront Hotel via Google Maps
Don’t be fooled by the name – The Waterfront Hotel is not actually located along the Sarawak River. It’s nestled within a historic neighbourhood of Kuching, right beside the Old Court House, which was built in 1874, but also steps away from Plaza Merdeka, a shopping centre popular among locals and tourists.
Deluxe King room.
Image credit: The Waterfront Hotel
A Deluxe King room with a compound view starts from RM369/night (~S$112.35), while a Premier King room with a river view goes from RM409/night (~S$124.50). Even if your room is not facing the river, fret not, the hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the Darul Hana Bridge and the Golden Anniversary Bridge, which spans across the river and offers sweeping views of the river and the cityscape.
Book a stay at The Waterfront Hotel.
3. Pullman Kuching
5-star international hotel chain
Image credit: Pullman Kuching
If you prefer the reliability of an international hotel chain, book a stay at Pullman Kuching. A night for 2 in the Superior King room starts from RM425.60 (~S$129.55). While it isn’t as close to the waterfront as some of the other hotels, there are other experiences nearby that you can visit.
Cat statues near the hotel (left) and the Upside Down House (right).
Image adapted from: KIM TAN & Upside Down House Kuching via Google Maps
Walk 5 minutes to one of Kuching’s many iconic cat statues, or head to the Upside Down House for quirky photo ops. For dinner, hop in a car and take a 4-minute drive to Lepau Restaurant for authentic dishes from the Orang Ulu and Dayak tribes.
Book a stay at Pullman Kuching.
4. Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites
Walking distance from the Borneo Cultures Museum
Deluxe King room.
Image credit: Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites
Located beside Padang Merdeka, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites is a 5-star hotel with surprisingly affordable rates. A Deluxe King Room starts from RM140/night (~S$42.60), and a 2-Bedroom Apartment for 4 adults and 2 kids will set you back from RM190/night (~S$57.85).
Borneo Cultures Museum.
Image credit: Josh Li via Google Maps
Appreciate traditional art at the Sarawak Museum, which is only a 4-minute walk from the hotel. If you want to dive deeper into the history and culture of the indigenous tribes and learn more about their way of life, view original artefacts such as traditional clothes and jewellery at the Borneo Cultures Museum, which is only 7 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Book a stay at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.
5. The Marian Boutique Lodging House
Colonial bungalow-turned-hotel
Image credit: The Marian Boutique Lodging House via Google Maps
Don’t let the 2-star label fool you – The Marian Boutique Lodging House isn’t your typical high-rise hotel. This colonial bungalow-turned-hotel sits atop a hill, perfectly blending with the historic charm of the neighbourhood. Even the old warehouse has been transformed into a restaurant that serves Mediterranean and European dishes.
Image credit: The Marian Boutique Lodging House
There’s only a handful of rooms available, so choosing your favourite shouldn’t be too hard. We recommend the Chapel Wing room (from RM174/night, ~S$51.75), which overlooks the swimming pool and features quaint furniture that complements the hotel’s style.
The hotel is also right around the corner from the Kuching Main Bazaar and only a 5-minute walk to the waterfront.
Book a stay at The Marian Boutique Lodging House.
6. Dormani Hotel Kuching
Muslim-friendly hotel
Deluxe King room.
Image credit: Dormani Hotel Kuching
Dormani Hotel Kuching is located in Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, one of Kuching’s renowned Malay villages. The hotel is halal-focused, with its commitment reflected in both cleanliness and food preparation – making it a reliable pick for Muslim guests.
A Deluxe King room starts from RM180/night (~S$54.80), but if you’re travelling with little ones, consider booking a Deluxe Family room from RM210/night (~S$63.95).
Kuching City Mosque.
Image credit: Heart Patrick via Google Maps
You’ll also find other Muslim-friendly landmarks surrounding the hotel – it’s just a 3-minute walk to the Kuching City Mosque and a 5-minute car ride to Majma’ Mall, with many options for Halal restaurants, traditional clothes, and Islamic art.
Book a stay at Dormani Hotel Kuching.
7. Sheraton Kuching Hotel
Top-tier services & amenities
Image credit: Sheraton Kuching Hotel
The Sheraton Kuching Hotel is part of the Marriott International Group, so you can expect Marriott-level services and amenities. It’s only a 2-minute stroll from the iconic cat statue and offers magnificent views of the river and the city. Aside from its short walk to the Sarawak River, it’s also a 6-minute walk to Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, where you’ll get to enjoy local dishes, including belacan bee hoon and gong pia, at affordable prices.
Image credit: Sheraton Kuching Hotel
A Superior King room with a city view starts from RM428/night (~S$130.30). For those who struggle with early mornings, the hotel offers wake-up calls to help you seize the day. Kick things off with a refreshing swim at the infinity pool, or sweat it out at the 24/7 Sheraton Fitness Centre.
Book a stay at Sheraton Kuching Hotel.
8. Riverside Majestic Hotel
Connected to a shopping centre
Image credit: The Official Page of Riverside Majestic Hotel Kuching via Facebook
Unlike The Waterfront Hotel – which sounds like it’s by the river but isn’t – the Riverside Majestic Hotel actually overlooks the river. The property has 2 wings: the Puteri Wing and the Astana Wing, both connected to the Riverside Shopping Complex.
