SAMARAHAN: The Batang Lupar Bridge has become a popular attraction during the Gawai Dayak festive break, drawing visitors from across Sarawak who are eager to see the landmark for themselves while exploring the state’s coastal route.
A survey around Sebuyau town and the bridge area found that many travellers have taken advantage of the holiday period and weekends to enjoy the scenic coastal journey while experiencing one of Sarawak’s newest infrastructure landmarks.
For 62-year-old Peter Ladom, returning home for Gawai provided the perfect opportunity to visit the long-awaited project.
“Seeing the bridge in person, I feel it represents the kind of progress Sarawakians have been waiting for.
“We used to depend on ferry services. Now travelling is much easier and faster because we no longer have to wait to cross the river,” he said.
Peter described the Batang Lupar Bridge as one of the most beautiful bridges in Sarawak and hoped development around Sebuyau would continue to grow alongside the increasing number of road users.
“If the area is further upgraded, it could become an even more attractive stopover destination as more people are coming here.
“Additional facilities such as petrol stations and other amenities would be useful given the rising traffic along this route,” he added.
For Nur Faeza Suriyady, 27, the drive from Kuching to Sebuyau marked a new experience for her and her family.
“This is the first time we’ve travelled this far by road. We specifically came to see Sebuyau and the new bridge for ourselves.
“Although there was some traffic congestion, the trip was worth it. The food here is good and we’re happy to finally experience a place that we’ve only heard about from others,” she said.
Meanwhile, Syahrul Azizan, 33, from Batu Kawa, said he and his family were keen to explore the coastal route while visiting an area known for its fresh seafood.
“We wanted to see the Batang Lupar Bridge and experience travelling along the coastal road.
“One of the attractions of coming to Sebuyau is the seafood. Fish such as terubok are more affordable here compared to Kuching because this area is close to fishing communities and fresh catches,” he said.
Syahrul said he also wanted to explore different road networks linking urban and rural areas throughout Sarawak.
“Normally we use the Pan Borneo Highway because it’s faster, but this time we wanted to try the coastal route and see the new road infrastructure ourselves.
“It offers a different experience because you get to see villages and local communities along the journey,” he added.
Meanwhile, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Major Zambri Aris, a Johor native currently stationed in Kota Samarahan, said he joined about 20 fellow personnel on a day trip to visit the bridge, which he described as one of the most impressive structures he had encountered.
“We enjoy organising exploration trips around Sarawak and this time we chose the coastal route to see the Batang Lupar Bridge.
“When you see the bridge stretching across such a wide river, it is truly impressive. The structure looks iconic and modern,” he said.
Zambri also praised the Sarawak government for delivering the project, noting that it would bring long-term benefits to the people.
He added that the trip gave many of the personnel an opportunity to experience rural Sarawak and appreciate the beauty of villages along the coastal corridor.
“Many of them have never visited this area before.
“I wanted them to see the uniqueness of Sarawak, including the villages and local cultures found here,” he said.
For 26-year-old Hasmidah Abdullah from Sesang, the journey provided a chance to assess for herself how the bridge has improved connectivity to Kuching.
“We wanted to see the bridge and find out whether travelling to Kuching has become easier.
“I enjoy this route because you can appreciate the villages along the way. For a more relaxed journey, the coastal road is ideal,” she said.
Hasmidah noted that while the Pan Borneo Highway remains the preferred option for faster travel, the coastal route offers a different experience through rural landscapes, roadside stalls and local businesses.
“It is enjoyable because you’re not just driving. You also get to observe local life and stop to purchase products sold by communities along the route,” she added.
The steady flow of visitors from various districts suggests that the Batang Lupar Bridge is becoming more than an infrastructure project, with the landmark increasingly drawing travellers keen to explore Sarawak’s coastal corridor while experiencing the charm of its rural communities.
