Join the Kuching Anomaly on 15th June 2024!

Attention Resistance Agents! Prepare to battle it out in the enchanting city of Kuching, Sarawak, on 15 June 2024 as Kuching hosts its first-ever Ingress anomaly.

🌏 The Gateway to Adventure: Kuching, Sarawak

Nestled on the lush island of Borneo, Kuching welcomes you with open arms to its vibrant streets, rich cultural tapestry, and the warmth of its people. Known as the “Cat City” for its love of feline symbols, Kuching boasts a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Explore the historic waterfront, wander through the bustling markets, and savor the delectable flavors of Sarawakian cuisine.

It will be a weekend to remember — what are you waiting for?


About Kuching

Why should I go to Kuching?

Affordability: Kuching is a relatively inexpensive city where one can still have a meal for RM5 (USD$1.06 / SGD$1.40) and enjoy comfortable 3 – 4 star accommodations from RM150 (USD$32 / SGD$42.50) per night. Take advantage of a (sadly) weakened Malaysian currency to immerse yourself in a new city!

Exchange Rate:

  • SGD: SGD$1 : RM3.53
  • USD: USD$1 : RM4.73
  • EUR: €1 : RM5.12
  • THB: ฿100 : RM13.30
  • IDR: RP10,000 : RM2.99
  • PHP: ₱100 : RM8.40
  • RMB: CNÂĄ10 : RM6.67
  • JPY: JPÂĄ100 : RM3.20

Languages: In Kuching, it’s common to hear a multitude of languages spoken on the streets. English is widely understood and spoken, especially in urban areas.

Other languages spoken include Bahasa Sarawak (a local dialect), Malay, and Chinese dialects such as Mandarin, Hokkien, and Hakka, alongside native languages like Iban and Bidayuh.

Gastronomic Adventure:

Indulge in what the late Anthony Bourdain famously described as “breakfast of the gods“: the iconic Sarawak Laksa. Savory, flavorful spice-rich broth lovingly simmered for hours enveloping rice vermicelli and topped with fresh, juicy prawns, shredded chicken and thin omelet strips.

Savor the unique flavors of ayam pansuh: tender chicken cooked in bamboo with tepus (wild ginger stems) and daun ubi (cassava leaves) for a taste of indigenous cuisine.

Dive into a bowl of kolo mee, noodles tossed in lard and topped with pork char siu, minced pork and crispy shallots. Alternatively, try its pork-free equivalent: mi kolok, which replaces pork with beef or chicken.

You can’t leave Sarawak without trying our local favorite midin, a wild fiddlehead fern native to Sarawak, usually stir-fried with belacan, or served as a tangy cold salad.

Rich Cultural Diversity: Kuching is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the indigenous peoples of Sarawak such as the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu. Additionally, there are sizable Chinese and Malay communities, each contributing their unique customs and practices to the city’s cultural landscape.

We also boast a harmonious blend of religions, with Christianity being the majority religion, followed closely by a mixture of Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous animistic beliefs. Mosques, temples, churches, and shrines dot the cityscape, serving as places of worship and cultural significance for their respective communities.

How do I get to Kuching?

Direct flights to Kuching are available from the following key cities:

  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Singapore
  • Jakarta
  • Bandar Sri Begawan
  • Penang
  • Johor Bharu
  • Kota Kinabalu

The main international transit points will be:

  • Kuala Lumpur (IATA: KUL)
  • Singapore (IATA: SIN)
How would I get around Kuching?

Kuching is a walkable city, with lovely shaded pathways, especially around the city center.

Grab (the Southeast Asia version of Uber/Lyft) is also easily available in Kuching, with base rates from as low as RM5 (USD$1)

Where should I stay while in Kuching?

There is a wide range of accommodation options available in Kuching to fit different budgets and travel styles.

We would advise that you budget between USD$35 – USD$95 per room per night (for 2 adults). The lower end of the range gets you unique 3-star boutique hotels, whereas the high end of the range gets you a stay at the Hilton. We recommend checking Agoda.com for the best rates.

We are also working to secure special RES-only rates for a couple of hotels, so make sure to keep updated by joining our interest chat!

What fun things can I do while in Kuching?

Nestled along the lush banks of the Sarawak River, this charming city offers an array of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. From cultural encounters to thrilling adventures, here are the top five fun things to do in Kuching:

  1. Sample Delicious Hawker Food: Savor the eclectic flavors of Kuching’s street food scene as you wander along Carpenter Street. Amidst the historic charm of this bustling thoroughfare, tantalize your taste buds with a variety of treats, from the world-famous Sarawak Laksa to succulent satay.
  2. Encounter Exotic Wildlife: Embark on a wildlife adventure at Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where you can observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Marvel at these fascinating creatures as they swing through the trees and learn about conservation efforts to protect them.
  3. Explore Sarawak’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Sarawak’s cultural heritage at the Sarawak Cultural Village. In this “living village”, wander through traditional longhouses, get to know some of 50-odd ethnic groups, witness captivating cultural performances, and try your hand at traditional crafts like weaving and beadwork.
  4. Cruise Along the Sarawak River: Take a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Sarawak River and admire Kuching’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective. Watch the city come alive as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the water and creating unforgettable memories.
  5. Trek Through Breathtaking Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Bako National Park. Just a short boat ride from Kuching, this pristine wilderness offers a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Trek through ancient rainforests teeming with wildlife, from proboscis monkeys to exotic bird species, and discover cascading waterfalls hidden within the lush greenery.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, or culinary adventures, Kuching offers something for every traveler to enjoy. Come experience the magic of our beautiful city and create memories that will last a lifetime!

