Your Essential Guide to What About Kuching in October: Tropical Beats, Serious Culture and Hidden Gems

If you’re chasing an electrifying blend of culture, nature, and seriously good eats, Kuching in October isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience.

It’s a transition month, where the tropical heat and humidity are a given, yes, but the city truly hums with an inner energy before the heaviest monsoon hits. So if you have plans to travel in Kuching this month, you’re just on time as October in Kuching isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about being apart of the community.

And what better way to travel if not by immersing in the local community’s festival, right?

What About Kuching?

What About Kuching is a month-long celebration typically held in October, part of broader city-wide attractions. A quick look at the calendar will show you a lot of community-led events, where the real magic happens as it spotlights the local culture and talents.

Here are the highlights that should be circled in your itinerary, during What About Kuching:

From Sarawak Coffee to Women Self-Defense Workshop

There are ways on how one can increase their adrenaline. It’s either by throwing some punches or by getting their caffeine fix. Regardless of which one you’re leaning into, WAK festival have both in store for you.

Coffee and travel junkies must sip Sarawak Liberica’s pourover. Better yet if there’s a Coffee Workshop educating folks on this specialty coffee bean. In this workshop, you’ll get to mingle with caffeine addicts and also journey on an immersive taste exploration and coffee education.

• Pour Over Coffee Workshop, Blackbean Coffee, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Oct 18, Paid. Details here

For the ladies who want to build confidence in empowering their staying safe skills, there is a self-defense workshop open to all women, regardless of fitness experience. All you need is to come with an open heart and ready to receive supportive guidance alongside women participants.

• Straight Blast Gym Borneo, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, FREE. Details here

Culture and Music – Jazz with Nisa Addina or Vegetable PrintMaking with Nia Latif or Sarawak Songket Weaving?

As it is a festival that celebrates culture, music and arts, there are lots of workshops and experiences held in different corners of Kuching simply for that.

Sarawak’s own songket heritage will be on full display and for tryouts at Tanoti House, a weaving studio and house dedicated for this specific artistry. If songket, batik or indigenous handicrafts are your thing, definitely pop by anytime this October. They also have a free beadwork workshop by Niah artisans at The Spring.

• Tanoti House, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily throughout October, FREE. Details here
• Beadwork workshop, The Spring Level 2, 10:00 am – 8:30 pm, Oct 14 – 19,

If you are a jazz lover, an evening filled with rhythm or soul with Sarawak’s beloved Nisa Addina will be one to cherish. From genre-blending R&B and jazz pieces that reimagines P. Ramlee classics, this would be an electrifying night

• WAK Jazz It Up ft. Nisa Addina, The Borneo Hotel Lounge, 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm, Oct 18, Paid. Details here

For those in need of some creative experience, why not try a hand at vegetable printmaking? This hands on workshop with Sarawakian artist Nia Latif will surprise you as you’ll transform everyday vegetables into vibrant stamp tools.

• Wonderboom, Green Heights Mall, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Oct 18, Paid. Details here

Trailing Kuching for Foodie or Stinky Toe Adventure – Your Pick!

There are two trails throughout Kuching held in various locations this October that one shouldn’t miss. And those are:

• Stinky Toe Trail which activates the green spaces within the city into a public art space. This initiative lights up these areas with whimsical characters. Inspired originally by a father-daughter project, now visitors who snap these quirky creations will stand a chance to claim attractive festival merchandise

• WAK Food Adventure Trail (FAT) 2.0 pays a tribute to Kuching’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status. By picking up the FAT passport, one can collect stamps as they savor the dish at selected food outlets.

Scaling Fairy Caves

Nature can be experienced in varying degrees. And scaling them, takes experience, interest and grit. If climbing Fairy caves, or any type of caves are in your bucket list, this sharing session by seasoned adventurer Malcolm Jitam would open your eyes.

• Sharing My Passion #102: Climbing Kuching’s Fairy Caves, AwahCafe @ DBNA, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Oct 29 Details here

What About Halal?

As this festival is catered to all regardless of backgrounds, do double check on the Halal certification or Muslim-friendliness of the respective community events. Especially if food is involved. As of the publishing date, the events stated are friendly to Ruhfarians (Soul-led Muslimah Travelers).

The R Verdict – What About Kuching in October?

October in Kuching is a vibrant intersection of high-energy festivals and the city’s natural, unhurried charm.

Whether you’re diving into a cultural event, relaxing by the river, or just demolishing a bowl of Sarawak Laksa, the Cat City has a unique rhythm just waiting to be explored.

Don’t wait—this is the time to go!