Getting Around Kuching

By Air

With the recent advent of affordable air-fares on local low-cost airlines make getting around Sarawak by Air cheap, cheaper than bus-fares if you catch a good deal online.

The best modes to get to the two best attractions in Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park and the Kelabit Highlands is by plane. Daily MASwings flights depart daily from Miri in the morning. It is recommended to book in advanced as there are only a handful of seats on each flight. However, there are multiple daily flights connecting Kuching and Miri.

By Boat

Getting on a traditional sampan boat, locally known as Tambangs, can give you a taste of how the locals in Kuching commune. Most of the historical landmarks rests across the waterfront river facing the South China Sea and hiring a longboat is often your only option for reaching many spots. Although, as fuel isn't cheap in remote areas, prepare to pay more for the experience.

You can get to Kuching by boat from Sarikei and Sibu once daily, which is more time efficient than taking the bus. Major ports are serviced by ships from the Peninsula although are more catered for cargo purposes. Boats are a major form of transportation because of the states' vast network of rivers.

By Express Boats (Kuching to Sibu)

In Sibu, there is extensive network of boat services along the Rejang and Igan Rivers. These fast, comfortable and reliable crafts connect Sibu with the towns and villages of the Upper Rajang, and even with Kuching, Sarikei and Bintangor.

By Bus

Bus services run through between the major coastal settlements. Not so time efficient but it is the cheapest form of travel. There is no main bus terminal in Kuching. Departure points depend on destination and company used. The roads here are one-way and there are many buses that will take you to town.

Long Distance Buses

These buses depart from the Regional Express Bus Terminal on Penrissen Road. The most convenient place to buy tickets is at the Biaramas Express booking office (+6084-429418) on Jln Khoo Hun Yeang (near Electra House). Biaramas also have a 24 hour office at the terminal (+6084-452139). Other long distance bus companies includes

• Borneo Highway Express (Tel: +6084-619689, tickets also available at BorneoInterland, 63 Main Bazaar, and Tel: +6084-413595)
• PB Ekpres (Tel: +6084-461277/+6084-456261). PB Ekpres also have a ticket counter at the Saujana Carpark (Tel: +6084-244349). Buses to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri often involve a change of bus in Sarikei.

Check the classified section of the local press for the latest timetables of departure and arrivals of these buses.

(Taken from Amazing Borneo Tours)