Kuching

Kuching has a very good reputation with travellers. For me, this built up my expectations too much as every traveller I came across mentioned how nice Kuching was.

When I finally arrived in Kuching, I was a bit disappointed. It is a nice enough place though. I think what people find appealing about Kuching is the nice gardens and the developed water front. The water still isn't the cleanest, but at least you didn't have to cover your nose when you walk near it.

Make sure you pick up the free Kuching tourist booklet that has some nice maps, bus timetables etc. Very well done. The visitor information center is also a very helpful place and can help you book accommodation and of course fill you in on all the things you can go see.

Kuching has a lot of museums. The Sarawak museum had a good reputation, but when I went there ir was pretty boring. One building had only pots on display and was half empty. Another exhibit was being advertised as coming. It is free though, so somewhere you can head if you have some time to kill. The Islamic museum is also nearby and somewhat interesting.

Kuching's surrounding attractions did not disappoint and are well worth coming for.

Bako National Park, famous for probiscus monkeys and other wildlife.

Semmengoh, where you can watch orang-utangs come for a meal if you are lucky.

Gadang, where you might be able to see the largest flower in the world, the rarely flowering Raffelisia.

The cultural village is outside of Kuching and meant to be interesting if you like seeing a fake traditional longhouse setting with some cultural dancing.