The Kuching Festival Food Fair is one of the most important and well promoted events during the Kuching Festival.
Records show that there are over 280 food stalls selling a variety of food during this festival.
What to expect
During the festival, expect to be spoiled of food choices as there are a lot of different food on sale.
Seating is limited, so expect to share.
The event caters for people of all walks of life, and there is no separation between Muslim and non-Muslim stalls. Be prepared to walk by non-halal stalls, which include alcohol, if you are a Muslim.
The use of e-wallets have been on the rise at the festival, but remember to bring cash as well.
Photos below give you a glimpse of the food fair.
Kuching Festival Food Fair tickets, dates and venue
Entrance to the festival is free with the festival usually held for three weeks beside the Kuching Community Hall which is located just beside the Council of the City of Kuching South.
Tables and chairs are available and are free to use, but you must be prepared to share or eat on the go. From my experience, getting a table is hard, so if you are going with a large group of friends, the only way to get a table to yourself is to ‘park’ someone there, and everyone takes turn to buy their food.
Since the place is packed, light cool clothing is encouraged, and it is advised to bring your own bottled water to stay hydrated although you can also opt to buy drinks at the festival area. The festival area is on sealed ground, so you don’t have to worry about getting dirty. Also, mobile toilet facilities are available around the festival areas and are clearly labeled.
There is no nearby ATM machine, and credit/debit cards are unlikely to be used. Bring enough cash, and small change.
Kuching Festival tickets
Most events held during Kuching Festival do not need ticketing and are free for public participation or viewing.
However, for some events, particularly those which involve money making (such as selling items or food) as well as prizes, participation or rental fees may be charged.
Usually, the general public which would be spectators or viewers would not be charged any fee and are free to participate.
If you want to participate in any of the events held during Kuching Festival, be sure to find out the latest details on fees before doing so to ensure you do not end up disappointed.
Venue of Kuching Festival
The Kuching Festival is usually held on the grounds of the MBKS head office, which also has well maintained parks, an open-air concert hall, a community building as well as a large parking area.
You can get to the festival grounds by asking your cab driver (or UBER/GRAB driver) to drive to the MBKS Building, which is a landmark by itself in the city.
Locals tend to fill up parking spots fast, so unless you really need to drive, it is advisable to take public transportation. Walking is also a good option as it is not far from the city center, and it allows you to pass by several interesting places in Kuching City.
Hotels near Kuching Festival Fair
Despite the festival being scattered around Kuching, I would advice getting a hotel nearby Padungan, which is near by the Kuching Community Hall.
This is because most activities would centre around the area, particularly the performances, and food fair.
Hotels located just 10 minutes’ walk to the festival grounds are listed below.
- Kuching Park Hotel
- Kingwood Hotel
- Hock Lee Hotel & Residence
- Dream City
- Roxy Padungan
- OYO 1220 396 Home Sweet Home
If you do not want to use my recommendations above and prefer to book hotels by yourself, make sure they are located at Jalan Padungan. This will cut travel time to the festival grounds. However, it is worth to note Jalan Padungan is a kilometer long stretch, so you might end up booking a hotel that is quite far if you are not careful.
Avoid any beach hotels because they will be far from the venue and transportation may be difficult.
