Saturday, 3 February 2007

Layang-Layangan Beach

A golden beach, brilliant sunshine and waves gently lapping at your body as you lie by the sea - that sure sounds like a wonderful way to spend the weekend, doesn't it? Layang-Layangan Beach is an extremely popular spot for those wishing to bask in the sun.

Several amenities have been set up for public use such as cycling paths and picnic tables in the shade. There are also many food stalls and live music is played on weekends. The Peace Park and Manikar Beach Resort are also nearby.

Jalan Persisiran Pantai

Jalan Persisiran Pantai is as the name suggests. Literally translated to “the road by the beach”, it offers you an awesome view as you drive along its route. The scene at sundown is said to be breathtaking.

Jalan Persisiran Pantai is the only coastal road in the state and runs for about 19km.

Damai Beach

Take white sand beaches lapped by the South China Sea, add rainforest walks and an imposing jungle -covered mountain and you have Damai. This is Sarawak's main beach resort area.

Damai boasts three international-class resort hotels - the Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach, Damai Lagoon Resort and Santubong Kuching Resort. Each has its own secluded beach, landscaped, free form swimming pool and offers jet skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing, mountain biking, tennis, squash and fitness centers.

You could spend a whole holiday without leaving the resort, but nearby are the Arnold Palmer-designed Damai Golf & Country Club, the Sarawak Cultural Villaqe and the sleepy fishing villages of Santubong and Buntal with their excellent seafood restaurants'.

For the more adventurous there is the climb through the rainforest to the summit of Mount Santubong. It's a five to six-hour trek and your hotel will provide a guide and a packed lunch.

If luxury living is not your style or you want to get closer to nature, try Camp Permai at the foot of Mount Santubong. With air-conditioned tree houses or family log cabins, the camp offers "a total rainforest experience.

The emphasis is on adventure with abseiling, sea canoeing and trekking and there are instructors on hand to guide you.

Whether it’s all out adventure, water sports, golfing or just relaxing on the beach, Damai has something for everyone.