
India Street Pedestrian Mall
A historic 140-year-old pedestrian mall in Kuching, offering textiles, souvenirs, and a glimpse into early Indian settler history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Catch shops before they close

India Street Pedestrian Mall
Best Time
Catch shops before they close

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 140-year-old pedestrian mall in Kuching, offering textiles, souvenirs, and a glimpse into early Indian settler history.
"A popular spot for shopping textiles and souvenirs, with a history of 140 years where early Indian settlers landed."

🛍️ Shop Before 5:40 PM
Stalls start closing early, so aim to arrive before 5:40 PM to get the best selection of textiles and souvenirs.
📍 Near Plaza Merdeka
Conveniently located within walking distance of Plaza Merdeka, making it easy to combine with other city explorations.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Textile and Souvenir Shopping
Discover a wide array of fabrics, clothing, souvenirs, and local crafts. Perfect for unique gifts and mementos.

Indian Mosque
Center of the mall
A historical mosque situated in the heart of the pedestrian mall, adding to the area's cultural significance.

Historical Shop Houses
Explore the architecture of shop houses that have stood for over 140 years, reflecting the area's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Shopping
Historical Heart of Kuching
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop Before 5:40 PM
Stalls start closing early, so aim to arrive before 5:40 PM to get the best selection of textiles and souvenirs.
📍 Near Plaza Merdeka
Conveniently located within walking distance of Plaza Merdeka, making it easy to combine with other city explorations.
🕌 Cultural Hub
Experience the blend of cultures with the Indian Mosque at its center, a testament to its history.
🎁 Local Crafts Galore
Find unique local Sarawak items, including textiles, gifts, and accessories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop Before 5:40 PM
Stalls start closing early, so aim to arrive before 5:40 PM to get the best selection of textiles and souvenirs.
📍 Near Plaza Merdeka
Conveniently located within walking distance of Plaza Merdeka, making it easy to combine with other city explorations.
🕌 Cultural Hub
Experience the blend of cultures with the Indian Mosque at its center, a testament to its history.
🎁 Local Crafts Galore
Find unique local Sarawak items, including textiles, gifts, and accessories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate India Street Pedestrian Mall for its rich 140-year history and its role as a landing spot for Indian settlers. It's a popular destination for shopping, particularly for textiles and souvenirs, and its central location near other historical sites is a plus. However, some find that shops close earlier than advertised, so planning your visit time is crucial.
"A history of 140 years where early Indian settlers landed here and is now a popular spot for shopping, especially for textiles and souvenirs."
FS Chong
"This is another Popular Tourist Spot in Kuching City - Capital of Sarawak.With a History of more then 140 years this is the place where Early Indian Settlers entered Sarawak through Sarawak River made residence at the Shop Houses.It was formerly known as Kiing Street & later renamed to India Street where you can find many Indian & Local Spices.
It was converted to a Covered Pedestrian Mall in 1992 selling mostly Textile & Souvenirs now.There is also an Indian Mosque at the Centre of this place.Other historical sites nearby are the Old Court House/Electra House(1st Shopping Mall in Kuching ) & Hawker Centre.Worth a Visit.🤩🤩"
SY Ling
"Lot of local stuff (sarawak) can be bought here. textile, souvenir, gift and accessories"
amin alias
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
India Street Pedestrian Mall is centrally located in Kuching and is easily accessible by walking from nearby landmarks like Plaza Merdeka. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available to drop you off directly at the mall.
Yes, it's very walkable! It's situated near the waterfront and other historical sites like the Old Court House, making it a convenient stop on your Kuching itinerary.
From Kuching International Airport (KCH), you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to India Street Pedestrian Mall. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
While the mall itself is pedestrian-only, there are parking areas available at nearby locations like Plaza Merdeka or public car parks. It's often easier to use ride-sharing or public transport if you're not staying too far away.
Kuching has a public bus system, and many routes pass through the city center. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the waterfront or Plaza Merdeka, which are a short walk from India Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, India Street Pedestrian Mall is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the shops and the area.
While the mall is generally open throughout the day, individual shops typically start closing around 5:40 PM, with an official closing time of 6:00 PM. It's best to visit in the afternoon to ensure most shops are still open.
