Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is a major event for many music fans in Malaysia and beyond

The Rainforest World Music Festival ia a huge event for music fans from Malaysia and beyond.

There are several hotels in Damai, the festival area about 40km from Kuching,

Even the state-owned property, Permai Rainforest Resort, a basic, no-frills property popular with the locals, has doubled its rates this year.

Part of the reasons for this could be because the resort’s management has been leased out to the private sector.

Staying at one of Permai’s cabins during the festival used to cost about RM200 a night three years ago. Last year the rates were raised drastically to RM558 a night.

This year 2009, it’s a whopping RM825. Consequently, many who have stayed there have decided either not to stay at Permai (once the cheapest place) or skip this year’s three-night event altogether.

The price increase is surprising, considering Permai is a state-owned resort, not to mention the little matter of the world’s economic outlook.

It also puts a damper on the efforts of the festival organiser, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), which started the fest in 1998 and turned it into a huge event. The beneficiaries of Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival’s success, among others, are the resorts.

The Sarawak State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which owns the resort, says it has no say regarding the room rates. It’s entirely up to Damai Rainforest Resort Sdn Bhd, the company running the resort.


According to Wan Yiz Ozman, director of SEDC’s Tourism & Leisure Division, “The resort has spent a considerable amount of money to upgrade the property. Naturally, they would have to recoup their investment. Thus, charging higher rates during peak season would be an appropriate and normal strategy to boost their revenue.”

How much this investment amounted to and what the money went into remain unknown. The SEDC did not want to disclose the duration of the concession given to the company nor how much the lease costs.

Damai Rainforest Resort Sdn Bhd refused to respond to questions about tariff hike, and those pertaining to the terms of their contract. The company also did not want to comment on the trend of price hikes every year during RWMF, or whether the public can expect another increase next year. This year, a very basic two-room cabin will cost RM3,300 for four nights, up from RM2,332. A one-bed treehouse cabin package that cost RM1,048 last year is being quoted at RM2,499 this year, a jump of almost 250%. And this for a resort that is pretty basic.

RWMF organiser STB says it has been trying to keep costs low. STB feels that the entry ticket of RM90 a day is reasonable.

“The festival has become much more expensive to organise as flight fares and performers’ fees have gone up but we have maintained the ticket price,” says Gracie Gelkie, CEO of STB.

Frustratingly for STB, other parties are making their job more difficult.

“I see this as the usual situation of a successful event benefiting the locality as well as destination. Of course, we will have some bad hats trying to make a quick buck by overcharging or cheating.

“I just hope all will understand that we need everybody else’s effort to help us sustain this event for its own future.”

The Sarawak SEDC owns several properties in Damai. Besides Permai Rainforest Resort, there’s the SEDC-managed Damai Beach Resort and Damai Puri Resort, all located on public property. These five-star hotels charge from RM640 a night per room during the festival.

Currently, there seems to be a lack of affordable accommodation. Visitors from Peninsular Malaysia attending the festival can expect to spend in excess of RM1,000 each for the four-day period, making visiting foreign destinations cheaper in comparison.

“It’s costly. I only spent RM1,200, including RM700 for the flight, for 10 days of travelling in Myanmar,” says Dr Andy Dhillon, 37. Visiting Angkor Wat for a week is also more affordable.

Something is not right when Malaysians have to spend more travelling locally than overseas.

Bodies like SEDC and tourism authorities need to take action when counter-productive situations arise.

Policies on sustainable tourism, an alien concept to some in the country, are needed.

It’s situations like this that ultimately lead to tourists shunning a destination in favour of better options.

Right now, Penang seems to have emerged as an alternative to RWMF. Since 2007, the state has been organising the Penang World Music Festival. The acts have been world-class and the venue attractive (The Botanical Gardens).

Cost-wise, it’s also a lot cheaper since the hotels are reasonably priced. This year’s event takes place from Nov 20-22.

Although corporate responsibility might be a new concept, tourism operators still owe the public a duty to be reasonable and not to act on short-term gains.

