What's HOT in Sarawak?

So, what is really HOT in Sarawak?

The hot spring in Kampung Panchor Dayak, Serian is what really HOT in Sarawak, me think. Indeed, I believe this is the best NATURAL hot spring in Malaysia.

Some of the hot spring sites I had been to look more like modern-man-made water park resorts while others look like they have been 'abandoned' and in very sorry state indeed.

So when I found this very basic but well maintained hot spring spot in Serian, I almost automatically fell in love with the place. Surrounded by beautiful 'nipah' forest, I would put Kampong Panchor Dayak hot spring in Sarawak at the top spot on the list of my favourite hot spring sites in Malaysia.

So how can one get the chance to experience the 'magic' of Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring? Actually the place is pretty easily accessible. From Kuching town, take the Kuching/Serian Highway. It is only about an hour drive from Kuching (48 kilometres).

After passing by the small town of Tapah, watch for a roadside signboard for Kampong Panchor's direction. The hot spring is actually located only about 10" drive off the main road. In order to reach the site, one needs to pass through both tar-sealed road and also a gravel-filled one.

The Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring is open all days to public. Nevertheless, on weekdays (Monday to Friday), visitors may need to call the caretaker via his mobile numbers. Luckily, there is a signage at the entrance showing the person's name and his numbers. So, after making the call, the caretaker will come over to open up the place for you. Easy does it:)

The hot spring pool is actually located in a forested area (a 'nipah' forest). Therefore, I would not recommend a female visitor to go on her own. Truth is... a place like this is best enjoyed together with family members or friends. The serene surrounding, the green scenery, the natural looking hot pool (with wooden boardwalks and no hint of concrete at all...thank god for that!)...all these and more would make the experience an 'almost-magical' one, indeed!

Magical it may be indeed... and may I add... there is also a 'mystical' twist in a local tale of this beautiful site. The locals warned that pregnant women and ladies having PMS are NOT allowed to take bath in the hot pool. And if you were to ask me 'why'?... well... that IS the rule there. But also, according to the locals, the rule came about after an incident which occurred at another nearby hot spring site many years ago. A pregnant woman took a bath there and the water in the pool later turned cold! The locals believed the 'magic spell' was somehow 'decoded'. So... ladies... don't tell that I did not warn you.

I must say again here that I truly believe Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring is indeed the best NATURAL hot spring site in Malaysia. So, if you happen to visit Sarawak, I strongly recommend you to visit this 'hot spot' of Sarawak. Enjoy!

'Korean Hot Spring' of Hulu Langat

This is a 'hot spot' for Koreans! For some unknown and strange reasons, almost like storylines of those 'weird' yet wonderful Korean horror films, the hot spring of Sungai Serai in Hulu Langat, Selangor seems to be a 'popular joint' for Koreans living in and around Kuala Lumpur. Indeed, when I first arrived at the site, there were only a few people enjoying the hot pool... and they were all Koreans! And when I was about to leave the place later in the evening, a group of 15 overtly excited teenagers arrived. Yes, they were all Koreans too! Hmmm... is there something about this 'hot spot' that they know and we (the locals) don't?


Sungai Serai Hot Spring of Hulu Langat is easy to locate. There are many routes out of Kuala Lumpur city that one can take in order to get to this place.

And the good thing is... it is only about 30 minutes drive from the heart of the city!

And the best thing is... it is FREE! Yup, no entrance fee whatsoever!

From the city centre, I followed the Ampang Road and went all the way to Ampang Point shopping complex. From here I drove ahead until I reached the traffic light in front of Taman Kosas (on the left). I drove pass the traffic light until I reached the next one. I turned right at this traffic light junction and went to Jalan Taman Putra. I then passed by Carrefour on my right. Drove straight ahead. Then another traffic light. Here I turned left to a road that would lead to Kajang (and along the way... to a place called 'Ampang Look Out Point').

While driving up the hill, I had the opportunity of enjoying the awesome view of KL city (see photo above). And soon enough I already found myself driving down on the other side of the hill. I then came upon a T-junction. I turned right. Drove pass the 'Jamek Masjid'(on the right). Then Petronas station on the left. Then another smaller masjid called 'Masjid Ehsan' (photo) on the right. Then...there it was! Right infront of this small masjid ... a signboard for 'Kolam Air Panas Sungai Serai'(Sungai Serai Hot Spring). I had finally arrived!


Sungai Serai Hot Spring in Hulu Langat is conveniently located right by the side of a busy main road. But thanks to the many trees planted in and around the site, bathers would somehow not get 'distracted' by sound and sight of the traffic. Indeed, I was quite surprise when I found out how 'serene' the site was despite its close proximity to the main road. I believe the bathers would enjoy a much greater experience when they visit the site at night. Less traffic and noise. The hot spring site is open daily until 10 pm.


Apart from the hot spring pool, the place also has a hot spring well. Located close to the pool, the well seemed to be a 'favorite' spot for the elderly visitors, especially the women. So, if one doesnt feel like 'dipping' his or herself in the pool, then one can still able to enjoy the hot spring by simply 'bathing' from this well. The well is also used to 'rinse' oneself after a 'dip' in the pool.

All in all, I would say that Sungai Serai Hot Spring is a nice, cosy 'alternative' outing site for dwellers of Kuala Lumpur city. It may be small in size and facilities provided are very basic indeed, but then again, I would not mind coming to this place again... and again... and again simply because it is so very convenient to go to. And I always like it hot! And...errr...yeah...I enjoy watching Korean movies:)

The 'Hot Seats' of Sungai Serai Hot Spring

Korean couple enjoying the Hot Spring Pool. The Hot Spring Well is on the right, under the tree.

The Hot Spring Well