The mall itself is usually open daily. However, individual shop operating hours may vary, especially on public holidays. It's always a good idea to check if you're visiting during a major holiday.
The Indian Mosque at the center of India Street Pedestrian Mall is a place of worship. Visitors are welcome to enter respectfully, and there is typically no admission fee, though donations are appreciated.
While the shops close by early evening, the pedestrian mall area itself remains accessible. You can still walk through the area at night, but most shopping opportunities will be gone.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety of textiles, clothing, souvenirs, local crafts, spices, and accessories. It's a great place to pick up unique gifts and items representing Sarawak.
Bargaining is common in many markets in Kuching, including India Street. Don't hesitate to politely negotiate prices, especially for textiles and souvenirs.
Many stalls specialize in textiles. Look for shops displaying a wide range of fabrics, traditional Sarawakian patterns, and clothing items.
While the mall primarily focuses on retail, you might find small local eateries or snack vendors. For a wider selection of food, the nearby Hawker Centre and waterfront area offer many options.
Popular souvenirs include traditional Sarawakian textiles like Pua Kumbu, handcrafted items, local spices, and unique accessories.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
India Street has a history of over 140 years, serving as a landing point for early Indian settlers in Sarawak. It was formerly known as Kiing Street and is a testament to the multicultural heritage of Kuching.
The street's name and the presence of the Indian Mosque reflect the historical settlement of Indian traders and communities in Kuching. You can feel this heritage as you walk through the area.
Yes, nearby historical sites include the Old Court House, Electra House (Kuching's first shopping mall), and the Sarawak River waterfront, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.
India Street was formerly known as Kiing Street, reflecting its earlier history before being renamed to honor the Indian settlers.
Originally a place for Indian and local spices, it was converted into a covered pedestrian mall in 1992, focusing on textiles and souvenirs, while retaining its historical charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that most shops close by early evening, so a late afternoon visit is best. It's also a good idea to combine this with a visit to the nearby waterfront, which often has more open spaces for kids to move around. Pack light and be prepared for a bustling environment, especially if visiting during peak hours.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Focus on purchasing textiles, spices, and smaller handcrafted items, which tend to be more affordable. Avoid the temptation of high-end boutiques if you're on a strict budget. Visiting earlier in the day might also mean less competition and potentially better negotiation opportunities. Remember to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the mall.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the details of the old buildings, the textures of the fabrics, and the daily life unfolding in the mall. The early evening light before shops close can offer a warm, inviting glow. Be mindful of people's privacy when taking photos, especially near the mosque.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History: The Evolution of India Street
The transformation into a covered pedestrian mall in 1992 marked a new chapter for India Street. While preserving its historical facade, the focus shifted towards retail, particularly textiles and souvenirs. This evolution has made it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for unique items. The presence of the Indian Mosque at the heart of the mall further underscores its cultural significance, serving as a spiritual and historical anchor. Exploring India Street is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the multicultural tapestry that defines Kuching.
Beyond the shops, the surrounding area is rich with historical landmarks. Just a stone's throw away, you'll find the Old Court House and Electra House, which holds the distinction of being Kuching's first shopping mall. The proximity to the Sarawak River waterfront also means you can easily combine a visit to India Street with a scenic walk along the river, taking in more of the city's heritage.
Shopping Delights: What to Find at India Street
Beyond fashion, the mall is renowned for its souvenirs and local crafts. Look for handcrafted items, decorative pieces, and accessories that reflect Sarawak's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore stalls selling local spices, offering a fragrant glimpse into the region's culinary traditions. The blend of traditional goods and modern retail makes for an engaging shopping experience.
When visiting, remember that many stalls begin to pack up before the official closing time of 6:00 PM. To make the most of your shopping spree, it's advisable to arrive in the afternoon, ideally before 5:40 PM, to ensure you have ample time to browse and perhaps even negotiate prices.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit