Sampan, Sunset & Tuak

Tour highlights:

• Commute like a local on a traditional sampan boat 

• Navigatie the romantic Sarawak River at sunset and see local life unfold along its banks

• Meander through the heritage old quarters, chatting with vendors and nabbing samples 

• Pay a visit to a local bar to learn about Sarawak’s unique Tuak (rice wine) culture

What sets this tour apart:
Experience this unique local food and drink walking tour in the heart of Kuching

What you’ll see or do:

Just arrived in Kuching, Borneo? Don’t leave this charming city without experiencing this unique local food and drink tour.

“of Sampan, Sunset & Tuak” is a three-hour leisure tour that takes you through Kuching’s heritage trail and its surrounding kampongs (villages) on both sides of Sarawak River to indulge in a variety of popular authentic Sarawak local street snacks and drinks!

Kuching showcases some of the best street food in Borneo that reflects its multi-cultural background, with Iban, Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours in its street food; there’s no better way to literally taste the cultural diversity. You’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the famous Sarawak street snacks such as Kek Lapis (multi-layer color cake), Tebaloi (sago biscuit), Rojak (Malaysian salad), Gula-Apong Ice Cream and whatever traditional snacks that are on sale on the day. 

The tour starts in the late afternoon with a walking stroll in the hustle and bustle of Sarawak’s Old Quarter with our local guide showing you the way.  Unearth the best street snacks and authentic tribal rice wine in town, and introduce you to some delightful locals along the way. Your guide is a local foodie who will ensure you’re stuffed with sweet and savoury treats as you learn about traditional Borneo snacks by stopping at famed food spots only known to our locals. 

Take in some history as you wander old city streets and passing preserved heritage sites. You will also learn about the rich legacy of the English White Rajah’s that rule over this land from the 1800s and how their colorful story intertwined with Sarawakian for more than a 100 years.

After the heritage walk, take a relaxing cruise on a traditional Sampan boat. View the magnificent sunset on the Sarawak River and see local life unfold along its banks as well as giving you a taste of how Kuchingnite commute each day across the two halves of the city!  Along the cruise, drop into one of the traditional Malay cake house to sample dozens of choices available. You can do your shopping here next to the kitchen.

Saving the best for last, we drop into a local favorite bar to sample a range of tribal rice wines and local titbits before a merry ending to the tour.

Included: 

• English speaking guide

• Refreshments, food and drinks tasting, including Tuak sampling

• Boat fees

• Raincoat

• A great time!

Not included: 

• Hotel pick-up

What to bring: 

• Extra cash for additional street food and drinks, local souvenir and personal shopping.

• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a towel, antiseptic, change of clothes, plastic bag to keep cameras dry, sunglasses.

• Wear light comfortable shoes and clothes. 

Tour staff (number, type): 

Your local English-speaking foodie tour leader takes great pride in his or her heritage (as well as their own personal story) and are well informed in Borneo’s history, culture and natural wonders of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. One passionate local English Speaking guide will serve up to a maximum of 8 guests.

Good to know:

• Reservation recommended

• Suitable for families and visitors of all ages.

• Rain or shine we always walk!

Any other important details:

Tuak rice wine can only be served to adult of over 18 years old