Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hilton, whose concierge is the go-to guy. Minibuses set off from the peninsula's Permai
Rainforest Resort depart between 9am and 9pm.
Damai Beach Resort
( 082-380970, 082-846999)
Has departures from Kuching's
Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel four times a day between 10.15am
and 6.15pm; if possible, book a day ahead. The last run back to Kuching leaves the Damai
Beach Resort at 5.15pm.
Taxi
A cab from Kuching to the SCV or the resorts costs RM50 to RM60 (RM70 from the air-
port).
Kuching Wetlands National Park
The only way to see the majestic mangroves of 66-sq-km Kuching Wetlands National
Park is - as you would expect - by boat. Situated about 15km northwest of Kuching (as
the crow flies), the park doesn't have a HQ complex, just low-lying islands and saline wa-
terways lined with salt-resistant trees that provide food and shelter to proboscis monkeys,
silver-leaf monkeys and fireflies (above the water line); estuarine crocodiles and amphibi-
ous fish called mudskippers (at the water line); and countless varieties of fish and prawns
(below the water line). Nearby open water is one of the finest places in Sarawak to spot
snub-nosed Irrawaddy dolphins.
The morning (about 9am) is the best time to see the dolphins, while late-afternoon
cruises are optimal for sighting a flash of reddish-brown fur as proboscis monkeys leap
from tree to tree in search of the tenderest, tastiest young leaves. Sunset on the water is
magical - and unbelievably romantic, especially if your guide points out an
api-api
tree (a
'firefly tree', surrounded by swirling green points of light). After dark, by holding a torch
up at eye level, you can often spot the reflections of animalian eyes, including - if you're
lucky - a crocodile, its reptilian brain wholly focused on biting, drowning and then de-
vouring its next warm-blooded victim.
Tours
Packages include transfers from and to your hotel. Boats usually set sail from the Sarawak
Boat Club or Telaga Air.
CPH Travel Boat
BOAT
