Study & Live in Malaysia − Destination Guide Borneo

Studying in Borneo isn’t just about the classroom—it’s also about exploring one of the most culturally and naturally rich regions in Southeast Asia. From jungle hikes to historic streets and orangutan encounters, Borneo offers unforgettable experiences just beyond your lecture halls.

Kuching Waterfront & Old Town
Start with the vibrant Kuching Waterfront, a lively river promenade lined with cafés, colonial buildings, and historic landmarks like the Astana and Old Courthouse. Take a traditional sampan boat ride across the river and experience the city’s charm from the water.

Sarawak State Museum & Borneo Cultures Museum
These two side-by-side museums are perfect for diving into Sarawak’s indigenous history, art, and natural environment. With interactive exhibits and beautifully curated galleries, they’re must-visits for culture lovers.

Bako National Park
Just a short boat ride from Kuching, Bako National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Trek through rainforest trails, spot rare wildlife like the proboscis monkey, and relax on secluded beaches—all within a day trip from the city.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve
A 30-minute drive from Kuching, this orangutan sanctuary offers the chance to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat, especially during feeding times. It’s one of the most memorable wildlife experiences you can have in Borneo.

Cultural Experiences & Festivals
For a deeper connection to local traditions, join a guided visit to an Iban longhouse or attend the Rainforest World Music Festival. Held each year just outside the city, this international event blends global and indigenous music with a stunning jungle setting.

Kubah National Park & Mount Santubong
Nature enthusiasts can also head to Kubah National Park, known for its waterfalls and lush rainforest trails. Nearby Mount Santubong offers more challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views of the coastline and jungle below.

Malaysia is as geographically diverse as it is culturally rich. Located just north of the equator in the heart of the Asia Pacific region, the country enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with consistent warmth, humidity, and regular rainfall.

Malaysia consists of two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia in the west, and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo in the east. East Malaysia is made up of the states of Sarawak and Sabah, separated from the peninsula by the South China Sea. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak is located in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and one of the greenest and most laid-back cities in Malaysia.

Surrounded by lush rainforest and coastal areas, Kuching offers a unique environment where modern urban life and rich biodiversity coexist. Its position along the Sarawak River and proximity to national parks make it an ideal base for both studying and exploring nature.

Kuching, like much of Borneo, has a warm and humid tropical rainforest climate throughout the year. Temperatures are fairly stable, with daytime highs typically ranging from 31 to 33 °C and nighttime lows between 23 and 24 °C.

Rainfall is frequent and more intense during the northeast monsoon season, which usually runs from November to February. While heavy showers are common, they often occur in short bursts and are followed by clear skies—so don’t forget your umbrella, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of sunshine. The consistent warmth and lush greenery make Kuching a comfortable and scenic place to live and study year-round.

After a day of studying, exploring Kuching’s shopping scene is the perfect way to relax and unwind. While it may not rival the megamalls of Kuala Lumpur, Kuching still offers a great variety of shopping options—from modern malls to local craft markets—all at prices that suit a student budget.

Most shopping centres in Kuching are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, making it easy to shop, dine, or catch a movie after class. You’ll find a mix of international brands, affordable local goods, and unique souvenirs such as Sarawak batik, handmade crafts, and traditional textiles.

Top 4 Shopping Spots in Kuching

• Vivacity Megamall: The largest and most modern mall in Sarawak. It has five floors packed with retail brands, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, and a cinema.

• tHeSpring Shopping Mall: Centrally located and popular with students, this mall features global brands, a large food court, and is close to Swinburne’s campus.

• Plaza Merdeka: Positioned near Kuching’s waterfront and Chinatown, it blends modern shopping with cultural charm. Ideal for souvenirs, fashion, and casual dining.

• Kuching Main Bazaar: Perfect for traditional Sarawak crafts, antiques, and handmade goods. A must-visit for cultural souvenirs and a glimpse into local artisan work.

These locations offer both convenience and value, giving students a balanced mix of modern comfort and local flavor.

Kuching’s food scene is a flavorful mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Local favorites like Sarawak laksa and kolo mee are must-tries and can be found at casual kopitiams and hawker stalls around the city.

Top Spot Food Court is a go-to for fresh seafood, while Carpenter Street offers everything from street snacks to trendy cafés. You’ll also find a good range of international food in malls and popular dining spots. For a relaxed evening, head to the riverfront or a rooftop café to enjoy the view with a drink.

Getting around Kuching is simple and affordable. The city doesn’t have a train or metro system, but Grab, a popular ride-hailing app, is the easiest and most reliable way to get from place to place. It’s commonly used by locals and students alike for short, safe, and inexpensive trips.

Local buses are available but can be irregular, so most international students prefer taxis or Grab. The airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city center, with direct flights connecting Kuching to Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities.

For weekend trips, domestic flights make it easy to explore Borneo, including destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Mulu National Park. Long-distance buses are also available to reach other parts of Sarawak.

Malaysia’s currency is the Ringgit, abbreviated as RM or MYR, and it’s divided into 100 sen. Locally, it’s often referred to simply as “dollar.” ATMs are widely available in Kuching, and most stores, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit cards. Cash is still preferred for small purchases and local markets, so it’s useful to keep some on hand.

Kuching is considered one of the safest cities in Malaysia and is often praised for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Violent crime is rare, and locals are generally helpful and respectful toward international visitors. That said, it’s always wise to stay alert in busy areas and avoid leaving belongings unattended.

Malaysian law requires all visitors to carry identification at all times, so keep a copy of your passport or student visa with you when out and about. Use common sense, especially at night, and always choose trusted transport options like Grab.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio and Tetanus-diphtheria should be kept up-to-date. Hepatitis A and B are recommended. Typhoid for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels. Japanese encephalitis is recommended for those who are planning on spending a month or more in rural areas or who are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in rural areas after dusk. Yellow fever required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas and for travelers who have been in transit more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Rabies for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats. If you will be visiting an area of Malaysia with malaria, you will need to discuss with your doctor the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with malaria.