This congress was held at Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, on 1-4 December 2003.
Congress websites remain online for a limited period after the event. Therefore for posterity, the following links are reproduced from the congress' Final Announcement.
Given the size and complexity of such events, it is inevitable that there were last minute changes. Consequently there is no guarantee that all the sessions detailed actually took place in the form advertised.
Localised information that is unlikely to be of further interest, such as hotel booking, transportation arrangements to the venue, etc., has been omitted.
The following information appeared in the Final Announcement
Organised jointly with the Malaysian Thoracic Society
(my-mts.org)
Following an outbreak of SARS in the region from March to early June 2003, the 8th APSR Congress was postponed from the original date of 17-20 July 2003 to 1-4 December 2003.
The postponement forced several alterations to the original plan, including the venue which was changed from the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, to the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, Petaling Jaya, approximately 30 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.
The text on this page was copied from the Final Announcement published in early 2003. Later changes to the programme are shown below italicised.
Page
1
Page | ||
APSR Executive Officers | 2 | |
Congress Organising Committee | 3 | |
MTS (Council 2001-2003) | 3 | |
Welcome Message | 4 | |
Invited Faculty | 5 | |
Programme at a Glance | 6 | |
Congress Workshops | 8 | |
Scientific Programme | 9 | |
Congress Information | 12 | |
Free Communications | 15 | |
About Malaysia | 16 | |
Optional Tours | 18 | |
Enclosures: | Form 1 - Registration | |
Form 2 - Hotel Reservation | ||
Form 3 - Abstract Submission |
Deadline for Early Registration | 31 October 2003 |
Deadline for Submission of Abstracts | 15 October 2003 |
Deadline for Cancellation & Refund | 15 November 2003 |
Page
2
President | Wah-Kit Lam |
Congress President | Chong-Kin Liam |
Congress President-Elect | Wah-Kit Lam |
Past President | Shiro Kira |
Past Congress President | Kwen-Tay Luh |
Secretary General | Yoshinosuke Fukuchi |
Treasurer | Takashi Horie |
Editor-in-Chief | Philip J. Thompson |
Executive Members representing the Council Members | Peter G. Gibson Mary Ip Masaharu Nishimura Se Hwa Yoo |
Finance Committee Chairperson | Takashi Horie |
Membership Committee Chairperson | Teresita S. de Guia |
Research and Education Committee Chairperson | Nan-Shan Zhong |
International Advisory Committee | J. Patrick Barron Norbert Berend YoungSoo Shim Wan-Cheng Tan Wei-Ci Luo J. Paul Seale |
Page
3
Chairman | Chong-Kin Liam |
Secretary | Norzila Mohamed Zainudin |
Treasurer | Jessie A. De Bruyne |
Business Manager | Zainudin M. Zin |
Scientific Programme Chairman | Roslan Harun |
Publications | Patrick Chan Roslina Abdul Manap |
Congress Facilities | Kim-Hatt Lim Richard Loh |
Audio-Visual Facilities | Yong-Kek Pang |
Social Events | Catherine Wong Norrashidah A. Wahab |
Secretariat | Yoon-Moi Kong |
President | Chong-Kin Liam |
Deputy President | Roslan Harun |
Honorary Secretary | Norzila Mohamed Zainudin |
Deputy Honorary Secretary | Kim-Hatt Lim |
Honorary Treasurer | Jessie A. De Bruyne |
Deputy Honorary Treasurer | Richard Loh |
Committee Members | Roslina Abdul Manap Zainudin M. Zin Catherine Wong Patrick Chan |
Page
4
We would like to once again extend our invitation to you to attend the 8th Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Congress scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1-4 December 2003. As the Congress draws near, the pace of organising this major event is beginning to pick up with the secretariat and organising working hard together to bring forth a hopefully enjoyable meeting, socially and for its scientific merit.
