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Borneo, Malaysia
The Ranee is a small boutique hotel, set on the waterfront of the Sarawak River in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Southern Borneo. Situated in the heart of the Kuching city, the hotel is located with a short walk from the Carpenter Street and India Street, renowned for their traditional shophouses, street food and textiles. Combining two separate 19th-century shophouses, the Ranee is now a contemporary hotel with an original heritage style.
Housed within these two buildings are just 24 rooms and suites. Each room is custom-designed and elegantly furnished, blending in the old and the new. Wide windows and verandas open onto scenic vistas of the bustling bazaar and the central air-wells with lush greenery and water feature, cooling the room though each are now also air-conditioned. Most suites have a balcony or terrace, with some large enough to accommodate sunbeds and some have free standing bathtubs.
Guests have a choice of two dining options; the MBar & Bistro located in the hotel's lobby, serving a range of international cuisine and local specialties and Cafe Trio at streetfront, ideal for tea, coffee and light snacks. You can step out the front door and into Kuching’s Main Bazaar; and shop for local artefacts, boutique shops or serious antiques. Take a ‘bot tambang” (water taxi) to visit the beautifully restored Fort Margherita, then take an evening stroll along the Kuching’s waterfront.
Amenities
The Ranee Borneo, Malaysia
Stay The Ranee features just 24 rooms and suites. All have a unique layout and are individually-designed with king-sized bed, work desk and television. Bathrooms are lined with slate tiles and black pebbles; amenities include air conditioning, ceiling fan, iron, fridge, tea/coffee facilities and robes. The large Executive Rooms have a lounge area, while the Ranee suites at the top of the building are the most luxurious. For a special occasion book Margaret or Sylvia, which include a very private terrace.
ChildCare Families with children on 12 years and above are welcome to stay at the Ranee Kuchin, but there are no specific facilities available for children.
Dine The main Mbar & Bistro at the Ranee Kuching, adorned with hanging plants that runs the length of the building, offers a range of international favourites and well-loved local specialties. Breakfast is served à la carte and include fruit plate, juice and Sarawak coffee plus a choice of main dishes including fry-up to kolo been hoon (rice vermicelli with chicken). Lunch and dinner feature local specialties such as laksa, nasi goreng and chicken curry, along with Western options.
Relax There are ample spaces within the Ranee hotel to relax including an informal library, situated on the first floor and work area exclusively for in-house guests. Guests can also have Wi-Fi access for your personal convenience and enjoyment.
Experience There are plenty of things to do in and around Kuching, all of which are not too far from The Ranee hotel. Step outside to the city bazaar and take a short walk to the St Thomas’ Cathedral. Other highlights of the city are Sarawak Museum, the Chinese Museum and Tua Pek Kong Temple, and you can also take a boat down the river to visit Astana Palace. In the surrounds is the Kuching Wetlands National Park and Bako National Park, one of the oldest national park in Sarawak.
Location The Ranee is located in the heart of Kuching's Old Town, close to the best areas for streetfood and shopping. Kuching is in the Sarawak region on the northwest coast of Borneo.
Getting there 18-hour international flight (one change) to Kuching. The Ranee is a 20-minute road transfer from the airport. Kuching can also be reached by direct flight from many other Asian cities.
When to go Like the rest of Malaysia, Sarawak's climate is hot and humid. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s throughout the lowlands. The state’s rainfall averages about 300cm annually and though it rains throughout the year, the heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January. At higher elevations the temperature is refreshingly cool, dropping to colder temperatures at night.
Destination
Western, BorneoFeatured
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