Image credit: Riverside Majestic Hotel
A Deluxe King City View room starts from RM432/night (~S$131.50). For those looking for some fun while unwinding, the hotel even has a pickleball court and recently organised a pickleball tournament. Top it off with drinks at the Sky Lounge on the 17th floor for stunning views of the city.
Book a stay at Riverside Majestic Hotel.
9. Grand Margherita Hotel
Located behind the Waterfront Esplanade
Deluxe King room.
Image credit: Grand Margherita Hotel
Along the Sarawak River, Grand Margherita Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the Waterfront Esplanade. Book a night in the Deluxe King room with a city view starting from RM317 (~S$96.50) or river view from RM332/night (~S$101.10).
The hotel is a 5-minute walk away from Chong Choon Cafe, where you’ll get to tuck into hearty local favourites like kolo mee, Sarawak laksa, and popiah. Do note that the line for the popiah can be quite long, so come earlier.
Book a stay at Grand Margherita Hotel.
10. UCSI Hotel Kuching
Quiet escape by the river
Infinity pool and hotel lobby.
Image adapted from: UCSI Hotel Kuching via Google Maps
While UCSI Hotel Kuching is located further from the city centre, it’s a quiet escape with all the luxuries you’d expect, including an infinity pool, sauna, and 6 bars and restaurants.
Image credit: UCSI Hotel Kuching
A Superior King room starts from RM216/night (~S$65.75), and if you haven’t planned your Kuching itinerary, the hotel also organises tours for nature, wildlife, and heritage. The heart of Kuching is just a 15-minute car ride away for shopping and local eats.
Book a stay at UCSI Hotel Kuching.
11. Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching
Most affordable hotel on the list
Queen Room.
Image credit: Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching
Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching is a wallet-friendly 3-star hotel located in the heart of Kuching. A Double Room without windows starts from RM74.10/night (~S$22.55), and a Queen Room starts from RM87.99/night (~S$26.80).
Pandan cafe in Kuching.
Image credit: Pandan | Kuching via Google Maps
This hotel is a street away from the waterfront and nearby local cafes, such as Pandan and KopiCut, serving up local delights alongside modern cafe faves. Kick back and relax with a slice of pandan cake and pair it with a cup of matcha at Pandan, or order a plate of Salted Egg Aglio Olio at KopiCut.
Book a stay at Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching.
12. Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching
Best hotel for layover flights
Image credit: Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching
If you’re in Kuching for a layover, Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching is the closest hotel to Kuching International Airport, and a night in the Superior King room will set you back around RM211 (~S$64.20).
From the hotel, take a 10-minute drive to AEON Mall Kuching Central or a 4-minute drive to Farley Kuching – 2 shopping centres packed with local eateries for you to slurp on a bowl of Sarawak laksa before leaving the city.
Book a stay at Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching.
13. Cocoon Resort Kuching
IG-worthy tent-style rooms
Image credit: Cocoon Resort Kuching
Be one with nature at Cocoon Resort Kuching, that’s far, far, away from the city centre. While it isn’t a hotel, the Nature View Villa (from RM749/night, ~S$227.95) can host up to 4 adults, unlike most standard hotel rooms, which can only accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids.
Image adapted from: Cocoon Resort Kuching & Kimme Kim via Google Maps
Each tent-style room also has a private pool with unobstructed views of the sunset against the backdrop of Santubong Beach, and an en-suite bathroom with a large bathtub – far from what you would expect from most glamping experiences.
Book a stay at Cocoon Resort Kuching.
14. Damai Beach Resort
Resort with 2 swimming pools
Standard Balcony King room.
Image credit: Damai Beach Resort
For a more upscale resort experience, Damai Beach Resort offers plenty of options, from the Standard Balcony King room (from RM240/night, ~S$73) to the Deluxe Hilltop King room (from RM401/night, ~S$122.10).
Clifftop Swimming Pool (left) and Beach Wing Swimming Pool (right).
Image adapted from: Damai Beach Resort
As if 1 pool isn’t enough, the resort features 2 pools: the Clifftop Swimming Pool and Beach Wing Swimming Pool, plus a massage and spa room for the ultimate relaxation. It’s also located near Kampung Budaya Sarawak, a heritage museum where you can learn about the local ethnic groups through various programmes and performances.
Book a stay at Damai Beach Resort.
15. Permai Rainforest Resort
Treehouse resort
Image adapted from: Permai Rainforest Resort
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a treehouse, Permai Rainforest Resort makes it happen with its treehouse rooms and villas for families. A Treehouse room starts from RM350/night (~S$106.50) and a Villa for 4 starts from RM370/night (~S$112.60). The treehouses are built 20 feet above ground along the seafront, giving you stunning views of the sunset.
The Feeding Tree Cafe.
Image credit: Permai Rainforest Resort
This resort also has a restaurant, the Feeding Tree Cafe, where you might just be lucky enough to spot animals like langurs and squirrels. Thanks to its prime location, you can also look forward to nature-related activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and, if you’re up for it, a climb up Mount Santubong.
Book a stay at Permai Rainforest Resort.
Pick one of these Kuching hotels & resorts for your next getaway
Whether you’re planning to book a trip to Kuching for the food or the outdoor activities, these Kuching hotels and resorts will be the best way to start and end every daily adventure.
More reads for trips to Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: Cocoon Resort Kuching, Permai Rainforest Resort
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.