Top 10 Traditional Handicraft Stores in Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts that reflect the state’s vibrant ethnic diversity and rich heritage. From beadwork and weaving to wood carvings and textiles, the handicraft stores in Kuching offer an authentic glimpse into Sarawak’s cultural artistry. If you’re planning to shop for unique souvenirs or collectible crafts, here are the Top 10 traditional handicraft stores in Kuching you must explore.

1. Sarawak Craft Council (Sarawak Handicraft Centre)

A cultural hub preserving Sarawak’s heritage through curated handicrafts. It showcases weaving, basketry, wood carving, beadwork, and more, directly supporting local artisans.
Address: The Sarawak Steamship Building, Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching Waterfront, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
Website: sarawakhandicraft.com.my
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed on weekends.
Why Visit: For authentic Sarawak handicrafts, direct from longhouse artisans.
Highlights: Tree bark crafts, ceramics, beadwork, woven mats.
Shopping Experience: Curated, authentic, higher-quality crafts with limited bargaining.

2. 328 Gallery Sdn. Bhd.

A fascinating gallery offering antiques, gemstones, porcelain, tribal art, and traditional Sarawak handicrafts.
Address: No. 39, Jalan Main Bazaar, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
Website: 328gallery.com
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed on Sunday.
Why Visit: Perfect for collectors seeking rare antiques and unique artifacts.
Highlights: Tribal carvings, antique porcelain, gemstones, woodwork.
Shopping Experience: Relaxed, less touristy; treasures hidden among collections; bargaining possible.

3. The Ranee Artisan Gallery

A boutique gift gallery featuring high-quality handmade crafts, jewellery, and homewares curated with Sarawakian heritage in mind.
Address: 27 Wayang Street, Kuching • 6 & 7 Main Bazaar, Kuching.
Website: The Ranee Gift Gallery
Opening Hours: Wayang Street: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Main Bazaar: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: For premium, well-crafted artisan products in a polished setting.
Highlights: Jewellery, retro collectibles, contemporary handicrafts.
Shopping Experience: Upscale and stylish; ideal for premium souvenirs.

4. Borneo Magic

A local souvenir and craft store along Main Bazaar known for affordable handicrafts and gifts.
Address: Lot 100, Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: Affordable handicrafts ideal for souvenirs and gifts.
Highlights: Handwoven baskets, wood carvings, bead accessories.
Shopping Experience: Friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, casual browsing.

5. Juliana Native Handwork

Owned by a Bidayuh artisan, this store specialises in beadwork, native basketry, and traditional accessories.
Address: Carpenter Street, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: Unique handcrafted bead accessories with cultural authenticity.
Highlights: Intricate bead necklaces, Bidayuh crafts.
Shopping Experience: Personal, artisan-driven; ideal for collectors and handmade lovers.

6. Main Bazaar Handicraft Shops

A cluster of traditional handicraft and antique shops stretching along Jalan Main Bazaar near the Waterfront.
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Main Bazaar, Kuching.
Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies by shop).
Why Visit: The most popular street for handicraft shopping in Kuching.
Highlights: Tribal masks, wood carvings, woven textiles, antiques.
Shopping Experience: Bustling, full of variety, bargaining encouraged.

7. Arts of Asia

A handicraft and art gallery offering paintings, carvings, and Asian decorative art.
Address: Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: For art collectors seeking traditional and contemporary Sarawakian works.
Highlights: Paintings, woodcraft, decorative ornaments.
Shopping Experience: Quiet, artistic, suitable for unique home décor items.

8. Ban Lee Hong

A well-known craft and antique shop in Main Bazaar offering Sarawakian souvenirs and heritage items.
Address: Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: Longstanding reputation for authentic handicrafts.
Highlights: Tribal artwork, bead accessories, woven baskets.
Shopping Experience: Traditional, authentic atmosphere; bargaining possible.

9. India Street & Gambier Street Craft Shops

A bustling shopping district with small traditional shops offering textiles, gold jewellery, and crafts.
Address: India Street & Gambier Street, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies).
Why Visit: For authentic shopping in a traditional market atmosphere.
Highlights: Sarawak textiles, batik fabrics, handicrafts.
Shopping Experience: Vibrant street shopping; affordable with room to bargain.

10. Cat City Art Shop / Damai Art & Kraft Gallery

Local galleries offering handicrafts, paintings, and artisan-made souvenirs with a mix of contemporary and traditional influences.
Address: Carpenter Street / Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Why Visit: For unique handicrafts and local art pieces.
Highlights: Paintings, hand-crafted gifts, woven art.
Shopping Experience: Creative and eclectic; great for one-of-a-kind finds.

Conclusion

Whether you’re strolling down Kuching’s Main Bazaar or browsing curated galleries like The Ranee Artisan Gallery, the city offers a rich selection of traditional handicrafts that celebrate Sarawak’s cultural heritage. From affordable souvenirs at Borneo Magic to premium artisan pieces at the Sarawak Handicraft Centre, shopping in Kuching promises both variety and authenticity.