The Waterfront Hotel occupies the upper floors of the Plaza Merdeka shopping center, right in the heart of Kuching. This 5-star establishment embraces an "artrageous" concept that blends contemporary art with comfort, offering expansive views over the Sarawak River and the historic buildings of Sarawak's capital.

Why choose the Waterfront Hotel

• Central location above Plaza Merdeka, just a short walk from the waterfront
• "Artrageous" concept: artworks and installations punctuate the communal spaces
• 208 rooms including 31 suites and 2 lofts, with two distinct view orientations
• Semi-outdoor infinity pool with city views
• Direct view of the Darul Hana Bridge, the Astana, and Fort Margherita

Atmosphere and artrageous concept

The hotel asserts a distinctive visual identity. The "artrageous" concept it champions manifests through artworks in corridors, bold graphic choices in the rooms, and carefully considered signage. The atmosphere remains that of a contemporary urban hotel: fluid circulation from the shopping center below, lobbies on the upper floors, refined evening ambiance at the bar.

The Zapatos bar extends the evening with cocktails and ambient music, while the pool remains one of the most cherished vantage points at sunset, when the Darul Hana Bridge illuminates.

The rooms

The establishment features 208 rooms including 31 suites and 2 lofts. The suites add a separate lounge area with custom-designed furnishings. All accommodations are completely smoke-free.

At the time of booking, you choose between two orientations:

• Padang Merdeka side, overlooking downtown and the historic square
• Waterfront side, overlooking the Sarawak River and the Darul Hana Bridge, with views of the Astana, Fort Margherita, and the State Assembly building

Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen television, high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, minibar, and a courtesy tea/coffee tray. The private bathroom includes shower, hairdryer, and toiletries; select categories add a bathtub.

Dining and services

The Café Via Mare is the main restaurant. It serves Sarawak Laksa, the region's iconic dish, alongside Western cuisine and a buffet breakfast. In the evening, the Zapatos bar offers drinks and light bites.

Service-wise: round-the-clock concierge and room service, on-demand laundry, bathrobes and slippers in rooms, iron and ironing board, universal outlets. A fitness room reserved for guests completes the facilities.

Location

The hotel sits atop Plaza Merdeka, a short walk from Kuching's waterfront and the Sarawak Museum. The shopping streets, restaurants, and bars of the historic center are all accessible on foot.

From Kuching International Airport (roughly 10 km away), allow 20 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic. The hotel arranges private transfers for an additional fee.

Nearby and other addresses in Malaysia

If you extend your Malaysian journey, several complementary properties can be integrated into your itinerary:

• Gaya Island Resort in Sabah, for a nature getaway on the Sulu Sea
• Tabin Wildlife Resort, a lodge dedicated to observing Borneo's wildlife
• Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a historic address in the capital
• Hotel Puri Melaka, a Peranakan house in the old town of Malacca

Planning your stay

The Waterfront Hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring Kuching, the gateway to Sarawak and its national parks. To incorporate this stop into a tailor-made itinerary, consult our Malaysian journeys.