The Marian Boutique Lodging House

The Marian didn’t start as a hotel at all, but rather as a family home built by Ong Ewe Hai, one of Kuching’s early Chinese traders. He chose the spot carefully, high on a hill so the house looked straight down onto his shophouses and across to the Sarawak River. The house was built to last, and it ended up sheltering three generations of the Ong family under one roof. Even Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, who later became a federal minister, was born there. Then in 1933, the Ongs sold the property to the Anglican Mission, and it began a completely different chapter as a boarding house.

The Boarding House closed in 1967, and by the following year, the diocese was using it as a guesthouse. That carried on for decades, right up until 2013, when the Lo family, descendants of Ong Ewe Hai, stepped in to restore the building and give it a new purpose. Today, as The Marian Boutique Lodging House, it still holds onto all those layers of history while welcoming new generations of guests.

The Marian carries all the hallmarks of late 19th-century colonial architecture. Built in 1885 as a three-storey bungalow, it was designed with high ceilings, wide verandahs, and solid belian timber floors, all meant to handle Sarawak’s tropical climate. Sun-baked bricks gave the house its strength, while details like a Chinese horned archway and jade-green courtyard tiles reflected Ong Ewe Hai’s own heritage.

When the building was restored, those features weren’t erased but carefully salvaged. Wooden staircases, dark timber floors, and intricate fittings were kept intact, giving the house a second life without losing its soul. What once served as an all-girls boarding school is now Kuching’s first heritage boutique lodging house, with 40 rooms ranging from family options to a two-bedroom apartment. To honour its past, the rooms are even named after former matrons and a headmistress who once looked after generations of boarders. A sunken garden, wide lawns, and a tranquil swimming pool surround the mansion, offering quiet corners to relax in. The terrace is also popular for gatherings.

Right beside The Marian is Kantin at The Granary. The place used to be an old warehouse behind a row of pre-war shophouses, and today it’s been turned into a big open dining hall where the vibe is easy-going. Kantin keeps things close to home with a Proud Sarawakian concept. The food is rooted in local flavours but given a fresh, modern twist. It’s a place where people come together for food, art, and culture, which makes sense in Kuching, now recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.

Around The Marian, you’ll also find plenty of other great places to eat and hang out. There are casual cafés, lively pubs, and fun spots like Bear Garden, Roll n Roll Karaoke at Plaza Merdeka, The Round Tower 1886 Café & Restaurant, and even Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant, all within easy reach.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

There's a lot to do right here at The Marian. Guests can hang out by the swimming pool and grab a snack or a drink. If you want to chill indoors, the Reading Lounge is a quiet spot, and sometimes they have live music. They also offer cooking classes for an extra charge, and you can go on a walking or bike tour to check out Kuching. Before you leave, be sure to browse The Marian Gift Gallery for some handmade souvenirs.

A short walk from the hotel, and you'll be on Kuching's Main Bazaar, a "mile of Borneo Culture" lined with quaint shops selling everything from crafts to antiques. They have town maps for guests who want to explore on their own. You can visit places like the Old Court House, Carpenter Street, and India Street. The boat jetty for a sunset cruise is super close, or you can take a 'bot tambang' (water taxi) to the beautifully restored Fort Margherita.

If you'd rather have a guide, they can set you up with a Walking Tour of Kuching or a day trip to a National Park. You can go kayaking, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village, or even see Orangutans. For a real adventure, ask about a two-night trip to a traditional longhouse. There's something for everyone. Just talk to the team at the in-house tour desk or contact them ahead of time to arrange tours. They're happy to help you plan your itinerary.

Other Celebrations

The Marian is a great spot to host your next event. They have several intimate spaces for workshops, small gatherings, and corporate meetings, where guests can enjoy a unique blend of food, art, and local culture. If you're looking for a more fun vibe, you can also arrange a poolside party. The staff will assist in planning and get the details sorted out.