Are You Staying In or Going Out in Kuching This Season?

Kuching is a truly lively city this time of year. The city is welcoming more visitors this season, and rural spots are seeing locals unwind in new ways. In the state of Sarawak alone, domestic visitor numbers reached approximately 17.9 million in 2023, that’s up from around 15.5 million the year before. So whether you’re thinking of avoiding the crowds or embracing the buzz, deciding whether to stay in or head out matters.

Sometimes staying in makes sense: you can relax, manage your own schedule and skip transport logistics. In Kuching, you’ll find modern apartments or serviced suites that offer comfort and a good base. You might choose to stay in and catch up on a series, try an online experience, or dive into something at home while still feeling connected to the city.

Mobile gaming and iGaming have quietly become popular go-to options, especially for those looking for something more dynamic than streaming or scrolling. If you prefer staying in but want something engaging, players can place bets and enjoy live entertainment opportunities right here through a dedicated service that offers fast access, easy sign-up and varied options. That kind of option gives you an added layer of choice when you’re indoors. Then, when you move outside again, you’ll appreciate how your time in has balanced your time-out.

Going out in Kuching still has appeal. The waterfront along the Sarawak River is easy to reach, and the evening breeze makes a simple stroll feel more relaxing than you might expect. You might drop by for dinner at an open‑air café, listen to live music, or pick a spot where you can people‑watch without being in a packed crowd.

If you pick the right time, you might catch a smaller event or a low‑key gathering rather than one of the big festivals. That can mean fewer distractions, more space, and a chance to soak in the city’s local rhythm. For example, the city’s heritage spots like the old bazaar or museum neighborhoods are quieter and more accessible than they used to be.

You could also explore newer local spots that blend casual and cultural. Grab a seat at Indah Café for brunch before browsing the in-house art gallery, or pop into Haus Kch, a creative space that often hosts exhibitions, workshops and small-scale gigs. If you’re up for something outdoorsy but calm, make your way to the DBKU Orchid Garden, not far from the waterfront, where you can walk among hundreds of orchid species in a quiet, shaded space. These kinds of outings don’t require heavy planning or big crowds, but they still give you something different to take in.

Picking a stay‑in plan and an outing doesn’t have to be an either/or. You could stay in one afternoon, treat yourself to a nice home‑cooked meal or delivery, try something new online, then go out in the evening for something light and local. That way, you get the best of both: comfort and a sense of place.

If you’re staying in, plan ahead: choose something you genuinely want to do rather than defaulting to screen time. Even if you just pick a corner of your accommodation where you’ll read, listen to music, or explore an online experience that’s outside your usual habits, you’ll feel refreshed. When you go out, pick somewhere that isn’t booked to the brim: a less popular night, a smaller venue, or somewhere off the main strip. A relaxed choice tends to feel more memorable.

Whether in or out, check local weather and transport. Kuching has a tropical rainforest climate and gets its fair share of rainfall, especially between November and February. If you’re going out, pick somewhere with covered or easy transit. If you’re staying in, check whether your accommodation has a balcony or a view, sometimes small extras make a difference.

Also worth noting: if you’re staying in and thinking of ordering food, Kuching has a strong local food delivery scene. You’ll find lots of choices from Jalan Satok to the city centre. If going out, aim for earlier time slots; outside the peak hours tends to give you more space and a different experience.

This season in Kuching you have a genuine choice. You can stay in and carve out your own space, try an online experience that keeps you connected but relaxed. Or you can step out and enjoy the city’s quieter moments rather than its busiest ones. Either approach works, but what matters is doing what feels right to you.