Kuching has found itself at the starting line of a major international adventure, as BBC One's Celebrity Race Across the World begins its latest series in the Sarawak capital.
Premiering on 28 October 2026, the popular British travel competition follows four celebrity pairs on a 7,500km journey from Malaysian Borneo to Melbourne, Australia, bringing the Sarawak capital to television audiences across the UK.
The fourth series of Celebrity Race Across the World take contestants across 3 countries and 2 continents, with 5 checkpoints separating them from the finish line in Melbourne.
The celebrity line-up includes singer Ella Eyre and her childhood friend Nana, Eurovision star Sam Ryder and his tour manager Kaz, sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling and his son Matt, and siblings Princess and Junior Andre.
Beginning in Kuching, the teams must navigate their way through Borneo and onwards towards Australia without flights, smartphones or credit cards, relying on local transport and limited budgets to reach each checkpoint.
The international exposure also coincides with Visit Malaysia 2026, the country's national tourism campaign.
Tourism Malaysia has welcomed the attention on Sarawak, highlighting the opportunity to introduce UK audiences to the state's natural attractions and cultural experiences.
"The programme offers viewers a wonderful first impression, but Sarawak rewards those who stay longer - with extraordinary food, time on its rivers and trails, and the warmth and generosity of its people," said Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia UK & Ireland.
The programme is also drawing attention from the travel press. The Independent has covered Kuching's waterfront and nearby wildlife attractions, while noting that destinations featured in an earlier series experienced an increase in bookings.
For viewers inspired to visit, Kuching offers much more than a starting point. The riverside capital is known for its heritage streets, lively food scene and easy access to some of Sarawak's best-known natural attractions.
A stroll along the Kuching Waterfront offers views of the Sarawak River and Darul Hana Bridge, while the nearby streets around Main Bazaar reveal the city's trading heritage. The Borneo Cultures Museum is another worthwhile stop, offering a closer look at Sarawak's diverse communities and traditions.
For a wider look at Kuching's history, travellers can follow a half-day route through Chinatown, Tua Pek Kong Temple and colonial-era landmarks.
Sarawak laksa and kolo mee are everyday favourites in Kuching, often enjoyed at the city's kopitiams (traditional coffee shops).
For a deeper taste of the city, travellers can sample local specialities while wandering through Kuching's heritage streets, or visit Petanak Market before learning to prepare Sarawak dishes.
Near Damai Beach, Sarawak Cultural Village features traditional dwellings and craft demonstrations representing communities including the Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau.
Travellers can explore the living museum and watch cultural performances against the backdrop of Mount Santubong.
Nature enthusiasts can visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for a chance to observe semi-wild orangutans in their rainforest habitat. Those who want to see more in one day can pair an orangutan visit with Kuching's historical landmarks.
For those looking to venture further, Bako National Park is home to secluded beaches, mangrove forests and wildlife including proboscis monkeys. As with any wildlife experience, sightings are not guaranteed.
While the celebrity teams are racing towards Melbourne, travellers can take a little more time to experience what Sarawak has to offer.
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