BY JASNITA AHMAD and LAKESH KUMAR
THE hot weather in Kuching is becoming more than just a talking point. It is affecting the way tourism operates as well.
Rising temperatures are impacting both locals and tourists in different ways.
For the Pak Tambang also known as the traditional boatmen who operate along the Kuching Waterfront area, long hot days are making it harder to earn a living.
The boatman relies on people passing by and deciding to take a boat ride but with the heat fewer people are choosing to board.
“It’s hot. No one’s taking a ride. I’ve been waiting for a long time but no one’s coming. I am dizzy just waiting,” said one boatman.
Other boatman said while there are people riding the boat their numbers are fewer due to the hot weather.
“The weather really affects things. Even locals are finding it hard to come out because of the heat,” he said
These boatmen, many of whom are elderly spend long hours under the hot sun with little shade to shield them.
Some have started to adjust their working hours by only operating when the heat is bearable.
On the other hand, for the Royal Kuching Cruise, the hot weather has not been much of a problem. In fact, they have noticed some benefits from this hot weather.
Sanfa Guel, a crew member for two years shared that despite the hot weather their sunset cruise is still attracting tourists and locals as well.
“Two to three days ago, the weather was very hot, but our clients were still excited and ready to go,” she said.
The cruises, which start in the evening are less affected by the heat and the sunset view becomes more beautiful under the clear skies.
“Our cruise starts at 5:30pm. Even though it’s hot, the sunset looks amazing. That makes the experience even better,” Sanfa explained.
Conversely, rain is a bigger issue to the Royal Kuching Cruise.
“If it’s hot, people still come. But if it’s raining, that’s a problem. People don’t come because they say they can’t see anything,” she said.
But overall, tourists appear to be still enjoying their time in Kuching despite the weather.
Angela, a tourist from Melbourne, Australia, says the hot weather has not stopped her and her husband from enjoying their holidays.
“When we come to Malaysia, we always expect it to be hot, so we don’t really notice if it’s hotter than usual,” she said.
This is Angela’s second visit to Kuching since 2018 and she continues to enjoy the city’s attractions.
“It’s very hot in Australia too, we get heatwaves, but the humidity here is what I’m struggling with. But still, we’re loving it,” she said
“We’re even thinking of retiring here,” she revealed.
Like Angela many tourists, especially foreigners, are pressing on with their outdoor activities.
Syahira, 23, a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Tourism Management student has noticed the impact of the heat on both local and foreign tourists.
“Kuching attracts visitors from many different places, especially foreign tourists,” she observed.
“Interestingly, they don’t seem bothered by the hot weather. Many of them continue to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities,” she said.
But Syahira pointed out that fewer local or even regional visitors as as enthusiastic about sightseeing under the sun.
Due to that, businesses which rely on foot traffic and spontaneous visits are taking a hit.
As Kuching continues to feel the heat, both literally and economically, it is clear that the tourism sector will have to adapt.
