Things to to in Kuching during RWMF (Part 4)

Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is fast approaching, so here's recommended activity #4 to do in Kuching:

Visit the Beach

Kuching isn't famous for its beaches because you do not find white sand with blue waters here. Most people would recommend Damai Beach resort because it's the more commercialised one, but if you have the time to spare, you're better off going to nicer ones which are further out of town:

Pandan Beach (pictured below) is roughly 2 hours drive from Kuching and is a lot more beautiful than Sematan or Damai Beach because there are more coconut trees and the beach is clean. There is a canteen selling coconut juice and other refreshments which is great if you're spending the afternoon there.

Sematan Beach (pictured below) is approximately 30 mins drive from Pandan Beach. You'll find a pier which locals use to fish. Ideal to have a sunset dinner by the few coffee shop style restaurants there.

I would recommend to head to Pandan Beach first arriving at around 3pm, then head to Sematan Beach at around 5pm for a sunset dinner.

Sematan Beach location map (click here)
Pandan Beach location map (click here)

Things to to in Kuching during RWMF (Part 3)

In the 3rd of my RWMF series, here's another recommended touristy thing to do in Kuching:

Go Kayaking in the Rivers of the Rainforest

Other than visiting the caves in Bau, going kayaking along the rainforest rivers is a very good way to soak up the Sarawak experience. The waters are calm so it soothes the mind when you want to get away from your hectic work lifestyle.

You get magnificent views along the river journey such as rock formations, untouched greenery and scenic landscapes. This activity takes almost a full day and it's well worth doing if you have a day to spare in Kuching. It is a safe activity for all because it is supervised by experienced guides and the waters are not rough and wild. You need to have the tour pre-planned with the company that runs it. For more information and contact details, visit the owner's blog at:

http://www.fh2o.kuchingkayak.com/

Things to to in Kuching during RWMF (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of the Rainforest World Music Festival series where I'll b showcasing things to do in little ol' Kuching so that the city slickers wouldn't complain of how boring my hometown is. Sarawak is known for it's humongous caves, but that's in Mulu, which you need to take a plane to get to. Here's an alternative that is only 45 minutes drive from the city centre.

Visit Wind and Fairy Caves

Easily reachable by car, this is a convenient and fast way of getting the Sarawak cave experience. The Wind Cave is tourist-friendly and safe because there are proper wooden platforms to walk along. There's a tourist information centre where you can rent a torchlight which is included in the rm 3 entrance fee you pay.

You get to see interesting rock formations and little bats that look like more like baby birds flying above. It takes less than 30 minutes to explore the cave. Pictured below is one of the three entrances where you can enjoy a continuous airflow of wind in your face, hence the name Wind Cave.
Fairy Cave is just 10 minutes' drive away from Wind Cave. I didn't explore Fairy Cave because I was put down by the many flights of stairs one needs to climb to the entrance. Pictured below is the entrance which is already breath-taking:

This is a recommended tourist activity to do in the afternoon when you don't want to be under the hot sun. Remember to bring a cap for the hot sun and bats' droppings!

Things to to in Kuching during RWMF (Part 1)

There's only one big international event in Kuching that can bring in foreigners: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) happening from 10 till 12 July 2009. It's only during that time of the year you would find hotels fully booked and more foreigners walking around town. Kuching is gearing up for this event, which is why I'm starting my "RWMF series" on things to do in Kuching. Part 1 in the series:

Visit Orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

For a RM 3 entry ticket, this has got to be one of the best value for money tourist experience you can get in Kuching, especially if you have not seen orangutans. Feeding times are 9am and 3pm, so you'd want to get there half an hour before feeding times. When they come towards the feeding place, you can see the top of trees moving. This is very interesting and it gives me the same suspense feeling as a T-Rex or King Kong coming in my direction.

The orangutans are not caged and roam freely in the wildlife park which is a rehabilitation centre, so they only come out for viewing at their feeding times. The number of orangutans that come out for viewing is not guaranteed. They feed for about half an hour and then disappear into the forest. You can get real close to the orangutans if they decide to wonder towards you. Forget about using public transport to reach this place because it's 45 minutes away from the city with no clear signs at the entrance or along the way. You're better off with a local friend, taxi or tour group.