Damai Beach
A beachfront resort in Kuching, Sarawak, offering sea views, lush nature, and a relaxed escape with potential for dated facilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Damai Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beachfront resort in Kuching, Sarawak, offering sea views, lush nature, and a relaxed escape with potential for dated facilities.
"The surrounding nature was the only saving grace. Great sunset views."
🚗 Rent a car for freedom
E-hailing is fine for Kuching city, but rent a car for easy access to Damai & Santubong.
🌅 Chase the sunset
The sunsets here are legendary and a must-see!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the South China Sea. A truly magical end to any day.
Lush Borneo Rainforest
Resort grounds and surrounding areas
Immerse yourself in the vibrant greenery of Borneo. Explore walking trails and enjoy the natural habitat.
Beachside Activities
Damai Beach
Enjoy a range of fun activities like banana boat rides and ATVs for an adventurous beach experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a car for freedom
E-hailing is fine for Kuching city, but rent a car for easy access to Damai & Santubong.
🌅 Chase the sunset
The sunsets here are legendary and a must-see!
🌿 Explore the nature
Enjoy the lush greenery and walking trails around the resort.
💰 Value for money?
Can be great value in low season, but check room conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a car for freedom
E-hailing is fine for Kuching city, but rent a car for easy access to Damai & Santubong.
🌅 Chase the sunset
The sunsets here are legendary and a must-see!
🌿 Explore the nature
Enjoy the lush greenery and walking trails around the resort.
💰 Value for money?
Can be great value in low season, but check room conditions.
⏳ Be patient at breakfast
Breakfast can get busy; providing your room number might speed things up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Damai Beach Resort offers a mixed bag of experiences. Guests consistently praise its stunning natural setting, breathtaking sunsets, and the friendly, helpful staff. However, many reviews point to dated facilities and a lack of consistent maintenance, which can detract from the overall experience, especially considering the price point.
"Everything about this hotel is old, not maintained and falling apart. We stayed in one of the hilltop bungalows. The wooden walk ways are in disrepair. The water barely heated up. The electricity went out at least once per night. The wifi did NOT work at all and when we asked the front desk, receptionist was short tempered and explained it was due to the weather. I highly doubt it was due to the weather as we stayed 3D2N and it was never fixed. The breakfast is below average. For the price you pay, this is absolutely not worth it compared to reports in Langkawi, Bali, Phuket.
The surrounding nature was the only saving grace. Great sunset views. We wanted to check out and move hotels after one night but stayed as we already paid so much per night."
pjk Jaykay
"We had a wonderful stay at this resort. It is a large complex with all the facilities you could need, offering plenty of swimming pools and entertainment options. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, providing a very comfortable atmosphere. While the bathroom could benefit from an update in the future, it still feels charming and functional.
One of the highlights was the breathtaking view from our room, overlooking the bay and sea, with stunning mountain ridges covered in jungle. The resort itself is filled with lush greenery, exactly what you would expect from Borneo. There are also lovely walking trails nearby, perfect for nature lovers.
Housekeeping was excellen timely and thoroug and the staff went above and beyond to provide outstanding service. They were always helpful and welcoming, which made our stay even more enjoyable.
The only thing to be mindful of is that breakfast can sometimes involve longer waiting times. Some guests queue to pay, but in our experience, providing your room number allowed you to move through more quickly. Additionally, shuttle buses run regularly through the resort. You can either wait at the stops or press the button to request one, and we never had to wait very long.
Overall, we had a fantastic experience here and would highly recommend this resort for anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable stay in a beautiful setting."
Marcel Terhoeve
"Where to start. Breakfast was sufficiently restocked during this holiday season. A big mess and long waiting times. The property itself seems to receive no maintenance which is visible all over. Outside and inside the rooms. The rooms (we had 10) that were all but clean, especially the bathrooms. When I mentioned this to the receptionist she didn’t say anything. Just repeated what I’ve said. No sorry or no emotion. Wifi in the room/lobby is sometimes on and most often off which is a thing for foreign visitors.
The food for lunch and dinner is perfect! Staff is friendly. Location is amazing."
Florisss van Berkel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
E-hailing services like Grab are readily available in Kuching city and can take you to Damai Beach. However, for more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas like Santubong, renting a car is highly recommended.
While e-hailing is convenient within Kuching, having your own transport or a rental car is best for exploring Damai Beach and the wider Santubong area at your own pace.
The journey from Kuching city to Damai Beach typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, shuttle buses run regularly throughout the Damai Beach Resort complex, making it easy to get around the property.
