mikeR, I was unable to head to the tourism centre today.
so I i called them up.

What they told me was, during the 1st day of chinese new year. the museums and city tourist spots will be closed. And they will RESUME on the 2nd day of chinese new year.

I will come up with a list of things you can experience in Kuching as soon as I comfirm some information with the tourism centre. Stay tuned.

Btw, the stuff won't be unreasonable expensive. Its just slightly higher than the normal price (non festive season). Independant family stalls might be closed till 3rd day of chinese new year and General supermarket or food places will be open as usual.

It will depends on which shop you go hhahaha... I remember last year I was charged with RM6 for a bowl of Kolo Mee, so smalll bowl LOL at 4th Mile Everrise there. Everything at the coffeeshop cost double and that was the second day of CNY. The most expensive Kolo Mee ever.
That's my experience.

At Padungan some coffeeshops will open on 1st day also. Ppl nowadays will earn no matter it's holiday or not. There are chance to earn money they will earn. What to do? Cost of living is getting higher now. It's not surprising that they will open on first day. Only some will open but mostly will be closed. Just be prepared with the charges. LOL but you can't really complain about it ahhaha... it's like that.

You guys are fantastic and have been so helpful. Thank you very much... I can see now why they say Kuching is a friendly place.

But we have a dilemma. We can go ahead with the trip as planned or should we postpone until another time? The next time we could go would be during Uni holidays in July. Is this a good time to visit Sarawak?

I will need to see the travel agent soon if we are going to change our plans. What would you do? Still come at Chinese New Year or in July?

Mike (and Paul)

June or July is said to be the best time to visit Kuching, sarawak.
If you like music, then you can join the Rainforest world music festival. which falls on 7-9 July 2006.

More information on this page
http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com/
As a summary, its an international festival, where musicians come from around the world to perform here

I would say, you can enjoy and see the true flavours of Sarawak on July.

This time of year till Jan-Feb is wet season. Lots of rain especially in the afternoon.

The reason why June - July is best time to visit is cause its weather is fairly fine and not soo much rain. It will be sunny most of the time. Besides the Rainforest Music Festival, there are lots of other activities as well.

Its all up to you really as in when you want to come because I personally think that one's reason to visit is always different from another.

Its not true that 98% of shops will be closed cause Kuching is beginning to turn in to KL. Traditional based biz, family biz are mostly closed. Those that are open will be supermarkets, malls, eateries are mostly open... except for a few, and prices are not too hiked up either.

It's best if you can visit our Malaysian embassy in Australia and do talk to them... they can talk to you face to face and find out what your needs are... and recommend what is best for you.

The contact for the embassy in Aussie is Malaysian High commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 1543

www.tourism.gov.my

Agree with webbie.
Jun-July is the best time. Not only rainforest music festival, also kuching festival, and also the dayak is celebrating Gawai (harvest festival)

btw July is also Kuching Festival also right?
there will be tonnes of program lining up. parades ..., shows. performances and Food festival !

hi mike..firstly, warm welcome is heading you for visiting kuching..for more information about kuching u can go to www.sarawaktourism.com

As for ur holiday in kuching, u need not to worry or dilemma either u want 2 come here during feb or july as kuching city will always offer u the best of it's own.it just that if u want to feel and enjoy more of the annual events, jun - july will be the most fantastic period.lines of activities will usually take off during that time (like the other members said; world rainforest music festival, kuching city month, gawai dayak, and etc). if u come during the chinese new year, things will still on course.its just that few shops will be closed.however,historical places will remain open unless on the 29th jan only.

for ur information mike, visiting kuching is not the same like u visit KL, Hong kong or singapore. sure kuching do offer u with shopping sensation like other cities, but kuching also offer u something that anywhere in the world didnt.we have levish of 27 local etnics antique for ur souvenir..kuching is a city that maintain its old charm although modern facilities coming up.tourist coming here for relaxation, adventure,discover and nature an ideology different when u visiting new york or tokyo.here nature and calm is preservable.

our 27 local etnics can be visit at our sarawak cultural village also known as the 'living museum of sarawak', approximate 30minutes drive from the midst city.it is also home to our world rainforest music festival and neighbour to one of malaysia most famous seaside resort, damai lagoon and damai beach resort.

besides mike,visiting to our museum is a must besides than several national parks nearby (bako national park and gunung gading national park).u can also aheads to our orang utan rehabitant centre in semenggoh, half an hour drive from the city.

regarding the weather, yes its true that jan - feb is a wet season.so rainy days is normal.however, its not that bad.sunshine will still there equal with the rainy does.

i think i've touch a lot mike.hope u can decide now.it will just great to have the first time comer to our city.maybe next time u can introduce to ur frenz as well.if im not mistaken, we have 2 non stop flights weekly to perth from kuching.so,travelling wont be difficult.it just an 4 1/2 hours flight. if u require any assistant, im willing to help u by mailing me direct at fs_borneo@yahoo.com.

welcome...

The expert has spoken.

Nicely said. Thank you Kiko.

Hi everyone

We have taken all your advice into account and decided to postpone our visit to Kuching until July.

We're disappointed we can't come in January, but we want to see and do lots while we are there and the weather and activities sound better in July.

Thanks again for all your help.

Mike