BLTan

Hi!

My first post! So I'm going to Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia for about 3 days this July and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on:

1. Cool things happening there in July
2. A good, middle-of-the-road but not ostentatious hotel to stay at
3. What to do

I've been there when I was really small as a kid and hardly remember it, so any recommendations you have would be great. Thanks!

Craig

We were there last July. The coolest thing to do is to wander around the waterfront which has likely changed since you were there. We stayed at the Pullman which, while being the nicest hotel in town, is pretty much middle-of-the-road - certainly not ostentatious.

There are several day trips that you can take - the orangutan preserve, the Sarawak Cultural Village, etc. You can do these either on your own or on an organized tour.

I posted a Malaysia trip report which includes our time in Kuching:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-singapore.cfm

Hope this helps.

Kathie

As Craig says, wander along the waterfront, explore Little India, etc. We thought the museum was worthwhile.

We stayed at the Hilton, which was very nice.

silverwool

The Rainforest World Music Festival is on from the 13 - 15 of July at the Cultural Village if the dates are right. I went there a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both local and international acts, very well run and very friendly. It depends a bit on what sort of music you like though!

A trip out to Boko National Park is good if you like walking. I did a two day longhouse tour which was fun. Maybe the evening river cruise.

I'd also recommend trying out the Top Spot Food Court for fresh seafood. Lots of locals eating there which is always a good sign.

Finally Kuching is a good city to just 'hang out' in.

Kathie

If the festival is on while you are there, get your hotel reservations now - if it isn't too late!

BLTan

Oh very cool. Thanks for the replies. How long did each of you spend in Kuching?

Any other hotel recommendations?

Thanks all!

Craig

We were in Kuching for 3 nights and do check out Top Spot for excellent seafood.

Kathie

We had four nights (three full days) in Kuching, and wished we had more time there.

Do try the laksa while you are in Kuching - it's wonderful!

BLTan

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback!

Ladouca

We were there 4 nights and stayed at the Basaga Residence which is a 20 minute walk from the waterfront. We enjoy walking and prefer being a little isolated so the Basaga was fine for us. We did the Bako national park, the orangutan preserve, longhouse tour and waterfront stroll and all are recommended. We also did a 4 night Kurakura homestay in the jungle which was the highlight of our trip.

Fanjoy

I was there about a month ago and the highlight was seeing the orang-utans. The waterfront is fine and so is the cultural village but actually they are a little boring I thought. If I was to do it again I would be more adventuresome and not stay in Kuching.

Kathie

If you want to se orangutans, go to Sabah, not Sarawak, and there are places where you can see them in the wild, like the Danum Valley.