Top 10 Places to Visit in Sarawak for New Year 2026

Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia, is widely known for its rich cultural diversity and breathtaking natural landscapes. During the festive season, Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak and the surrounding areas come alive with vibrant celebrations, decorations, cultural performances, food feasts, and lively gatherings, making it a great place to welcome the New Year. 

If you’re planning to visit Sarawak for the New Year, here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit in Sarawak so you can start planning your getaway!

1. Sarawak Cultural Village

 

Source: Sarawak Culture Village 

For a cultural experience during the New Year, Sarawak Cultural Village is a great place to start! It’s an award-winning living museum that showcases Borneo’s vibrant cultures, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau and Penan through traditional longhouses, handicrafts, and cultural performances. For anyone who enjoys learning about the different cultures in Sarawak, Sarawak Culture Village is a must-visit! 

Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm

2. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Source: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre 

Home to semi-wild orangutans, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is an orangutan rehabilitation centre and sanctuary located near Kuching. They care for orangutans that have been injured, orphaned or previously kept as illegal pets. 

Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural environment as they freely roam, making it a wonderful place to visit during the New Year. The best time to visit is during the feeding sessions, which take place twice a day – 9am and 3pm.

Address: KM 20, Borneo Highland Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 10am, 2pm - 4pm

3. Borneo Cultures Museum

Source: Museum Sarawak 

Located in Kuching city centre, Borneo Cultures Museum is another museum worth visiting in Sarawak and the perfect place to visit during the New Year holiday. It’s also known as the largest museum in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia. 

Designed in a modern style 5-storey building, its modern exhibitions showcase Sarawak’s history, art, cultural artefacts and interactive displays, where visitors can spend hours exploring and learning about the rich history and cultures of Sarawak. 

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.45pm | Saturday & Sunday, 9am  -  4.30pm

4. Sunset Cruise

Source: Sarawak River Cruise 

Don’t miss the sunset cruise along the Sarawak River! The cruise offers breathtaking views of the city’s vibrant skyline combined with the golden glow of the sunset, creating a magical experience, especially during the New Year.

The peaceful river setting allows visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning views, making it a memorable experience for the whole family. The 1.5-hour cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

5. Lepau Restaurant

Source: Lepau Restaurant 

Nothing better than ringing in the New Year with authentic local cuisine with your loved ones! The Lepau Restaurant is one of the popular restaurants in Kuching, serving traditional Sarawakian dishes, including ayam pansuh, umai, tempoyak, midin belacan, and more, which are said to be tasty and flavourful. To ensure you have a table, especially during the festive season, be sure to book a reservation in advance! 

Address: 99, Jalan Ban Hock, Road, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 2pm, 6 - 10pm

Closed: Sunday

6. Jong’s Crocodile Farm

Source: Jong’s Crocodile 

Another interesting place to visit in Sarawak is Jong’s Crocodile Farm, the largest captive breeding crocodile farm in Malaysia. More than just crocodiles, visitors can also observe hundreds of other wildlife species including various rare bird species, sunbears, monkeys, deer, turtles and more. 

Apart from that, visitors can learn about the history of crocodiles in Sarawak in the only crocodile museum in Malaysia. This is perfect for travellers looking for something exciting and educational during the festive season!

Address: Jalan Kuching - Serian, 94200 Siburan, Sarawak

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5 pm

7. Waterfront Kuching

Source: Sarawak Tourism 

Kuching Waterfront, also known as Kuching Esplanade, is a favourite hangout spot for locals as well as tourists. During the festive season, the area becomes more lively with lights, decorations, performances, and local crowds gathering for festivals, events and daily activities. 

Here, visitors can experience local food, arts and crafts from the stalls, live performances and more! It’s another fantastic place to celebrate the New Year with your loved ones! 

Address: 7, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

8. Cat Statue

 

Source: Sarawak Tourism 

One of the iconic landmarks in Kuching is the Cat Statue, symbolizing Kuching, the “City of Cats”, a must-visit destination in Sarawak for travellers. Located at Kuching China Town, visitors can find a sculpture of a family of cats that has become a symbolic stop for many. Be sure to add this stop to your Kuching itinerary and snap some photos as a remembrance! 

Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

9. Carpenter Street

Source: Sarawak Tourism 

Carpenter Street in Kuching is known for its colonial-era architecture, traditional shophouses and buildings, drawing many people to this vibrant street. Being one of the oldest streets in Kuching, this historical street is a favourite spot for casual hangouts as it has many dining places, from old shophouses to trendy bars and restaurants, making it the perfect location to visit for the New Year. 

Address: 93000 Kuching, Sarawak

10. Bengoh Dam - Borneo’s Jurassic Park 

Source: Hiking Bengoh Dam Waterfall 

For nature lovers, a trip to Bengoh Dam will never disappoint. Often referred to as Borneo’s Jurassic Park, this stunning beauty is a hidden gem located in Kuching near the Borneo Highlands, and is surrounded by stunning cliffs, waterfalls and lush mountains. It is indeed one of the beautiful spots in Malaysia! 

Perfect for a day trip, visitors can explore Bengoh Dam on a boat for a scenic ride through the forests and hike to the breathtaking waterfalls. It’s certainly a refreshing escape to welcome the new year! 

Address: 94700 Kuching, Sarawak

Conclusion

Sarawak is a great place to celebrate the New Year. From cultural to nature spots, Sarawak has a lot to offer, making it one of the best destinations to explore during the holiday season. If you’re planning a trip to Sarawak for New Year’s, consider renting a car in Kuching Sarawak with Wahdah so you can have a comfortable and stress-free journey as you move from one place to another at your own pace. Book today and plan your adventures in Sarawak! 

 

Read more about: 

• 10 Best Things to do in Kuching
• 9 Best Places to Eat in Kuching for Sarawak Local Food
• Top Things to do in Sarawak in November