The Kuching Waterfront is a 900-metre long esplanade, starting from the area fronting the Crowne Plaza Riverside and The Riverside Suites and ends just before the Kuching wet market. The waterfront was opened in 1993 and it is believed to be one of the best urban regeneration and rehabilitation projects in Asia.

The Kuching Waterfront lines the south bank of the Sarawak River. It is the 'happening place’ and an ideal place to experience the city's cosmopolitan vibes. Visitors can enjoy the views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay villages on the other side of the river during the day and the restaurants and entertainment outlets at night.

The Sarawak River is the main river that flows through Kuching. The early settlers in Kuching settled down in an area, now known as Chinatown, near the Sarawak River. Today, sampans still ply between the north and south banks of Sarawak River, transporting people who live in the north bank to get to work in downtown Kuching South.

The river is also an important source of water for the inhabitants in the surrounding areas as well as for tourism and water-related sports. The Sarawak Regatta, an annual event is normally held in the month of November at Kuching Waterfront.