Just over two hours northwest of the city of Kuching in the Sarawak state lies the fishing port of Sematan on the eastern side of Malaysia. The community serves as the entry point to the remote Tanjung Datu National Park, a little over 30 minutes north, with its long stretches of white sand, clear waters, and lush rainforests. The area’s unspoiled beaches make it a prime spot for swimmers and snorkelers hoping to observe coral reefs and local marine life. The park’s four walking trails take you along the coastline and through the forest, where you can spot monkeys and wild pigs, in addition to hornbills, peacocks, and countless bird species.

While Sematan may be small in size, the view over the South China Sea is breathtaking and expansive. The town features a long jetty and shops selling produce, hardware, and essential goods. You’ll also find a few restaurants and hawker stalls serving prawns, crab, and other freshly caught seafood.

Sematan has a tropical rainforest climate, which means you can expect heavy rainfall almost all year round. The best time to travel is during the winter months of January and early February, when you’ll find moderate temperatures with lots of bright, sunny days for exploration. Keep in mind that January is the area’s second-wettest month after November. Temperatures tend to drop later in February as it gets closer to March, the area’s coldest month.

Gunung Gading National Park

One of the better-known rainforest parks in Sarawak is Gunung Gading National Park, about 30 minutes’ drive from Sematan, where you can see the world’s largest flower, rafflesia, bloom in real time. In addition to the short plank walk path to the area where the rafflesia bloom, the main trail will take you past waterfalls and up to the Gunung Gading summit. The park also offers guided visits, or you can rent a bike to explore on your own.

Local Bee Farms

Sematan has a few honeybee farms in the area where you can discover more about the process of making honey and taking care of an apiary. You can meet with local beekeepers, who offer their perspectives on how to best care for the hive. You’ll also gain knowledge about the importance of bees to the greater environment and, of course, get to taste the honey.

Talang-Satang Island

The small Talang-Satang Island is located just 30 minutes from the shores of Sematan, making it a fun day trip to visit the famous sanctuaries for green and hawksbill turtles. You can plan a visit by contacting the state’s National Park Office; there is a fee for entry.