Travel

notebook Sarawak

ORIENTATION Dense rain forests and swamp lands make up three quarters of Sarawak, one of two East Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. (An independent sultanate, Brunei Darussalam and the Indonesian Province of Kalimantan share the world’s third largest island with Sarawak and Sabah, the other state.)

FLIGHTS Singapore Airlines has three fights a day from Sydney to Singapore with easy connections using its airline partner, Silkair, on to Kuching. See your travel agent or call Singapore Airlines/Silkair on 13 10 11. Visit www.singaporeair.com.au, www.silkair. com.

ACCOMMODATION From the upper floors of the centrally located 315 room Hilton Kuching, there is a glorious view over the promenade, the river and the Astana to distant cloud-capped mountains. A recent addition to the Hilton’s numerous facilities is the Borneo Oasis Wellness Centre featuring spa treatments using traditional herbs and tribal techniques. Contact the Hilton Kuching at (60 82) 248 200. Log on to www.hilton.com

TRAVEL Established for 25 years, Kuching-based Borneo Adventure specialises in personalised nature and culture oriented holidays. Arrangements from transfers and city tours to river excursions and stays with tribal people can be confidently made by email info@ borneoadventure.com or phone (60 82) 245 175. See www.borneoadventure.com .

CRUISING

The MV Orient Pandaw operates three luxurious 9 day cruises on the Rajang River every month. Air conditioned cabins with private facilities are furnished in teak and brass. Priced from $2248 per person, cruises include all meals – curry favourites inclusive – in a private dining room, a spa, fitness centre and an open-until-late cocktail bar on the observation deck. For more information and bookings contact the representative office in Sydney, (02) 8080 5622, e-mail: jlbati@ozemail.com.au. See www.pandaw.com

INFORMATION Tourism Malaysia, 2/171 Clarence St, Sydney, tel (02) 9299 4441, e-mail: malaysia@malaysiatourism.com.au can assist in planning your stopover with maps and guides on Kuching and Sarawak. See www. tourismmalaysia.gov.my. Visit the Sarawak Tourism Board office in Kuching for additional information. See www.sarawaktourism.com