Agreed. Kuching makes a fantastic base, and it's remarkably easy to visit the incredible, diverse places across the state. My partner and I visited in Autumn 2019 and had an amazing time. Highly recommend Bako national park in particular!
I second this! Sabah, Serawak and just about the entirety of MY is on my travel itinerary post-covid. I did not appreciate the country nearly enough when I lived there a few years ago.