Hotels in Long Sukang

Long Sukang is a village in Lawas division, which is strategically located between Temburong District of Brunei and the neighbouring Malaysia state of Sabah. It is approximately 660.7 kilometres from Kuching, Sarawak. It is known as a settlement for Lun Bawang, an ethnic group found in Central Northern Borneo. In Malaysia, they are recognised as Murut and are indigenous to the highlands of northern region of Sarawak, southwest of Sabah, North Kalimantan and Brunei.

With a total population of approximately 500, Long Sukang consists of over 60 households. Despite its remote location, the village is well equipped with basic facilities such as government medical clinic, primary school, church and solar hybrid power station. One of four airports in the Lawas division is located here. It is the Long Sukang Airport. It plays an important role in helping to accelerate development among locals in this area.

There a four other nearby settlements around Long Sukang namely Puneng Brayong, Long Tuyo, Long Lidung and Long Remirang. In many occassions, they work together in social and welfare activities. Other ethnic groups that reside in these areas include Kedayang, Brunei Malay, Murut Tagal and also Chinese. Most of them speak in their native languages.

How to Get There

By Plane

Lawas can be easily reached by air from Miri, Ba’ Kelalan, Kota Kinabalu and Limbang. The flights are served by the rural air service provider, MASWing. From the airport, board a taxi or a minivan that will take you straight to Long Sukang.

By Boat

Lawas is accessible by boat from Labuan. There are daily boats that go back and forth between Labuan and Lawas on daily basis. There are a few options to reach Long Sukang from the boat terminal such as taxi and minivan.

By Car

There is a direct road network connecting Lawas and Sabah and Brunei. Also, you will most likely find yourself in Lawas if you are travelling overland between Sabah and Sarawak.

By Bus

Lawas Bus Company Sdn Bhd link Lawas with the neighbouring towns like Trusan, Punang, Sundar and Merapok. Air conditioned, long-distance express buses connect Lawas with Kota Kinabalu via Sipitang and Beaufort and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei via Bangar and Limbang. The one way journey to/from Kota Kinabalu usually costs RM30 while to Bandar Seri Begawan costs around RM60. Long Sukang is easily reached once you are at the local bus terminal.

Tourist Attractions

Melasak River

Nestles approximately 15 km away from Lawas town, Melasak River has a number of waterfalls that become local attractions. Specifically, this place is located at Kampong Pengalih and is ideal for those who wish to run away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With scenic nature landscape, cool mountain stream and surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfalls here are popular weekend destinations for locals and visitors.

Merarap Hotspring

Located about 70 km from Lawas town, Merarap Hotspring is undeniably one of the hidden paradises in the northern region of Sarawak. This place is built on a 5-acre rustic environment, surrounded by pristine jungle. With a number of hot spring pools built at the property for visitors’ convenient, it can be reached by 4wd vehicle through old logging tracks. The beautiful Trusan river that runs alongside it provides angling opportunity and white water kayaking thrills.

Ba’kelalan

Located about 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level and 4 km from the border with Kalimantan, Indonesian, Ba'kelalan is a group of nine villages in the Bario Highlands. Temperate fruits such as apples, mandarin oranges and vanilla are grown there, in the cool mountain climate. This place is also known for producing their unique Bario rice and mountain salt.