FromDC

We loved our brief time in Malaysia 3 years ago (Datai, Penang(E&O), K/L) and have been looking forward to returning, esp to Borneo. I was really lucky to snag 2 business class tix on Cathay Pacific last week for a 2 week trip in Feb, the only time we can go this year. We will be spending probably 2 full days in BKK first, then on to Borneo and here is how it looks so far:
Day 1 (actually the 5th day of the trip including all travel) travel to KK
Days 2- 4: travel to and 3 nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Days 5 - 7: Stay at a nice resort outside KK; thinking about Bungaraya or Gayana Eco resort. I'm hoping to "reward" DH for agreeing to go to BRL since he is worried about the leech issue
Days 8-11: Kuching. Especially looking for suggestions here on day trips
Day 12 to SIN. We will have the afternoon and evening here (we spent 5 days in SIN about 10 years ago)
Day 13: fly home from SIN via HKG at 8am

I've read Kathie's report many times (thanks for the inspiration for this trip) and recent posts from those of you who are going to Borneo this coming winter. I am wondering whether to take one day away from either the resort or Kuching and add it either to BKK or SIN. I normally don't like to spend less than 3 nights in one place.

Anyway, comments and suggestions most welcome!

rhkkmk

can't comment on specifics, but have a fantastic time

Kathie

Your itinerary looks great!

Like you, I don't like to spend fewer than three nights in one place. Given that, I wouldn't move any nights around.

Kuching is really charming. You'll want at least one or two full days to wander around town, go to the museum, shop a bit (bring home lots of Sarawak pepper - get the kind that is locally processed), etc. If you are interested in local handmade textiles there is much to see and learn in Kuching. You could take a day trip to a longhouse village if you wanted to, or a day trip to Bako. These can be arranged in Kuching.

silverwool

Go out to see the Orangutans at Semenggoh near Kuching. I found it better than Sepilok in Sabah as the Orangutans were a lot closer. I'd also recommend Bako.

Kathie

We planned our trip so we could go visit Semenggoh if we didn't see orangutans in the wild at the BRL. But having seen them in the wild, we had little interest in visiting a "rehab" center. But the orangutans would be much easier to photograph at Semenggoh!

I forgot to comment on your husband's concerns about leeches. Make sure you both buy and use leech socks. If you can't find them before you go, they do sell them at the BRL.

FromDC

Thanks, silverwool, I will keep that in mind if we don't see any at BRL. Kathie, good reminder about the leech socks, which I will get before we leave.

Is it better to wear long pants on these walks even tho it will likely be hot? And do you have any recs for rain gear?

I think it makes more sense to stay in a city hotel in KK on the night that we return from BRL because we won't get back until dinner time. The resort we want to stay at is quite expensive so it doesn't make sense to pay so much for a day that we will essentially miss. So either we will take one day away from the resort or take one day away from Kuching.

I'm also looking for hotel recommendations in Kuching. Doesn't seem to be a place that lots of Fodorites visit. Anyone been there recently?

Kathie

Believe me, you want to wear long pants at the BRL. I saw a German guy who had worn shorts and leech socks. He had a row of leech bites across the backs of his calves just above where his leech socks stopped!

We took along rain ponchos but never used them.

In Kuching, we stayed at the Hilton. I'm not generally a Hilton Fan, but it was lovely. We were on a Club floor and looked out over the river. The view was beautiful, the location just perfect. Craig, who is headed to Borneo in a few months, chose the new Pullman Hotel in Kuching.

debnyc

I took Kathie's suggestion and stayed at the Hilton. The location was perfect and would do it again. Although, I found the rooms a bit run down and not particularly up to "Hilton" standards. But, it's Kuching. And we LOVED Kuching. I wish I had another day at the main bazaar. Regretfully, we didn't buy more as the prices and quality of the tribal art was stellar. Thankfully we bought and shipped home an antique shield and sword from "Nelson's antiques. It arrived in perfect condition. And figuring KL was our last stop, we'd pick up stuff there. Well guess what, it was far more then double the price and not as good quality. So GO to the main bazaar, and SHOP like crazy! And visit the block behind the main bazaar. We found a terrific chinese restaurant right next to a beautiful temple. Best chinese food I ever ate. BTW...we got this reco from the Lonely planet guide, "off the beaten path. Besides shopping, Semanggoh is a nice half day trip to see the Orangutans. We also did a longhouse visit and booked it through Borneo adventures. It was a 4 day trip and really wonderful. Doesn't look like you have the time for that, but, I would look at their site, borneoadventures.com and see if they have any good day trips. They were a reputable company and their offices are located on the main bazaar. You can drop in and play it by ear.

debnyc

Just re-reading my post and realized I might not have been so clear as to say, all my comments were about Kuching. (specifically, Hilton hotel) Kuching was one of our favorite places in Borneo and wish we had more time there.

FromDC

Very helpful, Deb. I just posted a reply to another Borneo thread, asking you advice about the river trip in Sabah.

lincasanova

debnyc.. i think that website is not correct. it is an unpurchased domain.

debnyc

sorry, here's the correct URL. http://www.borneoadventure.com/