Ask three different generations what a dream holiday looks like, and you’ll get three different answers. For a child, it’s a world of non-stop adventure; for a parent, a moment of precious peace; for a grandparent, the simple joy of having the family together in comfort. The reimagined Hilton Kuching has been designed around this very idea, creating a welcoming space where every member of the family finds their joy.

The Play

The blueprint for any successful family holiday is drawn by its youngest travellers. When their days are filled with wonder and engagement, a parent’s own sense of relaxation naturally follows. It’s this golden rule that drives the entire experience at the Hilton Kuching.

Built on the belief that creativity deserves a beautiful space, the Hilton Kuching’s Kids Club sets a new benchmark for family hotels in Malaysia. As the brand’s first in the country, this supervised space allows children to freely choose their own adventure. From climbing colourful structures to settling into a cosy reading nook, every activity is designed to inspire, especially the hands-on craft sessions that connect them to the vibrant culture of Sarawak.

Outside, the design philosophy flows towards the water. The kids’ pool is a self-contained zone of play, complete with its own splash features and a clear separation from the main pool. For parents, the message is intentional: this was designed for you, too. It’s the freedom to shift from active supervision to relaxed observation, knowing the children are happily and safely contained.

The Retreat

While the children are off on their own adventures, the hotel curates a parallel world of personal escape for the adults – and this retreat begins with the quiet closing of a hotel room door. Inside, the entire space is oriented towards the view. The floor-to-ceiling window acts as a private cinemascope, screening the daily life of the Sarawak River and its iconic boats.

From this private haven, the retreat continues throughout the hotel. You might start the day in the new state-of-the-art gym, where a morning run on the treadmill comes with a view over the Sarawak River – a quiet, focused hour to reconnect with yourself. Or, you could choose the restorative stillness of an inviting sun lounger by the main pool. Here, the world slows down, with nothing more pressing than a cool drink in hand and the slow turning of a page in your book.

Later this year, a new evening experience will arrive with the launch of RYE – the hotel’s signature whisky-forward speakeasy. It promises an exclusive and intimate setting to close out the day. The purpose is clear – to be a space for intimate conversation, where the quality of the drink is matched only by the depth of the discussion.

The Adventure

While the individual experiences are wonderful, the hotel’s greatest strength is how it brings the family together, acting as the perfect basecamp for making memories. The highlight for us was a hotel-arranged trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where we shared a moment of deeply humbling silence as a mother orangutan and her baby swung into view.

Back in the city, that same thoughtful guidance continued with a heritage walk through Carpenter Street at a pace ideal for every generation. In the space of a few hours, we discovered hidden courtyards, met traditional artisans, and shared stories. These are the moments, from the rainforest canopy to the historic streets, that become the memories you tell for years to come.

The Flavours

Our culinary adventure at Hilton Kuching began with a playful question at the River View Café: how adventurous is your palate before coffee? We were met with a delicious crossroads of aromas, from freshly baked pastries to the fragrant spice of Sarawak Laksa. We loved this variety, offering both international refinement and authentic local flavours side-by-side.

For dinner, we were drawn to Toh Yuen by the promise of local ingredients. We tried the wild jungle fern, Midin, served next to rich Cantonese-style butter prawns. It was incredible to taste how the kitchen respected local produce, allowing the true flavours of Borneo to stand out.

We ended our night at The Terrace, which quickly became our favourite spot. The signature Tuak Ito – a sharp, refreshing mix of local rice wine and calamansi – felt like the spirit of Kuching in a glass. Sitting there with that drink, watching the river, the whole city’s easygoing rhythm just seemed to click into place.

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Check Out Notes:

– Location: Iconic waterfront, where the river view is a highlight in itself

– Style: A fusion of local heritage and modern luxury

– Highlight: The first Hilton Kids Club in Malaysia, a supervised creative hub for children

– Best time to visit: The dry season (March to October)

– Service: Attentive, focused on creating a relaxing guest experience

– GCC Tip: Ask for a guided heritage walk to explore the city’s hidden history on foot

“Hilton Kuching is a reminder that life has a gentler speed. Schedules fade into the background, making way for the deep comfort of unhurried moments, side by side.”

—Darsina Kuberakusalan, Social Media Manager

Hilton Kuching

Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
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Shotos by Imran Sulaiman unless credited otherwise