Kuching...Borneo Highlands

My target destination this time I flew into Kuching city is to go to Borneo Highlands. Return fare to and from KL is about RM160.


I checked into the Pinnacles Lodge located in the town near the waterfront, which provided the basic necessity, costs RM135 for a family room (1 Queen and 1 single bed) with attached bathroom, breakfast (just bread with spreads) and even a balcony. It is located opposite of Hilton Hotel. Nothing much to say about this lodge, just that it provides simple accommodation and don't expect too much as it is not a 5, 4, 3 or any star hotel. Comfortable staying there though. During the stay there, I also came across Tune Hotel which is just down the road from the lodge and after searching through its website, found it to be a much more cheaper stay in the town city. Tune Hotel business style is more or less like Air Asia. It gives you a basic room for a much cheaper rate and you can add the other facilities provided with a price. A double room there is about RM45 per night (take note that the price is only for the room and bed). Then there is some add-on such as aircond (either choose the 12 hours (RM13.49) or the 24 hours (RM21)), towel rental + essential toiletries kit (RM5), wireles internet access (24 hours RM12). Cool...next time I'm there can try this hotel...

Now..back to Borneo Highlands highlights...
You need to pre-book with Borneo Highlands Resort before coming here, as visitors are not allowed up here without booking. As I'm informed, they only allowed a maximum of 16 person up there per day unless you are staying there at the resort. So I booked a day trip package with them for RM100 per person. The tour that lasted around 4-5 hours took us to the Kalimantan view point, flower farms, organic garden, fruits farm, many of the scenic places around the resort, and also includes lunch (organic food) at Annah Rais cafe. The view and the environment is very relaxing and cool. Cars are advised to be park at the foot hill of the highlands where the entrance is, so the air up there will be less polluted by car smoke.

(Misai Kuching - plant for making the misai kuching tea)

(Passion fruits farm)

(Passion Fruit)

After the trip, we drove to Annah Rais Longhouse which is located not far from the Borneo Highlands Resort Entrance. The tickets is RM8 for adult. We were welcomed with some rice wine (Tuak) by the villagers there.

The last day before we head back home, we walk around the town shopping for souvenirs. There are a lot of variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and all those made from beads. Be sure to compare the prices as there are a lot of shops selling almost the same products. For those who will be coming to Kuching for the first time, be sure to try the 'kek lapis' (layered cake), 'Tebaloi' (sago biscuit), and pepper sweet. I bought one packet of Borneo Ground Coffee Beans which had a nice aroma. (For the coffee addicts, can give this a try)

(Famous Kuching Town landmark to take photo)