Need help for Miri + Kuching itinerary

Question

Hi, am planning for a short trip to Sarawak (Miri + Kuching) in April. First time visiting east Malaysia :)

Day 1 : Arrival at Miri. Is it convenient to get a Grab from the airport to hotel in downtown?

Day 2 + 3 : Gua Niah and Long house. Are there any Grab to Gua Niah and back to the hotel, or is it easier to get a driver to send us there (any recommendations)? As for the long house, I'm not too keen on something too touristy. Any suggestions which long house to visit and how to get there?

Day 4 : Flight to Kuching. Any Grab to the resorts in Santubong or is it better to book private shuttle from the resort?

Day 5 : Bako National Park (maybe?). Will be staying in Santubong area (most probably Damai resort). Not sure if there's anything else to do in Santubong. Want to see the rafflesia, but not sure if it's the right place to go. Any recommendations on tour agent for Bako?

Day 6 : Check out and head to Kuching. Again, is it easy to get Grab to the city center from the resort?

Day 7 + 8 : Kuching. Really no idea what to do there, except eating :) Any recommendations on good and not too expensive seafood?

Day 9 : Flight home

Thanks!

esorlegin · Accepted Answer

Hi.

To save answering the same question over and over, GRAB is available in the major cities. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/SearchForums?q=grab&scope=2⊂-search=Search&ff=9317&geo=298308&returnTo=__2F__ShowForum__2D__g298308__2D__i9317__2D__Sarawak__2E__html

Day 2 & 3

- it is about an hour to Niah from Miri - not cheap in any private transport as they would only have a one way trip.

BEST to go to the main bus station and get a Bus to Niah Junction (it's a stopping point on the main Miri Kuching road) - get off here and look for a local taxi. It's easy to do this trip.

To get back to Miri, arrange with the taxi for a pick up (time day/date - be very clear) - retrun to Niah Junction and wait for ANY bus (all of them!) going to Miri - you will be back at the bus station.

Santubong - does not have much to offer - it is ALL about tourist - for most it is a half day trip. It is the wrong side of the mountain and river to get to Bako (you should stay overnight - it is an amazing park).

Rafflesia around Santubog and Bako HIGH, VERY UNLIKELY. You need to visit other parks and you do not have time.

I suggest you stay in Kuching and take trips out to Santubong and to Bako (there is a bus service - covered in here quite widely).

If you want a driver guide - 'James' is frequently mentioned by me and others. HIGHLY recommended.

For cheap seafood you need to get away from the city and head out to somewhere like Green Hill (amazing temple) - it is a fishing village with restaurants. A day time trip will take up around 4 hours if you include lunch. There are other places to visit along the way. (it is just off the Bako road).

There are many seafood restaurants - location increase the price. Search this forum for ideas.

Kuching city has a lot to offer and it is 'central' for nearly all the main attractions. I suggest you research attractions and see what you fancy.

I have written lots of advice as has KR (you will find him in this forum).

GoddessEneri · Answer

Thank you so much! Will definitely look at staying over in Bako :)

Julieabcdefg · Answer

We went to the tourist information centre and asked if there was a rafflesia in flower and if it was accessible. There are plenty of national parks in Sarawak - Bako is the most touristy.

esorlegin · Answer

With regard to Bako - it is only 'touristy' if you stay in the area around park HQ.

If you hike some of the trails, you can be alone and 'at peace with nature' - it is very quiet and tranquil - and very big.

VICSARAWAK · Answer

Hello!

Regarding Grab at Miri, it is convenient for you to request grab at the airport. If you are planning on finding not to touristy long houses, you might as well as find any travel agent that can guide you regarding that.

For Kuching, yes you can get a grab going to Damai but coming back to the city centre will be a problem as it is hard to get a grab there. So it is better for you to grab a taxi, use a travel agent or you can try to ask the grab driver to do offline job but it is at your own risk.

Day 4

At Damai, you can explore Kem Permai for hiking or you can go to Sarawak Cultural Village to learn more about the ethnics we have here in Sarawak. There will be 7 ethnics for you to see while learning their cultures.

Day 5

As you are staying at Damai for 2 night, might as well you use a travel agent to bring you to Kuching Wetlands that is nearby to Damai and go eat seafood for dinner at Kpg Buntal.

Day 6

If you are planning to head back to Kuching in the morning, you might as well continue with the same travel agent or you can find a new one to bring you to Bako National Park. Bako N/P need at least one day to explore as it has many trails so it will be wiser to stay overnight there if you are into living in the forest/nature. You may book your accomodation at bakonationalpark.my

For Rafflesia, the only place for you to see it is at Gunung Gading, Lundu and it will takes around 2-3hours drive there. The blooming time for Rafflesia is unexpected so you may follow Gunung Gading National Park facebook page to see any updates regarding the blooming of the flower.

For seafood place, you may go to Topspot, See Good restaurant or the cheapest at Pending seafood. If you are looking for traditional food, you may go to Lepau restaurant. You can try the midin, ambal, ayam pansuh or terung asam.

For Laksa Sarawak, you can go to Chong choon cafe, 126 Laksa, Mom's Laksa or King Laksa. But for Chong choon cafe, you will have to que if you come a bit late and have to share tables if the space is packed.

If you have a bit of time in Kuching, you can go to Borneo Cultures Museum to learn about the culture, tradition and history of Sarawak or you can go for the Sarawak River Cruise to see the sunset. Upside Down House will also available for you to explore while you are in Kuching. And all of this can be done in one day. You might as well walk around the Darul Hana Bridge or Orchid Garden nearby the State Legislative Assembly Hall for some pictures.

If you need more information, you may go to our Visitor's Information Centre at the Old Court House.

Welcome to Sarawak in advanced! Do enjoy your stay here and please don't rush yourself in exploring the beauty of nature!

Edited: 26 January 2023, 12:06

GoddessEneri · Answer

Thanks all for the feedback! Appreciate it lots!

Need help for Miri + Kuching itinerary - Sarawak Forum

Need help for Miri + Kuching itinerary

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