Santubong

A scenic peninsula north of Kuching featuring a 810-meter mountain, pristine beaches, and indigenous archaeological sites with ancient pottery remains. The area combines beach relaxation with hiking opportunities and cultural heritage discoveries.

Things to do

• Santubong Mountain Trek — Hike the steep 810-meter peak for panoramic views of the South China Sea and surrounding rainforest, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.
• Damai Beach Swimming — Relax and swim at the sheltered sandy beach on the peninsula's western coast, popular for its calm waters and sunset views.
• Sarawak Cultural Village — Explore a living museum showcasing seven indigenous longhouse communities with traditional architecture, crafts, and performances located at the base of the peninsula.
• Pottery Workshop at Pottery Museum — Visit the Santubong Pottery Museum to view ancient ceramic artifacts dating back 2,400 years and participate in hands-on pottery-making sessions.
• Rainforest Jungle Walk — Stroll through guided nature trails through primary rainforest to spot wildlife, rare plants, and learn about the indigenous ecosystem and medicinal herbs.
• Damai Lagoon Crocodile Farm — Visit this sanctuary to observe saltwater crocodiles in their habitat and learn about conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Food to try

• Sarawak Laksa — A tangy noodle soup made with coconut milk, shrimp paste, and fresh turmeric, served with prawns and bean sprouts, representing Sarawak's iconic dish.
• Barley with Bitter Melon — A nutritious local soup featuring barley and bitter melon, sometimes prepared with pork ribs for extra depth of flavor and medicinal benefits.
• Sambal Belacan — A fiery condiment made from dried chilies and shrimp paste that accompanies most local meals and is essential to Sarawakian cuisine.
• Kolo Mee — A local Kuching specialty of stir-fried noodles with soy sauce, served with chicken or shrimp and topped with fried shallots and crispy lard.
• Freshly Caught Seafood Grills — Local restaurants serve grilled fish, prawns, and squid caught daily from the Santubong waters, seasoned simply with salt and lime.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Temple and Shrine Etiquette — Remove shoes before entering indigenous shrines and ask permission before photographing sacred items or ceremonies, as these are spiritually significant spaces.
• Damai Festivals and Celebrations — Time your visit to coincide with Gawai Dayak (June) or Rainforest World Music Festival (July) to experience local indigenous celebrations with traditional music, food, and rituals.
• Local Guide Recommendations — Hire indigenous guides for mountain treks and jungle walks to gain deeper cultural insights, support local communities, and ensure safe navigation of remote areas.
• Photography Etiquette in Villages — Always obtain verbal consent from residents before photographing people or their homes, and consider purchasing local crafts or food as a gesture of respect and economic support.