Serenity at Kampung Sting

Just 50km outside Kuching city is the village of Sting, a unique rural escape high above the clouds. Formerly a part of Kampung Bojong, Sting is a resettled Bidayuh village located on the higher grounds of the Bengoh mountain range in Padawan.

Here, the majestic view of the vast Bengoh Lake reigns supreme and the gentle slopes teeming with flora and fauna are an ode to the Bengoh range. An overnight vacation at Sting is guaranteed to ease those burnouts from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Journey deep into Bengoh range

Kampung Sting is not directly accessible by road. After arriving at the gates of Bengoh Dam, hop on a boat for a relaxing 20-minute boat ride across the vast Bengoh Lake. Part of what makes this man-made lake charming is the surrounding landscape of lush hills and gushing waterfalls pouring into the lake.

Because Bengoh Lake serves as a water catchment for the surrounding areas in Kuching, water-based activities are kept at a minimum to reduce the impact of water pollution and flooding during wet seasons. The pristine condition of the lake and pleasant pace of the boat ride will surely seep tranquillity within you. That is, until your boat reaches the bank of Sting foothills, which is only the beginning of your serene getaway.

Depending on your stamina, reaching the village from the bank takes about 20 minutes of trekking uphill. So, enjoy the sightseeing tour of Bengoh Lake while it lasts.

Ecotourism escape

Sting offers an ecotourism escape whereby visitors will get to experience a traditional daily life of the friendly Bidayuh villagers living here. The indigenous folks in Sting practice an agrarian lifestyle. They thrive on the natural wealth of the tropical rainforest, where fruit orchards and pepper plantations require no pesticides. Needless to say, the home-cooked meals here are certainly very fresh.

Sunsets at Sting are breath-taking, but the sunrise is something else altogether. We’re talking about waking up to a jaw-dropping view of misty clouds blanketing over Bengoh Lake, with a backdrop of the mountainous Bengoh range over the horizon. Definitely a scene you won’t be able to forget! The unparalleled postcard-perfect view of Bengoh makes the tree house perched at the edge of the village a popular Insta-worthy attraction among visitors. Set your alarms early so you can feel the morning breeze and not miss Sting’s enchanting vista.

Waterfall seekers would appreciate a hike to the falls of Kling and Susung. But before you dip into the cooling waters of the three-tiered curtain falls, Kling, muster all your courage for a walk across a bamboo bridge suspended by steel braided cables. If you are afraid of heights, this will be a nerve-wracking experience. With your fingers all wrinkled from soaking in the waterfall, enjoy a local style lunch, whereby everything is cooked in bamboo - rice, fish, and chicken, etc. One round of meal would not be enough. You will definitely need more energy to continue hiking to the final pitstop, Susung waterfall, before you head back to the city.

So, pack your bags and get set for adventure and absolute serenity at Kampung Sting.