I ended up staying in Berambih Lodge for 14 days in Kuching, changing my mind from a protracted jaunt around Malaysian Borneo.
Why? Was it just too fabulous to leave? No, not really, but it was hotter than a skillet outside in September and the sky fell out in torrential downpour everyday at exactly 4 p.m.

After few days, I just decided to take little day or overnight excursion trips out, like to the Orang Preserve, to the Longhouse exhibition park, and a night at the Park at Bako.

I had booked a small dorm room, but there were no other dorm takers so they gave me a private room with shared bath for the same price.
The room was neat enough with sheets and AC, but the bath could have stood a little more cleaning. I cleaned it some days.
Downstairs is a kitchen and a very basic breakfast is included: tea bags and instant coffee, peanut butter and white bread.
There was, however, internet in my room , so I would refuge in there at the heat and rainy part of the day.

The location on the main street in Chinatown is perfect, and there are many restaurants and food stands everywhere.
Market streets and museum are an easy walk. See the authentically constructed longhouse inside the museum, complete with skulls swinging from the rafters.
It turned out to be a good base in Kuching and, since I like to stay somewhere long enough to feel what the everyday life is like, it served me well at an almost give away price.
Most people only stay one night coming or going from Kuching.

Berambih has a nice longhouse style, where you can lay down and chill and watch some movies. The rooms are small, but clean.
The thing we liked the most here was the staff, who were very friendly and helpful, even after we checked out and asked if our backpacks could stay there for a day.
When we ever visit Kuching again, this will be our first option to sleep.

Fantastic and very helpful staff, they help to organize all the trips and transfers, this is also a fantastic place to meet other backpackers, clean, cosy, pleasant. take the room upstairs they are much bigger and spacious, first floor are really small no room even for a luggage. breakfast / only coffee and some toast with jam but what you can expect for 5 pounds a night ;) overall nice experience
no windows in first floor rooms and loud air conditioner

I stayed 2 night at Berambih Lodge. It made me feel like back to New Zealand backpacker lodge where the staff are friendly and helpful. This living room comfortable and the only 'bamboo house' design in the town if u miss the long house while your stay in Kuching. Also located in the center, walking distance to river.