SANTUBONG: In the heart of Borneo, Sarawak’s lush rainforests and biodiverse landscapes are becoming the perfect backdrop for a growing trend: nature-based family camping.
More families look to unplug from digital distractions and reconnect with each other, camping amidst Sarawak’s rich flora and fauna that offers not just an escape but a shared experience.
Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, said from starlit skies to the calls of hornbills at dawn, these outdoor getaways are quickly becoming a favourite for parents and children, students and youth alike.
They offer bonding time through activities like jungle trekking, riverside cooking, and wildlife spotting.
“With eco-conscious campsites and community-led nature programmes popping up across the region, Sarawak is emerging as a go-to destination for families seeking quality time in nature’s embrace.
“Therefore, we are calling upon our community around Kuching and even outside Kuching, to come to Santubong and enjoy the beauty of nature at Santubong.
“All of us can work together to develop the tourism sector in our own area.
“The response today is very encouraging; we definitely encourage our community to support this healthy programme,” he said.
Awang Putrayusrie and his family were among the campers at the three-day, two-night Borneo Camping Fest, Duanwu Festival Glamping Adventure, at the Damai Escape Park here on Thursday.
He also mentioned that at the camping site (Damai Escape Park), all facilities are available, including infrastructure facilities, such as easy access by roads, Internet services, food and beverages outlets, and transportation, coupled with the distance that is not far from the city.
“Camping activities in Sarawak have become increasingly popular, as it has become established among the people of Sarawak.
“At the same time, the residents are taking advantage of Sarawak’s rich flora and fauna, our natural environment, its location which is along the coast, mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful views.
“Hikers can even go hiking, with Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) just nearby, wild animals can be seen, fishing, strategically not far from Kuching City, and all these can boost our tourism industry,” he said.
As the campsite is open every day of every week, he said, prior booking is encouraged in view of the limited space size.
“If you want to organise family day or team-building activities, I think this is an ideal place, especially when you want to be close to nature,” he said.
During the camping programme, many activities were held for the campers to participate in regardless of their ages, which included fishing, hiking, swimming in the sea (children must be accompanied by adults or parents), and in-house games with a lot of prizes to be won, such as for lucky draws, especially sponsored by the organisers, 3Sixty Outdoor Club, Go Camping, and 36 Outdoor Lifestyle, in collaboration with Damai Escape Park.
For fishing enthusiasts, do not be surprised, because Sarawak’s rivers and sea have more than just your typical catch.
From freshwater prawns to river lobsters, these waters are teeming with surprises that thrill both novice anglers and seasoned fishing lovers, and even surprise catch when casting a line from a riverside camp.
Meanwhile, Awang Putrayusrie said, purchasing camping gears or accessories could be quite costly, adding however that “interest in spending weekends with family, makes us willing to spend on such equipment”.
“Currently, we have more and more campsites, where we can see many organisers organising such activities.
“For instance, here at campsite, we are surrounded by the nature around us,” he said.
Enquiries and reservations for the campsite at Damai Escape Park can be done through its managing partner, Hartanty Hardi, at 016-8000266.
