Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, isn’t just known for its cats, colonial charm, or award-winning laksa. Look a little closer — or better yet, look across the Sarawak River — and you’ll find a living legacy paddling gently through the waters: the Perahu Tambang.
To the locals, it’s simply Tambang. To the uninitiated, it might appear as a quaint wooden boat with a modest structure, operated by a solitary boatman. But this humble watercraft holds centuries of stories — stories of trade, connection, culture, and community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a curious traveler, or a Sarawakian living overseas, a ride on the Tambang isn’t just a ferry trip — it’s a short journey across time.
What is a Tambang?
The word Tambang originates from the Malay term for fare — a nod to its function as a passenger boat service. Traditionally rowed or paddled by hand, these boats are often colorfully painted, their wooden interiors fitted with benches, fabrics, and essentials for the boatman’s day-to-day use. Some have since been retrofitted with small outboard motors, but many still maintain their traditional charm and manual rowing.
Unlike larger ferries or commercial boats, the Tambang is intimate. It’s designed to ferry just a few passengers at a time across short distances, primarily between the northern and southern banks of the Sarawak River in Kuching city.
And despite the rise of bridges and modern transport options — such as the iconic Darul Hana Bridge — the Tambang remains a cherished icon of Kuching’s heritage.
A Brief History of Tambang in Sarawak
According to local archives and oral histories, the Perahu Tambang dates back to the early 19th century, during the Brooke dynasty era. With Fort Margherita standing guard across the river and a growing Kuching Bazaar on the opposite side, there was an increasing need for simple, fast river crossings.
Riverboats were the lifeline of Sarawak — moving people, goods, and culture between the riverside kampungs (villages) and the growing colonial town. At a time when roads were scarce and bridges nonexistent, the Tambang was the go-to commute, not just for villagers, but also for traders, civil servants, schoolchildren, and even British officers.
By the mid-20th century, the Tambang had become a fixture of Kuching life, with multiple jetties dotting both riverbanks. These river taxis played a key role in the socio-economic development of the capital, providing accessible, affordable transport — and quite literally, bridging the communities of both banks.
Today, while the number of Tambang boats has declined, their legacy remains deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric.
What to Expect on a Tambang Ride
If you’re expecting speed or glamour — you’re in the wrong boat. But if you’re looking for a peaceful, immersive experience, this is your ticket.
Highlights of the Experience:
Calm, slow cruise across the Sarawak River, usually taking under 10 minutes.
Unobstructed views of iconic landmarks such as the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), the Astana, the Darul Hana Bridge, and the Kuching Waterfront.
Firsthand interaction with the boatman (penambang), often a multi-generational profession.
A window into local life, where you see Kuching not just as a tourist, but as someone in rhythm with the river.
The cost? Around RM1 to RM2 per ride. And trust us — no modern Grab ride can give you views like these.
Must-Visit Attractions Accessible by Tambang
Here’s where the Tambang really shines — it’s not just a ride; it’s a gateway to hidden gems and beloved local attractions.
1. Kampung Boyan and Kampung Gersik
Once you cross over to the north bank, you enter a quieter, more traditional world. The villages here are some of the oldest Malay settlements in Kuching.
What to do here:
Buy Sarawak Layer Cake (Kek Lapis) – The area is famous for bakeries that make colourful, intricate layer cakes. Mira Cake House and Dayang Salhah are well-known names.
Take photos of traditional wooden Malay houses – The unique architecture is both nostalgic and Insta-worthy.
Talk to the locals – Many of whom have stories of the river, the boat, and life before the bridge.
2. Fort Margherita
Perched on a hill, this 19th-century fort built by Charles Brooke now houses the Brooke Gallery — a treasure trove of Sarawak’s colonial history. The view from the top gives you a sweeping panorama of Kuching city.
“It was surreal arriving at a historical fort on a traditional boat — a rare travel moment that felt like time had paused.” – Traveler review from The Star, 2023【https://www.thestar.com.
my/lifestyle/travel/2023/12/ 10/when-in-kuching-take-a- perahu-tambang-to-visit-the- historical-fort-margherita† source】.
3. The Astana
Though not always open to the public, this majestic former palace of the White Rajahs is best viewed from the river. In the evening, it lights up beautifully — and there’s no better seat than from your Tambang ride.