The rapid advances in the therapeutic and diagnostic development in respiratory medicine illustrate the need to take a long hard look at its application in clinical practice at bed-side. This issue will be extensively addressed at the Congress as the scientific programme will reflect on the theme of 'An evidence-based approach to the management of respiratory disease in the Asian Pacific region'. An impressive faculty of speakers, including several from the Asian Pacific region itself, will provide insights on these issues at the Congress. The pre-Congress workshops have been organised to provide a more intensive approach to four clinical issues namely Sleep Apnoea, Diagnostic & Interventional Pulmonology, Mechanical Ventilation and Immunotherapy for Allergic Diseases.
We are extremely pleased that the meeting is supported by an international fraternity of Respiratory Societies namely the American College of Chest Physicians, the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society. All three societies will be participating actively by pledging prominent speakers and representation by senior members at the Congress. Their keen participation demonstrates the importance of this meeting for the Asian Pacific region and we do hope that many of you will take the opportunity to join us in Kuala Lumpur.
We would also like to invite delegates to submit their research work for presentation at the Congress and to consider the Congress a platform to share their findings with other health care providers in the Asian Pacific region. For the first time, an APSR Award for Research on Asthma in the Asian Pacific region, will be given to the best free paper submitted for either oral or poster presentation at this Congress. Investigators are requested to indicate whether they wish to be considered for this award.
The congress will be held in Kuala Lumpur, a busy exciting metropolitan that has a lot to offer, from its old buildings with Moorish elements, a heritage of its colonial past to the towering skyscrapers hailing the strides taken towards modernisation. With only a little effort, visitors can visit the rest of Malaysia that boasts a fascinating rich multi-cultural potpourri and natural beauty.
Once again, we do hope that you will take this opportunity to join us in Kuala Lumpur for the 8th APSR Congress.
Thank you.
Prof Liam Chong-Kin
Page
5
Australia
China
France
Germany
Hong Kong SAM China
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Republic of Korea
Singapore
South Africa
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States
Page
6
1 December | 2 December | |||
0730‑1700 | Registration | |||
0800‑0845 | Congress Workshops WS1: Sleep Apnoea WS2: Diagnostic & Interventional Pulmonology WS3: Mechanical Ventilation WS4: Immunotherapy For Allergic Diseases | P1 | ||
0845‑1030 | S1A | S1B | S1C | |
1030‑1100 | Coffee | |||
1100‑1245 | S2A | S2B | S2C | |
1245‑1400 | Lunch Satellite Symposia | |||
1400‑1445 | P2 | |||
1445‑1545 | Special SARS Symposium | Concurrent Oral & Poster Scientific Paper Presentations | ||
1545‑1615 | Tea | |||
1615‑1800 | ML1: Ann Woolcock Memorial Lecture (1630‑1730) | S3A | S3B | S3C |
1800‑1900 | Opening Ceremony | Satellite Symposium | ||
1930‑2200 | Dinner Satellite Symposium |
P: Plenary
S: Symposium
WS: Workshop
Page
7
3 December | 4 December | |||||
0730‑1700 | Registration | |||||
0800‑0845 | P3 | |||||
0845‑1030 | S4A | S4B | S4C | S7A | S7B | S7C |
1030‑1100 | Coffee | |||||
1100‑1245 | S5A | S5B | S5C | S8A | S8B | S8C |
1245‑1400 | Lunch Satellite Symposia | Closing Ceremony and lunch | ||||
1400‑1445 | ML2: Michiyoshi Harasawa Memorial Lecture | |||||
1445‑1545 | Concurrent Oral & Poster Scientific Paper Presentations | |||||
1545‑1615 | Tea | |||||
1615‑1800 | S6A | S6B | S6C | |||
1800‑1900 | ||||||
1930‑2200 | Congress Dinner |
P: Plenary
S: Symposium
WS: Workshop
Page
8
Page
9
A Public Health Approach to Controlling Asthma and COPD (Guy Mark)
ML2: Michiyoshi Harasawa LectureSummer-type Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (Masayuki Ando)
P1: Respiratory Disease
P2: Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Allergen Avoidance
P3: Tuberculosis
Page
10
Page
11
Page
12
Category | Before 31 Oct* 2003 | After 31 Oct* 2003 | On Site |
APSR Member (including one Workshop) | US$300 US$350 | US$400 US$475 | US$450 US$550 |
