The Astana Sarawak (which translates to ‘palace’ in the Malay language) is one of the most important historical landmarks in Kuching.
It was built in 1870 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak.
The palace was not just a symbol of power; it was built as a romantic bridal gift for his beloved wife, Margaret Alice Lili de Windt.
Today, the building serves as the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak (Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak).
Highlights of the Attraction
- A Romantic History: Knowing that the palace was built as a wedding gift adds a special charm to the building. You can feel the history of the Brooke era as you look at its design.
- Unique Architecture: The building is a mix of colonial and local design. It features a large tower, beautiful white walls, and a very well-kept green garden that slopes down to the river.
- Stunning River Views: Sitting on the north bank of the Sarawak River, the Astana Sarawak makes the perfect background for your holiday photos, especially with the traditional tambang boats passing by.
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Time: Because the Astana Sarawak is the official home of the Governor, the inside of the palace is closed to the public. However, you can view the outside of the building and its gardens 24 hours a day from the Kuching Waterfront or the Darul Hana Bridge.
- Suggested Time to Spend: You will only need about 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy the view, take photos, and perhaps enjoy a boat ride near it.
- Dressing: Since you will be walking outside in the tropical weather, wear light, comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses are highly recommended during the day.
Ticket Prices
There is no entrance fee to see the Astana Sarawak.
Viewing it from across the river or from the bridge is completely free. If you want to get a closer look from the water, you can take a traditional tambang (water taxi) across the river, which costs about RM 1.00 per way.
Getting There
Getting to the best viewing spots for Astana Sarawak is very easy if you are in Kuching city centre.
- By Foot: Simply walk to the Kuching Waterfront. From there, you will have a clear, direct view of the palace across the water.
- Darul Hana Bridge: For a higher viewing angle, walk across the beautiful Darul Hana Bridge (the S-shaped walking bridge).
- By Boat: Go to the nearest jetty at the Kuching Waterfront and hop on a tambang boat to cross the river. You can ask the boatman to slowly pass by the Astana Sarawak for a closer look at the riverside gardens.
Photo Gallery
[Photos will be updated soon]
Tips When Visiting
- Best Time for Photos: The best time to photograph the Astana Sarawak is during the late afternoon or during the famous Kuching sunset. The golden light hits the white building beautifully.
- Take a River Cruise: For a relaxing experience, book a Sarawak River Cruise at sunset. The cruise will take you right past the Astana Sarawak, giving you amazing photo opportunities without breaking a sweat.
- Night Viewing: Visit the waterfront at night. The Astana Sarawak and the nearby buildings are brightly lit, creating a magical reflection on the Sarawak River.
Hotels Nearby
If you want to wake up to a view of the Sarawak River and the Astana Sarawak, there are several great hotels located right across the water in the city centre:
- The Waterfront Hotel: Located right above Plaza Merdeka, offering amazing views of the river.
- Grand Margherita Hotel: Kuching’s first international hotel, located right next to the river walk.
- Riverside Majestic Hotel: Offers tall views of the city and the north bank of the river.
- Hilton Kuching: A classic favourite with excellent river-view rooms.
Conclusion and Related Places to Visit
While you cannot walk through the halls of the Astana Sarawak, seeing it from the outside is an absolute must-do when you visit our city. It stands as a proud reminder of Sarawak’s unique history and romantic past.
Once you have enjoyed the views of the Astana, there are many related places nearby to explore.
Just a short walk or boat ride away, you can visit Fort Margherita (another Brooke-era fort that now houses the Brooke Gallery), the beautiful Kuching Orchid Garden, and the modern Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building, which sits proudly next to the Astana.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
