Borneo Highlands Resort

Set against 5,000 acres of lush greens, surrounded by pristine jungles of Borneo’s exotic rainforest, Borneo Highlands Resort has all the essential elements of a getaway retreat.Unwind, renew and rejuvenate with a carefully selected range of enjoyable retreats, tailored exclusively for you to take care of your inner self while we take care of the rest.Here at the Resort, your exclusivity and privacy is our utmost priority. With the number of guests kept to just 60 a day, you almost have the entire resort to yourself.Let us to pamper you during your stay with our homely Sarawakian hospitality and personalised service. May we make your retreat one of luxurious comfort and most importantly, unforgetable.
****This is a one star resort...... but its charging at a premium for there rooms....****
Other than that the weather is great.....
There is a taiwan monk temple that is located near the resort. When you're there you may inform front desk that you would like to go there.
However, the temple is under a different management, you will need to call one of the monks or get assistance from the front desk to transport you there.
I was told that monk will only reply to your call or sms after prayer time or resting period.Here is the contact number and name. Siew Ching - 016-886 4008.

What is free in Kuching?

1. Visit to the Museums - Admission FREE

These including the

Sarawak Museum,

Chinese Museum (at Waterfront Kuching),

Islamic Museum,

http://www.museum.sarawak.gov.my/indexeng.htm

Textile Museum

http://www.museum.sarawak.gov.my/textilemu.htm

2. Visit to the Cat Museum (not real cat) - also FREE

The location is inside the City North City Hall.

http://www.dbku.gov.my/catmuseum.htm

3. The City Tower - Civic Centre (Admmission FREE)

Open for public up to 6pm everyday. You can view the whole Kuching, including the mountains and Islands at the South China Sea. A good place to view sun set.

http://www.kuching.net.my/destinations2.asp?destination= 'Civic+Centre'

There is a pub & Chinese restaurant up there called The Link.

http://www.links-entertainment.com.my/index.htm

4. Visit to the Islamic Information Centre (NEW)

To learn more about Islamic history in Sarawak.

http://www.sarawakiic.org.my

5. Visit to the Weekend Market (Sat afternoon & Sun morning)

This is a colourful market with all sort of vege, local products, orchids, cakes, fruits and also some books and t-shirts.

Location is at the Satok area.

http://www.kuching.net.my/destinations2.asp?destination= 'Sunday+Market'

6. Stroll around the Main Bazaar, waterfront and also carpenter Street.

Lot of things to see here, window shopping and relax at the waterfront. See the lifestyle. FREE.

7. Chinese Temples along Carpenter Street and Tuan Pek Kong next to Hilton Hotel

There are several Chinese Temples along Carpenter street and also Wayang Street such as Kong an Si Temple and Tua Pek Kong.

On top of the Hainan Assoication there is another one, go up the stairs, you will find a nice temple there too.

Can go in have a look and take photos, they are FREE. See how the locals burn the paper money.

8. Meditation with the Monks at Borneo Highlands

Up at the Borneo Highlands Resort, there is a Buddhism Temple run by some monks from Taiwan. You can apply and stay with them for weeks and they will provide you FREE vegetarian food and accommodation. However, you need to follow their program and meditation. One hour drive from Kuching.http://www.borneohighlands.com.my

9. Walk in the parks

There are a few nice green parks in Kuching and all are free for public. Reservoir Park, Freindship Park, Botanical Garden (next to Museum).

10. Visit to the Layer cake Factory

Cross the river by sampan (50 cents) and go into the Village Boyan, that is another interesting part of Kuching and see the Malay houses and lifestyle. Visit the Layer cake factory - you can see the products and try some of the cakes for FREE.

11. Visit to the pottery factory

The factories are not in the city center, 5 miles away. You can visit the factory and play with the clay and make your own pots. Try and play- FREE.

(get permission first)

12. Visitors' information centre

of course, you can get flyers and info on Kuching from the information centre for free. One at the arrival hall in Kuching International airport, and another one is inside the Old Court House (end of Kuching Waterfront).