4. Darul Hana Musical Fountain
Board your Tambang just before sunset and witness the colorful musical fountain at Darul Hana Bridge. The riverfront comes alive with light, music, and families enjoying the night breeze.
5. Sarawak River Cruise Jetty
Hop off and board the larger cruise if you’re planning a full-on river tour. The Tambang and the cruise coexist, giving options for every kind of traveler.
Where to Board a Tambang
Tambang jetties are strategically located along both sides of the river:
Main jetties on the south bank (city side):
Kuching Waterfront (near the Chinese Museum)
Kampung Bintangor Jetty
Main jetties on the north bank (village side):
Kampung Boyan Jetty
Fort Margherita Jetty
Tambangs usually operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on river conditions and demand.
From the Voices of Locals
“When I was young, we didn’t have money for buses. My grandmother would take me on the Tambang to buy spices from the market. Now I take my grandson, just so he knows.” – Encik Rahman, 67, Kampung Gersik
“Even though we have the Darul Hana Bridge now, the Tambang is still special. It’s like therapy. Slow, peaceful, and meaningful.” – Sarah, Kuching local and part-time tour guide
A Message to Overseas Sarawakians: Come Ride Memory Lane
To our beloved Sarawakians living in Singapore, Australia, the UK, and beyond — we know you miss home. The familiar scents of pandan and pepper, the laughter of pasar malam, and yes, that calm, lazy roll of the Sarawak River.
Come home, even for a short while.
Bring your children to ride the Tambang. Let them see where you came from. Let them feel the water beneath, the boatman’s steady hands, and the village across the river that raised generations of us.
Because in that moment — between the jetties, between time — you’re not just crossing a river. You’re returning to your roots.
Academic Insight: Tambang as Heritage Transport
A scholarly article published in the International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies emphasizes the value of Tambang as a sustainable and culturally significant mode of urban transport【https://tuengr.com/
V15/15A4E.pdf†source】. The study highlights:
Environmental sustainability: Tambang’s low carbon footprint compared to motorized transport.
Socio-cultural impact: Strengthening community identity and preserving intangible heritage.
Tourism appeal: As a form of heritage tourism aligned with Sarawak’s cultural values and tourism goals.
In fact, incorporating Tambang rides into tourism planning enhances the authenticity of visitor experiences while maintaining a connection to local traditions.
Pro Tips for Your Tambang Adventure
Best Time to Ride: Early morning (for soft light and calm waters) or just before sunset (golden hour with fewer crowds).
What to Bring: Small change (RM1 or RM2), a camera, and a curious heart.
Accessibility: Most jetties require stepping down to the water level. Not always stroller or wheelchair friendly — but boatmen are usually very helpful.
Safety: Boats are stable and relatively safe. Life vests are sometimes available — just ask.
Etiquette: Greet the boatman with a smile. Some speak English, others Malay or local dialects. It’s okay to just sit back and enjoy the ride in silence too.
Tambang in the Age of Transformation: Why It Still Matters
As Sarawak charges forward with its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) — focused on renewable energy, digital transformation, and smart mobility — the Tambang stands as a symbol of balance.
Not everything has to be high-tech to be meaningful. Not all journeys have to be fast to be worthwhile.
The Tambang, like Sarawak itself, holds a quiet wisdom: that in remembering our past, we better shape our future.
Let’s not just preserve it for nostalgia. Let’s support it — ride it, share it, tell others about it. Let’s make sure our children know what it means to cross a river, not just with an app, but with heart.
Quick Facts Summary
Feature Details Name Perahu Tambang (River Taxi) Operates Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Fare RM1 to RM2 (one-way) Duration ~5–10 minutes per crossing Locations Kuching Waterfront, Kampung Boyan, Fort Margherita Attractions Nearby Malay villages, Kek Lapis shops, Fort Margherita, Astana, Darul Hana Bridge Cultural Role Traditional transport, heritage tourism Language Malay, English (some boatmen)
❤️ Final Words: A River That Connects Us All
The Sarawak River is more than just a body of water. It’s a witness to the unfolding story of Sarawak. And the Tambang— a small wooden boat with a big heart — is one of its most loyal narrators.
So whether you’re a traveler seeking authenticity, a local rediscovering your roots, or a Sarawakian abroad aching for a taste of home…
Take the Tambang.
Let it carry you, not just across the river — but into the spirit of a place that never forgets where it came from.
