Kuching is the capital and most populous city in Sarawak state, Malaysia. Kuching is also the capital of Kuching Division, the enchanting city nestled on the banks of the Sarawak River, where a tapestry of cultures, a rich history, and the lush embrace of Borneo's natural wonders converge.

Known as the "Cat City," Kuching beckons with its warmth, vibrant energy, and a fusion of modernity seamlessly intertwined with colonial charm. 

From the historic waterfront, where tales of the Brooke family and Rajahs come alive, to the bustling markets filled with the aroma of Sarawak laksa and the sounds of diverse languages, every corner of Kuching invites you to embark on a captivating journey.

Or maybe, you're captivated by the graceful orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, exploring the Chinese History Museum, or simply strolling along the esplanade, Kuching promises a delightful blend of tradition and contemporary allure.

Airport in Kuching

Kuching has one airport and it’s Kuching International Airport (KIA), the largest airport in state Sarawak and the fourth busiest airport in Malaysia. The airport serves as a hub for Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. It offers both domestic and international flights.

There are currently eight airlines available flying to and from Kuching that you might want to check out. They are AirAsia (AK), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Firefly (FY), Batik Air OD), AirAsia (QZ), Myanmar Airways (8M), Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) and Scoot (TR).

However, airlines may change and new routes may be added. So it’s always advisable to check the latest information.

No need to worry about the transportation from the airport to your accommodation as they provide various options including taxis, shuttle services and car rentals that are available 24/7.

Popular Flights to Kuching

Most popular flights to Kuching are from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) as for the direct flight. Then followed by Miri (MYY), Kota Kinabalu (BK), Sibu (SBW), Mukah (MKM), Bintulu Division (BTU), Singapore (SIN), Johor Bahru (JHB), Penang (PEN) and Gunung Mulu National Park (MZV).

While the most popular flights to Kuching with a stopover is from Istanbul (IST). then followed by Dubai (DXB), other cities in China such as Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Xi’an (XIY) and Beijing Daxing (PKX), Doha (DOH) and Jeddah (JED).

And the list for popular flights from Kuching is also similar to the ones mentioned above.

What is Special about Flying to Kuching

Kuching is the capital and most populous city in Sarawak state. This city has so many special things to offer for various factors. What are they?

Rich Cultural Heritage

Kuching is a city with a rich cultural tapestry, and flying in allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cultures. The city's architecture, markets, and festivals showcase this diversity.

Natural Beauty

The approach to Kuching provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush greenery, rivers, and mountains. Borneo, the island Kuching is situated on, is known for its diverse and pristine natural beauty.

Warm Hospitality

The people of Kuching are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality. Visitors often feel welcomed and may have the chance to engage with locals, making the travel experience memorable.

When is The Best Time to Fly to Kuching?

The best time to fly to Kuching is year-around as Kuching has tropical rainforest weather which means it's either sunny and hot or raining heavily.

If you prefer flying to Kuching during the driest, warmest and hottest month, you can choose between April and October. But if you’re okay with rain, November to March it is with January that will give the heaviest rain.

However, if you want an ideal time to fly to Kuching, it has to be June because the weather is nice and it’s not crowded as it’s not the peak holiday period yet.

What is The Weather Like in Kuching?

The average weather in Kuching is hot, oppressive and overcast where the temperature varies from 74°F to 90°F and is rarely below 73°F or above 94°F.

If you want to comfortably do outdoor activities, you can fly to Kuching between March and April where the temperature is between 65°F and 80 °F. Then between May and September, the temperature gets hotter but the city tends to be less crowded as it is not the peak holiday season.

Top 3 Things to Do in Kuching

Semenggoh Wildlife Center

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is one of the recommended tourist destinations that you must consider when flying to Kuching. Renowned for its orangutan rehabilitation program, the center was established to rehabilitate and reintroduce orphaned or rescued orangutans back into the wild. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in a semi-wild setting.

While orangutans are the main attraction, Semenggoh is also home to other wildlife species, including hornbills, porcupines, and various types of primates. This contributes to the center's role in preserving the biodiversity of the region.

Situated within the lush rainforest of Borneo, Semenggoh provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region. The surrounding landscape adds to the overall appeal of the wildlife center.

Kuching Waterfront

This scenic area along the Sarawak River in Kuching is known for its charming ambiance and a mix of historical and modern attractions such as 

The Kuching Waterfront is lined with a mix of historic buildings that reflect the city's colonial past. The Astana, the former residence of the Brooke family, and the Fort Margherita, a white Rajah fortress, are notable structures along the waterfront.

At certain times, cultural performances and events take place along the waterfront, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience traditional music, dance, and festivities such as Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, city lights at night experience, and more.

Bako National Park

Bako National Park is a fascinating destination known for its biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and diverse landscapes. Home to a remarkable variety of plant and animal species, including proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, bearded pigs, and various species of birds. 

The park is renowned for its role in the conservation of the endangered proboscis monkeys.

The park showcases an array of ecosystems, including mangrove swamps, dipterocarp forests, and peat swamps. The diverse habitats contribute to the park's high level of biodiversity.

Bako is known for its intriguing rock formations, including sea stacks and cliffs. One of the popular spots is the iconic "Sea Stack" rock formation along the coastline.

How to Get a Cheap Flight to Kuching

To get a cheap flight to Kuching, you can choose midweek flights between Tuesday and Wednesday because they are cheaper due to lower demand. Also, Traveloka will help you to book flights without any hassle and our feature will help you to figure out the best deal that doesn’t drain your wallet.