13. Visit to Fort Magherita

This is a beautiful Fort, It is built in 1879 to guard Kuching’s river approaches from pirates.

http://www.kuching.net.my/destinations2.asp?destination= 'Fort+Margherita'

It is FREE. Take a sampan across only 50 cents per way.

14. Visit to Timber Museum

The museum is situated in the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Council building (Wisma Sumber Alam) in Petra Jaya. Anyone with interest in forestry, traditional wood items, forest products and the development of the timber industry should head here.

http://www.sarawaktimber.org.my

15. Pua Kumbu Museum (Iban Weaving)

Visitors are required to make prior arrangements or appointments to visit the Museum and Gallery. Photo taking without flash are allowed only in the Weaving Gallery but not in the other galleries.

http://www.tunjugahfoundation.org.my/textile.php

16. Window shopping in a Shopping Mall

Go to the new Malls in Kuching, such as The Spring

http://www.thespring.com.my

17. Food and Drink

If you visit Kuching during the festive seasons, such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Gawai Festival

You may able to visit someone house and get free food and drink, even they do not know you.

Kuching

Kuching is the capital and largest city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak and the district of Kuching, as well as the largest city on the island of Borneo.

Going there by Plane
Kuching International Airport (IATA : KCH) is Sarawak's main gateway. There are near-hourly connections to Kuala Lumpur as well as frequent flights to Singapore, Johor Bahru, Labuan, Kota Kinabalu and other cities in Sarawak like Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. MASwings links Kuching with Mukah.

International connections are rather limited, although there are a few weekly services to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Pontianak. Flights to Kuching are also operated by AirAsia and Firefly. International airlines operating in Kuching includes SilkAir, Royal Brunei, Tiger Airways, and Batavia Air.The airport underwent a major facelift in 2005-2006 and is now modern and pleasant. When checking in, note that all flights outside Sarawak are considered "international", even if you're only going elsewhere in Malaysia.

A restaurant is on ground floor at the far end at the right, 'OldTown White Coffee' kopitiam restaurant at the other far end at the left and a McDonald's outlet beside the escalators. There is also a KFC outlet and a Starbucks outlet on the 2nd floor (departure level), left of the departure gates.

Getting there/away:
Kuching city is about 20 min away by taxi, a fixed RM26 from the taxi coupon stand just outside arrivals. Ignore the touts, even if they show you price lists. From the city you can get a private vehicle for around RM20 or catch a mini bus (RM7.99 for Tune guests); RM10 for others. must be booked at least 1 day in advance leaving hourly from 8:30AM-evening.

The Sarawak Transport Company (STC) Bus No. 12A no longer serves the 5 daily trips between the airport and the city centre. There is a series of other buses which can drop you off or pick you up approximately 1 KM west of the Airport (turn left as you exit the airport and walk to the main T intersection, turn left again and walk until you reach the big roundabout and catch a bus heading north to town namely 3A, 6, 8G and 9. The most convenient place to catch these buses back to the airport intersection is at the main bus terminal located in the city.Moving Around

By bus

The old bus company 'Chin Lian Long' has been taken over by City Public Link. You wouldn't miss it because it is bright green and you notice it frequently plying around Kuching city. The old rickety stage buses has been wiped out by the government in 2009. With these new buses, traveling around Kuching city has become more comfortable now. Perhaps, the only downside would be the waiting time for a bus. Frequency is about 30 mins and the fare ranges from RM1.80 to RM2.30 depends on the number of stops you are taking and you paid on the bus.
Nonetheless, the stage buses between Kuching and its outskirts like Petra Jaya, Serian, Bau and so forth, has not been replaced with new buses.

The main bus terminal in Kuching is located opposite the Old Mosque near the old city center. All the buses listed below leaves from here.

However, there is another bus terminal for inter-state departure which is located at 3rd Mile Bus Terminal. You should take your bus to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri from this terminal. Check BUS ASIA for online booking.

Local stage buses are run by 4 companies of colourful assortments, but there's a reasonably logical route numbering system and bus stops usually have some signage indicating bus route numbers.

