Square Tower
A historic 1879 fortress on the Sarawak River, offering colonial charm and scenic views, with a restaurant known for great value.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat, best light for photos
Square Tower
Best Time
Avoid heat, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1879 fortress on the Sarawak River, offering colonial charm and scenic views, with a restaurant known for great value.
"A unique colonial architecture that you can visit while strolling along the Kuching Waterfront."
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit at dusk for stunning photos as the tower and surrounding buildings light up.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Stroll
Combine your visit with a walk along the Kuching Waterfront for a complete experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Colonial Architecture
Sarawak Riverfront
Admire the unique 1879 fortress-like structure and its colonial charm along the waterfront.
Scenic River Views
Rooftop (if accessible)
Enjoy panoramic views of the Sarawak River and the State Legislative Assembly Building.
Historical Significance
Exterior
Learn about its past as a prison and fortress, adding depth to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Check Opening Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit at dusk for stunning photos as the tower and surrounding buildings light up.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Stroll
Combine your visit with a walk along the Kuching Waterfront for a complete experience.
❓ Confirm Hours
Its status as a restaurant or attraction can vary; check if it's open before you go.
💰 Value Dining
If open as a restaurant, reviews suggest excellent value for money, especially for steak.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit at dusk for stunning photos as the tower and surrounding buildings light up.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Stroll
Combine your visit with a walk along the Kuching Waterfront for a complete experience.
❓ Confirm Hours
Its status as a restaurant or attraction can vary; check if it's open before you go.
💰 Value Dining
If open as a restaurant, reviews suggest excellent value for money, especially for steak.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Square Tower is a historically significant colonial building on the Kuching Waterfront, praised for its unique architecture and potential for scenic river views. While some visitors have enjoyed it as a restaurant offering great value, its inconsistent opening status and lack of on-site information have been noted as drawbacks.
"A well maintained historical building along the Sarawak River. It is located opposite the old courthouse. Visitors can walk around the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery and admire the beautiful State Legislative Assembly Building across the river. Visitors can also walk across the river via the new pedestrian bridge. Best time to visit is in the evening to avoid the hot sun and remember to bring along your camera!"
Dorene
"A unique colonial architecture that you can visit while strolling along the Kuching Waterfront.
It used to be a prison, then turned fortress & now apparently it is a restaurant... But it was closed at the time of my visit."
E. T.
"My only regret is to post this review, for the fear that the prices will be driven up 😊. But then, many will miss it out. One of the best restaurants in town and the BEST value for money.
My second time this week, dining on the fabulously priced ribeye steak (RM62 @ 220 gm) . This time without the Chef around just to see the consistency of the kitchen staff.
Ordered medium rare again, and the kitchen delivers. The picture tells it all. The Grass fed New Zealand beef is surprisingly juicy even without being a fatty meat.
Cap it with RM12 Draft Tiger beer (where else at this value?), make an early sunset evening dining, perfect."
Gabriel Walter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Square Tower is conveniently located along the Kuching Waterfront, easily accessible by foot from the city center. You can also reach it via Grab or local taxis.
While direct parking at the tower might be limited, there are several public parking areas along the Kuching Waterfront. Consider using ride-sharing services for ease.
Yes, Square Tower is part of a walkable historical trail that includes the Old Courthouse and Carpenter Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on entry fees is scarce, and its current function as a restaurant or attraction can be inconsistent. It's best to check on-site or confirm its operating status beforehand.
Opening hours can be variable as it may operate as a restaurant or a historical site. It's recommended to verify its current operating status before visiting.
It has served as both. Historically a prison and fortress, it has also been a restaurant. Confirm its current status before your visit. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire its unique colonial architecture, enjoy scenic river views from the top (if accessible), and learn about its historical past as a prison and fortress.
Absolutely! The colonial architecture and riverside location make it a great spot for photos, especially during the golden hour or at night when it's illuminated.
Access to the rooftop may depend on its current operational status. Historically, it offered interesting exploration opportunities.
Built in 1879, it served as a prison and later a fortress. Its unique castle-like appearance hints at its historical significance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Square Tower has been known to house a restaurant, with reviews praising its value for money, particularly for steak dishes and draft beer.
Reviews suggest a focus on steak, with mentions of ribeye steak being a popular and well-prepared dish. They also offer draft beer at competitive prices.
Based on reviews, dining at Square Tower is considered to offer excellent value for money, with reasonably priced steak and drinks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The nearby pedestrian bridge offers a fun way to cross the river, and the general atmosphere of the waterfront is lively and engaging for all ages. Pack some snacks and water, as exploring the waterfront can be an adventure in itself.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for late afternoon visits to capture the warm, natural light and the transition into evening. As dusk settles, the tower and surrounding buildings often illuminate, creating a magical ambiance perfect for night photography. Don't forget to capture the views across the river towards the State Legislative Assembly Building.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Walking along the Sarawak Riverfront, you can't miss its unique architecture, standing in contrast to the modern cityscape. While its exact function today can be fluid, its historical presence is undeniable. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to connect with this past, even if information on-site is sometimes sparse.
For those who appreciate historical structures, the Square Tower offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century architecture and its role in the area's development. It's a reminder of the layers of history that make up Kuching's vibrant identity.
Dining with a View
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a significant part of the appeal. Dining with views of the Sarawak River, especially during sunset, creates a memorable experience. The availability of RM12 draft Tiger beer is also noted as a significant value proposition, making it an attractive spot for an evening out.
However, it's crucial to confirm its operational status as a restaurant before planning a meal. Some visitors have found it closed unexpectedly, leading to disappointment. If you do catch it open for dining, it promises a unique and affordable culinary adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit