Y Riverside Padawan — The Chill Sarawak Spot You Didn't Know You Needed
The Vibe
Y Riverside in Padawan is the kind of place you'd bring your whole family on a lazy weekend and just... breathe. It's a riverside picnic and camping spot about 30 minutes outside Kuching, and the main draw is a calm, clear river that's shallow enough for kids to splash around without you having a heart attack. No rapids, no drama — just cool flowing water surrounded by jungle.
The place has a very kampung-style feel to it. Bamboo pathways, tanjus (traditional open huts) right by the river, BBQ pits, the sound of water constantly in the background. Mei Ling, the host, is the kind of person who makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. She hands you a bin bag, tells you what's good around the area, and genuinely cares that you leave the place the way you found it. That kind of energy is rare.
This is NOT a hardcore camping spot. It's mellow, family-friendly, and honestly perfect for people who want nature without the suffering. But yes — you can pitch your own tent and stay overnight. Rhema from the reviews mentioned that overnight camping with your own tent is actually free on top of the entry fee. That's a solid deal.
Getting There
The address is Siburan, 94700, Sarawak — which puts it in the Padawan district, roughly 30–40 minutes southwest of Kuching city. Head towards Siburan town and look out for signage to Y Riverside. The road leading in is a bit steep but short — less than 500 metres — so most normal cars should handle it fine. No 4WD needed. Parking is available on site. If you're not sure about the exact turn, call ahead: 014-392 5044. Mei Ling will sort you out.
What to Expect
The river is the star here. Clear, not deep, cooling — ideal for families with young kids. The tanjus are big enough for a group of 10, come with wooden tables and chairs, a sink nearby, and a BBQ pit. The bamboo walkways are well-maintained and not slippery, which is a relief when kids are running around everywhere.
Crowd-wise, expect this to be a local favourite — especially on weekends. It's the kind of spot Kuching families visit regularly, so it might get busy on public holidays. For campers, the vibe is relaxed and low-key. You're not trekking in, you're not roughing it. Bring your tent, set it up near the river, listen to the water, done. Best suited for beginners, families, and anyone just looking for an easy getaway close to Kuching.
If you're planning to stay overnight, the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad is worth throwing in the boot — the ground near the river can be uneven and having a proper 10cm pad makes a big difference for a good night's sleep, especially with kids in tow.
Facilities
Tanju (Riverside Huts)
Available for rent at RM60. Comes with wooden tables, chairs, a nearby sink, and a BBQ pit. Fits up to 10 pax comfortably. Bring your own mat — the floor is bare wood and you'll want the cushioning.
Toilets
Available at the entrance. Clean, and you can shower inside. No extra charge. For a semi-wild riverside spot, this is better than most.
BBQ Pit
Included with the tanju rental. Bring your own charcoal and ingredients — there's no mention of any on-site food stall.
Rubbish Disposal
No bins at the tanju itself. You'll get a bin bag from Mei Ling. Collect your rubbish and dispose of it at the registration area on the way out. Straightforward system — just follow it.
Parking
Available on site. Road up is steep but short. Normal cars are fine.
Campsite
You can pitch your own tent here and stay overnight. No extra charge beyond the entry fee (RM5 for adults, RM3 for children).
What Campers Are Saying
Multiple reviewers brought up the same thing — the river is calm and just the right depth for kids. One reviewer, Shanta, specifically called it out as safe for children to swim, which is something you don't hear often enough at riverside spots. For parents, that matters.
Marcin, a visitor who clearly wasn't local, made a point to highlight Mei Ling by name. Said she's one of the friendliest Sarawakians he's met — she helps you get set up, gives you tips on what's nearby, and actually cares about the environment. He also mentioned you can grab a natural Ribena (that's roselle drink, for those not in the know) or a cold beer. Good woman.
The cleanliness of the place comes up in basically every review. Someone gave it 100% on cleanliness — which, honestly, is rare for any outdoor spot. The management here takes it seriously and the bin bag system seems to actually work because visitors respect it.
Michael called it "truly a picnic area" — and he didn't mean that as a knock. The water flows seamlessly, the tanju is spacious, the BBQ pit rounds it out. He said the money was well spent, and based on everything else people are saying, hard to disagree.
TAHAN Tip
If you're renting the tanju, bring a karpet or foam mat. The wooden platform is clean but bare — sitting on it for hours without cushioning gets uncomfortable fast, especially if you've got older folks or kids with you. The tanju is close to the river, so it's cool and breezy, but once you settle in you won't want to move. Make that comfort count. And if you're staying overnight, set up your tent sooner rather than later — the riverside spots are the best, and on weekends they go fast.
For overnight stays, don't forget a lantern — there's no mention of electricity at the campsite proper. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern is rechargeable, has four lighting modes, and doubles as a powerbank — useful when you're camping off-grid next to a river in Padawan.
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
- Que River Retreat — another riverside escape in Sarawak that's worth the detour if you're already in the area.
- Bako National Park Campsite — if you want to go deeper into Sarawak's wild side after a chilled day at Y Riverside.
