It's been two decades since I last set foot in the Land of the Hornbills. A fleeting moment of discomfort during takeoff reminded me of the inherent risks we take when we fly — and the gratitude that follows a smooth landing.
Nick met us at the airport to drive us to the Pullman. He's a British expatriate who has lived in Malaysia for 20 years, the last four in Kuching. Married to a Sarawakian, they moved back from KL to care for his in-laws. He juggles events, documentaries, emceeing, and voiceovers — he shared how working here means securing a trade license, setting up an office, and navigating visa approvals. Business here moves to a rhythm — relationship-driven yet resilient in a unique way. Different, for sure.
Dinner was on Carpenter Street — well worn with locals and tourists. The local Bidayuh fare was excellent, the local serving crew commendable, and the setting lulled by the sound of live sape music. Memorable, for sure.
In 2024, Sarawak welcomed 4.83 million visitors, up 23% from 2023, generating RM12.45 billion in receipts. Kuching International Airport handled 5.38 million passengers, a figure mirrored by capacity issues — so much so that the government has announced a new airport at Tanjung Embang in Samarahan Division, near the deep-sea port development. These plans will be realised during the 13th Malaysia Plan, scheduled to be tabled in July this year.
This new smart airport — reportedly modelled after Doha's Hamad International Airport in Qatar — will start with a 15 million-passenger capacity, scaling up to 45 million. It will link seamlessly with the deep‑sea port, transforming Kuching into a regional logistics hub. Sarawak is also set to have its own airline.
I have six days ahead — and much more to discover.
