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!