Located at the busy intersection between Jalan Padungan and Jalan Central, the Padungan Cat Statue (often called the Great Cat of Kuching) has been welcoming visitors since the late 1980s.
The statue is a large, white cat standing proudly on its hind legs, waving a friendly paw to everyone passing by.
For locals and tourists alike, it serves as a symbol of the city’s charming nickname and its welcoming spirit.
Highlights of the attraction
The most exciting highlight of the Padungan Cat Statue is its wardrobe. Yes, you read that right! This famous feline loves to dress up.
Depending on the time of year you visit, the cat will be wearing different outfits to celebrate local festivals.
During Chinese New Year, it wears traditional red clothing; during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, it puts on a lovely Baju Melayu; for Gawai (the harvest festival), it wears traditional Dayak warrior gear; and during Christmas, you might spot it dressed as Santa Claus.
This makes every visit unique and gives you a fun reason to come back.
Operating time, suggested time to spend & dressing when visiting
- Operating Time: The statue is outdoors and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Suggested Time to Spend: You will only need about 10 to 15 minutes here. It is a quick stop just to admire the statue and snap a few memorable holiday photos.
- Dressing: Since it is located outdoors in the tropical weather of Kuching, wear light, comfortable clothing. A t-shirt, shorts, and comfortable walking shoes are perfect. Do not forget your sunglasses or an umbrella if you visit in the middle of the day!
Ticket prices
Good news for your travel budget: visiting the Padungan Cat Statue is 100% free! There are no entrance fees or tickets required to take photos with Kuching’s favourite cat.
Getting there
The statue sits at a roundabout at the entrance of Jalan Padungan.
- From Kuching City Centre/Waterfront: It is very close to the main tourist area. If you are staying near the Kuching Waterfront or the Golden Anniversary Bridge, it is an easy 15-minute walk. Simply walk east along the riverside until you reach the start of Jalan Padungan.
- By E-hailing/Taxi: If you prefer not to walk in the heat, just book a Grab car. It is a very short and cheap ride from anywhere in the city centre. Just type in “Padungan Cat Statue” as your destination.
Photo gallery
(Coming soon)
Tips when visiting
- Mind the traffic: The statue is located on a traffic island in the middle of a busy roundabout. Please be very careful when crossing the road to get up close for your photos. Always look out for cars and motorcycles.
- Best time for photos: To avoid the hot afternoon sun, the best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is also beautifully lit up at night, offering a completely different feel for your pictures.
- Pose creatively: Don’t be shy! Mimic the cat’s waving pose for a classic tourist photo.
Hotels nearby
If you want to stay near the Padungan Cat Statue and the famous eateries of Jalan Padungan, there are many great hotel options just a short walk away:
- Abell Hotel: A stylish and comfortable hotel right at the doorstep of Jalan Padungan.
- Grand Margherita Hotel: Kuching’s first international hotel, located just down the road near the waterfront.
- Imperial Riverbank Hotel: Offers great views of the Sarawak River and is very close to the statue.
- Roxy Hotel Padungan: A modern, budget-friendly option located right along the vibrant Jalan Padungan street.
Conclusion and nearby places to visit
A trip to the City of Cats is simply not complete without a photo at the Padungan Cat Statue. It is quick, free, and gives you a wonderful memory of your time in Sarawak.
Once you are done taking photos, you do not have to go far for your next activity. You are right at the start of Jalan Padungan, a street famous for its traditional bakeries and fantastic local food—make sure to stop by a local coffee shop for a warm bowl of authentic Sarawak Kolo Mee!
You can also take a short walk to the Kuching Waterfront for a relaxing stroll by the river, or visit the nearby Tua Pek Kong Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
