Asia - Kuching...but where are the beaches?

Greetings,

I am going to utilize some of my milesand go to Kuching on the island of Borneo this summer. I plan on staying in Kuching for maybe 2 nights, straddled by 2 nights at the Hilton Batang Ali. However, I would like to kick it on some beaches for afew days towards the end of the trip.

Can anyone recommend a good, convenient place to Kuching, that has good beaches? Are beaches even that good on Borneo? Anyadvice would certainly be appreciated! :D

I know about Damai Beach...but can't find any recommendations on it. Thanks!

There were some of fair quality at Bako National Park. The park itself is really beautiful, with some of the oldest old-growth tropical forest on the planet.

Would highly recommend Junk restaurant while in town. Must've eaten there 3 times.

Best beaches I've seen in Malaysia were in the Perhentians, but that's off the peninsula, alas.

45 minutes from Kuching is the Holiday Inn Damai Beach. Kuching itself is on a river. I suggest you do search in the Hilton forum for Batang Ai. It sounds as if you will be traveling solo, if so, IMHO Bantang Ai is not appropriate. A really nice beach is at the Shangri La Rasa Ria, 45 minutes north of Kota Kinabalu. There are non-stop flights KCH-BKI. Last years cost was slightly more than US$50 OW.

There is a very private cove at the Bako National Park and the beach is nice, however access is difficult.

Regarding the Rasa Ria recommendation, frankly I dont think the beach there is all that nice though its wide and long. And Datai Beach is actually in Langkawi ;)

I corrected it above

Damai beach is quite nice. The resort itself as I remember was pretty decent. But yeah don't expect too much though. ;)