Lundu Beach: Sarawak's Laid-Back Coastal Escape Worth the Drive

Traveloka MY
5 min read

Lundu Beach is one of Sarawak's hidden coastal gems, offering peaceful beaches, scenic views, and a slower pace of life just a short drive from Kuching. It's an ideal destination for travellers looking to escape the city without venturing too far.

From the golden sands of Pandan Beach and Siar Beach to fresh seafood and nearby nature attractions, Lundu has plenty to offer for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway. Here's everything you need to know before planning your visit.

What Makes Lundu Beach Worth the Trip

Unlike many of Malaysia's more-developed resort beaches, Lundu hasn't been overrun by crowds or commercialised to the point of losing its personality. Its two main beaches sit just off Jalan Siar/Pandan, a scenic coastal road about 10 km from Lundu town, and each has its own distinct feel.

Pandan Beach (also known as Pandan Gold Coast) is the broader of the two, with an open stretch of golden sand that catches the morning light beautifully. It's a favourite among locals for sunrise walks, BBQ nights, and casual swims. Siar Beach, meanwhile, is nestled in a sheltered bay, making it particularly calm and suitable for families with young children. The water is generally clear, the current gentle, and the coconut palms overhead do their job well.

The backdrop seals it: the rugged peaks of Gunung Gading rise behind the coast, adding a dramatic jungle-meets-sea atmosphere that's pure Borneo.

Things to Do at Lundu Beach

Lundu Beach is more than just a place to relax by the sea. From enjoying quiet beaches and fresh seafood to exploring nearby nature attractions, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit. Here are some of the best things to do at Lundu Beach. 

1. Swim and Unwind at Pandan or Siar Beach

Both beaches are well-suited for leisurely swimming. Siar Beach's bay setting keeps the water especially calm, making it a solid pick for families. Bring a mat, pack some snacks, and genuinely switch off, there's no hustle here.

2. Catch the Sunrise at Pandan Gold Coast

Locals in the know arrive early. The sunrise at Pandan Beach turns the sand golden and the sea a warm copper, it's genuinely one of those moments that justifies getting up before 6am. The beach is nearly deserted at that hour, which only makes it better.

3. Spot Sea Turtles at Siar Beach (Seasonal)

Siar Beach is known as a sea turtle nesting ground, and during nesting season (typically around June to September), you may be lucky enough to witness these magnificent creatures coming ashore. Check with locals or resort staff about the best time to look, and always observe from a respectful distance.

4. Visit the Kampung Pugu Beach Turtle Hatching Programme

A short drive away, Kampung Pugu Beach runs an active turtle conservation and hatching programme. The beach itself is a beautifully undisturbed stretch overlooking the Talang-Satang islands, with shaded areas, basic stalls for light snacks, and a parking area. A great one to add to the itinerary if you're travelling with kids.

5. Dig Into Fresh Seafood

Head into Lundu town and you'll find seafood restaurants and food stalls serving the catch of the day at very reasonable prices. Grilled fish, prawns, and freshwater varieties from the Batang Kayan River are all worth trying. Pick up fresh catches from the local wet market if you're staying somewhere with BBQ facilities.

6. Go Camping by the Beach at Pandan

Pandan Beach has basic facilities for beach camping, clean water access, toilets, showers, and rentable BBQ pits. If you'd rather sleep indoors, several holiday villas and homestays are right on the shoreline, meaning you still get the sea breeze and the sound of waves without giving up a proper bed.

Attractions Worth Adding to Your Lundu Itinerary

Lundu's beaches are the main draw, but the surrounding area punches well above its weight when it comes to natural attractions. Most are within 30 minutes of Pandan or Siar Beach.

1. Gunung Gading National Park

The single best reason to time your visit carefully: Gunung Gading is home to one of the largest populations of Rafflesia in the world. The world's biggest flower, which blooms unpredictably and only lasts a few days. 

Beyond Rafflesia, the park offers jungle trails of varying difficulty, cooling waterfalls, and the kind of pristine rainforest that reminds you why Borneo is special. About a 15-minute drive from the beach area.

2. Sebako Waterfall

About 20 minutes out of Lundu town, Sebako Waterfall cascades across 12 stunning tiers through the jungle in Kampung Sebako. The access route has been developed for visitors, though the trail still offers a decent workout, well worth it for the view once you arrive.

3. Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in Sarawak, Samunsam sits within the Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve and borders Kalimantan, Indonesia. It's a stronghold for proboscis monkeys and a paradise for birdwatchers, if you're a nature enthusiast, it's an easy add-on from Lundu, roughly 20 minutes away.

4. Lundu Town Market

Lundu town itself is a charming, low-key place made up of traditional wooden shophouses, a lively wet market, and a handful of old-school kopitiam where locals linger over teh tarik. 

Stop by the fish market for fresh catches if you're planning a BBQ, or simply stroll around for a taste of authentic small-town Sarawak life.

Getting to Lundu Beach

By Car: Driving from Kuching is the easiest option. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the Kuching-Lundu Road, followed by a short drive from Lundu town to the beach.
By Bus: Daily buses run from Kuching Sentral to Lundu town in about 90 minutes. From there, you can take a taxi or other local transport to the beach.
By Air: If you're travelling from another state or overseas, fly into Kuching International Airport before continuing to Lundu by car or bus.

Getting Around

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Lundu and its nearby attractions. Local motorbike rentals are also available if you're staying in town.

Best Time to Visit Lundu Beach

Lundu Beach is a great destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from April to September. Expect sunny weather, calm seas, and ideal conditions for swimming, beach walks, and picnics.

If you hope to see the famous Rafflesia in bloom, plan your visit between March and July, although flowering periods can vary each year. Turtle nesting season around Siar Beach typically runs from June to September.

For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays and avoid school holidays or long weekends, when the beaches are usually busier with local visitors.

Where to Stay Near Lundu Beach

Accommodation in Lundu runs from beachfront bungalows to budget homestays. Here are four solid picks for different types of travellers.

1. Pandan Goldcoast Holiday Villa

Pandan Goldcoast Holiday Villa is a well-regarded beachfront retreat overlooking Pandan Beach, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. A great pick for small groups or families wanting a private, peaceful base right by the sea.

2. Roxy Sematan Canopi & Villa

Roxy Sematan Canopi & Villa is a well-reviewed option in the broader Lundu area, offering pool access and a relaxed resort feel, a solid mid-range pick for those looking to explore the coastline beyond just Pandan and Siar.

3. Roxy Sematan Villa & Townhouse

Roxy Sematan Villa & Townhouse offers a rustic-chic canopy villa experience just outside Sematan town, with a pool, beach volleyball court, and a laid-back, nature-immersed atmosphere. A good pick for couples and small families wanting a quieter, more secluded stay a little further along the coast.

4. Putra Sentosa Retreat Camp Sematan

Putra Sentosa Retreat Camp Sematan is a nature-based retreat set among jungle-lined trails and lakeside greenery, with an outdoor pool, garden, and a halal restaurant on site. Originally built for team-building and family camps, it's a solid choice for groups or families after a more activity-driven, back-to-nature stay near Lundu.

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the property's policies.

Ready to Plan Your Lundu Getaway? Let Traveloka Sort It Out

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In This Article

• What Makes Lundu Beach Worth the Trip
• Things to Do at Lundu Beach
• 1. Swim and Unwind at Pandan or Siar Beach
• 2. Catch the Sunrise at Pandan Gold Coast
• 3. Spot Sea Turtles at Siar Beach (Seasonal)
• 4. Visit the Kampung Pugu Beach Turtle Hatching Programme
• 5. Dig Into Fresh Seafood
• 6. Go Camping by the Beach at Pandan
• Attractions Worth Adding to Your Lundu Itinerary
• 1. Gunung Gading National Park
• 2. Sebako Waterfall
• 3. Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary
• 4. Lundu Town Market
• Getting to Lundu Beach
• Getting Around
• Best Time to Visit Lundu Beach
• Where to Stay Near Lundu Beach
• 1. Pandan Goldcoast Holiday Villa
• 2. Roxy Sematan Canopi & Villa
• 3. Roxy Sematan Villa & Townhouse
• 4. Putra Sentosa Retreat Camp Sematan
• Ready to Plan Your Lundu Getaway? Let Traveloka Sort It Out
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