Non APSR Member (including one Workshop) | US$350 US$425 | US$450 US$550 | US$500 US$625 |
Resident/Trainee/Allied Health Professional (including one Workshop) | US$150 US$200 | US$250 US$325 | US$300 US$400 |
Accompanying Person | US$150 | US$200 | US$250 |
Page
13
The Organising Committee has negotiated for special rates with the following hotels:
Hotel | Category | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy |
Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel* (Conference Hotel) | Deluxe | US$90 nett | US$90 nett |
Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur | Deluxe | US$68 nett | US$76 nett |
Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur | Superior | US$49 nett | US$49 nett |
The above rates are inclusive of buffet breakfast. Please note that there are only limited rooms at the Conference Hotel. Please complete and return the enclosed hotel reservation form directly to the hotel of your choice. A one-night's deposit will be required to confirm the booking. The details of the hotels are as follows:
Please return the completed Registration Form to the Congress Secretariat with appropriate fees as early as possible to ensure receipt of the complete set of conference materials upon checking in at the time of the conference. Photocopies of the form may be used.
Page
14
All payments are to be issued in favour of "8th APSR Congress" Payments can be made via credit card or telegraphic transfer to:
Name of Account: 8th APSR Congress
Bank: Southern Bank Berhad
Address: Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Account Number: xxxxx
Swift Code: xxxxx
If remittance is via telegraphic transfer, please attach proof of remittance with the completed registration form.
The Congress Secretariat must be notified in writing of all cancellations. Refund will be made after the conference:
Cancellation on or before 15 November* 2003: 50% refund
Cancellation after 15 November* 2003: No refund
Upon request, the Organising Committee will issue a letter of invitation. The sole purpose of the letter is to facilitate the delegate's travel and visa arrangements. The invitation does not imply provision of financial or other support.
A certificate of attendance will be issued to all delegates.
The Organising Committee will not be liable for personal accidents, loss or damage to private properties of the delegates during the Conference. Participants should make their arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
Whilst every attempt would be made to ensure all aspects of the Congress mentioned in this announcement will take place as scheduled, the Organising Committee assumes no responsibility should it fail to materialise due to unforeseen circumstances.
Malaysia Airlines is providing discounted airfares to registered delegates and accompanying persons for its international services** to attend the Congress. Please contact the nearest Malaysia Airlines' office by quoting the conference code G*QJWZLL for further information and assistance. For your pre and post conference tours, Malaysia Airlines has attractive tour packages and economically priced Air Pass for travel within Malaysia or the region. You may also look up Malaysia Airlines' website address: www.malaysiaairlines.com.my
** This is not applicable for travel from Singapore and within Malaysia.
Page
15
The Scientific Committee welcomes the submission of free communication abstracts for consideration for presentation at 8th Asian Pacific Society of Respirology Congress. Free Communications could be in the form of: a) Oral b) Poster. Deadline for submission of abstracts: 15 October 2003*
Page
16
Banking hours (except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) are from 1000 to 1600, Monday to Friday, and 0930 to 1130 on Saturday except for the first and third Saturday of each month when banks are closed.
All commercial banks are authorized foreign exchange dealers, and licensed money changers are found in urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes. Foreign currency and travellers-cheques can also be exchanged at major hotels.
Peninsular Malaysia can be entered by road or rail from Singapore and Thailand. Driving is on the left. Most major car rental companies operate counters at KLIA, other airports and urban centres. Internal transport is efficient and cheap and includes air-conditioned express buses and long-distance taxi services.
