Self-driving in Kuching: a first-timer's guide
Everything we wish every visitor knew before landing at KIA — from which fuel you're legally allowed to pump, to why parking here will make you weep with joy if you're from KL.
Landing & picking up your car
Kuching International Airport is compact — you'll clear arrivals in minutes. We're based at the airport and operate 24 hours, so whether you land at noon or on the red-eye, someone meets you at arrivals with the key. Two minutes of paperwork and you're driving.
What documents you need
Malaysians: MyKad + driving licence. Done.
Visitors: passport + your home-country licence. If your licence isn't in English or Malay, bring an International Driving Permit — it makes everything smoother. Not sure if yours qualifies? WhatsApp us a photo of it before you fly and we'll confirm.
The fuel rule most visitors ask about
Our cars are Malaysian-registered vehicles, so you fill up with RON95. Malaysian citizens who verify with MyKad at the pump get the subsidised BUDI95 rate; non-citizens pay the unsubsidised RON95 price. The restriction people read about online applies to foreign-registered vehicles driven into Malaysia — not to a car you rent here.
Fuel policy in Malaysia does get revised from time to time, so treat this as the current position and confirm with our team at handover. When you bring the car back, return it with the same fuel level shown during handover. Petrol stations are plentiful in the city; fill up before long outstation runs.
Driving here, honestly
Kuching drives on the left, like the rest of Malaysia. Traffic is gentle by Malaysian standards — rush hour exists but it's a KL rush hour's baby cousin. Roads to Damai, Bau and Serian are sealed and well-marked. Watch for: sudden tropical downpours (slow down, they pass), and the occasional unhurried dog with main-character energy.
Parking
Plentiful and cheap — kopitiam lots, mall basements, street coupons. If you've driven in KL or Penang, Kuching parking will feel like a spa day. Near the Waterfront, park once and walk; the old town is best on foot anyway.
Going outstation — Sibu, Miri, Sri Aman
Every Car&Go rental comes with unlimited kilometres, so the Pan Borneo Highway is open to you. Trips beyond greater Kuching carry a one-time outstation charge (Sri Aman RM100 · Betong RM150 · Sibu RM300 · Mukah/Bintulu/Miri RM400) — declare it when you book. One thing to remember: the car comes back to Kuching. We're a Kuching outfit; there's no dropping it off at your cousin's place in Sibu.
The two-minute booking
No counters, no queues, no "please see terms and conditions page 14." Pick your dates on our booking page, check live availability, tap the car you want, and the whole request lands in WhatsApp — car, dates, add-ons, price, deposit — before your luggage hits the carousel.
Ready when your flight is.
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