With a name that sounds similar to the Malay word for cat – hence its nickname, “Cat City” – Kuching is known for its amazing wildlife, cultural relics, heritage food and friendly, laidback atmosphere. And, at only about an hour by plane, it’s a comfortable distance for a weekend away or a short holiday escape.
What to See
Kuching is home to one of Borneo’s endangered species: the orangutan. Semenggoh Nature Reserve is on most travellers’ itineraries, and it’s not difficult to see why. Take a half-day trip here and you’ll witness semi-wild orangutans at feeding time, including, if you’re lucky, every member of the family, from the domineering adult male to the mother with baby clinging to her body, and the old yet alert grandmother.
Did you know that orangutans build a nest on top of a tree, like birds do? Or that when they rest and stretch their legs, they can look uncannily human? These are some things you’ll discover in this rare glimpse into their day-to-day life.
For more views of animals in their natural habitat, try a wildlife cruise in the Kuching Wetlands National Park. The Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching cruise follows the renowned Santubong River, providing close-up views of the mangrove swamp that’s home to crocodiles, otters, mudskippers, mangrove crabs and more. Keep your eyes peeled for Irrawaddy dolphins, too – the endangered species tends to frolic around fishing boats; they’re tough to spot and even more difficult to capture on camera!
This story is from the August 2022 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Creating A Cave!
AEN is a designer and engineer who contacted us a while back about the renovation he was doing on his new HDB. From the photos, you'll see it’s more of a redesign than a renovation and nothing like we've ever featured before. We were pretty wowed, and are happy It’s completed so we can show you!
40 Years as a Dentist - and Still Loving It!
After four decades, DR ASHA K KARAN of Dental Essence is as passionate about practising dentistry as she was on day one. She tells us about her career and what keeps her going.
Exploring Malé
There’s a high chance you've heard of Malé, but, like most travellers, only been to the airport while transiting to a resort on an atoll. Singapore-based photographer REBECCA BERGER took a wander through its streets recently, capturing scenes of daily life on her camera. Here are her impressions.
The Venice of the East Where to stay and play in Suzhou
The Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City, the city lights of Shanghai and the Terracotta Warriors are frequently on travellers’ must-sees when it comes to China itineraries.
Brunch Favourites
Looking for a fabulous spot for your next brunch fix? We've got something for everyone in this roundup-from coffees to Bellinis, and organically-sourced dishes to seafood on ice. Some are weekend bottomless brunches, others an à la carte daily affair. Either way, just be sure to go hungry!
From Grape to Glass
Whether you like a fruity sauvignon blanc or a zippy pinot noir, you can have your favourite wines delivered straight to your door in Singapore. Here are our picks of the best wine delivery websites on the island - from high-end wines to affordable blends! (Many offer free delivery with a minimum spend, too!)
Making Waves
Head coach of swimming at the Canadian International School HELEN SWEENEY tells us why the CIS swim team is a force to be reckoned with.
A Time to Thrive!
The theme of 2024 is Thrive”, as Dulwich College Singapore) marks its 1Oth anniversary. As the College celebrates with a host of activities, Founding Head of College NICK MAGNUS shares how they will continue to grow.
HAVE THEY GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
Singapore attracts some very interesting expats, and we love hearing their stories. Here we chat to two such people, GONZALO GASTON SANCHEZ and MANUELA LOEBLEIN, who are contestants In The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition. We cover what brought them here, what makes them tick, and their tips for achieving success.
Little Dockers
Does your child dream of being in a band?