Page
17
Entry
Visa
No visa is required for nationals of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands. Sam Marino and Liechtenstein.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding three months for nationals of: Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Rep., Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Slovak, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, USA
No visa is required for stay of not more than one month for nationals of all ASEAN Countries. For stay exceeding one month, visas will be required, except for nationals of Brunel and Singapore.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding one month for nationals of: Argentina, Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Corsica, Costa Rica, Croatia, Djibouti, Dominica Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Laos, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Zaire.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, S. Yemen, Syria.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 7 days for nationals of: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Byelorussia, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghisztan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia. Romania, Russian Fed., Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
Note: Nationals of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
Immigration
Except for the last item, duty free items must be for personal use only. A 30% tax will be levied on items that exceed the above limits.
The following are duty free: fountain pens, cigarette lighters, printed books, newspapers, journals, perfume, skincare products, cosmetics, portable radio with sound recorder (weighing less than 10 kg with AC/DC) pocket and wrist watches, clocks, cameras, flashbulb. Flashlight apparatus, film in rolls, pocket calculator, (weighing less than 150 gms) video tapes (blank or recorded), cinema cameras, projectors, sound recorders, sound reproducers for films less than 16mm width including cameras for double 8mm films and video cameras.
The airport tax for domestic flights is RM 5 and for international flights is RM 40.
Page
18
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$10
Pickup Time: 8:45 am & 1:45 pm
Min Pax: 11
The tour begins at the King's Palace where you can embark on a photo shoot with the palace in the background. Next stop is the House of Parliament followed by the National Monument which was built as a memorial to those who served to protect the country in its hour of need. You will then be whisked to the National Mosque, before proceeding to a visit of the Old Railway Station. Departing from the station your next stop win be the Moorish Styled Federal Court and thereafter the Tudor styled Cricket Club opposite the court before finally arriving at the Pewter Factory.
The Royal Selangor Pewter Factory has the largest pewter tankard in the world on view at its entrance. You will be taken on a tour of the factory where you will see workers demonstrating the method of making the alloy into decorative objects. Artistically designed accessories for the home are available for sale in the factory shop.
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$10
Pickup Time: 8:45 am & 1:45 pm
Min Pax: 11
Board the bus and head for Batu Caves. There you will experience plenty of myth and culture. Next, head for the Scorpion Farm and discover the amazing world of these arachnids. After visiting with the creepy, crawlies it's off to the Batik Factory to see how simple threads are woven into works of art and beauty. Continue on with the tour to the Orang Ash Museum, Malay Village (Rumah Pak Ali). The last stop will be the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory where you will be given a Factory Tour and be able to purchase articles from the factory shop.
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$23
Pickup Time: 8:20 am & 2:00 pm
Min Pax: 8
If you want to experience the Malaysian way of life, take this tour! This night tour contains a harmonious interwoven mixture of different races, culture and religions.
All your five senses will be stimulated, from the smell of the burning jasmine at The Sri Mahamariamman Temple to the hearing of the hectic haggling for merchandise at the open air bazaar of Chinatown. Indulge in a buffet dinner where a sumptuous variety of local delicacies await your taste buds. While you feast, you will be entertained to an array of Malaysian Cultural Performances.
Page
19
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$27
Pickup Time: 8:45 am
Min Pax: 6
This lush, 1,528 hectares of greenery, lie just 16 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur or half hour's drive from the city centre. Here, you have the opportunity to experience first hand, a tropical rain forest.
Although not a public park in a real sense (it was actually set up in 1929 as a forest reserve, meant for research), the rain forest area has many attractions and with easy accessibility attracts many local as well as overseas visitors.
Duration: Approx 7 hours
Price: US$26
Pickup Time: 8:45 am
Min Pax: 13
A pleasant 2-hour journey will take you to the beginning of Malaysian history. History goes back as far as 500 Years in Malacca and you wm discover many remnants of Malaysian History present here.
