Kuching, which means "cat" in Malay, is a diversified city where various nationalities, including Malaysians, Chinese, Indians and indigenous people, dwell together. They are mainly engaged in the traditional handmade craft industries, such as wooden sculptures, pottery, textiles and seashell decoration.

Kuching is divided into the South City and the North City by the Sarawak River, each with its own mayor and municipal government. The majority of Malaysians and Indians inhabit the North City, while Chinese inhabit the South City.

Kuching South City, located on the famous island of Borneo (Kalimantan), is about 35 kilometers from the coast. The city, covering an area of 431.01 square kilometers and with a population of 658,549, is the fourth largest city in Malaysia. It is a historical city with abundant cultural heritages and an industrial port city. The city has a typical tropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year.

With canals crisscrossing, the city is named the “capital on the water”. Kuching South City has maintained much of its ancient architecture, such as the long foot houses sitting on the river. A port is built near the estuary. In the surroundings there are markets and docks. The eastern part of the city is the new industrial zone, where various manufacturing factories are settled. The city also hosts the largest antimony molting factory in the world.

In recent years, old towns along the river were renovated and many recreational areas were developed here. The city boasts many unique scenic spots including the longhouse, Gunung Gading National Park, Bako National Park, the Square Tower, the Main Bazaar, Peaceful Beach, a tropical rain forest, Sarawak Cultural Village, and the Legislative Building. Every July, a grand music festival is held here, which attracts a large number of music lovers. Kuching South City is also a commercial center in Malaysia. There are more than 20 shopping malls in the city, with more than 1,300 retail outlets. The most popular shopping malls include the Riverside Plaza, the Boulevard Shopping Mall, the Sarawak Building, the Xinxin Shopping Mall and the Dependence Building.

Kuching South City is connected to Singapore through a major expressway. There is also an international airport in the suburban area.

Kuching South City has been selected as the 17th Best Tourism City by Asia Magazine. In 2004, the city was named “the healthiest city in Asia” by the WHO.