We have a two week trip planned to KL, Melaka and Singapore. We had intended on going to Penang, but are now thinking of switching to Kuching. Opinions and suggestions?

Liked both Penang and Kuching.

Of course, Melaka, Penang and Kuching have some similarities - all trading ports with a historic Chinese presence (shophouses, temples, etc).

But Kuching wins for me because from there you can go to Bako National Park - great walks, deserted beaches; forest. And it's not just the park itself, it's the getting there. Fun!

Penang more closely approximates a western "city" experience with a choice of expensive shops and restaurants. From your handle I assume food is important - so maybe Penang for you (the street food is famously good!)

Cheers.

I'm sure you've read my trip reports of both places.

As afterall says, if it's food you want, go to Penang. If you stay in Georgetown, you won't see expensive shops and restaurants, you'll see markets and "coffee shops" which are collections of hawker stalls. The hawker food in Penang is a unique experience. Stay away from the beaches and the modern city of Penang, and you'll have a fascinating experience.

Kuching is erally a charming, attractive town. The must-try dish is Laksa. You've probably had Laksa elsewhere in Asia, but each city's take on this classic dish is different and my vote for most amazing goes to Kuching. It helped that a local brought us Laksa from her favorite place! Kuching does have more around it to visit, as after all says. Even if you don't go to Bako, a shorter drive will get you to Damai. Just walking around town is lovely. There is a beautifully done riverfront, with a great walkway and preserved shophouses. Do stop and buy Sarawak peppercorns - not the ones fermented by the big conglomerates, but locally processed - it tastes like no other pepper. I think we bought about a pound. and I have to think about going back to Kuching, as we'll probably run out this year!

Thank you both for your thoughts. Since we will have 4 days in Singapore and 3 days in KL for food hawkers, I think Kuching wins out. Baku and Orangutans just are too much to turn away. Hotel suggestions anyone?

(BTW, although I personally prefer the Tellicherry peppercorns, Penzey's sells Sarawak peppercorns via the internet. I can vouch that they are very good and fresh, as are all of their products. If you do beef roasts, do try their English Prime Rib Rub.)

Ah! Another Penzeys fan!

We stayed at the Hilton In Kuching. I'm not a Hilton fan, but this one was very nice. The location is excellent, right next to the river. You just go out the door and cross the street and you're on the river walk.