If you are looking for a peaceful green space right in the heart of Kuching, the MBKS (Kuching South City Council) Park is a must-visit.
Also known to locals as Jubilee Recreation Ground or simply Taman MBKS, this park sits right next to the iconic arched MBKS building on Jalan Padungan.
It is a favourite spot for families, joggers, and anyone wanting a quiet break from the busy city streets. Whether you are a tourist or a local, this park offers a lovely slice of nature.
Highlights of the attraction
What makes the MBKS (Kuching South City Council) Park so special? There is something here for everyone!
- The Man-Made Lake: The park features a large, scenic lake right in the middle. It is home to many fishes, making it a fun spot for children to watch and feed them.
- Chinese Zodiac Sculptures: One of the best places for photos is the garden area featuring a complete set of Chinese Zodiac animal sculptures. It also has a traditional Chinese-style resting pavilion with beautiful curved roofs that look amazing in pictures.
- Jogging and Reflexology Paths: The park is surrounded by well-maintained, flat jogging paths shaded by lush, green trees. There is even a special reflexology path (pebble path) if you want a foot massage while walking barefoot!
- Children’s Playground: It has one of the largest and most vibrant outdoor playgrounds in the city, making it a fantastic place for kids to burn off energy safely.
- Kuching Festival: If you visit during August, the park transforms into the lively Kuching Festival food fair, filled with hundreds of stalls selling delicious local and international food.
Operating time, suggested time to spend & dressing when visiting
The park is a public recreation space and is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
- Suggested time to spend: You will need about 1 to 2 hours to enjoy a slow walk, take photos, and let the kids play.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings (around 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM) or late afternoons (after 5:00 PM) are the best times to avoid the hot midday sun.
- Dressing: Dress comfortably! Light, breathable cotton clothes, shorts, and good walking or running shoes are highly recommended.
Ticket prices
Great news! Entry to the MBKS (Kuching South City Council) Park is completely free for everyone. You do not need to buy any tickets to enjoy the gardens, playgrounds, or jogging tracks.
Getting there
Getting to the park from Kuching city centre is very easy. It is located along Jalan Padungan, which is one of Kuching’s most famous historical streets.
- By E-hailing / Taxi: The easiest way is to use Grab or Maxim. Just type “MBKS” or “Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan” into the app. It takes less than 10 minutes from the Kuching Waterfront area.
- By Car: If you are driving, head straight down Jalan Padungan until you see the grand MBKS building. There are plenty of free public parking spaces around the council building and park area.
- Walking: If you are staying at a hotel in the Padungan area, it is a pleasant 15 to 20-minute walk down the street to reach the park.
Photo gallery
(Coming soon)
Tips when visiting
To make your visit as smooth as possible, keep these easy tips in mind:
- Bring mosquito repellent: Since it is a green park with a lake, there can be mosquitoes, especially in the early morning and late evening.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a bottle of water, as the weather can get quite warm and humid.
- Fish feeding: Bring along some fish food or plain bread if you have young children; they will love feeding the fish at the lake!
- Festival season: If you hate large crowds and traffic jams, avoid driving near the park in the evenings during August (when the Kuching Festival is happening). But if you love food, it is the best time to go!
Hotels nearby
If you want to stay close to this green oasis and the famous Padungan food street, there are several good hotels nearby. These include:
- Roxy Hotel Padungan: A stylish and affordable boutique hotel just down the street.
- Imperial Riverbank Hotel: Located closer to the river but still a very short drive away.
- Grand Margherita Hotel / Hilton Kuching: For a more luxurious stay, these hotels are situated along the main city stretch, about a 5 to 10-minute drive from the park.
Conclusion and nearby places to visit
In short, the MBKS (Kuching South City Council) Park is a beautiful, safe, and relaxing place to spend your morning or evening. It perfectly mixes nature, local culture, and recreation.
After your walk in the park, you can easily explore nearby places. Walk down Jalan Padungan to see the famous White Cat Statue, buy local Sarawak souvenirs, or eat at the traditional Chinese coffee shops.
You can also visit the Petanak Central Market nearby for fresh local produce or head over to the Kuching Waterfront for a lovely sunset view along the Sarawak River.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
