Fronted by a 19th-century clock tower perched on pillars and an obelisk-style memorial to James Brooke (the “White Rajah” who founded Kuching), Kuching Old Court House blends colonial architecture with local materials and traditions. A common stop on Kuching city sightseeing tours, it’s also easy to visit independently.
Food and drink options include Roots Bistronomy, an upscale eatery that focuses on local ingredients; The Den Kch, a stylish bar; and Commons, an all-day dining venue: the space also hosts events, live music, weddings, and conferences. The Ranee Museum explores the life and times of Margaret de Windt, who became queen (Ranee) of Sarawak at 19.
Kuching Old Court House is an atmospheric place to eat and drink: history buffs will appreciate the architecture and the Ranee Museum.
The Old Court House is a popular venue for weddings, as well as wedding and pre-wedding photography: don’t be surprised to find newlyweds wandering around at weekends.
There’s a charge to visit the Ranee Museum but the Old Court House is free.
Kuching Old Court House sits in the heart of Kuching, a stone’s throw from the southern end of the winding Darul Hana Bridge. It’s an easy walk from other Kuching attractions such as Sarawak Museum, Kuching Mosque, and Tua Pek Kong Temple. You can also drive, take a taxi, hire a driver, or rideshare using Malaysia’s homegrown Grab app.
The different venues within the Old Court House complex have different hours. The Ranee Museum is open from morning until late afternoon daily; The Den Kch opens in the late afternoon and runs through the evening; Commons operates all day; and Roots opens for lunch and dinner but is shut on Mondays.
One of Southeast Asia’s quirkiest corners of history, the “White Rajahs” of Sarawak were a dynasty founded by the British adventurer James Brooke, who became king (rajah) of Sarawak in 1841. The Ranee Museum is devoted to Margaret de Windt, wife of James Brooke’s nephew and heir Charles Brooke, who became queen at only 19. As well as curios such as her sheet music for Sarawak’s national anthem, the museum showcases her outstanding collection of local textiles and embroidery.