Kuching

Boats use Pending wharf, 6 km east of the city. Chin Lian Long buses No. 1A, 17 and 19 serve the express-boat jetty in town for 60 sen one way, while taxis normally cost RM10.

Carry the printable map with you.

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state on Borneo. Visitors are often struck by the city's attractive green setting and its friendly residents, who readily assist tourists needing help. Its sights lie close together, allowing them to be enjoyed without a taxi or bus.

The Sarawak River separates the city's north and south, and riding a sampan along it is an unforgettable experience. The journey provides striking views of Malay Kampungs (Villages) against a mountainous backdrop. From the water, passengers can also see distant 19th-century Chinese shop houses, the Malay mosque, square tower and attractive Margherita Fort.

Kuching contains historic Chinese temples, distinctively designed Brooke-era buildings, a waterfront park, observation towers and museums. Accommodation ranges from budget properties to luxury 5-star hotels. After a day ashore, local foods to try include seafood, chicken rice, Malay Nasi Lemak and Chinese noodles.

Several explanations exist for Kuching's name. Kuching means cat in Malay, while some accounts derive it from Chinese "Gu Chin", meaning harbour. Others connect it to a lychee-like fruit called Mata Kuching (Cat's eye).

Kuching hotels jointly operate a free City Tram, actually a bus, which visits major attractions once every hour. Ask in a hotel lobby for a City Tram sticker and route map.

For a Malaysian city, Kuching is unusually friendly to pedestrians, with tree-lined pavements, crossings and a compact centre. Good walks follow the Waterfront and Jalan India, the pedestrian shopping street known as Kuching's Little India.

Kuching is ideal when you want a change of scenery without travelling far from the city. Most National Parks and outdoor activities are located nearby; in less than an hour, you can reach a world of lush rain forests and fresh air, then return to Kuching before dinner time.

Padungan Street near the centre forms the city's main Chinatown. Its shops appear largely unchanged from 20 years ago and offer an intriguing view of earlier everyday life.

For tribal handicrafts and visitor souvenirs, browse Main Bazaar street on the Kuching waterfront. It is worth going inside rather than stopping at the entrance, because larger and more authentic collections are often stored upstairs or in a rear room.

Malaysia's currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are common in cities, but obtain cash before visiting smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards work in most hotels, restaurants and shops, although less reputable outlets may pose a skimming risk.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, but hotel porters and taxi drivers appreciate a small reward for exemplary service. Expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may show a price such as RM19++, meaning 5% sales tax and a 10% service charge are added.

Malaysia's only official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is taught in schools and spoken widely in cities, while some Malay is useful in the countryside.

Most hotels, customer-WiFi cafés and some restaurants and cafés have broadband Internet. Cable and wireless services are both available, including hot spots at Starbucks and McDonald's.

For every type of emergency, dial 999. From a mobile phone, call 999 or 112.

Shops in large cities generally operate from 10.30am to 9.30pm. In smaller towns and rural districts, they open and close earlier.