State of Sarawak Travel Forum

Hi, I need some clarification on the issue of boat transport between Kapit and Belaga when water in the Rejang river is low. I would generally like to come down the river from Belaga to Kapit around August 10. My guidebook (LP) sais that "When the river is low you will need to take speedboat instead" (of usual boat). But I have now found some information that nowadays, when the river is low, the boats simply stop running and all transport to Belaga goes overland. Please, could any knowledgeable person clarify this issue.

Also, if there are indeed no boats, is there any possibility to charter a small private boat from Belaga down to Kapit or from Kapit to Belaga and back (the guidebook text seems to suggest that there is always possible to pass). What would be the approximate cost of these options?

Thanks very much in advance for the replys.

I contacted my friend from Belaga about the river trip from Belaga to Kapit. The normal fare is RM35, one way. During dry season, the boats will be out of service. You have to use land transport.

You can make enquiries about land transport at Belaga town. Pass the word around and you will get the transport to Kapit, although my friend is not sure the cost. He usually drives from Belaga to Asap, a Penan, Kenyah and Kayan settlement in Bakun. Then, he will drive to Bintulu from there!

Travelling in the interiors of Sarawak is easy and convenient. Just ask around and the people are very helpful. You can compare prices. But generally, the prices are standard among the transport vehicles operators. But the prices are more expensive when compare to other towns or cities like Kuching or Sibu. This is becasue the petrol and diesel prices in the rural areas are twice or thrice than in the cities.

Don't worry about the cost. Enjoy the hospitality of the different ethnic groups of people up there. Do enjoy your visit.

Good luck.

Hi Aloysius,

Thanks for your very informative reply. In the meantime I have contacted some people in Belaga and Kapit and concluded as you suggest that there are no boats when the river is too low for big boats. This is too bad as my original plan was to come to Belaga overland (coiming from Niah Cave NP) and go down along the Rejang river to Sibu - it is my understanding that especially the part of the Rejang from Belaga to Kapit is very interesting and still preserve original nature setting which is mostly lost below Kapit.

Yet, I have been told that there is some chance of enough water in August and so I will contact Belaga and Kapit just before coming to Niah and see ...

Best regards, vaclav

Vaclav,

Your plan of going down to Belaga from Mulu National Park ( not Niah Cave NP ) is highly recommended. Yes, you may take chances about the river trip down from Belaga. I wish you all the best.

Have you fixed your visit to Sarawak in August? How many days you have in Sarawak?

Actually, there is not much activities during August. If you can come during the third week of May or even 31st May ( arrive in Kuching in the morning ), then you will be able to witness the Gawai Dayak celebration. This is a festival after the harvesting of rice by the various native people of Saawak. The official dates of this celebration is on 1st and 2nd June and these two days are public holidays for Sarawak only. While the celebration in the rural villages are more simple, the celebration in Kuching, Sibu and Miri celebrations are more elaborate.

Another attraction is the Bidayuh Gawai Dayak celebration. There are still some animist Bidayuh around and their traditional animist celebrations are completely different from those official state celebration. They are the dying breed. As these animist high priest pass away, no one will take over their place and the traditional animist celebration also go with them. Most younger Bidayuh embrace other religion, mostly Christianity.

If you have about 10 days in Sarawak, you have the chance to witness the traditional Bidayuh Gawai Dayak celebration which I can assured you that you will never regret. You can only find the traditional Bidayuh animist Gawai Dayak celebration in villages around Kuching.

I hope this helps.

Regards.

Hi Aloysius,

Thanks for your tips but I cannot really change timing of my trip now. In fact, I even prefer to come during usual days as I like also to see how is the normal life of people in places visited. I will be about 9 days in Sarawak, visiting several small NPs mostly around Kuching.

And I will be really coming from the Nah Cave NP, not the Mulu NP. Of course, I considered the world famous Mulu NP but decided to skip it as it would take me too much time (or money) to get there and back. Anyway, I tend to be suspicious about the MUST places in my travels.

Thanks a lot for your interesting information. I am sure it will be very valuable to other travellers if it is not for me.

Take care, Vaclav