VISITING KUCHING - Where and what to drink in Kuching

Posted by Never Ending Story | Labels: Kuching

KUCHING : WHAT TO DRINK IN KUCHING

Be sure to try Sarawak coffee - it is delicious and can be found in any local 'Kopi-tiam' (coffee shop). Also, try a drink called White Lady. It usually consists of evaporated milk and a syrup base with fruit and a slice of lemon within. The colors vary from yellow to pink.

The local favourite of White Lady is made by Ah Meng's stall at Hui Sing Hawker Centre at Hui Sing Garden. Another of the stall's signature drink is Metahorn, made with jellies, syrup and local fruits. There are various knock-offs in Kuching but the taste is different.

There are plenty of good bars and are usually grouped together in areas around Kuching.

Bars

Kuching has a large number of clubbing districts.

Padungan Road is in the city centre, in the Chinatown area. There are a handful of bars along this stretch that mainly cater to the working-class Yuppie crowd.

Ipanema. A nice place for a relaxing drink. The kitchen serves good meals and tapas and they have Kilkenny Irish beer on tap.
Soho. Loud, packed to the rafters dance club. Be sure to try the special Soho cocktail, the Maui Mudslide.
The Office.
MOJO@Denise. Famous for what is now known as The De Leon Inccident, in which famous fillipino Rugby player Tom De Leon claimed to be 'a man' yet was unable to finish Mojo's favourite cocktail, the lamborgini. Locals still have a laugh about the incident to this day.
Grappa. A young and fun club bar located at 58 Padugan Road Kuching. It has a riveting sound system that literally shakes the dance floor playing all drum and bass, hip hop, R&B etc.

Travillion in Petanak, just after Padungan Road, is home to many newer bars and mainly caters to the Young College crowd. It has bright signage, cheap alcohol, and Techno music. This area used to be infamous for gang-related brawls and other trouble - however the number of incidences have decreased significantly and while its generally considered safe now, it still pays to be a bit careful.

amoeba'r. Ambient/chillout music, self-proclaimed retro-modern decor.
MC3. Club that plays techno and house music.
Zen.
BarZing!. Probably nicest place at the Travillion mall. Friendlier than the other establishments.
Jungle.
Fire. One of the newest joints to open here. A good crowd that dances to Chinese Pop-Techno. Opens from 2.30PM for happy hour everyday.

Taman Sri Sarawak is opposite the Hilton Hotel. This area is the closest to the Kuching Waterfront and mainly caters to the Tourist Crowd.

Latino.
Cats City.
Rainforest.

Bukit Mata, a short stroll from Taman Sri Sarawak, . It is still popular with Tourists and the local regulars. Bars include:

GOAL CAFE.
The Cottage.
Piccadilly's Music Cafe.

And a few more scattered elsewhere:

Link. Kuching Civic Centre 22F, Jalan Budaya (http://www.links-entertainment.com.my/). Located 22 stories up the Civic Centre (press Level 2 in the lift). Its very posh, classy, and expensive - but has stunning 360-degree views of Kuching City. You will need to grab a taxi to get here as it is located outside of the City centre.

The Living Room. Wayang Street (opposite Fata Hotel, a few shops from Blablabla Restaurant). A nice and very loungey Tapas bar that's decorated with a Iban/Balinese theme. Be sure to sit outside in the 'longhouse' area where you can lie on comfortable cushions and gaze at the night sky while sipping Mojitos. The food is also excellent.

Senso. Inside Hilton Hotel. Very modern and chic design with chill-out music and the occasional live band. It is one of the nicest bars in Kuching and they have an extensive cocktail list. Unless you're somebody important, expect a dress-code policy to be enforced.

Jackies. This place is one of the finer establishments in Kuching. It is quite regular to see amazing live performances from local singers and dancers. Be sure to dress stylish as Jackie's enforces strict rules to ensure the trendy, classy, inner urban feel remains.

Victoria's Arms. Inside Merdeka Palace Hotel. The only true 'English Tavern' in Kuching. Its a big place with live bands, English pub food, and expensive wooden interior. They have a cover-charge and dress-code for non-hotel guests. Fridays are 'Ladies's Nights' and are very popular.

B3Two . Jalan Central Timor. Originally a spot which catered for large house parties, B3Two turned itself into on of the crazier night spots. Expats, who own the business, organise drinking games where locals and foreigners come together for wild after dark adventures. For 18-30 yr olds seeking a fun night out, be sure to head there. Has been recently announced that B3Two won the bidding to host Ryan Jon Dunn's 21st where LGBT people from all around the globe are expected to attend.

Rentap. 3rd Mile Area. One of Kuchings more refined venues, chilled out Rentap is a great place to enjoy a cocktail. The only thing classier than the clientel is the slick decor. However, be sure to dress up - if you're not wearing a collar, don't even bother. Every Saturday is Latin Jazz night, so bring your dancing shoes! Free entry, closes at 1am sharp.

Ruai Apai, Green Hills. Very cultural with Iban and Bidayuh influenced decoration. Probably the only bar that serves locally brewed tuak (rice wine). A definite must go for the experience.

Cafes

Bing!, Padungan Road. A laid-back cafe with a Balinese theme that serves excellent Lattes and fresh fruit juices. They are also popular for their cakes, deli-style gourmet sandwiches and light meals.

Tao, Padungan Road. A cafe with a funky Buddha theme, and relaxing water-feature inside. They serve espresso coffees, fruit juices, cakes and sandwiches. They also have a private art gallery upstairs.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, inside Sarawak Plaza Shopping Centre and departure lounge of Kuching International Airport. That popular franchise.

Starbucks, inside Kuching International Airport, next to KFC; and inside The Spring. Another popular franchise.

Frappe, Travillion area. A small cafe with contemporary furnishings. They have excellent coffee and cakes.

Caffe` Cino, Inside Hilton Hotel. They serve good coffee, desserts and meals. But the prices are a bit on the high side.

Scoops, Taman Sri Sarawak (opposite Hilton Hotel). A cool joint that opened in 2006. They specialise in a range of Gelatos and change the flavors daily. They also serve coffee and cakes. Very good ambience and nice atmosphere.

Kluang Station, Inside The Spring. A franchise offering old-school 'kopitiam' coffee with toast and half-boiled eggs in a relaxing and clean setting reminiscent of indo-china colonial coffee shops.