Malaysia welcomes its first voco hotel with opening of voco Kuching
Exterior of voco Kuching, Malaysia’s first voco hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts, featuring contemporary Sarawak-inspired architecture

IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts its premium voco brand in Malaysia as voco Kuching opens, bringing contemporary Sarawak-inspired design, 321 guestrooms, and one of the city’s largest hotel event venues.

Malaysia’s hospitality landscape has entered a new chapter with the opening of voco Kuching, marking the debut of IHG Hotels & Resorts‘s premium voco brand in the country. Located just minutes from Kuching International Airport, the new hotel strengthens Kuching’s position as both a leisure and business events destination while expanding IHG’s growing footprint in Malaysia.

The opening follows a milestone year for the voco brand, which recently surpassed 100 hotels worldwide. With new properties opening across Asia, including voco Bangkok Surawong and voco Bandung Setiabudi, voco Kuching represents another step in the brand’s rapid international growth.

A contemporary interpretation of Sarawak

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Designed by SL+A Hotels, the interiors draw inspiration from Sarawak’s cultural heritage while embracing modern hospitality design. Soft architectural curves, natural textures, and locally inspired craftsmanship reflect the state’s relaxed character, creating an inviting atmosphere for travellers exploring the riverside city affectionately known as the “City of Cats.”

Every voco hotel is designed to express its own personality while delivering the consistency of a globally recognised premium hotel brand, balancing local identity with familiar guest experiences.

A local welcome with global hospitality

The hotel features 321 guestrooms and suites, including premium balcony rooms and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites designed for both business and leisure travellers. Dedicated workspaces and comfortable lounge areas cater to guests seeking longer stays or flexible work environments.

Staying true to the voco experience, guests are welcomed with the brand’s signature “Come on In” arrival experience. At voco Kuching, this includes a bear-shaped bahulu made with locally sourced Gula Apong, presented in handcrafted woven holders created by indigenous Sarawak artisans.

“Our aspiration goes beyond providing a great stay experience,” said Magdalina Chung, General Manager of voco Kuching.

“We hope to create a place where travellers and locals alike can connect, slow down, share experiences, and leave with stories worth remembering.”

She added that the opening reflects the dedication of hundreds of individuals who helped bring Malaysia’s first voco property to life.

Dining, events and wellness

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Dining options include LUMA, the hotel’s signature restaurant showcasing local flavours alongside international influences, and AMPM, an all-day café and evening bar offering relaxed social spaces.

Guests can also unwind by the outdoor swimming pool and private cabanas, while business travellers and event organisers have access to more than 2,400 square metres of meeting and function space.

The highlight is the Rainforest Ballroom, one of Kuching’s largest hotel ballrooms, capable of accommodating up to 1,350 guests, positioning the hotel as a major venue for conferences, weddings, and large-scale events.

Sustainability built into the guest experience

Reflecting voco’s “step by step” sustainability philosophy, the hotel incorporates environmentally conscious features throughout the property. These include filtered drinking water systems, premium organic bulk bath amenities from Apotheke, and pillows and duvets filled with recycled materials.

The initiatives align with growing traveller demand for accommodation that combines comfort with more sustainable operational practices.

Expanding IHG’s presence in Malaysia

The debut of voco Kuching further strengthens IHG’s Malaysian portfolio, which now comprises 13 operating hotels across multiple brands, with eight additional properties under development.

Future openings will introduce the luxury Regent and Vignette Collection brands to Malaysia, reflecting continued investment in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality markets.


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Categories: hotels

Paul Lo

Paul Lo is an independent travel journalist and editor focused on global hotel openings, airline lounges, and hospitality industry developments. Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Shanghai, he previously worked at South China Morning Post, Apple Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Global Times, covering news and developments across Asia.