Located at Kota Padawan, often called the “10th Mile” by the locals, St Ann Church Padawan is a Roman Catholic church that serves a large local community.
Over the years, it has grown from a humble wooden building into a massive, breathtaking structure.
Today, it stands proudly as a symbol of unity and faith for the people in the Padawan area, and it has quickly become a must-see landmark for visitors driving out of Kuching.
Highlights of the Attraction
The biggest highlight of St Ann Church Padawan is its incredible architecture. The building beautifully blends modern church design with local indigenous touches.
- The Roof Design: The most eye-catching feature is its massive, sweeping roof. It is inspired by the traditional Bidayuh Baruk (a traditional roundhouse used for gatherings).
- Spacious Interior: Inside, the church is huge and airy, with high ceilings that keep the space cool without needing much air conditioning.
- Stained Glass and Woodwork: The simple yet elegant stained glass windows and wooden carvings give the church a warm and welcoming feeling. It is a fantastic place for quiet thinking and admiring the local craftsmanship.
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Time: The church grounds are generally open daily from morning until early evening. However, the main doors might only be fully open during mass times or special events. It is best to visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Suggested Time to Spend: You will only need about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the grounds, take some photos, and admire the building.
- Dressing: Because this is a place of worship, please dress modestly. This means keeping your shoulders and knees covered. T-shirts and long trousers or long skirts are perfect.
Ticket Prices
Good news for budget travellers! There is no entrance fee to visit St Ann Church Padawan. It is completely free to enter the church grounds and admire the building. However, if you wish to make a small donation to help with the church’s upkeep, there are donation boxes inside.
Getting There (Directions from Kuching)
Getting to the church is very easy. It is located about 20 kilometres away from the Kuching city centre.
- By Car: From Kuching, drive south along Jalan Penrissen towards Kota Padawan. Keep going straight until you reach the 10th Mile bazaar area. You will easily spot the large, unique roof of the church on your left just before the main Kota Padawan traffic light. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By E-Hailing: You can easily book a Grab car from the city centre. It is convenient and saves you the trouble of finding parking.
Photo Gallery
(Imagine a beautiful grid of photos here on our website!)
- Photo 1: A wide shot of the stunning Baruk-inspired roof against a clear blue sky.
- Photo 2: The spacious, airy interior showing the wooden pews and altar.
- Photo 3: A close-up of the beautiful stained glass windows letting in colourful sunlight.
- Photo 4: The front entrance of the church, showing the friendly, welcoming local community.
Tips When Visiting
- Be Respectful: Keep your voice low and avoid running or making loud noises, especially if there are people praying inside.
- Check Mass Times: If you want to take photos of the empty interior, try to avoid Sunday mornings or Saturday evenings when church services are happening.
- Sunny Weather: The area outside can get quite hot. Bring an umbrella or a hat if you plan to walk around the compound to take photos.
Hotels Nearby
While most visitors choose to stay in the Kuching city centre, there are a few options if you want to stay closer to the Padawan area:
- Roxy Hotel Padawan / 10th Mile: A clean, modern, and very affordable budget hotel right in the Kota Padawan area. It is just a short drive from the church.
- Imperial Hotel Kuching: Located midway between the city centre and Padawan (at Boulevard Shopping Mall). It offers 4-star comfort and is a great base for exploring both the city and the outskirts.
Conclusion and Nearby Places to Visit
St Ann Church Padawan is more than just a place of worship; it is a beautiful piece of local architecture that shows off the spirit of Sarawak. It is highly recommended for a short, peaceful stop.
Since you are already in the Padawan area, you should definitely pair your visit with some other great nearby attractions!
Just a bit further down Jalan Penrissen, you will find the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where you can see semi-wild Orangutans swinging through the trees. You can also visit the Pitcher Plant and Wild Orchid Garden located nearby in Kota Padawan.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
