Bak Buan Kukuot Waterfall, Padawan -

One of the best things about Kuching is that it offers many outdoor activities. Like many locals, I, too, enjoy exploring the jungle with friends and family in my spare time. I love visiting waterfalls and fortunately, there’s one just slightly over an hour’s drive from the city centre.

Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall is a 2-tier waterfall located in Padawan, Kuching. It’s known as one of Kuching’s best waterfalls. Visitors will start their journey in Kampung Sadir, a small Bidayuh village, and it takes 90 minutes or more to reach the waterfall. There’s a jungle cafe near the falls.

If you travel from outside of Malaysia and already have plans to visit the Padawan area (maybe you’ve made plans to visit the Annah Rais Bidayuh longhouse), why not plan a trip to Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall, too? Keep reading for more info.

One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Kuching

While you can find lovely cascades across Kuching, finding a big waterfall in the area is not very common. Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall is one of the pretty ones you’ll find and the good news is it has no entrance fee. All you have to do is take a 90-minute hike through nature before being rewarded with an awe-inspiring sight of the falls.

As mentioned earlier, Kampung Sadir is located in Padawan. Padawan is a sub-district of the Kuching district and is home to many Bidayuh people. To get to Kampung Sadir, follow the sign to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and then to Borneo Highlands. I recommend carpooling to the village due to limited parking space.

Cross the Streams Carefully and Clear the Vegetation if You Must

From Kampung Sadir, you’ll have to cross a small bridge first. The bridge is made of bamboo. While bamboo is known for its toughness, it’s also known for being slippery when exposed to water. So, you’ll still want to be careful when crossing the bridge in wet conditions. You may come across a couple more similar crossings along the way.

There’s a lot of vegetation in the area and sometimes they can get in the way. Fortunately, most of the walking paths are often cleared since many locals visit the attraction, especially during the weekends. Don’t be surprised to see some people carrying machetes with them. It’s common. Your guide will likely have a machete. With a machete, branches can be easily cut and turned into walking sticks.

Wear Proper Shoes and Watch Your Steps

While you can wear running or walking shoes during your hike, consider wearing boots with good grips as the area can get quite muddy and slippery after the rain. Many opt for local black rubber boots, also known as ‘Adidas Kampung’. Adidas Kampung boots are cheap and you can get them for less than RM10.

Some people wear gumboots (yes, it’s not weird in Sarawak!). However, I don’t recommend gumboots because even though they keep the feet dry, they’re not comfortable to walk in for an extended period. Furthermore, many gumboots don’t have the best grips and can easily get slippery, especially on wet wood.

Take a Break and Don’t Rush

Some areas don’t have coverage from the sun, so you’ll sweat and dehydrate quicker there during hot weather. Make sure to carry enough water with you and take breaks from time to time. There are places to rest along the way. This area is where locals plant paddy. I liked the view here.

Before reaching the falls, you may come across a small hut locally known as ‘beri’ where you can take a break and relax. My family and I spent about 15 minutes at the hut just relaxing and enjoying the view. We also took some memorable photos. However, we left as soon as members from another group arrived. We reckoned that they, too, would want to hang around the hut.

Stop by a Jungle Cafe for Some Food and Beverages

Based on what I read online, visitors can visit a jungle cafe for some hot drinks and food near the falls, such as forest tea in bamboo and hot noodles with ginger buds. The cafe is run by a local, Mr Andy Hosen. The idea behind the cafe is to save visitors the hassle of carrying their own food to the falls. I didn’t get to experience the cafe as it wasn’t there during my visit.

Pay Attention to the Plants and Animals Around You

The area has many interesting local plants. I came across big local leaves, which are commonly used for wrapping food like rice. There are also ferns and pitcher plants in the area.

I didn’t see any big animals in the jungle. However, the sounds of birds and crickets were hard to ignore. They were very loud. I didn’t see any leeches during my visit, thankfully. Still, I advise people to wear long pants. That’s because some grasses are sharp and can irritate the skin. Also, there are mosquitoes around. Watch out for black ants. Their bites can really pack a punch.

Is Visiting Bak Buan Kukuot Waterfall Free?

Visiting Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall is not free. While there’s no entrance fee to enjoy the waterfall, visitors must hire a local guide. Our guide’s service charges were based on head counts; RM12 per person back in 2020.

If you don’t want to plan your trip with a local travel agent, you can ask the local villagers for a local guide’s contact. Our guide was Mr Michael and his service was impromptu. I recommend booking a guide before getting there, though. The village receives many visitors, so local guides may not always be available, especially during weekends and public holidays.

In general, Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall is family-friendly. However, young children must always be under adult supervision. That’s because some parts of the falls are deep and may be unsuitable for very small kids. Swimming close to the waterfall can also be dangerous for little children due to the rushing water from above.

There’s a bathroom in Kampung Sadir where you can relieve yourself, shower, or change clothes after your trip to the falls. Also, there are other beautiful waterfalls nearby, such as Skedu Fall, Ban Buan Sadir Fall, and Mabi Fall.

Is Visiting Bak Buan Kukuot Waterfall Worth It?

Visiting Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall is worth it. The waterfall is beautiful and perfect for taking memorable photos with your loved ones. Plus, the water is clean and cool. This attraction is still quite underrated, making it especially perfect for foreign tourists looking to go off the beaten path.

Would I return to Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall? Absolutely, yes. I’d love to take my friends to the falls where we can sip hot forest tea in bamboo together and admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Borneo.

By making a trip to the waterfall, visitors also get the chance to have a glimpse of how local people in the area live. When I arrived at the village, I came across both kids and adults each carrying a bag of stones on their head. I don’t know if I can do that. Those bags of stones looked heavy. The locals were warm and helpful. They were the ones who informed us that we needed a guide and then introduced us to one.

Final Thoughts

Should you visit Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall? Yes, especially if you like outdoor activities. By visiting Bak Buan Kukuot waterfall, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life while also supporting small businesses. I recommend visiting the falls in a group.

If you plan to dine at the jungle cafe, make sure to bring enough cash, preferably in smaller notes for easier transactions. Don’t forget your bug repellent, water, and sun lotion. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun. Happy travels!