If you are travelling to Kuching, a walk down Jalan Padungan is a must. As one of the oldest streets in the city, Jalan Padungan offers a beautiful mix of history, culture, and modern lifestyle. Built in the 1920s during the Brooke era, this bustling street is lined with charming heritage shophouses.
Today, it is famous among locals and tourists for its fantastic food, lively nightlife, and, of course, the iconic White Cat Statue that welcomes visitors at the start of the road.
Whether you are a food lover, a history fan, or just someone looking to take lovely photos, Jalan Padungan has something for everyone.
Highlights of the Attraction
- The Great Cat of Kuching: You cannot visit Jalan Padungan without taking a photo with the famous White Cat Statue at the Padungan roundabout. It is often dressed up during major festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Christmas!
- Heritage Shophouses: Take a walk and admire the beautiful 1920s architecture. Many of these old buildings have been carefully preserved and now house modern businesses.
- Local Food Paradise: Jalan Padungan is a great place to hunt for famous Sarawak food. You can easily find delicious Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa, and freshly baked traditional pastries here.
- Trendy Cafes and Bars: At night, the street comes alive with cosy cafes, pubs, and bistros, making it an excellent spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
- Souvenir Shopping: There are several shops selling local handicrafts, Sarawak pepper, and bird’s nest.
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Time: As a public road, Jalan Padungan is open 24 hours a day. However, most coffee shops and retail stores open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Cafes, restaurants, and pubs usually open from late afternoon until midnight.
- Suggested Time to Spend: Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours here. This gives you enough time to take photos, eat a good meal, and explore the shops without rushing.
- Dressing: Kuching is warm and humid all year round. It is best to wear light, breathable cotton clothing. Since you will be walking a lot, make sure to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Ticket Prices
Exploring Jalan Padungan is completely free! You do not need to buy any tickets to walk around or take photos. Just make sure to bring enough cash or have your e-wallet ready to pay for the amazing food and souvenirs.
Getting There
Since Jalan Padungan is located right in the heart of Kuching city, getting there is very easy.
- Walking: If you are staying near the Kuching Waterfront or the Golden Anniversary Bridge (Darul Hana Bridge), Jalan Padungan is just a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk away. Just walk east along the river walk until you reach the cat statue.
- By E-hailing (Grab): If you are coming from the Kuching International Airport or areas further away, using the Grab app is the easiest way. Just set your drop-off point to “Jalan Padungan” or the “Kuching Cat Statue”.
- Driving: If you rent a car, there are street parking boxes available. Remember to display your parking coupons, which can be bought at local booths or shops.
Photo Gallery
(Photos coming soon)
Tips When Visiting
- Bring an Umbrella: The weather in Kuching can be unpredictable. An umbrella will protect you from sudden rain showers or the hot afternoon sun.
- Visit Twice: Try to visit once in the morning for traditional breakfast (like Kolo Mee) and once at night to enjoy the lively pub and cafe scene.
- Walk the Alleys: Do not just stay on the main road. Sometimes, you will find hidden street art and quiet, aesthetic cafes tucked away in the back lanes.
Hotels Nearby
If you want to stay close to the action, there are several great hotels right on or very near Jalan Padungan:
- Roxy Hotel Padungan: A clean, modern, and affordable boutique hotel located right on the street.
- Abell Hotel: Located very close to the White Cat Statue, offering comfortable rooms and a great restaurant.
- Grand Margherita Hotel: A slightly larger, well-known hotel located just a short walk away, offering lovely views of the Sarawak River.
Conclusion and Nearby Places to Visit
Jalan Padungan is the perfect starting point to experience the charm of Kuching. Its blend of old-world architecture and modern food culture makes it a street you simply cannot miss.
Once you are done exploring Jalan Padungan, there are many other great attractions nearby. You can take a short walk to the Kuching Waterfront to enjoy the river breeze.
Along the way, you can visit the colourful Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Chinese History Museum. If you want to see more heritage streets, head over to the famous Carpenter Street, which is also just a stone’s throw away!
Also nearby is St Peter’s Church, a new crown jewel of the area.
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