KUCHING (Sarawak)

Kuching (which means "cat") is the capital of Malaysia's largest state, Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, and its beautiful 19th century colonial buildings and Chinese shophouses lie along the graceful curves of the Sarawak river. The waterfront has been pleasantly landscaped into a cool and peaceful esplanade for locals and visitors to stroll along. Exploring the nearby fresh market and shopping streets is fun. The Sarawak Museum is also nice (just next to the evening cruise park) and there is also a museum (the world's largest) devoted to cats.

Like nearby Sabah, the population is very mixed here with lots of indigenous ethnicities, and Muslims are in the minority. Kuching has a decidedly small town atmosphere so even though there are lots of local gays around, aside from a few mixed clubs and cruising spots, they tend to make connections online using Sarawak chatrooms, particularly on Dalnet IRC. If you plan to visit, start looking for local friends well in advance of your arrival.

The population of Kuching is around half a million (that's 20,000 Utopians).

• Kuching Gay Scene Updates message forum
• Men in Kuching message forum

The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Malaysia surveys the gay and lesbian scene in 17 cities. Listings include gay scene maps, organizations, bars, discos, spas, accommodations, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Click here to order

• The Gallery Arts and Café (mixed)
  Riverbank Suite. Mostly young crowd. Popular on weekends.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Grappa is a happening gay club/bar that rocked on a Sat night in central Kuching. It is located on Jln Kuching opposite Cafe Tray, near the new Batik Boutique hotel. Music was progressive house and the DJ played the crowd well. The front end was more Chinese, the rear was more Malay. Go for the beer in buckets, only R$30 for four cans - extremely good value Shame the night was stopped at 2am by a police raid (targeting the Malays as it was Ramadan season, and they let the foreigners and Chinese leave unchecked). The Cottage - no sign of PLU life, just old people and dodgey band. Vicoria arms was worse, dodgey English style hotel bar with awful band playing. Went into Bristol Latino as well, no sign of PLUs either." -- sg_je, Aug 29, 2010

  "Went to PAVILLION @ Travillion during Chinese New Year and heard that it's gay/lesbian-friendly. Quite a good crowd! But didn't really spot many gays/ lesbians there though. It is one of the most happening clubs in Travillion." -- younggun80, Feb 21, 2010

• Khaturistiwa (mixed)
  Kuching Water Front. Crowd mostly young Chinese.

• Planet (mixed)
  3rd Mile, Jln Rock, Sarawak. Crowd is mostly mature Chinese.

• Borneo Traditional Massage
  Muara Tabuan, appointments: 016-888-9956, email. Native traditional massage by well trained male masseurs, helping to ease stress and tension. Call before you go. The boss is very friendly, especially when it comes to giving road directions. In and outcall.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Borneo Traditional Massage takes a bit of finding, but it is well worth the effort. It was a great way to spend my last night in Kuching and I cant wait to go back! I confirm that the Boss is very friendly and helpful." -- pakcikt, May 21, 2010

  "The massuers change every 2-3 months. It's a bit secluded and you'll need directions if you are not familiar with the area. The boss is really friendly and helpful in this. This place really suits people in Kuching as most of the guys here are discreet." -- younggun80, Apr 8, 2010

• Kuching Waterfront, foreigner cruising area, after 9pm nightly.
• Lake Park
  Kuching Reservoir Park (Jln Taman Budaya). Open T-Su from 3-11pm. A social spot for local gays who hang out and relax with friends. Inexpensive food and drinks.
• Sarawak Museum, back garden, track up hill. After 7:30pm nightly.
• Shopping Centers
  • Sarawak Plaza, ground floor facilities.
  • Wisma Satok, 1st floor facilities.
  • Wisma Saberkas, ground floor facilities
• Swimming Pools
  • KMC public swimming pool
    Padungan area of the city. Mixed crowd (be discreet). Evenings best.
  • Setampak Swimming pool.
  • Waterworld
    In the housing estate of BDC Stampin area. Formerly Stampark swimming pool. Mixed crowd (be discreet). Very cruisy in the evenings.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Nowadays Starbucks at the Spring Mall is the usual hang out place. At times you will see a group of guys or gals gathering outside the café. Check it out." -- younggun80, May 13, 2010

• Starbucks Coffee
  The Spring. Opened in Jan 2008 and quickly drawing a gay crowd.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Café Tray is a gay friendly run café. Nicely decorated. Friendly staff, chilled-out crowd." -- sg_je, Aug 29, 2010

  "Café Tray is newly opened. A gay-friendly café serving various, reasonably price food and beverages. Very nicely decorated place. Located near the happening pubs, it is indeed a nice hangout." -- younggun80, Aug 1, 2010

• Grand Spa (mixed)
  Grand Continental Hotel. A spa with dry and wet saunas. Some gays frequent the sauna, in the afternoon mostly, but you have to be discreet as it is basically a straight spa.
• Hilton Kuching Gym (mixed)
  Steam Room is great, but be discreet.