Semadang Kayak: Tour Packages, Practical Tips & Itineraries

    Ezra Leong's image
    Reading time: 6 minutes
    image of men kayaking at a river

    While researching places to adventure to in Sarawak, I discovered that there was a kayaking destination operated by the company Semadang Borneo Adventure Sdn Bhd along the Semandang River located near Kuching.

    This family-owned business, led by Mr. Edward, have turned their passion for adventure into a beautiful business venture that tells the story and perspective of countryside through the lens of the locals—making Semadang Kayak more than just an adventure company but a steward of the Sarawakian wilderness.

    Why Visit Semandang Kayak?

    In my research on kayaking destinations across Sarawak, I found surprisingly little information available. Semadang Borneo Adventure Sdn Bhd appears to be one of the only—if not the only—operators offering guided kayaking tours in the region, making it the perfect opportunity for both tourist and locals alike to experience kayaking on a river for the first time.

    Tagang System: Fish Conservation

    While exploring their offerings, I came across the Tagang system, a term I wasn’t familiar with. After digging a bit deeper, I learned that it’s a conservation effort aimed at controlling and preserving the river ecosystem by managing fish populations. This initiative helps maintain the river’s health and reduces pollution, demonstrating the community’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Visitors have the rare opportunity to participate firsthand, feeding the fish and directly contributing to the river’s ongoing preservation.

    Tour Options at Semadang Kayak & Pricing

    Semadang Discovery Kayaking Tour

    This journey, covering 10.5 km of the Semadang River, is ideal for those new to kayaking or traveling with family. Visitors can expect tranquil stretches of river flanked by dense greenery, interspersed with thrilling yet manageable rapids. Along the way, the tour stops at Aruang Piín Trusan Mini Waterfall for a refreshing dip and at the Sibudak Riverbank for a relaxing break.

    At key points, the tour includes the River Fish Feeding activity, where visitors can interact with native fish. This hands-on session offers a meaningful moment to connect with the river's ecosystem, showcasing the TAGANG system’s role in ecological preservation. The day ends with a home-cooked lunch featuring traditional Bidayuh dishes, providing a warm, local touch to round off the adventure.

    • RM 198/person for the standard tour.
    • RM 228/person with pickup from Kuching included.
    • RM 1480 for 8 Pax max.

    Semadang Kayaking & Caving Adventure

    For thrill-seekers, this extended tour combines kayaking with an exciting caving expedition at Rembang Cave spanning 10.5 km. After a scenic paddle along the Semadang River, participants are led on a jungle trek to the cave entrance, where they’ll navigate through low air spaces, underground streams, and ancient formations—some possibly untouched for centuries.

    As you traverse through the cave with headlamps and helmets, the sounds of bats and other hidden wildlife create a surreal experience. The tour provides a full day of adrenaline-pumping activities, including caving, kayaking, and a well-deserved lunch back at the base camp.

    • RM 298/person, inclusive of kayaking, caving equipment, safety briefings, lunch and return shuttle.

    Semadang Kayaking & Mountain Biking Adventure

    Covering 20 km, this tour combines scenic mountain biking through the historic town of Bau with a kayaking expedition on the Semadang River. Bau’s unique karst landscapes, tranquil lakes, and friendly local communities make it a memorable cycling destination. After exploring the countryside by bike, you’ll paddle down the Semadang River, soaking in the river’s calm stretches and enjoying the sights and sounds of the surrounding jungle.

    • RM 580/person covering biking and kayaking activities, all necessary equipment, lunch, and return transfers.

    Tour Itineraries

    Each tour follows a well-planned itinerary, providing clear schedules and varied activities. Here are sample itineraries for some of Semadang Kayak’s most popular adventures:

    1. Semadang Discovery Kayaking Tour

    Time Activity
    8:00 AM Meet-up at hotel in Kuching
    9:00 AM Safety briefing at Semadang River
    10:30 AM Stop at Aruang Piín Trusan Mini Waterfall and fish feeding
    1:00 PM Lunch featuring Bidayuh dishes
    2:30 PM Depart for return to Kuching

    2. Semadang Kayaking & Caving Adventure Tour

    Time Activity
    8:00 AM Meet-up at hotel in Kuching
    9:00 AM Safety briefing at Semadang River
    10:30 AM Stop for swimming and fish feeding
    12:00 PM Begin trek to Rembang Cave and explore
    2:30 PM Lunch back at base camp
    4:30 PM Return journey to hotel, arriving by 5:30 PM

