Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront

Apart from that, you can also dine at the many restaurants or cafes along with this place which is also known as the Kuching Esplanade.

Known to locals as Kuching Main Bazaar, you can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman or Jalan Main Bazaar road.

Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, adventure tours and the most popular which is the traditional Longhouse visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two-story old pre-war colonial buildings.

This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area.

Kuching Chinatown is just around the corner and Little India as well, if you should know. 

A number of art shops, collectible shops, and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are into this sort of thing.

I for one, always spend a good 3 to 4 hours here just browsing for additional pieces to feed my ethnic collection of weapons. All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.

The best time to explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6.00 pm.

It is here too where one can ride the Sarawak River Cruise boats or take the famous Sarawak Sampan Taxis across the river which usually costs RM0.50 cents (US$0.15).

Some tour agents from the Main Bazaar sell these tickets as well or you can inquire directly from the jetty where the cruise departs.

This one chap was seen handling four fishing rods at one go. It was very interesting so I waited to see what he caught. After ten minutes, nothing came up and I moved on.

But on my many visits here, I never got a chance to catch one though I have seen some really nice ones from other photographers who patiently waited day by day for that magical moment.

Also, take note of some of the sculptures which are placed along the waterfront. some of them are quite interesting.

There is also a kiosk for the Sarawak Tourist Association along the Waterfront here so if you need information about Sarawak, you can just walk in and get help. They are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Most of them are painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives, which double as a great photo opportunity.

Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items would be there and one could find something really worth getting.

Do not worry if the items are too big to carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.

Most of the beaded items come in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior Shield.

The Kuching Waterfront is also a beautiful place at night as it is lighted well from one end to the other.

Various vendors are seen along the main walkway selling all sorts of ‘interesting’ items. Food kiosk is abundant at various points while couples and tourist flock to enjoy the walk along here.

A number of make-shift stalls sell souvenirs and crafts too but at a slightly higher price than the usual shops.

The place usually simmers down around 9.00 pm so, avoid going late as there is nothing to look forward to then. Be advised of snatch theft or robbers after dark along the waterfront too. 

General Kuching Main Bazaar questions answered;

• What is the best time to visit the Kuching Main Bazaar – 10am till 6pm
• Bargaining at Kuching Main Bazaar – You may bargain, but not too much. Something within reason.
• Cash or Credit Cards – Most Art galleries and craft shops accept credit cards. Small vendors accept cash.
• Can large items be shipped for me – Most places offer shipping services back to your country for a fee.
• Can I photograph the ethnic items – Most craft dealers will not allow this but then again, ask politely.
• Can I book Tours here – A number of tour agencies are found here so yes.

The Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront is a highly recommended place to visit when you travel to Sarawak Borneo, and should not be missed.

And if you collect art and sculptures or ethnic items, this is the place to find them and please go early as most of the shop will close around 5.00 PM.