You will fly into Kuching International Airport (KCH), and then arrange transport to Damai Beach, which is about an hour's drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Damai Beach is part of the Damai Beach Resort. Access to the beach itself is generally free, but if you wish to use resort facilities or stay overnight, you'll need to book accommodation.
The resort facilities, including pools and dining, are typically open from morning until evening. Specific hours for activities may vary.
While the beach is accessible, some activities or specific areas within the resort might have associated fees. It's best to check with the resort directly for the most current information.
You can visit the public access areas of Damai Beach. However, to enjoy resort amenities like pools or specific dining options, booking a stay is usually required.
No, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a separate event held at the Sarawak Cultural Village nearby. Beach access is independent of festival tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include lounging by the pool, enjoying beachside fun, banana boat rides, ATVs, and simply relaxing by the sea. 
Yes, Damai Beach offers a relaxing environment with activities that can be enjoyed by families. The spacious rooms and natural surroundings are appealing.
Reviews are mixed. Some guests find rooms spacious and comfortable with great views, while others note that facilities can be dated and in need of maintenance. +1
WiFi reliability can be an issue, with some guests reporting it being intermittent or not working at all, sometimes attributed to weather.
The resort has regular shuttle bus services. You can wait at designated stops or request one by pressing a button.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers casual dining options. Lunch and dinner food is often described as perfect by guests, though breakfast can be a point of contention.
Breakfast is typically included for guests staying at the resort. However, be prepared for potential waiting times during peak seasons.
While the resort has dining facilities, exploring nearby Santubong or Kuching city offers a wider variety of local culinary experiences.
Specific dietary options are not frequently mentioned, but it's advisable to inquire with the restaurant staff upon arrival for available choices.
During Ramadan, Iftar (breaking of fast) meals are offered and can be a pleasant experience with good food and company.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself during sunset, the lush resort grounds with their tropical flora, and the sea views from the rooms offer excellent photo opportunities.
While not a primary wildlife sanctuary, the surrounding rainforest offers a chance to see local flora and fauna. Early mornings or late afternoons might be best.
Golden hours, especially during sunrise and sunset, provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the resort management or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
The natural landscape, including the beach, sea, and surrounding jungle-covered hills of Santubong, are the main photographic draws.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the resort's shuttle service for easy navigation with children. While breakfast can be busy, providing your room number might help expedite the process. The overall atmosphere is conducive to a peaceful family getaway, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Sarawak.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to experience a beachside getaway without breaking the bank. However, it's advisable to manage expectations regarding the condition of some facilities. To maximize value, consider focusing on the natural attractions and the beautiful sunset views, which are free. If you plan to explore beyond the resort, renting a car might be more cost-effective than relying solely on e-hailing for longer distances.
couples
Enjoy leisurely walks along the beach or simply unwind by the sea with a drink. While some facilities may be older, the peaceful ambiance and the attentive staff can contribute to a pleasant stay. Consider booking a room with a sea view for an enhanced romantic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Damai Beach Resort's Appeal
However, recent reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding the resort's upkeep. While the surrounding nature and sunset views are consistently praised as saving graces, some guests point out that the facilities, including walkways and rooms, can be dated and in need of maintenance. Issues like inconsistent water heating, WiFi problems, and even air-conditioning malfunctions have been reported.
For travelers considering a stay, it's important to balance the resort's natural beauty and potential for relaxation with the possibility of encountering older infrastructure. The resort's value proposition can be particularly strong during the low season, with room rates sometimes being quite affordable.
Ultimately, Damai Beach Resort offers a unique blend of natural charm and resort amenities, making it a memorable, albeit sometimes imperfect, destination.Navigating Kuching and Beyond: Transport Tips
However, for excursions beyond the city limits, particularly to places like Damai Beach and the Santubong peninsula, renting a car is often the preferred option. This provides the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, stop at scenic viewpoints, and access attractions that might be less served by public transport or e-hailing. The drive to Damai Beach from Kuching is scenic and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Within the Damai Beach Resort complex, shuttle buses operate regularly, making it easy to move between different areas of the resort, such as the rooms, pools, and beach. This service is appreciated by guests, reducing the need for extensive walking within the large property.
Capturing the Essence of Damai Beach
Beyond the beach, the resort is enveloped by the lush Borneo rainforest, offering opportunities to photograph vibrant flora and the unique textures of tropical vegetation. Walking trails within the resort grounds can lead to hidden scenic spots. The views from the rooms, often overlooking the bay and jungle-clad mountains, also present excellent photographic potential.
For the best photographic results, aim for the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, enhancing the colors and mood of your images. While the resort itself is the main focus, the surrounding Santubong area also offers scenic vistas worth exploring with your camera.
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