If you are taking a stroll along the beautiful Sarawak River, you will surely notice a striking white building that looks like a small castle.
This is the Square Tower Kuching, one of the most famous historical landmarks in the city. Standing proudly on the Kuching Waterfront, this colonial-era building is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you love history or just want a great photo, the Square Tower Kuching is a place you must include in your travel list.
Highlights of the attraction
The Square Tower Kuching is packed with history. It was built back in 1879 during the Brooke era, also known as the time of the White Rajahs. Over the years, this small but strong building has served many different purposes.
It started as a fortress and a prison to protect the town from river pirates. Later, it was even used as a dance hall!
Today, the main highlight is its beautiful colonial architecture. You can still see the old Brooke coat of arms on the building.
The tower makes a perfect background for photos, especially with the Sarawak River, the modern Darul Hana Bridge, and the grand Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building sitting right across the water.
Sometimes, the ground floor operates as a restaurant, giving visitors the unique chance to enjoy a meal inside a piece of living history.
Operating time, suggested time to spend & dressing when visiting
Because the Square Tower Kuching is located right on the open public walkway of the Kuching Waterfront, you can walk around the outside of the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there is an active restaurant inside during your visit, it will follow its own business hours, usually opening from the late afternoon until late at night.
- Suggested time to spend: You will only need about 15 to 30 minutes here to read the historical plaques, enjoy the river view, and take some nice photos.
- Dressing when visiting: The weather in Kuching is hot and humid all year round. We highly suggest wearing light, casual, and breathable clothes like cotton t-shirts, shorts, or light trousers. Do not forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking along the waterfront!
Ticket prices
Here is some great news for budget travellers: there are absolutely no ticket prices to visit the Square Tower Kuching! Taking photos and walking around the exterior is completely free.
You only need to spend money if you decide to dine at the restaurant inside or buy drinks and snacks from nearby vendors along the waterfront.
Getting there (Directions from Kuching)
Getting to the Square Tower Kuching is very easy because it is located right in the heart of the city’s tourism hub.
- By Walking: If your hotel is in the city centre (like near Carpenter Street, Main Bazaar, or India Street), you can simply walk to the Kuching Waterfront. The tower is located near the Old Courthouse at the western end of the waterfront.
- By Grab or Taxi: You can easily book a Grab car from anywhere in Kuching. Just set your drop-off point to “Kuching Waterfront” or “Old Courthouse”. From the drop-off point, it is just a one-minute walk to the tower.
- By Bus: You can take the free hydrogen bus that goes around the city centre and get off near the Main Bazaar or the Old Courthouse.
Photo gallery
(Coming soon)
Tips when visiting
To make the most of your visit to the Square Tower Kuching, keep these easy tips in mind:
- Visit in the late afternoon: The sun can be very hot in the middle of the day. It is best to visit around 5:00 PM. The weather will be cooler, and you can catch a stunning sunset over the Sarawak River.
- Wait for the night lights: After dark, the Square Tower Kuching, the Darul Hana Bridge, and the nearby buildings are beautifully lit up. It is a magical sight and perfect for night photography.
- Bring sun protection: If you do visit during the day, bring an umbrella, sunglasses, and wear sun cream.
- Explore on foot: The best way to enjoy the area is to walk. Take your time to enjoy the gentle river breeze and the lively atmosphere of the waterfront.
Hotels nearby
Since the Square Tower Kuching is in a prime location, there are many great hotels nearby to suit different budgets:
- The Waterfront Hotel: A luxury option located right next to the Old Courthouse, offering amazing views of the river and the tower.
- Riverside Majestic Hotel: A great choice offering excellent river views and easy access to shopping malls.
- Meritin Hotel: A comfortable and modern hotel that is just a short walk away from the waterfront.
- Legacy Hill Hotel: A neat and friendly budget option that is only a few minutes away on foot.
Conclusion and nearby places to visit
In conclusion, the Square Tower Kuching is a small but very important piece of Sarawak’s history.
It shows how much Kuching has grown from a river settlement into a modern city while still keeping its heritage alive.
After you finish admiring the Square Tower Kuching, do not leave just yet! There are many nearby places to visit.
You can walk across the beautiful Darul Hana Bridge, explore the historical Old Courthouse right opposite the tower, or take a short walk to Carpenter Street to enjoy some local food. The Chinese History Museum and the bustling Main Bazaar (perfect for buying souvenirs) are also just a few steps away down the waterfront.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
