Published on August 17, 2025
A revitalisation task has been announced that will widen nan famed Kuching Waterfront on nan confederate slope of nan Sarawak River. The intent of nan hold is to create Malaysia’s longest waterfront promenade, and nan translator is being overseen by nan Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and authorities authorities. The original promenade was built successful nan early 1990s to go 1 of Kuching’s astir beloved nationalist spaces. The caller improvement is planned to agelong from Kampung Sungai Bintangor correct done to Satok Bridge, wherever some modern creation and enhanced visitation entreaty are being woven into each detail.
How nan Waterfront Was Originally Created
It is recorded that nan thought of nan Kuching Waterfront was conceived complete 3 decades ago. Groundbreaking was held successful 1989 nether nan guidance of nan Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and nan promenade was officially opened successful September 1993. At that time, it became Malaysia’s very first purpose-built waterfront esplanade, and it quickly became a focal constituent of gathering and scenic enjoyment.
Small-Scale but Significant Revamps
Between 2017 and 2019, a translator of nan promenade was undertaken, during which covered pedestrian walkways, modern LED lighting, and refreshed landscaping were incorporated to heighten some comfortableness and aesthetics. In 2023, a further makeover was funded pinch RM2.5 million, pinch activity continuing done 2024, pinch nan volition of providing an moreover much comfortable and visitor‑friendly environment.
Malaysia’s Longest Waterfront successful nan Making
Starting successful August 2025, a caller shape of revitalisation was officially announced. The existing promenaded stretch—nearly 1.89 km successful length—will beryllium extended from Sungai Bintangor to Satok Bridge. Once completed, this interconnected agelong is being designed to go Malaysia’s longest riverfront esplanade, offering much abstraction for strolling, recreation, events and municipality immersion.
Highlights and Features of nan Extended Zone
- Lengthened promenade: The hold will widen nan waterfront significantly, creating an inviting long-distance stepping route.
- Modern conveniences: Upgrades are being woven in, including shaded strollways, landscaping, smart lighting, viewing decks, and perchance caller parking aliases small‑scale kiosks.
- Visitor‑friendly design: A cohesive creation taxable is being implemented to guarantee that nan hold feels for illustration portion of nan original waterfront, maintaining its prestige arsenic a metropolis landmark.
Nearby Heritage Anchors: Culture Within Steps
The Astana
On nan other broadside of nan Sarawak River, nan erstwhile palace of nan White Rajahs, The Astana, was built successful nan 1870s and now serves arsenic nan charismatic residence of nan authorities governor. Although not mostly unfastened to nan public, its landscaped gardens are accessible, and views of it tin beryllium enjoyed from vessel rides crossed nan river.
Fort Margherita
Also crossed nan river, Fort Margherita was constructed successful 1879. Its castle‑like building now houses nan Brooke Gallery, which showcases Sarawak’s Brooke‑dynasty history. The fort forms portion of nan Kuching Heritage Trail and is wrong easy scope of nan waterfront.
Darul Hana Bridge
A pedestrian span linking northbound and southbound Kuching, Darul Hana, was opened successful November 2017. Its graceful S‑shape creation was inspired by nan yin‑yang awesome and Sarawak’s iconic “S”. LED‑lit study points and its river-spanning shape person made it a beloved strolling way and photograph spot.
Tua Pek Kong Temple & Chinatown
Close to nan waterfront, nan Tua Pek Kong Temple holds nan favoritism of being Kuching’s oldest Chinese temple and anchors nan historical Chinatown area pinch Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street. The temple has existed since nan early 19th period and survived awesome fires and wartime events.
Visitor Experience: What Will Be Felt
Visitors will find that nan extended waterfront retains its consciousness of openness and tranquil stream views while being complemented by nan caller shaded walkways, lighting and landscaping. Heritage structures, assemblage architecture, temples, and section artisans tin beryllium reached arsenic portion of a seamless stepping route. Cultural landmarks, cafes, galleries and markets are apt to beryllium enjoyed arsenic parts of nan extended promenade’s surroundings, giving it a livelier, much walkable character.
Governance and Oversight
The task is being managed by nan Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) pinch oversight from Sarawak authorities government readying initiatives. It was initially projected to commence by early 2024 and further readying and implementation person been driven by public‑sector urban‑development goals. Official publications mention that smart, visitor‑centred infrastructure is being prioritised. All charismatic releases from DBKU and tourism ministries are expected to travel done successful owed course.
Why It Matters for Travelers
- The full agelong is being transformed into nan longest cohesive riverside promenade successful Malaysia.
- It is being woven into Kuching’s historical and taste centre pinch nonstop entree to assemblage landmarks, temples, and practice zones.
- Tourists tin bask safe, shaded walks pinch seating, lighting, and scenic stream views.
- It creates imaginable for festivals, taste events, riverside dining, and relaxed leisure.
A Waterfront Promised to Shine Longer
The planned hold is group to boost nan Kuching Waterfront into nan apical tier of Asia’s riverside walkways. By pairing smart metropolis readying pinch nan region’s surviving heritage, a continuous riverside pathway is taking shape. Visitors tin look guardant to a agelong riverfront wherever nan champion of Sarawak is served connected 1 stroll—centuries of history, unique buildings, surviving culture, and an easy, relaxed tempo.
[Image Source: Sarawak Tourism Official Website]