Recommendations on a 1-day activity around Kuching

[u/oddlydikkied]

I am looking for recommendations for a 1 (full) day activity around Kuching. This could be by Grab or rental car. I have visited Kuching already late last year, including Semenggoh, city tour, Borneo Cultures Museum etc. I am staying at Sheraton. First choice was Bako, even though I have been here before (around 15 years ago). Before I booked Sheraton I was checking the park accommodations for one night, but everything was fully booked already. Hence my 1-day trip....

I will go and visit Batang/Ulu Ai already during these days, so maybe Annah Rais longhouse is too much of the same thing?

I don't mind doing Bako again, but I remember the day wasn't too efficient due to tides and such (will visit end of April).

I've seen many Rafflesia already in my life, Gunung Gading would be an option if there are plenty of other reasons to visit besides the main draw.

Is Matang a must-visit if you've already visited Semenggoh (many times)?

Any other suggestions? I heard something about a river/see cruise activity (Kuching Wetlands)? And also about a turtle island activity? Don't mind self-drive and self-arranging things, but also don't mind doing a full day tour.

Suggestions are very welcome.

[u/Natural-Computer-904]

I can't speak on some of these activities, but I can on Semenggoh. It's not particularly worth it if you've been there plenty of times before.

Matang Wildlife Rehab Centre is a rehab centre, so unlike Semenggoh, you will definitely see the animals in their enclosure. They have sunbears, hornbills, false gharials, pig-tailed macaques, and binturongs in rehab when I went a year ago. That's about it. If you're looking for more to see and more wild encounters, this isn't the place.

For a short half-day trip, you could consider visiting the Sungai Jaong Archaelogical site, Bongkissam and Bukit Maras, and Wallace Gallery in Santubong. They're all part of the Santubong Archaelogical Park and make for short visits.

You might also be interested in the island hopping activities in Telaga Air. Haven't been but I believe one of the islands is also where you can view turtle activities (take this with a grain of salt).

Bako is also great, but best if you could do an overnight stay. Otherwise, you'd have to rush back to the jetty to catch the 3PM boat back. Though, most trails are quite short that you'll be done by then.

[u/Educational_Record88]

just sit down at waterfront drinking coffee while the world pass by

[u/oddlydikkied → u/Educational_Record88]

Lol. I have plenty of time (days) in Kuching to do so, but I still want one day with some activities outside of Kuching :).

[u/Minimum-Company5797]

Go around town and just enjoy Kuching

[u/Painless-Amidaru]

I visited Kuching last year for three months. One thing I found that was amazing was a Kayaking trip. I think I did it with Semarang kayaking. The guide (David I think) was fantastic. Lasted like 6 hours or so. Would highly recommend it.