When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Kuching?
Kuching, in East Malaysia, has a tropical rainforest climate with rain and sun all year round. The hottest and driest months are from April to October. If you plan on visiting during these months, make sure to check out the Gawai Dayak Festival on June 1 and the annual Rainforest Music Festival in July. If you don’t mind a bit more rain, cheap flights to Kuching are available during the wet season (November to January).
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Kuching?
To secure cheap flights to Kuching, plan your visit for the wet season. However, if you, like many others, wish to experience its summer festivals, make sure to book your tickets at least four months in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. Last-minute return flights to Kuching may be available at this time, but you’re more likely to find them in the off-peak wet season.
Flying to Kuching International Airport (KCH)
Kuching International Airport (KCH) is about 11 kilometres from the city of Kuching and serves the region of Sarawak in East Malaysia. It is a secondary base for Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia and can handle up to five million passengers a year.
There are no direct flights to Kuching from the United Kingdom (UK). Return flights to Kuching from the UK leave from a number of airports, such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Kuching flights will fly via Kuala Lumpur on most occasions, or through Singapore. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines offer flights with just one layover in their respective countries. Otherwise, you can fly with airlines such as Etihad Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines, making additional stops in the Middle East before changing planes once more in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Keep in mind that some indirect flights may require you to change airlines.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
There is only one terminal at KCH. Flights arriving from outside the region of Sarawak – even those coming from airports on peninsular Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur – are considered international flights, and passengers will need to pass through international customs again. The building has three levels with arrivals and baggage claim situated on the lower ground floor. Opposite the check-in counters are a number of food and drink shops. Duty-free shopping is available as well as several ATMs, two currency exchange counters and several prayer rooms.
Getting to the City from Kuching International Airport (KCH)
The easiest and quickest way to get to the city centre from the airport is by taxi. To take a taxi, you will need to buy a ticket from the Taxi Coupon Counter in the arrivals hall. The one-way fare is fixed for particular destinations. Hotels and other accommodation will often offer shuttle services from the airport. The bus station, Kuching Sentral, is less than two and a half kilometres from KCH airport. Buses from here to the city centre take about 20 minutes, but it also serves many other destinations.
Why Visit Kuching?
Borneo’s largest – and Malaysia’s fourth-largest city – is Kuching, a surprisingly clean, peaceful and relaxed environment more akin to a large town. The sophisticated capital of the Sarawak region seamlessly brings together the old and the new. Stroll around temples, narrow alleys and explore the history of the White Rajahs before taking in the immaculate waterfront and modern cafes and bars. It is a great base for exploring some of Borneo’s national parks, like Bako National Park, where you can trek in the jungle and see the island’s wonderful wildlife.
The city is known internationally for its Rainforest Music Festival in mid-July, which brings people from across the globe to the island for a three-day event celebrating both indigenous and world-renowned musicians in the Borneo jungle. On June 1 of each year, the local, indigenous people celebrate the harvest with traditional dress and offerings for the Gawai Dayak Festival.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
The currency in Malaysia is the ringgit. It is a good idea to get some ringgits prior to your arrival, but if you can’t, ATMs are widely available as are foreign currency exchanges. British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Malaysia. You will normally be granted a three-month visa when you arrive. If you wish to stay longer or are travelling for non-tourist purposes, you must get a visa from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before travel. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months after your date of entry into Malaysia.