Whether or not RWMF will end up like the goose that laid the golden eggs as a result of profiteering remains to be seen. But many festival-goers are clearly not happy.

Henry Tan, 29, who has attended five times, says he is opting out this year.

“The price of food and drinks should be lower as the festival venue. We spend almost the entire day for three days at the venue.

“We have no choice but to eat there, and end up spending quite a lot on food, which is priced quite high.”

Ovidia Wang, 21, who went last year, is also giving the festival a miss.

“The cost of a room is just way too expensive this year. I won’t be going for the festival. I’m throwing away my air ticket.”

The Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival is on from July 10 - 12.

 

Santubong Beach (30 minutes drive from Kuching City)

Damai Beach Resort (formerly Holiday Inn Resort) , Kuching

Damai Beach Resort Kuching is a famous beach resort situated around 45km from the City of Kuching City. The resort is sited on 90 acres of lush gardens, by the majestic Mount Santubong, facing the South China Sea.

If you have made a reservation with the hotel, there are shuttle services provided to pick you up at the Kuching City and it takes about 35 minutes to reach your dream resort.

The Damai Beach Resort (formerly known as the Holiday Inn Resort  Damai Beach) has  has 256 comfortably furnished rooms. You can choose between room at the main buildings or in the chalets on the hillsides. Every room is with magnificent views of the sea or the lush greenery of Mount Santubong.

It is a very beautiful and a great place to relax and stay near the beach at the resort. You can enjoy probably the most beautiful sunset in the world on the fairly quiet beach. On a clear day, the beach offers spectacular sunsets, as the sun sinks slowly into the sea framed by Sarawak’s rolling hills on one side and scattered island on the other. You can even choose to swim in Damai Beach Resort large swimming pool with red wine served.

Many water sport activities like canoeing, sailing in catamarans, jet and water skiing and windsurfing are available for the resort in-house guests. If you like to explore the local villages, mountain bikes are available for hiring at a cheap rate.

 

Kuching's popular beach area is about 40 minutes drive or 35 km north of the city. Among the attractions in the area include the Sarawak Cultural Village, Mount Santubong trekking (810 m), superb Seafood Restaurants, 18-holes Golf Course (legendary Arnold Palmer design) and luxury Beach & Jungle Resorts. Tours or excursions to nearby Satang Island, Wildlife Cruise, and Mountain climbing can be arranged from various resorts. Tours are operated by travel agents based at the resorts.  

Described as a unique living museum, Sarawak Cultural Village offers the culture, arts and crafts of the State's many ethnic groups In a 7 hectare site tucked on the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong.  

There are 7 authentic replicas of the ethnic houses of the major tribes In Sarawak The  Longhouses of the Bidayuh, Iban and the Orang Ulu, the Melanau Tall House, the Chinese Farm House, the Malay Stilted House and Penan Hut. Visitors will be Invited to take part In the various activities at each of the houses. Those who love traditional crafts will enjoy works from the craftsmen on display In each houses such as Pua Kumbu (Iban textiles), Kain Songket (Malay cloth with gold Inner lay), Melanau Terendak (sunhat), Bidayuh Tambok (basket), Iban Parang (swords), Orang Ulu wood carving and Chinese ceramics. Guests will also be entertained with 45-mlnute dally cultural performances of songs and dances.  

The village also offers a home stay experience called 'berambeh' for those who like to experience more of the Sarawakian hospitality and its traditions.

Please contact their Heritage Resource Centre for arrangement.  

Open Dally : 9:00am - 5:15pm Cultural Shows : 11.30am - 12.15pm (morning show) 4pm - 4:45pm (afternoon show)

Getting there : Shuttle bus leaves at regular Intervals from Holiday Inn Kuching, Crown Plaza Riverside & other major hotels (check with hotel receptions) Shuttle Bus Fare : RM10 one way Contact No : Tel: 082-846411 Fax: 082-846988 Email : 1nfo@scv.com.my

URL : www.scv.com.my

Located 32 km form Kuching and at the foothill of Mount Santubong; the village can be accessed by express boat or by taxi from Kuching. The village boasts of enthralling beaches and numerous archaeological sites. Tourist can see old and antique Hindu and Buddhist carvings near the Santubong River delta.

