I don't know what Kuching was like but Labuan, for somebody on a one years unaccompanied stint was, shall we say, quite pleasant. Very nice bars, the Victoria Hotel rings quite a big bell. A few names there too, but, no names no pack drill.
Tawau on the east end of Borneo was faily laid back as far as RAF SH was concerned. The RMAF had just arrived and they were very keen to make their mark so they did all the difficult jobs. One could get away with a quiet 1.30 resupply in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon. An excellent mess and downtown there was an Australian who ran an incredible steak bar.
It was hell, absolute hell! Believe me