5 spots near Kuching for stargazing
Sarawak, a land of untamed rainforests and rugged coastlines, is not only rich in biodiversity but also in celestial wonders. Away from the glare of city lights, its secluded highlands, pristine beaches, and dense national parks offer some of the best stargazing spots in Malaysia. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Sarawak.
1. Kampung Sapit
Tucked away in the highlands of Sarawak, Kampung Sapit is emerging as a top destination for astrotourism. With minimal light pollution and a sky classified under Bortle Scale Class 2, this remote village offers an unparalleled view of celestial wonders. Visitors can gaze at the Milky Way, the Triangulum Galaxy, and countless constellations with the naked eye.
Local operators have embraced this unique appeal by developing astronomy glamping sites like Shiroh Chalet & Campsite, Kiyau Campsite, De Remin, and Sunrise View Village Stay. These sites combine the beauty of nature with the thrill of stargazing, offering dome-shaped tents, eco-friendly lighting, and guided night sky tours. Enthusiasts can bring their own telescopes or join expert-led sessions to explore the cosmos.
The rise of astrotourism in Kampung Sapit not only enhances its appeal but also promotes sustainable tourism. This in turn benefits the local community while preserving the pristine environment.
Photo credit: DayakDaily
2. Borneo Highlands
Perched high on a plateau in the Penrissen Range, straddling the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, Borneo Highlands is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. While its lush rainforests, winding trails, and mist-laden golf course draw visitors during the day, it is when the sun dips below the horizon that the highlands reveal their most magical offering – an unspoiled, glittering night sky.
Far from the city lights of Kuching, Borneo Highlands boasts one of the best natural settings for stargazing in Sarawak. The altitude and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to witness celestial wonders. On a clear night, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, with the Milky Way stretching across in breathtaking clarity.
For the best experience, visitors can stargaze from the resort’s open areas, where the vast night sky is unobstructed by artificial lights. The crisp highland air enhances the experience, though a windbreaker is recommended as temperatures can drop
3. Damai, Santubong
Damai is well known for its beach with golden shores, breathtaking sunsets, and lush rainforest backdrop. But when the sun gives way to the night sky, Damai Beach holds an often-overlooked secret – its potential as a stargazing haven. With Mount Santubong shielding it from the glare of city lights, Damai Beach enjoys relatively dark skies, making it an inviting location for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. On clear nights, the celestial display unfolds above the gentle waves, offering a view of constellations, planets, and the luminous path of the Milky Way.
The best stargazing spots are along the quieter stretches of the beach, away from resort lights. Bring a mat, lie back on the soft sand, and watch as the night sky comes alive with twinkling stars and the occasional shooting star streaking across the darkness. One of the unique stargazing experiences at Damai Beach happens during nights when the moon is full or near full. The silvery glow reflects off the calm waters, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
While the night sky is a highlight, Damai offers plenty of nature-based activities to complement your visit. Daytime adventures include trekking the trails of Mount Santubong National Park, exploring the mangrove forests of the Kuching Wetlands National Park, or setting out on a wildlife cruise in search of the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins. For those wanting a cultural touch, the Sarawak Cultural Village offers an immersive experience of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic heritage.
4. Bako National Park
By day, Bako National Park is a living showcase of Borneo’s natural wonders. The air hums with the chatter of proboscis monkeys leaping through the trees, the rustle of bearded pigs foraging along the forest floor, and the occasional splash of a monitor lizard slipping into a jungle stream. But as the sun dips below the horizon and the park’s famous trails fade into darkness, the park transforms into a stargazing haven.
Bako’s remote location and lack of artificial light make it an unexpectedly stunning place to take in the night sky. With no city glow to interfere, the stars emerge in full brilliance. Here, away from urban distractions, the Milky Way stretches boldly across the sky, its delicate river of light weaving through the constellations. For those staying overnight at the park, the opportunity to gaze upward is a special reward.
The experience is made even more enchanting by the sounds of Bako’s nocturnal wildlife at night. Though stargazing may not be an advertised highlight of Bako, it is an undeniable bonus for those who stay after sunset.
Photo credit: Stargazer Society
5. Telok Melano
There’s a rare kind of magic in Telok Melano when night falls. Far removed from city lights, this secluded coastal paradise at the southernmost tip of Sarawak offers one of the most pristine stargazing experiences in the region.
Witness the Milky Way stretching across the sky, a dazzling river of stars flowing through the darkness. On clear nights, constellations twinkle vividly, planets shine like distant beacons, and the occasional shooting star streaks across the heavens. The absence of light pollution makes Telok Melano a hidden gem for astrophotography enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape.
The nights here offer a humbling reminder of the vast universe above. In Telok Melano, stargazing is an invitation to pause, breathe, and marvel at the wonders of the night sky in one of Sarawak’s most beautiful hidden corners.
LOOK TO THE SKIES
Stargazing in Sarawak is an experience that connects you to the vastness of the universe while being surrounded by the beauty of Borneo’s landscapes. The next time you find yourself in Sarawak, take a moment to gaze upward. The stars above this mystical land might just leave you breathless.