The village has a historical legacy; from 9th to 13th centuries, during the Tang and Sung dynasties, Santubong was one of the premium trading centres in the region.

There are a few interesting coastal villages (kampungs) in the Santubong Peninsula. The most accessible from Damai is Kampung Santubong, a well-kept Malay village at the foot of Mount Santubong. Buntal, a Malay fishing village just off the Kuching-Santubong road, is famous for the seafood restaurants perched on wooden stilts which line the shore. Rasir Panjang and Rasir Randak are two beach-side kampungs which are surrounded by small rolling hills, coconut groves and durian orchards. Although Santubong is within walking distance (4 km) from Damai beach, the other villages require transport.

The two Malay villages that are well- known In Damal area are the Santubong Village at the foot of Mount Santubong and the Buntal Village, which is just off the Kuching - Santubong road and is famous for its excellent seafood restaurants. Near Santubong there are two idyllic beach- side villages, Kampung Pasir Panjang and Kampung Pasir Pandak, both surrounded by rolling hills, coconut groves and durian orchards. It is just a few minutes drive from Damai beach.  

Some of the well-known seafood restaurants in the area are:  

a) Palm Garden Seafood Restaurant (Tel: 082-846698)  

b) Lim Hock Ann Seafood Restaurant (Tel: 082-846533)  

c) Teo Seafood (Tel: 082-846532)  

d) Beach Seafood Restaurant (Tel: 082-846711)  

e) Dayang Seafood Restaurant (Tel: 082-321345/010 8881726)

There are a number of jungle trekking and walking trails at Damai. The 'Santubong Jungle Trek' (blue trail markings) is a circular trail situated close to the hotels. The 2 km long trail takes 1-2 hours and begins at a 'Starter Hut' on the Santubong-Kuching Road. Pick up a trail map from hotel recreation counters. Damai Rainforest Resort also maintain a trail behind their activity centre. By far the toughest trek is the Mount Santubong Summit Trek (red trail markings) which takes 4-7 hours (up and down) depending on fitness and the route taken. Two trails lead to the summit. The 'Main Trail' starts near the resort hotels whilst a

'Short Cut' trail starts a few hundred metres past the Damai Lookout Point Seafood Restaurant on the Kuching-Santubong road. Whatever route you opt for it is essential to wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of drinking water. You can trek to the summit by yourself or go with a guide. Check with hotel recreation counters.

The Santubong Jungle Trek is a circular trekking trail located at the foothills of Santubong Mountain. There are few starting point for the mountain trek around the area, but suggested starting point is the one near Damai roundabout. The small shelter marks the starting point and also a pleasant place to dine. The clearly marked trail winds its way through the rainforest and passes jungle streams, dip pools and waterfalls. The trail is approximately 2 km long and the trek takes between 2 - 3 hours depending on fitness level and stopping times.  

BBQ areas and resting benches are located along the trail. The trail is open to the public. It is free of charge but at their own risk.  

As there are a number of unmarked tracks in the area, trekkers are advised to follow the signs carefully.  

For a guide, contact Recreational Counters:  

Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach Tel: 082-846999 or Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon Tel: 082-846900

This is a great way to experience sights, sounds and wildlife of the Santubong Peninsula. Salak River provides a perfect introduction to the mangrove forests Eco - Systems.  

Small group of Proboscis Monkeys often seen at the treetops in this area. At dusk, salt water crocodile commonly found on the mud banks and continued further upriver to watch the fireflies lit up the night.  

For a cruise tours, please contact the Tour Operator desk at the resort in Damai beach.

