Plan Your Stay
SYMPOSIUM VENUE
Hilton Kuching
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +60 82-223-888
ACCOMMODATIONS
A limited number of rooms have been blocked at a discounted rate at the following hotels. Please be sure to book directly with the hotel as soon as possible, as the spaces may fill quickly. If any rooms remain by the dates listed, they will be released from the blocks and the discounted rates may no longer be available.
Hilton Kuching (Symposium venue)
BOOK ONLINE HERE
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93748 Kuching, Sarawak
Block cut-off date: 15 September 2018
Block rates: Standard- RM315; Executive Standard- RM465; and Executive Deluxe- RM515
Pullman Kuching
DOWNLOAD RESERVATION FORM HERE
Website: http://www.pullmankuching.com/
Address: No. 1A, Jalan Mathies, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Block cut-off date: 17 September 2018
Block rates: Superior- RM290.00+ (single double); Deluxe RM330.00+ (Single Double); Executive Superior RM430.00+ (Single Double); and Executive Deluxe RM530.00+ (Single Double)
The Waterfront Hotel
DOWNLOAD RESERVATION FORM HERE
Website:http://thewaterfrontkuching.com/
Address: 68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji, Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Block cut-off date: 15 September 2018
Block rates: Deluxe King- RM218+; Deluxe Twin Single- RM218+; and Deluxe Twin Queen- RM247+
Other hotels nearby:
Riverside Majestic Hotel: www.riversidemajestic.com/m.rmh.my
Grand Margherita Hotel: www.grandmargherita.com/gmh/
Imperial Hotel: www.imperialhotelkuching.com
TRANSPORTATION TO KUCHING
The Kuching International Airport (KCH) is only a 20-minute drive from the city center, all hotels, and the venue where the Symposium will take place.
There are direct flights to Kuching from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), a regional aviation hub serviced by more than 60 airlines and accessible to over 100 scheduled global destinations. Daily direct flights are also available from Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN).
TRANSPORTATION WITHIN Kuching
UBER and Grab are the best way to get around the city. Taxis and buses can also be used, although they are not always reliable.
From the airport to the city center hotels, taxis take approximately 20 minutes (9 km distance) and cost between RM25-35, while UBER/Grab will cost between RM6-8. Private transfers may be available from some hotels with advance bookings; contact the hotel for availability and costs, which typically range from RM80-90.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
All attendees from outside Malaysia are responsible for making sure they have the correct documentation to enter the country.
Please consult the Malaysia Immigration website before you travel. Delegates are strongly advised to explore visa requirements as early as possible and, should a visa be required, to apply as soon as possible as the process can be time consuming.
Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of stay. If your country requires a visa (see the list posted here), applications should be submitted to the nearest Malaysian overseas mission with the appropriate documentation.
If you need a visa invitation letter, please contact info@iaia.org no later than 10 September. Requests received after this date will not be accommodated. Registration and payment must be received by IAIA HQ before an invitation letter will be provided.
Please note that IAIA has no influence in visa application procedures or the approval/denial of individual applications by embassies. All countries have different requirements; it is the sole responsibility of each delegate to inquire on the proper procedure from their country's embassy in an effort to procure his/her visitor visa.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact IAIA HQ by 10 September to discuss your specific needs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
IAIA, the organizing committee, and the venue will not be responsible for medical expenses, accidents, losses or other unexpected damage to property belonging to conference participants, either during or as a result of the conference and during all tours and events. Delegates without travel or health insurance are personally liable for covering any medical and associated costs they incur. IAIA recommends that delegates purchase travel insurance and ensure that the policy covers all medical expenses for injury or illness, as well as theft of valuables, damage to baggage, and cancellations or interruptions to flight plans.
TOURISM INFORMATION
Kuching is the capital city of the Malaysian State of Sarawak. As the gateway to Borneo island, Kuching offers a fusion of modern city infrastructure and old-world exotic charm, historical and cultural attractions, and nature's treasures at an affordable price. For more information, please visit https://sarawaktourism.com/kuching.
WEATHER
Average temperatures in October are around 27-31 degrees Celsius.
MONEY
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The conversion rate is approximately 4MYR to 1USD and rounded to the nearest whole figure. ATMs are located in public spaces, such as airports, malls, convenience stores, and petrol stations. Most Malaysian ATMs accept MasterCard (Cirrus and Maestro) and Visa (Plus) cards. Check whether the ATM displays your card network's logo before using it. Malaysian banks use six-digit PINs (rather than four-digit PINs). You can usually turn your four-digit PIN into a six-digit one by adding two zeros to the front of the number. Malaysian banks don't usually charge foreigners to use ATMs. If an ATM levies a surcharge, you'll be warned of this before you complete the transaction.
TIPPING CUSTOMS
In Kuching, tipping is not the norm. Restaurants usually include a 10% service charge in their price. For other services, you may tip RM5-10 if you wish, but this is not required.
ELECTRICITY
In Malaysia the power sockets are type G. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
EMERGENCIES
999 is the number to call in case of any emergency (police, ambulance, fire).