Did you know that the name “Kuching” sounds very similar to the Malay word for cat?
Because of this, our beautiful city is proudly known as the “Cat City,” and it is famous for its love of felines.
If you are travelling to Sarawak, one place you simply cannot miss is the Kuching Cat Museum.
Located inside the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) building on top of Bukit Siol, it is celebrated as the first museum of its kind in the world.
Whether you are a dedicated cat lover or just looking for a fun holiday outing, this quirky museum offers a memorable experience for all ages.
Highlights of the Attraction
The Kuching Cat Museum is home to over 4,000 cat-related items spread across four large indoor galleries. Here are some of the top highlights you must see:
- The Egyptian Cat Mummy: Step back in time and view a real mummified cat from ancient Egypt, believed to be over 5,000 years old.
- Wild Cats of Borneo: Learn about the rare and endangered wild cats native to our island, such as the elusive Bornean Bay Cat.
- Pop Culture Felines: Take a walk down memory lane with colourful displays of famous cats from movies, comics, and cartoons, including Hello Kitty, Garfield, and Felix the Cat.
- Local Culture and Folklore: Discover how cats are viewed in local Malay, Chinese, and Orang Ulu cultures, and marvel at a huge collection of Japanese Maneki-Neko (beckoning cats).
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Time: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is sometimes closed on major public holidays, so it is always a good idea to check ahead.
- Suggested Time to Spend: Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits, reading the fun facts, and taking photos.
- Dressing: The museum is fully air-conditioned and indoors. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are perfect.
Ticket Prices
Visiting the Kuching Cat Museum is very friendly on the wallet!
- Adults (13 years and above): RM 3.00
- Children (3 to 12 years old): RM 2.00
- Children under 3 and Disabled Persons: Free of charge
Note: There are small extra fees if you want to use your smartphone or camera for photos (around RM 3 to RM 5). The ticket counters only accept cash, so please bring small notes with you!
Getting There
The museum is located in Petra Jaya, which is across the river and about a 10 to 20-minute drive from the Kuching city centre.
- From Kuching City: The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by using a ride-hailing app like Grab, or by taking a local taxi. Just set your drop-off point to “Kuching Cat Museum” or “DBKU Headquarters”.
- By Bus: While there are public buses that go to the Petra Jaya area, they can be slow and infrequent. Taking a car is highly recommended for tourists.
Photo Gallery
[Photos to be updated]
Tips When Visiting
- Bring Cash: Entrance fees, camera fees, and souvenirs must be paid in cash. Credit cards and e-wallets are not accepted at the moment.
- No Live Cats: Please note that this is a museum of arts, crafts, and history. There are no live cats or petting zoo areas inside.
- Enjoy the View: Because the museum sits on top of a hill, take a few minutes before you leave to enjoy the lovely, breezy view of Kuching from the DBKU building.
Hotels Nearby
Since the museum is a short drive from the main town, the best places to stay are in the Kuching city centre, near the scenic Sarawak River. Some highly-rated options include:
- The Waterfront Hotel Kuching: A modern hotel with great views and easy access to shopping malls.
- Tune Hotel – Waterfront Kuching: A great budget-friendly choice that is clean, comfortable, and close to many eateries.
- Grand Margherita Hotel: A popular, classic stay offering excellent service right in the heart of the city.
Conclusion and Related Places to Visit
The Kuching Cat Museum is a light-hearted, fun, and educational stop that truly celebrates the spirit of our “Cat City”. It is a wonderful way to spend an morning or afternoon learning about history, nature, and pop culture.
Since you are already in the Petra Jaya area, why not make a day of it?
After your visit to the museum, we highly suggest heading over to the beautiful Kuching Orchid Garden to see the state flower, or taking a short drive to admire the stunning architecture of the Sarawak State Mosque and the historic Fort Margherita.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