    3. Semadang Kayaking & Mountain Biking Adventure Tour

    Time Activity
    8:00 AM Meet-up at hotel in Kuching
    9:00 AM Safety briefing, dos & don'ts, and assigning bicycles
    10:00 AM Cycle from goldmine lake through hidden trails and local villages
    12:00 PM Lunch after cycling adventure
    2:00 PM Kayaking along Semadang River with stops for swimming
    4:30 PM Arrive at kayaking base camp, freshen up
    5:00 PM Depart for return to Kuching

    Practical Tips for Your Semadang Adventure

    Preparing for a trip to the lush, tropical surroundings of Sarawak involves a few essential items and precautions. Since Sarawak’s weather can be unpredictable, it’s best to bring waterproof clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Here are some additional tips:

    • What to Wear: Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal, along with sturdy water shoes for trekking and caving. For trips like kayaking and caving tours, it is recommended to bring boots, laced shoes, or rubber shoes with good grips for uneven terrain.
    • Health & Safety: While kayaking here requires no prior experience, moderate fitness is recommended as the trips involve both paddling and short jungle hikes.
    • What to Pack: Waterproof bags are useful for keeping valuables safe. Don’t forget your camera to capture the lush scenery, but ensure it’s in a waterproof casing or dry bag.

    Best Time to Visit

    Kuching, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, is one of the wettest populated areas in Malaysia, experiencing approximately 247 rainy days each year. The heaviest rainfall typically occurs during the Northeast Monsoon from November to February, making this period less ideal for outdoor activities. Conversely, the dry season spans from June to August, offering more favorable weather for exploration and adventure.

    Throughout the year, temperatures in Kuching remain relatively stable, averaging around 24°C in the early morning and peaking at about 32°C in the mid-afternoon. This consistent climate allows visitors to enjoy the city's attractions regardless of the season, but planning your visit during the dry months can enhance your experience by providing more opportunities for outdoor adventures.

    Make This Page Better

    We strive to make this page as comprehensive and accurate as possible, but we acknowledge that it currently lacks images showcasing the beauty and unique experiences offered by Semadang Kayak. Unfortunately, there are no commercially share-alike licensed images available for this specific location. Additionally, the featured image shown is an image taken in France, which does not fully represent the Semadang Kayak experience.

    To truly capture the essence of the adventure and help other travelers plan their visits, we would love to involve the community. If you have images from your experiences with Semadang Kayak and are open to sharing them, please get in touch with us at sixthvisionmedia@gmail.com. Your contributions can help create a more engaging and accurate resource for future visitors looking to explore the breathtaking adventures in Sarawak.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Where is Semadang Kayak located?

    Semadang Kayak is located at Kampung Semadang, along Jalan Puncak Borneo, approximately an hour and a half scenic drive from Kuching City Center, Sarawak.

    2. What types of activities does Semadang Kayak offer?

    Semadang Kayak offers various outdoor activities, including kayaking, caving, fish feeding, and even a combination of mountain biking and kayaking adventures. Their tours cater to different skill levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers.

    3. What is the Semadang Discovery Kayaking Tour?

    The Semadang Discovery Kayaking Tour is the most popular option, offering a 10.5 km kayak journey down the Semadang River. It includes stops at a mini waterfall, riverbank swimming, fish feeding, and a traditional Bidayuh home-cooked meal.

    4. Can beginners join the kayaking tours?

    Yes! The tours are beginner-friendly, and professional guides provide safety briefings and paddling instructions to ensure participants feel comfortable on the water, even if it’s their first time kayaking.

    5. What is unique about the Semadang Kayak experience?

    Semadang Kayak offers a unique fish-feeding experience, where guests participate in the TAGANG system—a local fish conservation effort. This hands-on activity lets visitors feed wild native fish directly from the river.

    6. Does Semadang Kayak offer group packages?

    Yes, Semadang Kayak offers discounted group packages, such as the 8 Pax Buddy Kayaking option, allowing groups of eight people to enjoy the experience together at a special rate.

    7. What is included in the tour pricing?

    The tour pricing includes kayaking equipment, safety gear, a safety briefing, a fish-feeding session, and a traditional lunch. Shuttle services from Kuching can be added for an additional fee.

    8. What is the Semadang Kayaking & Caving Adventure?

    This adventure combines kayaking with an hour-long caving expedition at Rembang Cave, offering a thrilling journey through the Semadang River and Sarawak’s underground cave systems. It is ideal for experienced adventurers seeking a more challenging experience.

    9. Are there family-friendly options?

    Yes! The Semadang Discovery Kayaking Tour is family-friendly and suitable for children as young as three, making it an excellent adventure for families.

    10. How do I book a tour with Semadang Kayak?

    You can book a tour by contacting Semadang Kayak directly or through their website. They also offer special requests for large groups or corporate bookings by contacting +6011 6309 6899.

    References & Accreditation

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