The Marian Boutique Lodging House: A Timeless Escape into Kuching’s Colonial Heart
Tucked away in the heart of old Kuching, nestled between history and the vibrant pulse of Sarawak’s capital city, lies a place where time slows down. The Marian Boutique Lodging House isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a journey into the soul of Kuching itself. For those seeking a romantic, nostalgic, and truly Sarawakian escape, The Marian is a rare gem that evokes a sense of wonder, heritage, and hospitality. Whether you’re an overseas Sarawakian returning home, a curious traveller exploring Borneo, or even a local seeking a tranquil staycation, this is where past and present intertwine.
A Heritage Rooted in Kuching’s Colonial Charm
The story of The Marian Boutique Lodging House begins with the vision of Ong Ewe Hai, a pioneering Chinese trader whose father migrated from China to Singapore in the first half of the 19th century. When Ong Ewe Hai decided to plant his roots in Kuching, he meticulously scouted the perfect location for his family home—a decision that would shape the spirit and legacy of the building for generations. Towering above the riverbanks on a proud, tree-lined hill, this hilltop residence was more than a structure—it was a statement. It stood high above the commercial buzz of Kuching’s old town, granting a commanding view of the very street where Ewe Hai’s business empire blossomed. That street, vibrant and alive with traders, rickshaws, and the rhythms of everyday life, would later bear his name—Ewe Hai Street.
Imagine standing at the edge of the Marian’s hilltop courtyard in the late 19th century: the golden hues of sunrise reflecting off the Sarawak River below, the soft clatter of horse-drawn carts drifting up from the town, and the scent of tropical blooms rising with the morning mist. It was here that Ong Ewe Hai built a home from belian wood and sun-dried bricks, gazing daily upon the heart of his flourishing trade route. The view wasn’t just picturesque—it was purposeful, a vision that connected home and commerce, family and future. The house would come to stand not only as a family residence but as a symbol of aspiration, permanence, and pride.
Completed in 1885, the house was solidly constructed of belian (ironwood) and sun-dried bricks. It stood as a proud family home to three generations of the Ong family, including Ong Tiang Swee and his descendants. Among the notable residents born here was Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, Malaysia’s former Federal Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, who grew up surrounded by siblings, uncles, aunties, cousins, and nieces under one roof.
In 1933, the Ong family home was sold to the Anglican Mission and became St. Mary’s Boarding House, a hostel for girls attending the nearby St. Mary’s School. A six-foot cross above the porch was added to the roof, still visible from the Main Bazaar and the Sarawak River today. The front courtyard, once enclosed with jade green openwork tiles and a Chinese horned archway, became a place of laughter, sisterhood, and community.
The echoes of schoolgirls’ footsteps on the wooden belian floors were familiar music to Matron Miss Chong Kim Joon, who could recognize each boarder by the sound of their giggles and voices. The Boarding House saw its final days in 1967, and from 1968 onward, it served as a Diocesan guesthouse until 2013, when a new chapter began with the birth of The Marian Boutique Lodging House.
Today, The Marian has been lovingly restored and preserved, retaining the dignified timber beams, original tiles, antique staircases, and charming colonial architecture that breathe life into every corner. With each creaking floorboard and every timeworn window frame, stories echo through the walls—stories of childhood laughter, school dorm life, and the timeless rhythm of Kuching life.
A Stay Wrapped in Nostalgia
Waking up at The Marian is like being cradled by history. The guest rooms, thoughtfully designed to retain the building’s historic charm, offer modern comforts without losing their soul. Vintage furniture, high wooden ceilings, shuttered windows, and aged teak floors speak of a time when life was slower, softer, and full of meaning. Yet, each room is outfitted with all the necessities of the modern traveller, creating a seamless blend of the old and the new.
Step out onto the verandah and you’re met with sweeping views of Kuching’s heritage core. The iconic golden dome of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building glistens in the distance. Below, a sea of red, blue, and rusted rooftops stretch across the landscape, each telling its own story. From here, you can see the heartbeat of Kuching—its bustling streets, its gentle river, its timeless rhythm.
A City of Stories: Kuching, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
The Marian’s location puts you right in the centre of a city that has earned international acclaim as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Kuching is not only home to architectural beauty and cultural richness but is also a sanctuary for food lovers. The city’s culinary tapestry is woven from the threads of its diverse communities—Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Indian, Melanau, and more.
From the famous Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee to crispy midin ferns and layered Kek Lapis Sarawak, every bite tells a story of heritage, migration, celebration, and love. And where better to begin your culinary exploration than just steps from your door?
Kantin at The Granary: A Taste of Time
Right within the compound of The Marian lies one of Kuching’s most beloved culinary secrets—Kantin at The Granary. Set in a beautifully repurposed grain warehouse that once served the convent, this contemporary restaurant and bar bring people together over hearty meals, soulful coffee, and creative cocktails.
With rustic industrial decor, leafy surrounds, and open-air charm, Kantin at The Granary offers a unique dining experience that complements the historic soul of The Marian. On any given evening, you might hear laughter mingling with jazz music, as locals and travellers alike share Sarawak-inspired dishes made with passion and flair.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of connection, culture, and comfort.
Discover the Hidden Corners of Kuching
From The Marian, the city is your playground. Step out and explore the streets of Carpenter Street, where old Chinese shophouses whisper tales of yesteryear. Visit the Sarawak Museum, stroll along the Kuching Waterfront, or take a sampan across the river to visit the Malay villages and Fort Margherita.
Each step through Kuching is a walk through time. And yet, it is here that innovation and tradition live side by side. Kuching is not just a city; it’s a living museum, a creative hub, and a place where hearts are always full.
For Sarawakians, A Homecoming
To Sarawakians abroad, The Marian is more than accommodation—it’s a return to roots. It’s the smell of rain on wooden verandahs, the sound of a hornbill’s cry at dusk, the gentle lull of riverboats passing in the distance. It’s a place where generations intersect, where memories resurface, and where every wall holds a story waiting to be rediscovered.
Even for those who have made Kuching their permanent home, The Marian offers an experience that reminds you why you fell in love with this city to begin with. It’s perfect for a quiet weekend retreat, a romantic anniversary, or a creative recharge.
A Perfect Blend of Preservation and Purpose
What makes The Marian especially admirable is its commitment to preserving heritage while promoting sustainable hospitality. The restoration of the building pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, and the property consciously embraces green practices. This is not a soulless modern hotel—this is a living, breathing embodiment of what Sarawak is and can become.
And as Sarawak accelerates under the Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030, with a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, tourism, and heritage, The Marian stands as a beacon of what progress rooted in tradition can look like.
A Stay That Stays With You
To stay at The Marian is to step into a carefully preserved pocket of history—to experience Kuching not through a guidebook, but through the senses. It is a place where:
The past greets you at the doorway
The present comforts you in your room
And the future waits just outside the gate
Whether you’re sipping coffee at Kantin, reading on the veranda, exploring the city, or simply sitting in silence, your time at The Marian will leave an imprint on your heart.
Because some places aren’t just meant to be visited. They’re meant to be felt, remembered, and returned to.
Come home to The Marian. Stay where the stories live.
