East Malaysia: Borneo - Singapore and Malaysia - page 277

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minutes past some of the city 's unique historical and cultural sights, shopping, and r es-
taurants. Catering to a diverse group of leisure travelers and businesspeople, the hotel has
spacious, modern, and comfortable rooms; and although there are few bells and whistles,
you won't want for convenience. The outdoor swimming pool and excellent fitness center
facility will help y ou unwind, and the small shopping ar cade has one of the best collec-
tions of books on Sarawak that can be found in the city.
P.O. Box 2928, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. & 082/423-111. Fax 082/
426-169. www.holidayinn-sarawak.com. 305 units. RM265 ($77/£48) double. AE, DC, MC V. Amenities: 3
restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; health club w/sauna; c oncierge; airport transfers; room service; babysit-
ting; smoke-free rooms; executive-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/satellite programming and in-house
movies, minibar, hair dryer.

Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites Towering o ver the P adang M erdeka in the
center of town is the Merdeka Palace, practically a landmark in its own right (as soon as
you see the easily distinguishable to wer, you'll always know where you are). This is one
of the most fashionable addresses in the city, for guests as well as banquets and functions.
Its large marble lobby and staircase justify its reputation for elegance. Rooms range from
apartment suites to hotel r ooms. Large r ooms come dr essed in E uropean-inspired fur-
nishings and fabrics. Try to get a view of the padang, as the less expensive rooms face the
parking lot. The rooftop outdoor swimming pool is small, but the fully equipped fitness
center has sauna and steam rooms, plus massage. The English pub here is one of the most
happening ones in town.
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg , 93000 K uching, Sarawak, M alaysia. & 082/258-000. Fax [phone].
www.merdekapalace.com. 214 units. RM414 ($120/£75) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants;
bar; outdoor pool; health club w/Jacuzzi, sauna, st eam, and massage; concierge; airport transfers; room
service; babysitting; smoke-free rooms; executive-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/satellite programming,
minibar.

Telang Usan Hotel Value While in Kuching, I like to stay at the Telang Usan
Hotel. It's not as flashy as the higher-priced places, but it 's a fantastic bargain for a good
room. Most guests her e are leisure travelers, and in fact, many ar e repeat visitors. The
small public areas sport murals in local I ban and Orang Ulu styles, revealing the origin
of the hotel 's owner and operator . While rooms are small and decor is not completely
up-to-date, they 're spotless. S ome r ooms hav e only standing sho wers, so be sur e to
specify when making your reservation if a bathtub is impor tant to you. The coffee shop
is a fine place to tr y local food, but they hav e Western selections as w ell. There is an
excellent tour agency under the same o wnership at the hotel.
Pesiaran Ban Hock, P.O. Box 1579, 93732 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. & 082/415-588. Fax [phone].
www.telangusan.com. 66 units . RM140 ($41/£25) double . AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; r oom
service; Internet service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar (some rooms).
Where To Dine
Everyone ends up at the Top Spot Food Court, a cheap hawker center v enue on Jalan
Bukit Mata off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman just near the Holiday Inn. Various stalls cook
Chinese, Malay, and Western food, all sorts of exotic dishes, and local and seafood dishes.
Located on the r oof of a multistor y par king garage, don 't expect anything but “local
charm” for decor. But the food is good and cheap , and y ou'll be sur e to find a bo wl of
the famous Sarawak laksa.
A good pick for local specialties is the Dulit Coffee H ouse at Telang Usan H otel
( & 082/415-588 ). Try their local S arawak v ersion of laksa, v ermicelli noodles and

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