Santubong, Sarawak, Malaysia - Mount Santubong

Santubong, Kuching Overview

Santubong is a town that sits under the peak of Mount Santubong in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is famous for the huge expanse of sandy beaches. A visit to this town ensures the sight of Irrawaddy river dolphins. Lucky travellers may also spot Indo-pacific humpback or finless porpoises. Another uniquely alluring feature is that of Kampungs which are coastal Malay villages giving an experience of Malay life.

Santubong offers several spots for tourism. To witness the traditional Malay life, visit the Santubong Kampong situated near the coast. Buntal fishing village is also a popular tourist attraction for its seafood and Belacan, shrimp paste. In front of Damai Central is the very famous and busy Damai beach known for kayaking. Other major attractions include Batu Buaya which has a myth attached to it where a mystical crocodile was killed and its face got cemented into a stone over time. Batu Bergambar, Bong Kisam and Sultan Tengah Mausoleum are among other historically known tourist spots.

How to Reach Santubong

Though Santubong is well connected to other areas by roads, there are no bus services. The only inexpensive alternative is to take the shuttle service. Kuching to Santubong service operates at 9:15 AM, 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM. Santubong to Kuching service operates at 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM and 5:15 PM. One way distance of 33 km is covered in about 45 mins. The shuttle service costs RM 20 per person one way.

Food in Santubong

Santubong is famous for its seafood. Buntal fishing village is an exemplary match for sea cuisine. An array of dishes are at hand to suffice the cravings. A must try of the village is the Belacan Shrimp Paste. Other than the village, Dalai Center Cafeteria is a good alternative to try traditional delicacies at an affordable rate. Kolo Mee and Nasi Lemak are dainties worth trying.

Getting Around

As the peninsula is mostly rural, the transport and roads are not much developed. Most of the tourist places lie at a walking distance. Those spots that are further away can be reached by a shuttle which charges approximately RM 5 per person. You may choose to rent a bicycle or a motorbike which are convenient for commuting.

Best Time to Visit

February to April is the pleasant weather in Santubong and hence the best time. The average day temperature is around 29℃. August to October is also suitable for a trip. The average day temperature is about 31℃. The sun is bright and the sky is clear. May to July is the summer season in Santubong when the average day temperature is 32℃ which makes it unsuitable for exploring places. November to January is the monsoon season which must be avoided as the rainfall is very high making it ill-suited for a vacation.