What should I be aware of while in Kuching?

Kuching is a safe and clean city which prides itself on the warm and welcoming nature of our people.

As an ethnically and religiously diverse city, we would advise travelers to respect local customs and traditions, including modest dress in religious sites and sensitivity towards cultural practices.

Just like any city, be vigilant against petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots


About the Anomaly

What is an Ingress Anomaly?

Ingress Ctrl Anomaly is a FREE city based Ingress event hosted by Niantic and supported for the Resistance agents by our wonderful local organizing team. Anomalies have been held all over the world since 2013, and we are pleasantly surprised to have our beautiful city of Kuching selected as a 2024 site. The anomaly event itself takes place on Saturday, but related events will likely happen throughout the weekend.

This event will be 3 hours long, including 3-4 hours of walking/biking gameplay and an optional social meetup at a Resistance afterparty at the end.

Whether you are an experienced anomaly veteran or a new agent who is just finding out how Ingress works, there is a place for you at the anomaly!

The Resistance organizers are putting a lot of effort to make sure every need is reflected, there are invaluable assignments for both fast and slow moving or even static teams!

Whatever is your wish, you are a very important agent to us!

The Resistance organizers provide travel and accommodation advice, plan parties, merchandise and coordinated strategy for Resistance players, to make your anomaly weekend an epic & immersive experience.

Anomalies are an exceptional opportunity to:

  • Explore a unique city through the lens of an Ingress event
  • Hack lots of unique portals & add cool banners to your profile
  • Meet & party with Resistance teammates
  • Make new friends from all over the world & reconnect with old ones
  • Experience a unique strategic virtual battle
  • Gain or improve medals – including the series anomaly medal
  • Trade lots of swag, biocards, and have lots of fun!
How does an anomaly fit in with the global battle?

Apart from being a great reason and opportunity to explore new places and meet awesome people, Ingress Anomalies are competitive virtual battles between the Resistance and the Enlightened.

Points from the Kuching anomaly will be incredibly important in deciding the series winner.

So come to Kuching, bring your friends with you, and let’s show how we Resist!

Why is there an anomaly in Kuching?

Niantic threw a dart at the world map and it landed on Kuching.

Honestly, we aren’t privy to the way Niantic makes site decisions. However, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the first anomaly in Sarawak for all Resistance agents and can’t wait to make it a successful and fun experience for everyone!

What type of gameplay challenges will there be?

We won’t know until Niantic releases series rules.

However, historically speaking, anomalies usually consist of portal battles (basically make & keep certain portals blue) and Shards (a sort of an Ingress version of virtual football (soccer)).

You will be updated as more information is released.

What do I do on Anomaly Day?

In anomalies, we play in teams. This can be you and your friends, or if you like we can assign you a team with other agents. Your timetable will depend on your team’s assignment. Playing in a coordinated group helps us to coordinate everything on the day, and is the only way we can win the anomaly.

Once you register, we will explain the whole Anomaly and everything you’ll need to do on the day in detail, don’t worry.

Do I have to register with Niantic?

No, Niantic has changed how this works. It is now enough to just show up to participate and interact with 5 Battle Beacons to automatically receive the anomaly medal.

The most important thing is to register with the Resistance, so that we can count on you, and help you have the greatest weekend possible.

Can I be on a team with my friends?

You can indicate your preferred agents that you’d like to play with, and the organizing team will do our best to cater to your preferences.

But it’s OK if you don’t know anybody yet. We can assign you to a team that matches your speed, language, physical capabilities and experience.

What time does the anomaly take place?

While we do not yet have confirmed details, the Kuching Anomaly is likely to happen on Saturday, 15th June 2024, from 14:00 to 17:00 local time.

However, your team will be likely to meet up earlier in the day so that everyone can get to know each other.


General FAQ

Will there be a Resistance pre-party / after-party?

Yes, of course! The opportunity to catch up with other agents of our wonderful faction, make new friends & chat with old ones, exchange some swag – this can’t be missed!

Find all the information about Resistance-only events after signing up!

Will there be a Mission Day?

We are in the process of setting up a Mission Day for Sunday.

You should plan on staying until Sunday for a great opportunity to do missions with other agents!

Will there be GORUCK?

Yes! Niantic has officially announced the following GoRuck events:

Will there be NL1331?

We do not know yet, but we will post more information as it becomes available.

Will there be lots of swag?

Absolutely!

We will be opening the Resistance Swag shop soon!

Get ready to add to (or start!) your collection of swag.

Will there be a Niantic registration / afterparty and official swag?

We currently do not have any information regarding Niantic’s plans on their participation during the Kuching Anomaly.

We will keep you updated once we know more.

I have specific mobility needs? Can I still participate?

You can absolutely still participate in the event! It is helpful to let us know your mobility needs when you sign up so we can help you find a team which meets your needs.

Can I bring my kids?

Of course! If they want to participate they can either sign up with our registration themselves, or if you are not comfortable with that, you can always tell our Team Building and your Team Lead about it.

Please make sure to follow the Ingress Terms and Conditions.

Can I still support my team if I find I cannot attend?

Yes, you can provide them items, set up farming events prior to the anomaly, and tell other people about the anomaly and where to sign up.

We are excited to welcome you to beautiful Kuching for an amazing Ingress weekend!

Kuching Anomaly Resistance Organizing Team

Contact us on Telegram: @AavenC | @k9krol