THE DETAILS Getting There

Kuching is connected by regular daily flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia ( airasia

.com) also flies between Kuching and Sibu, which takes considerably less time than the five-hour ferry ride. Where to Eat The Commons Old Courthouse; 6082/417-601; fb.com/ commonskch. Lepau 395 Jl. Ban Hock; 6082/242-160; fb.com/ lepaurestaurant. Life Café 62 Jl. Padungan; 6082/521-398; lifecafe.my. What to Do Bumbu Cooking Class Joseph Daniel’s cookery classes are held at 57 Carpenter Street; you’ll need to book in advance via 60/19-879-1050 or bum bu cooking class .weebly.com. Where to Stay Pullman Kuching Dominating the Kuching skyline since 2010, this 389-room behemoth has all the facilities you’d expect from a five-star chain hotel. 60-82/222888; pullmankuching.com; doubles from US$70. The Ranee For something more intimate, book one of the 24 suites at The Ranee, located right near the waterfront in Kuching’s old quarter. The Old Courthouse complex is just a few doors down. 60-82/258-833; theranee .com; doubles from US$80. RH Hotel Perhaps the best of Sibu’s unexceptional hotels, with 220 rooms and a good downtown location. 60-84/365-888; rhhotels .com.my; doubles from US$65.