Sun worshipers, beach lovers and golfers head for Sarawak's Damai Beach, near Santubong, just 30 minutes by road from downtown Kuching. The pioneer resort here, Holiday Inn Damai Beach, has been joined by the Santubong Resort and Damai Beach Resort. As well as the various water sport offered by the resorts, an 18-hole golf course and jungle walks on Mount Santubong increase the recreational options.
The fishing village of Santubong is also worth a visit. For those interested in history, the village’s past dates back to the Tang and Sung Dynasties between the 9th and 13th centuries, when it was an important trading center. Ancient rock carvings of Hindu and Buddhist influence have been discovered around the river delta. Nearby is the state’s popular tourist attraction, the Sarawak Cultural Village, which spreads across 6 hectares of jungle at the foot of Santubong Mountain. The village offers demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, as well as dance and music demonstrations by Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Bidayuh tribe’s people. Traditional longhouse dwellings offer a fascinating insight into traditional Sarawak cultures and lifestyles.
The fishing village of Santubong is also worth a visit. For those interested in history, the village’s past dates back to the Tang and Sung Dynasties between the 9th and 13th centuries, when it was an important trading center. Ancient rock carvings of Hindu and Buddhist influence have been discovered around the river delta. Nearby is the state’s popular tourist attraction, the Sarawak Cultural Village, which spreads across 6 hectares of jungle at the foot of Santubong Mountain. The village offers demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, as well as dance and music demonstrations by Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Bidayuh tribe’s people. Traditional longhouse dwellings offer a fascinating insight into traditional Sarawak cultures and lifestyles.
Other Sarawak's Beach Resorts further south along the coast include the Santin Resort, among mangroves 28 kilometers west of Kuching. Tour buses leave the capital for the jetty, where a boat zips you to the resort, which is inaccessible by land. There are boats to take you snorkeling and a fine beach lined with caesarian trees. With prior permission, you may be allowed to visit the Pulau Satang Turtle Sanctuary, where turtle eggs are carefully guarded at the Sarawak Beach.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can get to Sematan in the far west of the state. In this sleepy relaxed little fishing village, accommodation is in the form of self-contained chalets. You will need to book in advance from Kuching. From there you can visit several turtle sanctuaries situated on the nearby islands or visit the Silkworm project. The forest reserve at Samunsan is accessible only by boat and, at this stage, lacks visitors facilities.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can get to Sematan in the far west of the state. In this sleepy relaxed little fishing village, accommodation is in the form of self-contained chalets. You will need to book in advance from Kuching. From there you can visit several turtle sanctuaries situated on the nearby islands or visit the Silkworm project. The forest reserve at Samunsan is accessible only by boat and, at this stage, lacks visitors facilities.