Right in the historic heart of Kuching lies the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall which spans a large area of 550,000 square feet.
Opened in 2012, this modern shopping centre sits beautifully among the city’s heritage buildings, including the General Post Office and the Central Police Station.
For both locals and tourists, it is a favourite place to cool down, shop, and enjoy good food while exploring the downtown area.
Highlights of the Mall
laza Merdeka Shopping Mall offers over 150 shops spread across a spacious, air-conditioned complex.
- Anchor Tenants: The mall is anchored by Parkson Department Store, which offers a wide range of clothing, cosmetics, and household items, and Everrise Supermarket, perfect for grocery shopping and picking up local Sarawak snacks.
- Popular Shops: Shoppers can find well-known international and local brands such as H&M, Cotton On, Skechers, Mr. DIY, and Esprit.
- What Locals Go Here For: Many locals visit the mall to eat. The Food Plaza on Level 3 (Your Downtown Kitchen) is a huge draw. It serves delicious local favourites like Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee, alongside Western and Japanese food. Plus, the food court offers a lovely, relaxing view of Padang Merdeka (Merdeka Field). If you prefer fast food, this is the only mall in the city centre area with a McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and KFC all under one roof.
(Tenant list may change from time to time. Tenant list correct on March 2026)
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Hours: The mall is open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Suggested Time to Spend: Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours here. This gives you enough time to browse the shops, enjoy a nice meal, and take a rest.
- Dressing: Keep it casual and comfortable. Light clothing and comfortable walking shoes are the best choices, especially if you plan to walk to nearby outdoor attractions before or after your mall visit. Because the mall is fully air-conditioned, you might want to bring a light jacket if you get cold easily.
Facilities & Number of Shops
The mall is well-equipped to make your visit easy and comfortable.
- Facilities:
- Clean public toilets and baby changing rooms.
- Wheelchair-friendly walkways and lifts.
- Surau (prayer rooms) for Muslim visitors.
- Plenty of ATMs located on the lower ground and ground floors.
- Children’s play areas like KiidzClubhouse and Molly Fantasy to keep the little ones entertained.
- Parking Fees: The mall provides two levels of safe, covered parking. The parking rate usually starts at RM2 for the first hour and RM1 for every hour after that. The mall often runs special promotions, such as RM1 per entry after 5:00 PM or free weekend parking for the first hour, so be sure to check the signs at the entrance.
Getting There
Getting to Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall is very simple because it is located right in the centre of Kuching city at 88 Pearl Street.
- By Foot: If you are staying in the city centre, the mall is a short, easy walk from the Kuching Waterfront, India Street, or Carpenter Street.
- By Car or Ride-Hailing (Grab): Simply type “Plaza Merdeka” into your Grab app. It is about a 20-minute drive from Kuching International Airport. Traffic around the area can be a bit slow during rush hour, but the drop-off points at the mall are very safe and clear.
Photo Gallery
(Photos coming soon)
Tips When Visiting
- Visit the Supermarket: The Everrise Supermarket on the lower floor is a great place to buy local Sarawak snacks, like Sarawak pepper or local sweets, to bring home as gifts.
- Avoid the Crowd: The mall gets quite busy during office lunch hours (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) and on weekends. Visit in the mid-morning or late afternoon for a quieter shopping experience.
- Parking Tips: If you are driving, the parking spaces can fill up quickly on weekends. Try to arrive early in the day or use Grab to avoid looking for a parking spot.
Hotels Nearby
Since the mall is so central, there are many great places to stay nearby:
- The Waterfront Hotel: This hotel is actually attached right on top of Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall. It offers luxury rooms and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the river.
- Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites: Just a short 3-minute walk across Padang Merdeka, offering classic rooms.
- The Ranee Boutique Suites: A beautiful, stylish hotel located on the nearby Main Bazaar (Kuching Waterfront).
- Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching: A great budget-friendly option located just 5 minutes away on foot.
Conclusion and Nearby Places to Visit
To conclude, Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall is more than just a place to buy things. It is a convenient, comfortable, and lively hub in the middle of Kuching’s historic district. It offers a great break between your sightseeing walks.
Because of its amazing location, you can easily walk from the mall to several top attractions. Right next door is the historic Old Courthouse and the India Street Pedestrian Mall.
Just across the street, you can explore the famous Sarawak Museum and the Borneo Cultures Museum. Finally, a quick walk behind the mall will take you to Carpenter Street and the beautiful Kuching Waterfront.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