Sarawak Transport Company (STC) - these green and beige STC buses mainly serve downtown and along the protocol roads leading southbound out of the city centre.

Matang Transport Company (MTC) - these orange and beige MTC buses serve the Kuching-Matang road and suburban settlements along the northern bank of the Sarawak River. This company is the only one not included in the Kuching City Bus Services consortium.

Petra Jaya Transport - these white buses with red, yellow and black striped livery serve the outskirts of Kuching City North (routes ending at Damai and Bako) and also the Kuching-Kota Sentosa-Kota Samarahan route.

Bau Transport Company - these brown and red buses serve the Kuching-Bau route.
Bus drivers and conductors do not actually have Public Relations and Tourist Guiding as part of their training syllabi. Should the bus conductor exist, kindly demand for the ticket because some bus inspectors might just walk inside and do a surprise inspection of passengers' tickets. There are some OMO (One Man Operation) buses that are equipped with a big coin box beside the driver's seat. Ask for the fare first before inserting the exact change into the box. Sit in the front half of the bus so you have easy access to the driver or conductor.

Cheating, pickpocketing and sexual harrassment might sometimes occur in public buses, so be watchful of your surroundings.
Inconsistent passenger load along certain routes can lead to drops in frequency and thus, bus operators cannot comply to a fixed timetable and that results in frustrating delays.

By shuttle van
Caution-Van sapu
Unlicensed shuttle vans also ply the main roads in Kuching, offering lower (if not the same) fares than their legal counterparts. If you are coaxed to board these vans, please do so at your own risk. Due to its illegal operations, van sapu passengers are not covered by insurance should an accident occur.

Yellow roofed kereta sewa or shuttle vans fill the void left by stage bus operators, offering somewhat more frequent trips throughout Kuching to as far as Tebedu and Bau. Each shuttle van has their own commuting routes so watch out the routes by reading the destination on the body of the van. Minimum fare for each trip is RM1 and increases with respect to distance. Fares also differ from one shuttle van to another plying the same route by commuting frequency, peak and off-peak periods and passenger load. If in doubt, ask the passengers, not the driver.

By taxi
Taxis are somewhat expensive in Kuching. Although taxis are metered, the drivers seldom use it and normally they will try to charge you any fare they like. They may also hide the meter behind a rudimentary cover and claim to have no meter. Take your time an appraise the honesty of the driver before proceeding. A reasonable taxi fare from Kuching city centre to Santubong is RM42. Some hotels provide their own shuttle vans or buses to designated tourism spots and city centre. Check with your hotel should they provide this kind of service.

By car
All major roads in Kuching city and suburban areas are well tarred and fairly maintained. Driving orientation is on the left and is generally slow-paced. Speed limits on dual-carriageway roads can reach a maximum of 90 km/h and can be reduced to 80km/h or 70 km/h during festival seasons.

Tourists from cosmopolitan cities may not appreciate the driving attitude of local road users. Some drivers tend to make a turn or overtake without using indicators, and others drive beyond the speed limit. You may also find a handful of road hoggers (cars, lorries and even motorcycles alike). Honk car horns and flash high beams with careful discretion.

Self-driving in and around Kuching can be challengingly fun. Directional signs in Kuching are so inadequate and it takes a good road map and a good sense of direction to get you around.

Car rental
Kuching City Car Rental (Kuching Car Rental), Ground Floor, Terminal Building, Kuching International Airport (Walk up towards the domestic arrival hall exit), ☎ +60128838318 (auto@catscity.com.my).

Car Rental Kuching (Car Rental Kuching), (Opposite of the domestic hall exit area), ☎ +60 16 8621613 (kelvin@carrentalkuching.com), [7] . From RM95/day, accept visa/master card.

Sime Darby Rent A Car (Hertz Malaysia Licensee), GL20, Ground Floor, Terminal Building, Kuching International Airport (Booth is after you claim your luggage at the airport), ☎ +60 82 450740 (kch@hertz.simedarby.com, fax: +60 82 450741). M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Sun and public holidays meet confirmed reservations. From RM150/day, credit/charge cards only.

