TANJUNG NATIONAL PARK

                                  Tanjung Datu Park
                          Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia 
                                                     Beautiful Borneo

I recently had the opportunity to visit this beautiful park located at the north west tip of Sarawak sharing it's border with Indonesia. Leaving early in the morning while still dark to make the two hour trip to Sematan,wanting arrive at my scheduled appointed time of 7:00 a.m. at the pier. Arriving a few minutes early at Sematan pier, I had the opportunity to watch the sun rise welcoming what looked like to be a perfect day.

I met up with the the boat man, getting acquainted with him across the street in  the cafe over a cup of coffee, he has a lot of knowledge about the area and being a newbie, I like to learn. We unloaded the gear for my 4 four night stay from the vehicle and while he loaded it on to his boat I parked my car at his friends. Then we were off for a forty five minute ride to the park. Perfect weather, some cloud but smooth seas. What a treat, could on imagine a Sarawakian downpour.

 We were greeted by the cream coloured sands that you notice along the shore line as you travel across the water to the park, Sematan area has beautiful beaches well worth exploring.

 

                                          Type of boat used for travel to the park.

 

                                                              Looking north

 

                                                                Looking south

                                                               

 

                  Offices to the left, the brown and green building has five rooms on the second floor.

               Sleeping platforms as well as cooking area, tenting is permitted on grass area.

Upon arriving, I carted all my gear with the boatman's help to the office to sign in and get park information on do's and don'ts. Once signed in I was escorted to my room, two single beds per room and room to spare for my gear, quite comfy. Kitchen, living room, shower room and toilets are shared.

 

                                                             Shared living room.

 

                                                                         Twin beds.

 

                                                                       Shared kitchen.

        Arriving so early in the morning has it's benefits to be able to explore before lunch.

 

                                                             Viewpoint Trail hill.

** Now a note of caution to those who are social media addicts. NO reception here, no wifi, tv, or phone and of course no vehicles other than the boat that brings you in. Your only service is to climb the Viewpoint Trail to the tower were you will be able to communicate with the world. Two nights with only the park staff, being the only guest there, how sweet is that. The park staff are very friendly and helpful giving out lots of info about the park, it's trails  and the turtle hatchery program. On my third night staff woke me and other guests that had arrived, to watch the release of newly hatched turtles so cool to watch. Crying shame that none may survive because of the plastics in the oceans.

 

                                                                     Fresh turtle tracks

                           Turtle egg hatching are

                                Hatchling turtles

Turtle release

                                                Chart of egg laying + expected hatching

Good walking trails

Lots of beautiful rocks

I could not believe they fell so perfectly

Blue-throated bee-eater

Blue-throated bee-eater

Natural beauty abonds

I confess, I do have a thing for rocks.

 

                                                         A perfect last night sunset 

There is plenty to do or see for the nature nut, plus going for a swim in clear water is a real treat. A variety of mammals, birds and plants to see as well as the cave with the bats, the park is a great place to connect with nature and chill out. Enjoy it now, for when Pan Borneo is complete it may become hectic, I hope Sarawak Forestry will have it in mind to keep it as is, with no road into the park.. 

A special thanks to the park employees and the boatman for making this trip special and memorable for me. I look forward to my next trip!