The Hills Kuching

The Hills was originally a shopping mall. I remembered my last visit here more than a decade ago when it just opened. Even with its prime location in Kuching, it was unable to grow and sustain its competitiveness with other malls here.

Today, it has changed its concept totally and its ground floor space is mainly occupied by F & B outlets.

There is a Karaoke and Mr. DIY outlet on the first floor. The place has now shifted to co-working space concept.

It is kind of sad to see how the place has evolved since its inception. As Pullman Hotel is just adjacent to this place, there could still be a glimmer of hope for The Hills in the near future.

Meritin Hotel

Meritin Hotel is another interesting hotel among the many accommodations available along Pandungan Road in Kuching. The hotel is strategically located at the heart of the city. Dining places are readily abundant nearby and Everise supermarket is just right opposite the hotel.

Check in was seamless and the hotel has a refreshing lobby. The hotel has only have 1 small elevator and the wait can be quite long when there are many people using it at the same time.

Studio Queen Room (RM 158) is quite small but should be sufficient for 1 person. I am unable to connect my device with the hotel wifi and the nothing was broadcast on this hotel TV. Still the hotel is clean and comfortable.

My room was facing the Pandungan Road and there is a drinking place just right opposite it. The loud music from the opposite dining place can still be heard from the room.

Breakfast is complimentary and ready as early as 6.30am. Although it is a breakfast buffet, there isn't much choices on offer.

Positive feedbacks from previous customers can be found almost at every level of the hotel. This is still a decent hotel to stay although it has a few shortcomings.

Kingwood Boutique Hotel Miri

Kingwood Boutique Hotel caught my attention while in Miri with its eye catching facade. This Kingwood Hotel definitely had a different concept than its Sibu and Kuching counterparts. Strategically located in the heart of Miri, it is one of the best place to stay if location matters.

The lobby is not the usual kind which I am familiar with as there is a coffee counter which dominates the lobby area. Service is top notch and check in seamless.

The classic room (RM 176.80 with breakfast) is quite small but I was blown away by its modern design. It took some time to adjust with some of the features inside the room. The window curtain can be open and closed from a switch. The toilet and shower room is separated by glass wall.

Bonzer Restaurant is the other alternative to dine in while in the hotel besides the lobby cafe. I like the ambience here and it is an ideal place to unwind.

Breakfast choices are quite limited. I opted for the chef breakfast which consists of eggs, hash brown, baked bean, sausage, ham, salad leaves and slices of fruit. I would probably eat out in my next stay here.

I have a pleasant stay at this hotel and definitely recommend it to anyone who cherish clean, comfortable and quiet place to stay while in Miri.

Lung Ching Cafe

Lung Ching Cafe is an unassuming coffee shop located in Lorong Lada 8, Sibu. It is quite a surprise to find a hidden gem so deep into Lanang Road and surrounded by small industries. The place is always packed in the early morning and there should be some tables available to dine in by 8am.

There are many local dishes available here but I was recommended to try their "Zhou Cai Hung Ang". This dish is not a disappointment with its rich broth. It also comes with meat balls and egg. It is probably one of the best "Zhou Cai Hung Ang" I ever had.

There are more dishes worth trying such as kampua, laksa, fried noodle and kompia which I reckon will blow me away.

Riverside Majestic Astana Wing

Riverside Majestic Hotel has been around Kuching for some time now. In 2018, they added another wing to it, called the Astana Wing. At the time of writing, the original Riverside Majestic Hotel (now known as Puteri Wing) is currently closed and undergone complete upgrading.

The hotel is quite strategic as its main entrance provide a scenic view of Kuching Waterfront, Fort Margherita and the State Assembly Building.

The hotel lobby is not exactly at the ground floor and guest would have to take either the escalator or elevator up to the first floor. 

The room is properly cleaned, sterilized and sealed before any guest check into the room. Guest would have to break the room seal before entering the room.

The superior room size (RM 154.32) is just right for me. The air conditioner speed can be adjusted and the window can be left ajar to let fresh air into the room. There are 2 types of pillows with different thickness and firmness which really help in my sleep.

The room view offers a good view of the city centre and the Sarawak River. I could barely hear the traffic below and this helps in my sleep here.

The hotel do not prepare any bottled water for the guest as they are against the single use plastic. Guest can get purified water from the water purifier dispensers available along the corridors.

This hotel also offers its own version of Sarawak Sling which is a concoction of Tuak, White Bacardi, Peter Heering, Pineapple Syrup, Grenadine Syrup and soda water.

Belawai Beach

Belawai beach is located around 100km from Sibu and is the nearest and easily accessible beach for the people of Sibu. It will takes about 90 minutes drive from Sibu and it is still a bumpy ride due to less than ideal road condition.

The beach here is consider clean with its white sandy beach. The beach is usually crowded during the weekend and public holiday.

The Iftitah Restaurant which is well known for its Nasi Briyani is located here. They have a branch in Sibu but I was told the outlet here serve the best Nasi Briyani.

Basic accommodation is available here with barbeque set readily available.

This place could be developed further so better facilities could be established to cater for the travellers who seek more comfort at this beach