Kampung Pesang River Lodge — A Hidden Riverside Gem Near Kuching

The Vibe

This is a kampung-run spot, and that's exactly what makes it special. Kampung Pesang River Lodge is a community initiative by the locals of Kampung Pesang, about an hour and a half out of Kuching. It's not a commercial glamping resort. It's not some Instagram-engineered campsite. It's a proper riverside hangout spot where the villagers themselves are your hosts — and they're genuinely friendly people.

The setup is simple: wooden pondoks (huts) with designated camping stations, BBQ pits, a river you can actually swim in, and enough shade from the surrounding trees and bamboo that you're not baking in the sun. The river is waist-deep, clear and cool — perfect for families or anyone who just wants to lepak in the water and forget the week ever happened. There's something very grounding about a place that still feels like it belongs to the people who live there.

Heads up though — this spot draws a mix of picnic-day-trippers and overnight campers. Some people come just for the day, others pitch tents and stay. Either way, the vibe is relaxed and unhurried. Families love it here. Repeat visitors too — there are people who've been back three times already, which tells you something.

Getting There

You're heading to Siburan, which is about 1.5 hours from Kuching. The address sits off an unnamed road in the 94700 Siburan area — so don't rely purely on your GPS. Drop the Google Maps CID link (https://maps.google.com/?cid=7871803766457207806) into your phone before you leave and follow that.

One reviewer mentioned the road in is "quite adventurous" — so expect some rural kampung roads. Nothing that requires a 4WD, but maybe don't bring a lowered Myvi and expect a smooth ride. Along the way, look out for Juju Minimarket — that's your last stop for snacks and drinks before you reach the campsite. Stock up there.

When you arrive, if there's nobody around, call Pn Elisa. The number listed is 012-884 2327. The place isn't always staffed on the spot, but the hosts are responsive.

What to Expect

The campsite is structured around pondok stations — each one comes with a BBQ pit and a wash sink. Tents go right there at your station. A 3x3m tent fits, but it's snug. If you're bringing a bigger tent, call ahead and check. They also have tarps and rattan mats available if you need more floor space, which is a nice touch.

The river is the main draw. Clear water, cool, waist-deep. Great for kids. But — and this is important — during the rainy season the water gets murky and the current picks up. Not a great time to swim. One person specifically flagged this, so plan your trip around the dry season if river swimming is the point.

Mosquitoes? Surprisingly minimal, according to one camper. That's practically unheard of for a riverside jungle spot in Borneo. The nights get genuinely cold — colder than aircond, one guy said. Don't laugh, he's not wrong about how Sarawak nights can get. Bring a proper sleeping bag or at least a thick blanket.

This place is best for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a low-key riverside escape. Not for hardcore campers looking for a jungle challenge. Think of it as a relaxed nature retreat with some structure.

Facilities

Pondoks (Sheltered Huts)

Each camping station has a wooden hut. Good shade, solid structure. Tarps and rattan mats available if you need extra space.

BBQ Pits

Available at each station. Bring your own charcoal and food — there's no stall on site.

Wash Sinks

Each pondok station has one. Handy for washing up after a swim or prepping food.

Toilets

Available on site but positioned a bit further in from the camping area. Not right next to you, so midnight trips require a short walk.

Showers / Changing Rooms

Shower and changing facilities are available. Enough to clean up after a swim.

Lighting

Solar lighting built into the site. You won't be in total darkness at night, which is a bonus.

Parking

Parking is close to your camping area. Convenient — you don't have to haul everything far.

Entrance Fee

RM3 per person at the gate. Some activities or facilities may have additional charges — clarify this before you book. A few visitors were caught off guard by the add-ons.

What Campers Are Saying

One camper who drove up from Kuching said it took about an hour and a half, and the road getting there felt like part of the adventure. He bumped into friendly villagers and genuinely enjoyed being in the kampung atmosphere. For him, the whole experience — not just the campsite — was worth it.

A family who's visited three times already keeps coming back for one reason: it just works for families. Good facilities, friendly hosts, river access, shaded pondoks. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

One guy who camped overnight said something that stuck with me — the night was colder than his aircond at home. He also mentioned leaving jewellery behind as a sign of respect for the place. There's a cultural element here worth acknowledging. This is a village's project. Treat it accordingly.

The biggest gripe across reviews? Water quality when it rains. A few people mentioned murky water and slow flow on cloudy days — which does take the shine off a bit if swimming is your main goal. Time it right and you'll be fine. Don't, and you might spend your afternoon staring at brown water.

On the plus side — multiple reviewers mentioned the mosquito situation is surprisingly manageable. For a shaded riverside spot surrounded by jungle, that's honestly impressive. Nobody knows exactly why, but hey, we'll take it.

TAHAN Tip

Check the weather forecast for the Siburan area at least 3 days before you go. The river clears up fast after dry spells but turns murky quickly once the rain hits. If you see a run of dry days before your trip, that's your green light. Also — call ahead and ask specifically what the add-on charges are before you arrive. The entrance fee is RM3 per person, but there are extras for certain things. Know what you're paying before you get there so there are no surprises.

About Mike

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.

You Might Also Like

• Bako National Park Campsite — one of Sarawak's most iconic camping spots, with dramatic coastal scenery and real wildlife encounters right at camp.
• Que River Retreat — another riverside retreat in Sarawak worth checking out if you liked the laid-back river vibe of Kampung Pesang.