Franz ElizIn a previous post, I discussed my experience at Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall in Kampung Sadir, Padawan. While the 2-tier waterfall is still underrated amongst tourists from outside of Sarawak, it is quite popular among local tourists. If you prefer somewhere quieter and less crowded, consider visiting Baan Gong waterfall in Kampung Sikog, Siburan.
Baan Gong waterfall is a hidden gem in Kampung Sikog that despite being less known to the public is slowly gaining popularity in recent years. It’s free to enter. To get there, visitors need to walk through the jungle for 20 minutes or more, depending on their walking pace.
In this article, I’ll discuss my journey to Baan Gong waterfall with friends and family in 2020. Special thanks to Madam Lichy and her family for organising this trip. Now, let’s get started.
A Beautiful, Underrated Waterfall in Kuching
One of the best things about Baan Gong waterfall is its secludeness. In general, it’s not a very touristy attraction. There is not much information about the waterfall, indicating how low-profile it is. But as more people visit the attraction and share their experiences, it wouldn’t be surprising if the waterfall became more popular next time.
I discovered the Baan Gong waterfall through Madam Lichy, the owner of Penot Borneo Jungle Stay. My family and her family went to the waterfall together for a picnic. It was fun and we had the waterfall all to ourselves.
Local Villagers Can Guide You if You Ask
When visiting a local village, it might be a good idea to inform the village people why you’re there, especially if it’s your first visit. You’ll likely be passing someone’s land on your way to the waterfall. Also, a villager can point you in the right direction and may also share with you tips and what you should know.
Suppose you need a guide. You could ask around for someone to take you to the waterfall. Your guide may charge you, so it would help to bring some cash.
The Jungle Walk Is Easy
Before reaching the waterfall, you’ll need to walk through people’s ‘kebun’ or orchard and then a lush jungle. While you’re at it, don’t forget to enjoy your surroundings. You’ll come across many trees, flowers, and small animals in the jungle. We saw bamboo, parasitic plants, and more, including a flower that looked like the COVID-19 virus!
We came across a small stream. Since the water level was high, our shoes got wet; we didn’t mind wetting our shoes. My aunt and mom wore gumboots, so the water wasn’t a problem. Later on, we came across several more streams.
There Are Two Waterfalls in the Area
After about 20 minutes of walking through the jungle, we finally saw the first waterfall. It may be smaller than the main falls but looks nice regardless. Baan Gong waterfall is a little further away, accessible by cement stairs. The stairs can be quite slippery when wet, so be careful. There are many rocks in the area and while it’s okay to walk on them, watch your steps as they, too, can be slippery.
We walked further up until we arrived at the Baan Gong waterfall. The water was cool and clean, with a bluish appearance. There are many rocks in the river, making it easy for non-swimmers to enjoy a dip in the water without needing to float. However, since some parts of the falls are deep, it’s important for non-swimmers to stay in shallow areas. The kids in our group happily leapt from the rocks into the river.
Overall, Baan Gong waterfall has to be one of my favourite waterfalls in Kuching. Since it’s not a very touristy place, it lacks facilities. Since there was no proper place to store my belongings, I simply left my bag on the ground. I recommend using a dry bag when visiting the waterfall.
Is Baan Gong Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Baan Gong waterfall is worth visiting. It’s beautiful and is a great place for people to relax and enjoy nature. While a to-and-fro trip to the falls involves about an hour (or less) of walking, the walk is easy and generally suitable for fairly active and healthy people of all age groups.
As discussed, the attraction is free for all to enjoy. But I doubt it will remain free as soon as its popularity gains traction. That said, take the opportunity to visit the waterfall with your friends and family now. Despite the lack of public facilities, it’s still an excellent place for picnics.
Note: We did our visit on a weekday in 2020, which was probably why there were no other visitors. I reckon we wouldn’t have been the only ones there had we visited during the weekend or a public holiday.
Final Thoughts
Would I return to Baan Gong waterfall? A resounding yes. Should you consider visiting the waterfall? In an effort to encourage more people to explore their backyard, I’d say yes, I recommend you to visit Baan Gong waterfall. Happy travels! 🎈