Kuching Car Rental (Kereta Sewa Kuching), AJ 205, 1st Floor, MJC Batu Kawah New Township, Jl. Batu Kawa, ☎ +60 82 376 030, +60 82 455 022, +60 16 888 4020 (reservation@kuchingcarrental.com, fax: +60 82 455 422), [8] . M-Su, 8AM-9PM, Call to confirm reservation or book online. From RM98/day, credit/charge cards only.

Fairuz Car Rental Kuching, Desa Ilmu Apartment, Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak., ☎ +60 13 564 0191 (admin at fairuzcarrental.com), [9] . M-Su, 8AM-9PM, Book online and contact by email or SMS. From RM70/day, cash only.

By motorcycle
Three Bikes Rental and Services. Singgahsana Lodge No.1 Temple St. ☎ +60 82 429277. threebikesrental@yahoo.com

Teck Hua Motor. Motorbike rental at RM40, good service, they also have a few automatics for those who can't drive manual. Tabuan Rd. ☎ +60 82 233957

By bicycle
There is definitely no better way to see the sights of Kuching City than by bicycle. You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to take a full day bicycle tour of the city. Roads in Kuching are adequate for moving around by bicycle. Bicycling is a healthy and budget conscious way to explore the city and it enables you to explore and see things you simply cannot achieve by walking or taking the bus.

Borneo Bicycle Hire, ☎ +60 19 484 4393 (24 hr contact) (borneobicyclehire@ymail.com). 9AM-7PM every day including public holidays. They provide helmets, rain ponchos, repair kit and maps for doing a city tour by bicycles. Rates are very reasonably priced and they have a station in Tun Jugah Mall. If you prefer to start cycling early just after dawn you can rent or hire the bike the night before and bring the bicycle with you, the rental rates only starts in the morning when you begin your cycle tour. Should the hirer prefer another town as their centre for further exploration, they can be taken there, together with their bicycles, in a mini-bus for an additional charge. Full accident/repatriation insurance available from only RM15. However there are stamp duties as well.

By river taxi
Tambangs or river taxis provide easy and cheap transport across the Sarawak River in the heart of Kuching.

For a leisurely commute across the Sarawak River, river taxis locally known as tambang or penambang offers daily services at various points along the Kuching Waterfront, with a one-way fare at RM0.40. The fare hikes up to RM1 from 10PM-6AM the next day. Kindly place the exact change on the designated plate instead of giving it to the operator, as you disembark the river taxi at your destination.

By boats
Boats are sometimes available for visitors who wish to travel from one place to another along the Sarawak River.

By speedboats
Speedboats are available for people who wish to go to Taman Negara Bako, Satang Island and Talang-Talang Island from Santubong. Rate differs according to hotels, and in regards to public holidays and peak hours. Check schedule and rates at the respective hotels, such as Damai Lagoon.

On foot
Kuching is unusually pedestrian-friendly for a Malaysian city, with tree-lined sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, and the city core is compact enough to cover on foot. Good walks include the Kuching Waterfront and the pedestrian shopping street of Jalan India (Kuching's Little India).

Check Out
Sunday Market (Pasar Minggu), Jl. Satok in Satok. The Sunday Market comes alive beginning Saturday afternoon and runs until Sunday afternoon. The market is so huge that it might break your legs to walk to every corner of this market. It is divided into many sections such as food, fruits, vegetables, fishes (salted terubok fish is sold here), potted plants, jungle produce, including wild honey, pets, bundle clothing, magazines and even toys. The market is like a huge hypermarket, without air-conditioning. Some word of advice, wear shoes when you are entering fish and chicken areas. Those areas are wet in nature and the traders might not be ashamed to splash some water to your feet. It is open almost every weekend. However, during big celebrations like Gawai, Chinese New Year or Hari Raya, some stalls at Pasar Minggu are closed. The Pasar Tamu however, which is part of the market with a permanent roofed structure, operates on a daily basis.