Kuching , Malaysia

Kuching Bike & Cook

Active

(8 reviews)

6h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant_then_manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an authentic culinary experience, from market to stove to table! Ride through a stretch of centuries-old Malay villages—then go on to learn about what goes into making authentic Sarawak cuisine. From the market where the ingredients come from, to the kitchen where the magic happens, then on to your palate where the flavors meet, it’s a delight like no other. You might just unleash your inner chef while you are learning!

Available options

Kuching Bike & Cook

What's included

Local English speaking guide,

a great time!

boat fees

Bottled water

bike

helmet

Snacks

Lunch

raincoat

all food and drinks

cooking class

Detailed itinerary

Take a detour from the city life to explore the rural part of Kuching, then get hands-on lessons in Sarawakian cuisine! Go for a morning ride to explore centuries-old villages along the banks of Sarawak River. Take in the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque sights, then immerse yourselves in the wonderful world of Sarawakian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class!

The morning ride takes you to the Malay Kampongs lining the banks of the great Sarawak River. Just minutes from the city centre is a stretch of idyllic villages--the third oldest Malay settlement in Kuching, dating back centuries. Known for their skills with ships and boats, the Malay people of old loved to build their homes near water.

As we ride into the first village just beyond the Old State Mosque, the city noises start to fade as the soothing calmness of village life takes over. Old wooden houses on stilts line both sides of the road, with more modern homes blending in equally as well in the quiet neighborhood. There are seven villages altogether on this side of the river, starting from Kampung Bintangor closest to the urban centre, to Kampung Kudei just a stone’s throw from the Satok Bridge, which takes you to the other side.

After Kampung Kudei, we head up onto the Satok Bridge and cross the river on it, to our next stop—the Satok Market. This is one of the main markets in Kuching offering fresh produce for sale, as well as a plethora of animal products, mainly fish. Afterwards, we ride on through another stretch of villages which leads to a jetty.

From the jetty, we get aboard a river taxi known locally as ‘sampan’ or ‘perahu tambang’, a centuries-old but still popular mode of transport for going back and forth between both sides of the river. Take in the scenery, observe the contrast between urban and rural Kuching just across from each other--as you cruise to Haji Omar jetty, a short walk across the street from our start point. Once we’re on the other side, it’s time for the highlight of the tour!

The kitchen is where the magic happens! After exploring the rural parts of Kuching and seeing where the ingredients in Sarawak’s delightful cuisine come from, it’s time to cook! Learn to prepare Sarawak laksa chicken along with the famed jungle fern, as well as kerabu (the local way of preparing salad), meant to be enjoyed with rice--a staple element in our cuisine. Chop, blend and stir; then tuck in to your heart’s content!

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Paradesa Borneo Office

About Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is a charming city known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes. With its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Dayak cultures, Kuching offers a vibrant mix of traditions, delicious cuisine, and historical sites, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Sarawak Museum

The oldest museum in Borneo, showcasing the rich history and culture of Sarawak through various exhibits.

Historical 1-2 hours MYR 5 (Adults), MYR 3 (Children)

Sarawak Cultural Village

A living museum showcasing the traditional houses and cultures of Sarawak's various ethnic groups.

Cultural 2-3 hours MYR 30 (Adults), MYR 15 (Children)

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

A wildlife rehabilitation center known for its orangutan rehabilitation program.

Nature Half-day MYR 10 (Adults), MYR 5 (Children)

Kuching Waterfront

A picturesque waterfront area with restaurants, cafes, and historical sites along the Sarawak River.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free (activities may have separate costs)

Bako National Park

A stunning national park with diverse wildlife, beaches, and rainforest trails.

Nature Full day MYR 10 (Adults), MYR 5 (Children) + boat transfer costs

Must-Try Local Dishes

Laksa Sarawak

A spicy noodle soup with a rich, tangy broth made from dried shrimp and fish, served with rice noodles, prawns, and cockles.

Main Dish Contains seafood, gluten-free (if using rice noodles)

Kolo Mee

A popular noodle dish with springy wheat noodles tossed in minced pork, crispy lard, and dark soy sauce, often served with a side of soup.

Main Dish Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians

Sarawak Umai

A raw fish salad marinated in lime juice, chili, and other spices, similar to ceviche.

Appetizer Contains raw fish, gluten-free

Midnight Tea

A popular local tea time snack with a variety of savory and sweet treats, often enjoyed in the evening.

Drink Varies by item, often contains seafood or meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bako National Park Jungle trekking in Kubah National Park Relaxing at the Kuching Waterfront Visiting spas and wellness centers Exploring the Sarawak Cultural Village Visiting local temples and mosques River cruises on the Sarawak River Fishing at local lakes and rivers

Best Time to Visit

March to October

This period offers the best weather with less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various festivals and events.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malay, English
Widely spoken: Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese), Iban, Melanau
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kuching is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
• Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Kuching International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Sarawak Transport Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most parts of the city. Buses are air-conditioned and generally reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Padungan Tabuan Jaya

Day trips

Bintulu

200 km • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and cultural attractions.

Miri

150 km • Full day

An oil-rich city with a mix of modern attractions and natural beauty.

Sibu

180 km • Full day

A city with a rich cultural heritage and a mix of Chinese, Malay, and indigenous influences.

Festivals

Kuching Waterfront Festival • July Rainforest World Music Festival • July Sarawak Regatta • June

Pro tips

Visit the Kuching Waterfront in the evening for a beautiful sunset and lively atmosphere.
Try local street food at the Satok Weekend Market for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the Sarawak Cultural Village to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of Sarawak.
Take a river cruise on the Sarawak River for a different perspective of the city.
Visit Bako National Park for a day trip to experience the stunning rainforest and wildlife.