Bengoh Dam — Local services in Borneo

An hour outside of Kuching, where the road turns to mist and mobile signal disappears, there’s a place called Bengoh Dam. From there, you get on a boat and cruise across a man-made lake. Once across the water, the hike begins. Depending on your fitness level (and the tour guide’s sense of humour), it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to half a day. Rain turns everything into a slip ’n’ slide, so bring proper shoes – and maybe a stick if your knees aren’t what they used to be. Locals joke you don’t need “Adidas Kampung” (rubber-tyre sandals), but if you’re new to Sarawak trails, you’ll wish you had them.

First stop for most is the Curtain Waterfall – an easy hike, photogenic, and usually the first crowd-pleaser. Keep going and you’ll reach Susung Waterfall, which is steeper, longer, and rewards you with an end-of-the-world view that actually lives up to the hype. The last one’s the real showstopper. Slippery rocks, tree swings, and a view that justifies every precarious step you took to get there. A little dangerous, but a lot gorgeous.

Then there’s Kampung Sting, a Bidayuh village perched above the lake, accessible only by hike and boat. They’ve carved out a makeshift balcony that offers a panoramic view straight out of a fantasy film: rolling hills, jungle on all sides. Early mornings see the lake swallowed in mist. It’s got the drama of China’s karst mountains without the crowds or selfie sticks. You don’t get this in city parks or hotel spas.

Locals here aren’t putting on a show – they actually live here. Some offer homestays; others just offer directions with a smile and a machete in hand. A few may cook you lunch if you book ahead. The food is simple, traditional, but it hits the spot harder than anything overpriced in Kuching city centre.

It’s not exactly a secret, but it’s still off the main tourist radar. Which means fewer crowds and more raw nature. No gift shops. No handrails. Just water, sweat, and the occasional swing tied to a tree like nature’s own theme park ride.

A few things you should know before showing up like an overconfident travel blogger: • Local guides — usually arranged through Facebook or passed-down WhatsApp contacts — are essential. No guide, no hike. • Entrance typically costs RM50 (includes boat). • There are no toilets until after the boat ride. Plan accordingly. • Bring proper footwear, extra clothes, and sunscreen. The sun...

I recently had the opportunity to visit Bengoh Dam for a day trip that included hiking to Kampung Sting and Susung Waterfall. Booking a slot in advance was necessary, and the tour provided a boat ride and a local guide. The fee for the trip was around RM57 per person, which covered the entrance, boat ride, and local guide. There were different packages available, some of which included lunch and visits to various waterfalls such as Curtain and Pe'an Waterfall. You can obtain tour guide information by simply searching "Bengoh Dam Waterfall" on Facebook.

The journey from Kuching to Bengoh Dam took approximately 40 to 60 minutes, followed by a 20-minutes boat ride to the hiking trail. Restroom facilities were available at the entrance of the hiking trail leading to the waterfall. Our first stop was Kampung Sting, recommended by the local guide for its cooler morning temperatures. The hike to the summit was not too challenging, and the view was absolutely stunning.

After exploring Kampung Sting, we proceeded to Susung Waterfall, also known as the "Jurassic World of Sarawak." The scenery was incredibly beautiful, making it a perfect spot for taking memorable photos. There was even an Instagram-worthy swing that added to the charm of the place.

Here are a few tips for future visitors: It's advisable to wear shoes with good grip as the trail can be tricky with slippery rocks. Additionally, there are several bamboo bridges along the way. Don't forget to bring extra clothes to change into, as the water and wind at Susung Waterfall can be quite strong, even if you don't swim in the waterfall.

We arrived at Bengoh Dam around 6:30 AM and departed at 12:30 PM. Opting for an early morning visit turned out to be a great decision, as the weather was pleasant and not too hot.

Overall, my experience at Bengoh Dam, Kampung Sting, and Susung Waterfall was truly remarkable. I highly recommend this day trip to anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty in the...

Its definitely a fantastic experience for my 1st time travel to sarawak💓 The host MJ will guide you and explain the details to you when u contact her, she is well speaking in malay & english, no worries about the language barrier. But pls give some time for her to reply, as they stay in the Bengoh Dam wil be poor line supply. Uncle Tata are our tour guide on the day,he is very nice and will patiently wait for you throughout the hike journey. For those stamina low no worries,just like me🤭 He is very professional too, he will tel you the spot to take a good photo as well as helping u to capture.👍 Uncle Wes also one of their partner, he is very friendly and welcoming us during the local foods inviting from MJ. They all are very friendly and i like the local foods prepared by MJ, simple yet tasty,thanks for the hospitality🙏 Throughout the hike journey, i would say the difficulty level is moderate,as some of the road is quite uneven ground and its slippery if raining(just like my case). However,i can make it,defintely everyone can make it too, not to mention those with good stamina. I really enjoyed the whole journey and u will feel no regret bcoz they are very warm and the view is stunning. I also love the boat journey,the view make me impressed. Must give a try once in...