Tanjung Datu National Park (29 September 2024)

Why Tanjung Datu National Park hiking?  

It was more than just Tanjung Datu. 

This trip, we covered all the towns at the western side of Kuching, starting from Bau to Lundu, to Sematan, and Telok Melano. 

My cousin bought a flight ticket when he was drunk, and he popped up in Kuching International Airport on the 26 September. I welcomed him no matter he bought the ticket when he was drunk or not, the big thing was, he was here in Kuching. 

On Thursday and Friday, I didn’t spend much time showing him around. Finally, it was Sunday. Without much planning, I started the car engine, picked up our uncle, and started our journey at 715am in the morning. 

SO, it was more than just Tanjung Datu. It was a big thing, that my cousin flew all the way to visit me, it was a big thing that uncle decided to join us. Just few weeks back, he declined to join any hiking, because he claimed his hand was aching. Yes, you heard it right, he hand was aching. (What does it have to do with walking, I wonder?  😊  )  

 The trip highlights 

There was a light drizzle in the morning. But it didn’t deter us. After picking up uncle, we headed to Batu Kawa old town to have the fish ball noddle. It tasted as good as it was when I last had it more than 10 years ago.

 From Batu Kawa, we drove to Bau. Instead of driving into Bau town, we decided to check out Bung Bratak, not really knowing what to expect. This place was recommended by a colleague who stays nearby. It turned out to be quite a pleasant hiking trail. The view from the top was magnificent and breathtaking. 

We spent a good 1 hour plus relaxing at the long corridor of the purpose-built houses there, listening to the rhythm of the falling rain, exchanging thoughts and knowledges of the native communities in Sarawak. 

Next, we drove all the way to Telok Melano, the KM0.0 of Sarawak. We arrived around 12.15p.m. Without much planning, decided there that it might be a good idea to take a boat to Tanjung Datu, i.e. one of the national parks in Sarawak. There is no proper counter for the boat. Needless to say, there is no guidance of the boat pricing too. We finally called a number that was shared by the local, and chartered a return boat service for RM300. 

The price is definitely high, considering that the journey only takes 15 minutes from Telok Melano beach to Tanjung Datu National Park beach. But looking at the flip side, perhaps this is what keeping most people away from this national park, and the reason why the beach on the park remains clean and unspoiled. Upon arrival at the National Park, we also learned that we can actually hike from Telok Melano to this National Park HQ, via Telok Melano trail. 

At Tanjung Datu, we saw a group foreign students, camping there for some environment conversation activities. Borneo has become a place of choice for many foreigners who love to experience the nature and who want to contribute to animal/ environment conservation effort. Can’t help but to ponder, where are all the Malaysian Schools? Perhaps we should balance our academic focuses with the efforts to give back to the environment and communities too. 

My cousin Ah Liang and I took the Pasir Antu Laut Trail. It is about 1km of walk from the HQ to the check point. From the check point, we ventured out to the beach, and walked our way back to the HQ. 

Nothing much to explore, except that the beach is pristine clean. There is then no wonder many turtles actually return to this beach to nest. 

Upon returning from Tanjung Datu to Telok Melano, we continued our tour to Sematan and Lundu, before driving back to Kuching for a good rest. 

My transports, accommodation, and F&B 

• Pan-Borneo Highway, all the way from Kuching to KM0.0.
• Accommodation: We made it there day trip.

My 3 Plus and 2 Minus:-

3 things I like about this trip: 

• Not overplanning, but just do it
• A great company: cousin and uncle
• How well the beach at Tanjung Datu is preserved, and the record of many turtles nesting on this beach

 2 thing I would do differently if I can turn back the clock:  

• There is really nothing much that I wish I would do differently, except maybe to get a bigger group so that we can share the boat fares.
• Bring some snacks and drinks

A surprise learning from the trip 

Perhaps it is not a surprise. Ever since my discovery of Sarawak Forestry website, and that Sarawak has 14 national parks, including a couple of them that are off the limit for public, I have written to Sarawak Forestry to offer (for free) closed circuit camera / surveillance system installation at some of these premises. Yet, A few months passed, and there was still no response. At some point, I thought could it be that these premises already have CCTV installed? So, to my surprise/ not very surprise, none actually. 

Tanjung Datu, Talang Satang, these are well known for their turtle nesting activities. Currently, the rangers would have to do their round, to check if there is any turtle landing, and eventually trace back the nest. I just thought there is always a more effective way to do this, by relying on technologies. 

Perhaps It is the process and bureaucracy that take time. And I shall wait patiently and follow up with the authority again.