 Kuching : Profile
Limited repair facilities are available in Kuching, the river capital of Sarawak. Kuching town itself is worth visiting for the old buildings, and museums.
New bridge construction makes it impossible for yachts to get up the river to Kuching. Clearance can be made in Pending, a few miles further down the river. Clearance is required at Customs, Immigration and the Marine Department.
Customs and Immigration are at the Ferry Terminal at Pending but it is
necessary to take a taxi to the Marine Department which is a distance from
Pending and not on a bus route.
The Immigration Office for yacht clearance is located in the Port of Pending. Call 082-331-497 for directions if necessary and/or to get through the gate of the port. The Marine Department (Jabatan Laut) is located at Lot 683, Seksyen 66, Jlan Utama Ph: 082-484159.
A second bridge is at position 01°33'30".2N, 110°22'42".4 E to 01°33'25".3N, 110°22'50".4 E. Vertical clearance, 12m.
Authorised entry point by sea
The only authorized anchorage area is now just outside of the village of
Sajingkat. Use channel 20 to contact the river authority (signal). The village will watch over the dinghy and from here it is a short walk down the road to the bus stop for Kuching.
The anchorage near to the causeway is currently being dredged, and is reportedly unsecure.
Several boats have been broken into and the Marine Police advise not leaving the boat unattended even during the day - one should check the latest situation.
An overnight stay can be made at Muara Tebas on the way in but one should watch out for the strong current and the long scope on the local fishing boats. There
are a couple of good seafood restaurants here, and it is worth walking to
the top of the temple for a good view of the surrounding area.
The other anchorage to consider is around the corner from Kuching in
Santubong. This is entered over a very shallow bay and up the river mouth
and care must be taken upon entry. However once in the river the depth is
fine and there is good holding. There is a bus into Kuching from the main road and the dinghy can be left at the landing at Santubong, again security is a question. If you wish to visit the Sarawak Cultural Village from here it is a good long hot walk there and back as no buses run from here. E-mail scv@visitsarawak.coms
The Sarawak Boat Club (SBC) is just about 5 Km up the Santubong River, just under the Santubong Bridge. Sarawak Boat Club is not open to
public, however yachts may still use the
facilities with miminium payment. Diesel can be bought from the Club Operator and there is a
simple restaurant with very good seafood.
The Sarawak Boat Club will soon have a new site at
the Santubong river mouth (Kuala
Santubong) with a bigger marina facility. Information supplied to Noonsite by Richard Kho who writes: I am one of the only few sailing enthusiasts
in Kuching who just want to learn more about
sailing, All are welcome to contact me for
further information and free limited assistance. My email is khoadv@pd.jaring.my
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