Marian

Kuching


Delightfully different, the Marian occupies a mansion once owned by a Chinese merchant before it became a convent attached to nearby St Thomas's Cathedral. Great care has been taken to preserve the building's long and varied historical legacy while providing modern comforts. The 40 rooms are divided into several categories, reflecting the highly individual nature of the design.

There's a small infinity-edge pool surrounded by a garden where drinks and meals can be ordered. The rooms are peaceful and all are nonsmoking; TVs can be found in the common areas. The excellent Granary restaurant-bar is a sister concern. The travel desk is operated by CPH Travel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kuching attractions

1. Hong San Si Temple

0.02 MILES

Thought to date to around 1840, this fine Hokkien Chinese temple with intricate rooftop dragons was fully restored in 2004. There's a big celebration here…

2. Bishop's House

0.07 MILES

Kuching’s oldest building, the Bishop's House was constructed – in 1849, with admirable solidness – by a German shipwright.

3. Chinese History Museum

0.08 MILES

Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the nine major Chinese communities – each with its own…

4. Waterfront Promenade

0.09 MILES

The south bank of Sungai Sarawak along Main Bazaar and Jln Gambier is a lovely tree-shaded promenade, with walkways, lawns and food stalls. It's a fine…

5. Tua Pek Kong Temple

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Tua Pek Kong, atop the red wedding-cake structure on Jln Padungan at the end of Main Bazaar, is the most popular temple in town for Chinese residents.

6. Hin Ho Bio

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It's easy to miss this temple, tucked away on the roof of the Kuching Hainan Association. Go up the staircase to the top floor and you'll come to a vivid…

7. Kucing Kucing

0.12 MILES

Perhaps the nicest of Kuching's several statues of kucing (cats) is Gaye Porter's life-size bronze sculpture of playful felines cavorting on the lawn…

8. Old Anglican Cemetery

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A number of the gravestones here – there are just a few dozen – go back to the 1840s.