Jalan Padungan

Jalan Padungan is lined with Chinese shophouses, mostly built in the 1920’s and 30’s during the rubber boom. Some buildings are very elegantly decorated, and a walk around the back of them can reveal fascinating architectural details. The area has some excellent coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, more handicraft shops, and some unusual specialist retailers including an entire block of fruit and flower sellers.

A souvenir hunter and gastronome’s haven, Jalan Padungan is virtually an extension of the Main Bazaar due to its proximity. Look out for the traditional Chinese pastry shops and their traditional candies, and the variety of local fares such as Popiah, Sotong Kang Kung, Belacan Beehoon and many more.

The Great Cat of Kuching, a monumental kitsch statue, is situated at the junction of Jalan Padungan and Jalan Central. After years of being the king of kitsch, the Great Cat now has a competitor – the Cat Statue opposite Hotel Grand Margherita.