Damal is the best place to watch dolphins, particularly in Santubong, Salak and Buntal river estuaries. The Irrawaddy, or snub fin dolphin, are found in these estuaries and shallow coastal areas.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching: Damai is one of the best places in Sarawak to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, which inhabits rivers, estuaries and shallow coastal areas. The Santubong, Salak and Buntal river estuaries are good dolphin watching areas. The Irrawaddy is a relatively shy dolphin - it's usually hard to see so a good guide-cum-spotter is essential. CPH Travel was the first company to offer regular dolphin watching tours in the Damai area. Their boatmen and guides are familiar with the waters around Damai and the areas where the Irrawaddy is often seen. CPH run regular dolphin-spotting trips. Best from May to October, but also possible at other times if water conditions are right. Contact CPH at Tel: 243708.

Boat cruise can be arrange with the Tour Operator desk at Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon or Contact: CPH Travel Agencies Tel 082-243708   Fax 082-426981  

Email: cphtrvl@po.jaring.my  

URL www.cphtravel.com.my/cph  

Branch at Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon Tel: 082-846618  

Damai Golf Course & Country Club is the first Arnold Palmer - designed course in Malaysia. The setting is truly spectacular, bordering the foothill of Mount Santubong, the beach and the mangrove forests of the South China Sea.  

It was opened in 1996 and boasts a true elegance of a world-class 18-hole golf course.  

Damai Golf & Country Club

Jalan Santubong, PO Box 400, 93902
Kuching. Tel: 846088, Fax: 846044.

Arnold Palmer designed course featuring a Mountain Nine that sprawls over the foothills of Mount
Santubong, and an Ocean Nine which hugs the coastline and the mangrove forests. According to
Palmer, it's a "must-play course for those who love golf." Green fees RM 150-180 (weekends). Caddies RM 15-25. Promotional offers and discounts available.
  

Email: dgcc@po.jaring.my  

URL http: / /www.damaigolf.com.  

Water sports such as jet and water skiing, canoeing, sailing in catamarans and windsurfing are available for in-house guests at the resorts in Damai. Please contact directly the resort activity desk.  

Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon offer a range of waterspouts including jet skiing (RM 80 for 30 mins), canoeing (RM 12-20 per hour), sailing in catamarans (RM 70 per hour) and windsurfing (RM 50 per hour). Both hotels can also arrange coastal excursion trips and snorkelling and beachcombing trips. Further details and prices are available from the hotel's recreation counter or the boathouse. Permai Rainforest Resort rents sea kayaks (RM 15-30 single, RM 20-35, double) and can arrange guided kayaking trips and coastal cruises.

Resort rates include a 10% service charge and 5% government tax. Please check directly with the resorts for promotional rates which are sometimes available at certain period of the year. Rates also subject to revision.

Holiday Inn Resort Damal Beach Teluk Bandung, Santubong. Tel : 082-846999 Fax: 082-846777 Email : h1rdb02@po.jar1ng.my  

Damai Pun Resort & Spa Teluk Penyuk. Santubong Tel: 082-846900/846991 Fax: 082-846901  

Santubong Kuching Resort Jalan Pantal Damal, Santubong. Tel : 082-846888 Fax : 082-846666 Email: skresort@po.jar1ng.my  

Permai Rainforest Resort Teluk Penyuk, Santubong. Tel : 082-846490/846487 Fax : 082-846486 URL: www.permairainforest.com

Nanga Damai (Luxury Homestay) Jalan Sultan Tengah, Santubong. Fax : 082-414802 Email : nangadama1@hotma1l.com URL : www.nangadama1.com   

Just offshore are two small islands - Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil. Satang Besar has been designated as a Turtle Sanctuary to protect the Green Turtles which come ashore to lay eggs.

Bird Watching: The Santubong Peninsula offers a number of interesting sites for bird watching. Perhaps the best spot is Buntal village, an important wintering ground for migratory species. The whole Bako-Buntal Bay is now listed as an 'Important Bird Area' under Birdlife International's Asia programme. The best time for bird watching is from October to March, when large numbers of birds can be seen in the Buntal river estuary. These include a variety of plovers, terns, egrets, sandpipers and godwits plus some rare migrants. Resident birds often sighted include the white-bellied sea eagle, brahminy kite and collared kingfisher.