You will be taken to St. Peter's Church built in 1710. This is the oldest Christian Church in Malaysia. You will also visit the largest 17th century Chinese cemetery outside of China, located at Bukit China or Chinese Hill followed by the famous gateway "Porta De Santiago", the ruins of St. Paul's Church lined by 17th Century Dutch tombstones and the "Red Square" - the salmon-pink Dutch administrative building which today houses the Melaka Museum and some other government offices.
You win also visit Christchurch, the Sultan's Well, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple which is also known as the "Abode of the Green Merciful Clouds". You will even have time to take a stroll along Melaka's "jonker antique street" and maybe even pick up some bargains. The tour ends by the banks of the Melaka River.
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$23
Pickup Time: 8:45 am
Min Pax: 11
Amidst the freshness of cool, crisp mountain air approximately 6,000 feet above sea level lies Malaysia's only casino resort. Fringed by one of the oldest tropical jungles in the world, you can try your luck at Blackjack, Keno, Roulette or a host of other casino games.
If tempting lady luck is not your cup of tea, then take time off to enjoy the numerous recreational facilities of the outdoor and indoor theme parks available here. Whichever one you choose, you will find more than just tingling freshness.
Page
20
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: US$53
Pickup Time: 4:15 pm
Min Pax: 6
Proceed to Kuala Selangor town in the quiet hamlet of Kampung Kuantan, site of one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. You will visit "Kota Melawati" formerly known as "Fort Altinsburg", the execution block, royal mausoleum and colonial buildings. A bird sanctuary park is located at the foot of Bukit Melawati. This is an ideal place for bird-watchers to watch local as well as migratory birds. Also found here are silvered-leaf monkeys well as many varieties of butterflies.
You will be rowed upstream in a small boat in the quiet darkness to witness the fireflies on the 'blinking trees'. This scintillating display of fireflies portrays an image of a flashing Christmas tree. The synchronized, rhythmic flashing is produced by the thousands of fireflies found in the mangrove swamp of Kampung Kuantan. The skill local boatman will make this experience a truly memorable and cherished one.
Duration: Approx 4 hours
Price: Adult - US$27, Child - US$22
Pickup Time: 8:30 am & 2:00 pm
Min Pax: 5
Visit the serene and scenic natural Lake Gardens, the living tropical paradise in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur. An educational tour of flora and fauna which includes the Hibiscus garden and Orchid garden which consists of over 500 species and hybrids, The Butterfly Park and The Bird Park have the Worlds Largest walk in Free Flight Aviary with approx 3,000 birds of 200 species from all over the world.
Page
21
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia Premier National Park, covers 4,343 square kilometres covering Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu state. Taman Negara National Park is 130 million years old and claims to be the oldest rain forest in the world.
The highest mountain in the Peninsula, Gunung Tahan which is 2,186 meters high stands in the park. Covered with primary jungle and scattered limestone outcrop, Taman Negara is truly the outdoor destination for holidaymakers.
Lying off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi comprises a group of 99 islands, each with its own natural appeal. Langkawi is a treasure trove for visitors due to its idyllic setting, legends and myths. Among the prominent ones are Pulau Dayang Bunting (isle of the Pregnant Maiden), Pulau Singa Besar - a wildlife sanctuary, Pulau Puyar - a marine Park and Pulau Beras Basah (Isle of Wet Rice).
Pulau Langkawi is also an ideal spot for holiday escapades with its fine white sandy beaches, blue green waters and enchanting marine life beneath the waters. Plenty of duty free goods are available to purchase especially in the town of Kuah, the main town, which is a shopping haven for locals and visitors alike.
Page
22
Bounded on the north and east by Kedah state, Penang is one of the 13 states of the Federation of Malaysia located on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally known as 'The Pearl of the Orient', Penang comprises Pulau Pinang (Betel Nut Island or Penang Island) and a thin strip on the mainland, called Seberang Prai (Province Wellesley).
