Things To Do
in Simanggang
Simanggang is a vibrant town in Malaysia that is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. It is located in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The town offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous communities in the region.
With its lush rainforests, scenic rivers, and diverse wildlife, Simanggang is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
- "Apa khabar?" - How are you?
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Tolong" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike in the nearby hills to soak in the lush greenery. Don't forget to capture the breathtaking views and unique flora along the way.
Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and try some delicious street food. Engage with locals and perhaps purchase some handcrafted souvenirs.
Witness a spectacular sunset by the riverbank while enjoying a leisurely stroll. Consider settling down at a local café for dinner and sampling traditional Malaysian cuisine.
Book a guided tour for white-water rafting on the nearby river for an adrenaline-packed start to the day. The rapids will surely get your heart racing!
After the excitement, relax at a natural spring nearby and enjoy a picnic lunch with your companions. This serene environment is perfect for unwinding.
As the day winds down, head back to your accommodation and freshen up. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant, immersing yourself in the flavors of Sarawak.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diversity
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including rivers and hills
- Friendly local community
- Growing tourism potential
- Affordable cost of living
- Access to fresh local produce and traditional foods
- Limited access to advanced healthcare facilities
- Fewer educational institutions compared to larger cities
- Public transportation options may be limited
- Potential for slower pace of life may not appeal to everyone
- Occasional flooding in certain areas during rainy seasons
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields
Best Activities in Simanggang
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the park's trails and witness the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower, in bloom.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride and take in the scenic beauty of the Batang Ai region.
Embark on an adventure to explore the vast caves and ancient archaeological sites in the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Simanggang with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Simanggang
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and the Batang Ai reservoir. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged landscape and the Batang Ai National Park. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking beautiful photo opportunities.
The traditional longhouse provides a unique cultural experience and picturesque views of the rural countryside and the Rajang River.
Food in Simanggang
Simanggang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish featuring rice vermicelli in a flavorful, tangy broth made from sambal belacan (shrimp paste), coconut milk, herbs, and spices. Topped with prawns, chicken, or shredded omelet, this dish can be found at most local eateries like Mama's Laksa Stall and Borneo Delight Cafe.
Must-Try!
A traditional Iban dish where chicken is cooked with tapioca leaves, lemongrass, ginger, and other aromatic ingredients in a bamboo tube over an open fire, imparting a unique smoky flavor. One can savor this dish at Warung Lada Merah and Aunty Christina's Kitchen.
Stir-fried rice vermicelli with belacan (shrimp paste) and an assortment of fresh vegetables, delivering a burst of umami flavors. Available at the Simanggang Night Market and local coffee shops such as Ah Seng Cafe.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Simanggang better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant hub of street food offering an array of local delicacies, snacks, and refreshing beverages. Visitors can relish satay, grilled seafood, fried noodles, and other delectable treats along with the lively atmosphere of the market.
An assortment of hawker stalls lining the street, where one can sample an assortment of dishes such as rojak, char kway teow, and assorted local desserts. The energy and varied aromas make it a must-visit for street food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to use the right hand when greeting someone, particularly elders, as the left hand is considered unclean. Additionally, a slight bow or nod of the head is a sign of respect.
In Simanggang, showing respect for elders is highly important. This can be demonstrated through addressing them with titles such as 'uncle' or 'auntie' followed by their first name, as well as listening attentively when they speak.
When dining with locals, it is polite to wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before beginning your meal. Additionally, it is respectful to accept food or drinks with both hands.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Simanggang with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Simanggang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Simanggang, Malaysia. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is appreciated to leave a small amount as a token of appreciation.
Cash is widely used for transactions in Simanggang, Malaysia. However, major credit and debit cards are also accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's advisable to carry enough cash when visiting smaller establishments or markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Simanggang.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit due to drier weather and lower chance of rain
Monsoon season with higher chance of rain and potential for flooding
Simanggang at Night
Hiking in Simanggang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot near Simanggang, offering challenging trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
A scenic hiking destination with well-marked paths, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers, featuring diverse flora and fauna.
Famous for its limestone karst formations and extensive cave systems, this area offers adventurous trails for those seeking a more rugged hiking experience.
A nearby national park that provides various hiking trails through tropical rainforests, with opportunities for wildlife spotting.
A less-known but rewarding jungle trek, where hikers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Simanggang through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Simanggang by plane.
Located approximately 90 kilometers from Simanggang, Kuching International Airport is the main airport serving Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia. It offers both domestic and international flights.
Bintulu Airport is located about 120 kilometers from Simanggang. It serves the town of Bintulu and has flights to various domestic destinations, with some international connections.
Situated around 190 kilometers from Simanggang, Miri Airport serves the city of Miri in Sarawak and provides domestic flights and limited international flights.
Sibu Airport is approximately 150 kilometers from Simanggang and serves the city of Sibu, offering domestic flights with occasional regional international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Simanggang, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A prominent indigenous group in the region, known for their rich cultural heritage.
A notable minority group involved mainly in trade and business activities.
A smaller demographic group with historical ties and contributions to the local economy.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups and communities present in Simanggang.
The Soul of Simanggang
Discover the essence of Simanggang through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Simanggang, with many local teams and leagues promoting the game among the youth.
Badminton enjoys a strong following in Simanggang, with many recreational clubs and tournaments held throughout the year.
Sepak Takraw, a traditional sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, is widely played and celebrated in the community.
Basketball is popular among the youth in Simanggang, with various courts available for both casual play and competitive matches.
Traditional sports such as Gasing (top spinning) and Wau (kite flying) are also cultural highlights, reflecting the local heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Simanggang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Simanggang tends to focus on meat-based dishes, several establishments including Lily's Cafe and Riverbank Cafe offer vegetarian options such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and fresh salads.
Due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based noodles in local cuisine, individuals requiring gluten-free options should communicate their dietary needs clearly when dining out. Some cafes may offer rice-based dishes and can accommodate requests for gluten-free preparations.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Simanggang with these cultural adventures.
