Hotels in Belaga

Belaga is the capital of the Belaga District in Kapit Division, Sarawak. It is located on the upper reaches of the Rajang River, some 120 kilometers northeast of Kapit as the crow flies but considerably further on the river and slightly less than 100 kilometers from the South China Sea coast near Bintulu. It is located within the Hulu Rajang parliamentary constituency. The district population as of 2010 was 37,102. Belaga was established in the early 1900s when a few Chinese traders set up shops and started trading with the Orang Ulu, supplying essentials such as kerosene, salt and manufactured goods. Belaga is considered a good place to start exploring the Sarawak's interior. There are many Kenyah and Kayan longhouses along the Balui and Belaga rivers and along the Rejang Rivers are the Punan, Sekapan, Kejaman and Tanjung longhouses. Belaga is an area most occupied by Orang Ulu communities such as Kenyah, Kayan, Penan, Punan, Sihan, Kajang, Ukit, Beketan and Tanjung. Belaga is bordered by the Baram District, Bintulu, Tatau, Kapit and Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Iranian Range is a natural borderline that separates Belaga District from Central Kalimantan.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are non-stop flights to Kuching International Airport provided by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air. From airport you may take MASwings flight to reach Belaga.

By Sea

Most people arrive in Belaga by boat from Kapit (and further downstream, Sibu). Boats leave from Kapit at 9am and cost RM55 (5 hours) except when the water level is too low and the express boats can't get pass Pelagus rapids. It is a very scenic boat ride, and if you are in need of some fresh air the boat roof is a good place to take in the jungle river banks. Express boat interiors are usually air-conditioned to a point of freezing which makes the ride on the roof much more convenient option. Just remember that the sun in Borneo is fierce even though it's cloudy.

By Road

Belaga has fairly good road access from neighboring countries like Brunei and Kalimantan Borneo. Land transports by using 4wd are also available daily from Bintulu to Belaga and depart at 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm daily.

Tourist Attractions

Longhouse Tours

If you are to visit Belaga, one of the best places to visit is the Longhouse tours. Belaga is one of the best places to do trips to see the longhouses. Indigenous tribes are typically welcoming tourists and very hospitable. Expect to be shown different styles of villages (old and new), as well as traditional costumes, dances, foods (jungle fern, wild boar), manufacturing methods, local rice farms and many more. Be prepared to take some gifts for the tribe’s people (mainly for the children) as a show of appreciation to their hospitality.

Giam Pasang and Long Amo Waterfall

Giam Pasang and Long Amo Waterfall is a must visit destination while in Belaga. Giam Pasang is located half an hour longboat ride going up Belaga River. It was a popular picnic spot among locals and also the venue of Giam Pasang Rainforest Challenge. Long Amo waterfall is another popular picnic spot near Belaga town. It is located 40 minutes away from the town center. The best way to get there is by hiring a local guide.

Bakun Dam

Bakun Dam is one of the best places to visit while in Belaga. Bakun Dam is an embankment dam located in Belaga, Sarawak on the Balui River. You may spend time here to see the lovely scenery of the dam and take picture as your best memory.

Kampung Melayu Belaga

If you are looking for Malay local culture, the ideal place for you to visit is the Kampung Bharu or Malay village where you would be exposed to all kinds of culture elements presented by the locals in their own creative ways. In here, you will get handmade traditional Malay goods, foods, traditional dances and costumes.

Lusong Laku Waterfall

For the nature lover you may visit Lusong Laku Waterfall while in Belaga to get a wonderful experience. Visitor may experience the amazing and beauty scenery of waterfall resembles to Niagara Falls, fresh air, flora and fauna and the natural landscape.

Belaga Market

Don’t forget to visit and spend your time and enjoy shopping at Belaga market. In here, you will get local handmade wooden product, local food and fresh river fish and seafood.