Pasir Panjang Beach
Idyllic Location But Swimming Not Recommended

sandy tropical beach with mount santubong in the background

My wife and I recently visited Pasir Panjang Beach, a beautiful sandy coastline within easy reach of Kuching.

Pasir Panjang, which can be translated as Long Beach, is quite a common name for beaches in South East Asia and Pasir Panjang's can be found in Singapore, Penang, Redang Island, West Kalimantan, Java and Port Dickson among other places.

Sarawak's Pasir Panjang is on a stretch of coastline between the mouths of two large rivers, the Sungai Santubong and the Batang Salak. With so many mangroves, swamps and wetlands nearby this is the sort of area where crocodiles like to lurk and signs on the beach warn visitors to stay aware of their surroundings near water. It certainly puts you off swimming!

This is a pity because otherwise this beach would be an idyllic setting with golden sand, gentle waves and a tree-lined shoreline. And with the imposing Mount Santubong in the background the area looks like the quintessential tropical paradise.

We visited on a weekday and since it was a hot day and nearing midday the place was deserted of humans and only a few cats could be seen ,and even they were sleeping!

Presumably it does get livelier at weekends and around sunset. There are some rustic food stalls here, a fresh seafood shop, a couple of simple restaurants and even a sign advertising 'Long Beach Karaoke'.

Pasir Pandak

Creative use of recycled plastic bottles.

While we were here we also took the opportunity to visit the neighbouring fishing village of Pasir Pandak, just along the coast and divided from Pasir Panjang by a small headland. There is not a huge amount to be seen here to be honest but again the views were excellent and the children coming out of school were friendly.