Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia uses Asia/Kuching, currently +08 (UTC+08:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Kuching is a city in Malaysia, home to around 402,700 people. Unlike many places, it does not observe daylight saving time.
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
Kuching lies along the Sarawak River in Borneo, and the old town on the south bank holds the colonial-era buildings, the waterfront promenade and most of the accommodation. The north bank is quieter and reached by small passenger boats, while newer suburbs spread inland away from the water.
The riverfront is the centre of the city's life and is at its best in the late afternoon and evening when the heat drops. Museums covering Borneo's peoples and natural history are within the old town, and rainforest reserves with wildlife are close enough for a day trip from the city.
The old town is compact and walkable, and small boats cross the river for a few minutes' journey. Taxis and ride-hailing cover longer distances, as public bus coverage is limited and geared to residents rather than visitors.
The climate is equatorial and warm year-round, with the heaviest rain in the northeast monsoon months around the turn of the year. The drier middle part of the year is more comfortable for walking and for trips into the forest.
Malaysia uses the MYR, calling code +60.
Malaysia uses the ringgit, and Malay is the official language, with English widely understood and Chinese dialects and Iban also commonly spoken in Sarawak. The manner is noticeably relaxed, and modest dress is appreciated at religious sites.
