Once an old trading outpost, Sematan Town has grown into one of Sarawak’s most loved beach destinations.
It is famous for its long stretch of sandy beaches, friendly locals, and fresh seafood.
Whether you want a fun family weekend out or a quiet solo retreat by the sea, this charming town offers a slow-paced vibe that will quickly melt your stress away.
Highlights of the Attraction
There are plenty of reasons to visit Sematan Town:
- The Beaches: Walk along the clean, long sandy beaches. It is perfect for flying kites, building sandcastles, or simply watching the sunset.
- Fresh Seafood: Because it is a fishing town, you can find plenty of local food stalls and restaurants serving very fresh and affordable seafood.
- Sematan Pier: Take a walk along the concrete pier for lovely views of the ocean and the nearby islands.
- The Vibe: The town itself is small and very walkable. You can easily explore the old wooden shophouses and enjoy a quiet cup of local coffee.
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
- Operating Time: As it is a public town, Sematan Town is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The beaches are always open, but most shops and restaurants operate from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Suggested Time to Spend: You can do a simple day trip and spend about 4 to 5 hours here. However, to truly enjoy the relaxing vibe, we highly suggest staying for one night.
- Dressing: The weather is hot and humid. Wear light, breathable cotton clothes. If you plan to play in the water, bring your swimwear and a change of dry clothes. Do not forget your sunglasses and a hat!
Ticket Prices
Good news! There is no entrance fee to enter Sematan Town or its public beaches. You only need to pay for your food, transport, and hotel.
Getting There
Sematan Town is located about 107 kilometres from Kuching. It is a smooth and easy journey.
- By Car: Driving is the best way to get here. From Kuching city, take the route towards Batu Kawa and follow the Pan Borneo Highway heading to Lundu. Once you pass Lundu town, just follow the straight road for another 20 to 30 minutes until you reach the coast. The whole drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By Bus/Taxi: You can take a public bus or a shared van from Kuching Sentral bus terminal to Lundu, and then take a local taxi to Sematan. However, renting a car is much easier and gives you more freedom.
Photo Gallery
[Photos coming soon]
Tips When Visiting
- Sun Protection: The sun can be very strong. Always apply suncream and reapply it after swimming.
- Sandflies: Like many beaches in Borneo, there might be sandflies. Bring some insect repellent or baby oil to protect your skin.
- Cash is King: While e-wallets are becoming more common, it is still best to bring enough cash for small food stalls and local shops.
Hotels Nearby
If you decide to stay the night in Sematan Town, there are a few great choices:
- Roxy Hotel Sematan & Roxy Beach Apartment: Offers modern, clean rooms right by the beach with a swimming pool. Great for families.
- Sematan Palm Beach Resort: A classic favourite with a private beach area, offering chalets surrounded by nature.
Conclusion and Nearby Places to Visit
Sematan Town is a wonderful coastal getaway that everyone should visit when exploring Sarawak. Its simple beauty and slow pace make it truly special.
If you have extra time, you can also visit these related places nearby:
- Gunung Gading National Park: Located in nearby Lundu, this park is famous for the giant Rafflesia flower and jungle waterfalls.
- Telok Melano: Just a bit further down the new highway from Sematan, you will find this beautiful, remote village at the very tip of Borneo.
- Tanjung Datu National Park: Accessible via Telok Melano, this is Sarawak’s smallest but most beautiful national park, where the jungle meets the sea.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
