Ever wondered if there's a place near Kuching where the air actually feels cold? I'm talking about Borneo Highlands Resort, perched about 1,000 meters above sea level on the Penrissen Range, roughly 80km from town. The drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, but fair warning — the last stretch is steep and winding. Most car rentals won't let you drive all the way up, so the resort arranges a 4WD pickup from the foothill for about RM53 per person round trip. {img0} Source: TripAdvisor / Borneo Highlands Resort First thing you'll notice when you arrive — it's quiet. Like, really quiet. No TV in the rooms (yes, that's intentional), no air-con because you won't need it. The temperature sits around 18-28°C, and the ceiling fan is more than enough. {img1} Source: Crisp of Life blog What makes this place interesting is the history. There's actually an 18-hole golf course here called the Hornbill Golf Course designed by Australian Neil Crafter. It used to be a proper resort destination but fell into some legal troubles with the owner. These days it operates more like a quiet getaway — not the bustling resort it once was. One visitor on TripAdvisor said: "I was perilously near Kuching. The surrounding is entirely dark and no television. The staff were friendly and helping." Another review on Agoda mentioned: "It's a fantastic place to visit, just approx 1 1/4 hour drive from Kuching town. It offers great views from some 1,000 meters above sea level." {img2} Source: TripAdvisor / Borneo Highlands Resort The highlight for most people is the Kalimantan Viewpoint — a short 5-minute trek from the resort where you can literally see Indonesia. There's a signpost marking the border. Step past it and you're technically in Kalimantan without a passport, though there's only about 3-5 feet of land before it drops 600 meters straight down. Definitely not for those afraid of heights. A blogger who visited in 2020 wrote: "We were the only 2 guests checked in the resort and it was a total quiet time for both of us!" They also noted that Celcom offers 1 bar of 4G, but Digi and U-Mobile struggled. So expect to disconnect. {img3} Source: TripAdvisor / Kalimantan Border View Point There's also the Bidayuh Spa (Jungle Spa) which is built with traditional Bidayuh ornaments and carvings. They offer treatments like the Peso Perong Therapy (traditional Bidayuh massage using homemade oil brewed with herbs, coconut, pepper, and ginger), organic facials, and foot reflexology. Practical Info: Location: Jalan Borneo Heights, Padawan, 94200 Kuching Distance: ~80km / 1hr 20min from Kuching town Temperature: 18-28°C (bring a jacket!) Contact: 019-8280 790 / 019-8290 790 Rating: 3.8/5 on Google, 7.1/10 on Agoda Pro tip: Go early morning for the sea of clouds at Kalimantan Viewpoint Would I recommend it? Yes, if you're looking for something different from the usual Kuching attractions. It's not a polished resort experience — it's a bit raw, a bit abandoned in places, but that's part of the charm. Think of it as camping with a roof. Have you been to Borneo Highlands? Drop a comment and tell us about your experience!

Right in the middle of Kuching, just off Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, there's this explosion of colour that most people walk past without a second glance. Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple is Kuching's main Hindu temple, and honestly, it's one of the most visually stunning spots in the city. [image: 1786069753818-temple-1.jpg] This temple has been around for decades and went through a major renovation recently. The result? A vibrant riot of colours with intricate gopuram (tower) covered in detailed statues of Hindu deities. It's not huge, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. What people are saying: A beautiful temple located about 1 km from the waterfront. Temple is nicely maintained and one can feel the divine experience and peace. — TripAdvisor Visitors consistently praise this temple for its peaceful, serene, and holy atmosphere, often describing a profound divine experience. — Airial Travel The deity Sri Srinivasagar is a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple also houses Goddess Kali, which is unique. The architecture is stunning with so many intricate details. — Google review [image: 1786069753919-temple-2.jpg] What makes this temple special: It's one of the few temples in Malaysia where both Vishnu and Kali are worshipped under the same roof. The temple serves the local Tamil Hindu community in Kuching and has been a spiritual anchor for generations. The main tower (gopuram) is covered with colourful sculptures depicting various deities, and the inner sanctum has a calm, meditative atmosphere. The detail work on the ceiling and pillars is seriously impressive if you take the time to look up. [image: 1786069754039-temple-3.jpg] Practical info: Location: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching (near Grand Margherita Hotel) Getting there: 5 min walk from Waterfront, 10 min from Main Bazaar Opening hours: Daily ~7 AM to 12 PM, 6 PM to 8 PM (may vary for festivals) Entry: FREE Dress code: Modest attire — cover shoulders and knees Photography: Allowed in the main hall, but be respectful Best time: Morning or evening prayer times for the full experience [image: 1786069754089-temple-5.jpg] Tips: Visit during Deepavali (Diwali) — the temple is beautifully decorated with lights Take off your shoes before entering The best photos are from the front gate looking at the gopuram Combine with a walk along the Waterfront — it's super close Weekday mornings are the most peaceful time to visit Bottom line: If you're walking down Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg and see this explosion of colour, don't just walk past. Step inside for 10 minutes. It's free, it's beautiful, and it's a real slice of Kuching's multicultural soul. Photo 1: Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple exterior (Wikimedia Commons) Photo 2: Temple entrance view (TripAdvisor) Photo 3: View from the street showing the gopuram (TripAdvisor) Photo 4: Temple side/close-up view (TripAdvisor) Have you visited this temple? Share your experience below!

Ever noticed those colorful houses right across the river when you're at Kuching Waterfront? [image: 1783131978557-kampung_boyan_1.jpg] View of Kuching Waterfront from Kampung Boyan Most people spend all their time on the Waterfront side and never cross the river. But Kampung Boyan (officially Kampung Boyan Melayu) is literally a 2-minute boat ride away and offers a completely different perspective of Kuching. The village is built entirely on stilts over the Sarawak River — traditional Malay wooden homes painted in vibrant colors. In recent years, the village has transformed with an "Art Village" project, adding large murals of hornbills, traditional instruments, and cultural scenes on the house walls. [image: 1783131978628-kampung_boyan_2.jpg] Colorful murals around the village Reviews from Google Maps say it best: "Best view of Kuching skyline. Go at sunset!" — Sarah M. "Love the murals! The whole village is like an art gallery" — David L. "RM1 boat ride and you get a completely different perspective of Kuching" — Ah Wong My personal favorite is the riverside walkway with its little gazebos. You can just sit there and watch the city skyline across the river — City Mosque, the Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge. It's especially beautiful during golden hour. [image: 1783131978688-kampung_boyan_3.jpg] The riverside walkway — great photo spot Practical Info: Getting there: Tambang (river taxi) from Waterfront — RM1/person, 2 min ride Best time: Late afternoon 4-6pm for the golden light Entry: Free (just pay the boat fare) Location: Kampung Boyan, opposite side of Sarawak River from Waterfront ️ Parking: Park near Kuching Waterfront [image: 1783131978755-kampung_boyan_4.jpg] Kuching skyline view from Kampung Boyan Tips: ️ Respect residents' privacy — this is a living village The riverside walkway is about a 30-min leisurely stroll Bring a wide-angle lens for the best shots Combine with Waterfront and Darul Hana Bridge on the same trip Honestly, if you only visit Kuching Waterfront, you're only seeing half the picture. Spend RM1 to cross the river. You won't regret it. Has anyone been here? Share your experience below!