Sarawak River Cruise
Kuching

sarawak river at sunset

The Sarawak River Cruise is a leisurely way to view Kuching's riverside attractions and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

river cruise boat at Kuching waterfront

The cruise boat has two decks and can accommodate 140 passengers. The Lower Deck, called the Mariner Lounge, is a surprisingly plush space with wood panelling, panoramic windows, low lighting, a bar and even a mock fireplace for those cosy evenings. It has dining tables and a long buffet counter for those passengers going on one of their dining cruises.

plush Mariner Lounge

However, most tourists joining the popular Signature Sunset Cruise will just head straight for the stairs to the Upper Deck for the best panoramic views of the city. It is free-seating and open air so you can enjoy the cooling breeze off the river but at the same time there is a roof covering to provide shade and protection from light rain. There is a snack bar selling snacks, soft drinks and beers but the ticket price includes a plate of Kek Lapis (local cake) per passenger and unlimited orange drinks so there is no need to spend more if you don't want to.

colourful local layer cake and orange drink

Once underway there is a live commentary (partly in English) to point out the major landmarks along the river bank. The ever-changing scenery includes sleepy Malay kampungs and more unfamiliar views of Kuching as well as the iconic landmarks such as the Astana, Floating Mosque, Brooke Dockyard, Darul Hana Bridge etc.

partially submerged fishing trawler

On the way back to the jetty you can enjoy traditional cultural dances performed by members of Sarawak's diverse indigenous communities. You are welcome to join in or pose with the dancers for photos.

dancers in traditional local costumes

The highlight of the Sunset Cruise is the sunset itself. Every day is different but Kuching riverfront has gorgeous sunsets most evenings.

DUN building and giant flagpole at sunset

Overall I found the cruise to be much better than expected, very relaxing and a comfortable temperature in the breezy open air.

Cruise Timings and Ticket Prices

ticket for Signature Sunset Cruise

Their most popular cruise, and the one I can recommend, is called the Signature Sunset Cruise and departs at 5:30pm every day.

The cruise lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes (returns to jetty at 7pm).

They also have a shorter and cheaper Sightseeing Cruise lasting 1 hour which departs at 3pm on weekends only (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). It can be pretty hot at that time of day.

Dining packages and boat hire for special functions are available.

Sunset Cruise Ticket Price

  • RM 70 for Adults (ages 13 and above)
  • Rm 35 for Children (ages 5 - 12)
  • Children ages 4 and below are free.

The price includes traditional and colourful Sarawak layer cakes called kuih lapis and free flow orange drinks.

You can buy tickets at the jetty (card payment accepted) or online (same price). Advance bookings/reservations not normally required.

river cruise boat at the jetty

In fact I recommend not booking in advance since the weather in Kuching is unpredictable. In the event of heavy rain you could sit downstairs in the comfortable air-conditioned cabin but you would miss the open-air upper deck experience which most tourists seem to prefer. By buying your tickets at the last minute at the jetty you will be able to judge whether rain is likely. The cruise operator suggests that you arrive at the jetty by 5pm.

If you opt for the shorter and earlier Sightseeing Cruise it costs RM 50 for adults and RM 30 for kids.

Alternatives to Sarawak River Cruise

1. Royal Kuching Cruise

Royal Kuching Cruise boat at sunset

A rival cruise boat, the Royal Kuching Cruise departs from the neighbouring jetty at the same time with more or less the same itinerary, similar light refreshments and cultural performance and costs the same price.

Royal Kuching Cruise also has a City Night Cruise lasting 1 hour from 7:30 to 8:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only. Nice for seeing the beautiful illuminations along the Kuching Waterfront. Adult RM 50, child RM 25.

2. Sarawak Traditional Boat Cruise

long boat with hornbill bow

These smaller boats are limited to 12 passengers (life jackets provided) and have a shorter itinerary, roughly one-hour, and no refreshments provided. Being closer to the water you get a different feel. The cost is around RM 20 per adult and half price for children. You can pay at the jetty (cash only) which is located just along the waterfront from the Sarawak River Cruise jetty.

Where to Find the Sarawak River Cruise

The location of the Sarawak River Cruise Jetty is marked on this map:

Address

Jalan Main Bazaar
Kuching 93100


Contact

See official website for more details and online bookings:

https://sarawakrivercruise.com/

Parking

On street parking spaces are not easy to find in this busy area. Instead you can try the car park underneath Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall which is a short walk away.

Nearby Attractions

The cruise jetty is located in the heart of Kuching's main tourism area and nearby attractions include:

  • Jalan Main Bazaar
  • Carpenter Street
  • Darul Hana Bridge
  • The Old Court House
  • Chinese History Museum
  • Tua Pek Kong Temple

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.