Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(80 Jln Wayang; 4pm-1.30am, closed Tue)
Kuching's most stylish hang-out is more
than a restaurant - it also has two bars: Junk Bar, tucked away on the side, and the Back-
stage Bar, lit by red Chinese lanterns and chock full of old radios and musical instruments.
Ruai
(7F Jln An Hock; 5pm-1am or 2am)
This Iban-owned bar has a laid-back cool and
welcoming spirit all its own. Decorated with old photos and Orang Ulu art (and, inexplic-
ably, several Mexican sombreros), it serves as an urban
ruai
(the covered verandah of an
Iban longhouse) for aficionados - local and expat - of vigorous outdoor activities such as
caving, trekking and Hash House Harriers social runs. A great place to meet people. Starts
to pick up after about 9pm.
BAR
Black Bean Coffee & Tea Company
(Jln Carpenter; drinks RM3-4.80; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat; )
The aroma of freshly
ground coffee assaults the senses at this tiny shop, believed by many to purvey Kuching's
finest brews. Specialities, roasted daily, include Arabica, Liberica and Robusta coffees
grown in Java, Sumatra and, of course, Sarawak. Also serves oolong and green teas from
Taiwan. Has just three tables. Decaf not available.
CAFE
Zeus Sports Bar
(cnr Jln Padungan & Lorong 6; 4pm-2am, closed Tue)
Local rock bands strut their
stuff from 9pm to 1am on Friday and 6.30pm to 10.30pm on Saturday (after that there's
footy on the telly). The upstairs lounge is popular with the golfers. Owned by a personable
golf aficionado - and, yes, although he's Iban, his first name is Polish.
BAR
Bing
(84 Jln Padungan; coffee RM5.50-14; 10am-midnight, to 1am Fri & Sat; )
Kuch-
ing's tropical-chic answer to Starbucks, this uberstylish, dimly lit coffee shop serves a
dozen varieties of hot and iced Illy coffee.
CAFE