Penang has a potpourri of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Nyonya cultures. Georgetown, named after King George III of England, is the seat of administration and also the commercial hub of the state situated in Penang Island, which was originally named Prince of Wales Island. This bustling metropolitan city combines the best of east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colourful history such as Khoo Kongsi, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Fort Cornwallis and many others.
All types of water sports can be found in Penang, which owes much of its fame to its fine beaches.
Pangkor Island lies west of Peninsular Malaysia facing the estuary of Sungai Air Tawar. Pangkor Island is an idyllic and beautiful island, a paradise for a carefree and relaxing holiday with its enchanting beaches, crystalline blue waters and cool refreshing breeze especially on the western coastline, such as Pantai Puteri Dewi, Teluk Belanga, Teluk Nipah or Teluk Cempedak. One can just swim or bask in the sun with complete privacy amidst tranquil surroundings.
Facing the mainland on the east coast, there is a continuous village strip comprising Sungai Pinang Kecil (SPK), Sungai Pinang Besar (SPB) and Pangkor Town. Cluttered but full of interest, one can look at boat-building, fish being dried or frozen as well as a colourful south Indian temple. There is also the added attraction of the Mini Great Wall of China with its rock paintings and other features of dubious artistic merit found in Foo Lin Kong Temple located in SPB.
Page
23
Located 45 km north-east off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, The Redang Archipelago comprises Redang Island, Pinang Island, Ling Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island and Lima Island.
Relatively undeveloped and unspoiled, Redang Island provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking coupled with a range of other sports to keep one occupied. If activity is not your idea of a holiday, then just relax and enjoy the glistening white beaches. The real fantasy island lies beneath the water surrounding the 9 islands. Under the crystal clear water are splendid coral gardens filled with corals (both hard and soft), foliose and gargonian in the shallower regions along with a captivating variety of fascinating tropical fish, unspoiled reefs and many types of sea creatures awaits to be explored.
Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the capital of the state of Sabah. With a population of 200,000, it is the gateway to East Malaysia with direct non-stop flights to and from Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Brunei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.
Tanjong Aru is one of the many beautiful West Coast beaches, and just off shore less than half an hour's boat ride lie the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Beautiful white sandy beaches, coral reefs and myriads of underwater creatures abound. Back in town every Sunday morning is the Gaya Street Fair, where local delicacies, handicrafts and antiques, as well as clothes, furniture and a whole host of other goods can be bought. But you should be there by 8.00 am. Constructed with a resplendent dome, the Sabah State Mosque which is located on the way to the airport is a famous landmark.
For the sports enthusiasts there are of course the water sports - snorkelling, diving, sailing and wind-surfing. Two fine golf clubs exist, one at Tanjung Aru (9 holes) and the other, the 18-hole Sabah Golf & Country Club at Bukit Padang. There is also the Kinabalu Yacht Club at Tanjung Aru and large sports complex at Likas, with full facilities. You could also try the night market in town which starts about 7.00 pm. Not only are Clothes, souvenirs and handicrafts available, the eating stalls can also be good.
Page
24
It has justly been described as the most attractive city in Southeast Asia. Or, as one visitor described it: "It's like living in a garden". That's Kuching, Sarawak's capital, one of the most liveable and people-friendly cities in the region. Kuching, its name means cat in Malay, has all the modern amenities without losing its old world charm. Multi-storey buildings blend with structures from colonial days and the colorful Malay and Chinese shop houses.
A stroll along the Waterfront at any time of day is a good start for a tour on foot around the city. It's a very walkable place with none of the traffic snarls or pollution of other Asian centers.
Eating is a favourite pastime with Kuching's people and there's such a variety to chose from, Western, Malay, Chinese, Indian. Try the roadside stalls or the food outlets in the malls. Try satay, one of the bewildering variety of noodles or the ubiquitous chicken rice. Be adventurous. Wherever you eat it's perfectly safe.