Sarawak is one of the two East Malaysian states, located in the island of Borneo. It is the largest state of Malaysia covering an area of 124,450 sq. km. It has large areas of forests and is abundant with natural resources and wildlife. The climate is equatorial with daily temperatures ranging from 23° to 32° C. 

Sarawak’s rich natural resources include petroleum, LNG and timber. Oil palm is fast becoming the main commercial crop besides sago and pepper. The tourism industry also generates a huge revenue for the state. 

Kuching City, which is the capital of Sarawak, has a population of about 600,000. The inhabitants are mainly Chinese, Malays, Bidayuhs, Ibans and other indigenous people. There are some 28 different tribes in Sarawak all living and working in harmony. You will be amazed at the friendliness and hospitality of Sarawakians.

Although Malay is the official language of the country, English is widely spoken in Sarawak. Besides Bahasa Malaysia (the Malay language) and English, several Chinese dialects, Bidayuh, Iban, etc are also widely used in daily activities.

All visitors to Malaysia must possess a valid Passport or internationally recognised Travel Document valid for travel to Malaysia. The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits.

For further information, please contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office. Alternatively visit the Malaysian Immigration Department's website (www.imi.gov.my).

Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Singapore’s Changi Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Brunei International airport with flights from all over the world are the gateways to Kuching. Come 2009, the Open Skies Policy will mean more direct international flights to Kuching International Airport (KIA). Currently, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Royal Brunei Airlines, Silk Air and Batavia Air service KIA.  Air Asia X, the international budget airline is currently in talks for a Kuching-Perth-Kuching direct flight service.

Kuching has a wide range of accommodation available at affordable rates. They include international standard, medium and budget standards hotels. There are also hostels, home-stay and serviced apartments. By 2010 there will be at least 4 new hotels added to the list.

The monetary unit is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). One Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is equivalent to 100 sen in coins. (USD$ 1 = RM 3.3). Foreign currencies can be converted at banks, moneychangers and most hotels.

Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 4.00pm

Opening hours are from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except Sundays and public holidays.

Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Voltage is 220 - 240 volts.

Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.

Malaysia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

Local and international calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. 

Shopping, is extremely varied with the Main Bazaar in Kuching specialising in traditional handicrafts and souvenirs of Borneo. A range of modern shopping malls is also available in and around Kuching offering, among other items, designer label products at low prices.

A host of amazing features can be visited during your visit to Sarawak which includes the World Heritage site of the famous Mulu Cave network, many National Parks where the natural flora and fauna is protected and can be seen by the visitor. For example the endangered Orang Utan, the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, the mouse deer plus other endemic species only found in Borneo! Check these out with the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Forestry Corporation or any affiliated tour operators.

Light casual clothing, running shoes, mosquito repellant, camera, and of course your Hash Spirit!!! There are no nude beaches in Sarawak!!!!

The best way to get around the city centre is perhaps by walking. Buses and taxis are also another common means of local transportation. Tour operators also provide transport to places of interest. 

There are seven different hash chapters in Kuching. The Kuching Hash House (Men only) is the 3rd oldest chapter in the world founded in 1963. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are the run days of these hash chapters. 

The Hash is meant for those that are 18 years of age and above. However if you wish to bring your family, there will be activities lined up for them like city tours, shopping, etc and so forth while you are busy enjoying the hash.