To glide along the Santubong and Salak Rivers is to journey through a world where myth, wildlife, and human resilience seamlessly intertwine.
As our boat drifts across the calm estuaries of the Kuching Wetlands National Park, a massive 6,610-hectare protected mangrove sanctuary, the skyline is dominated by the majestic, cloud-capped silhouette of Gunung Santubong.
Local folklore whispers that the mountain’s distinct profile is the resting form of Puteri Santubong. Cursed alongside her sister, Puteri Sejinjang, after a bitter feud over Prince Serapi, the two celestial princesses were turned to stone. Puteri Santubong became Mount Santubong, while Sejinjang’s broken form shattered into the sea, giving birth to the coastal islands.
The Guardians of the Delta
Down on the river, life moves to the rhythm of the tides. When the water drops low, the exposed mudflats reveal an ecosystem teeming with activity.
The estuary serves as a crucial refuge for extraordinary marine mammals. If you keep a sharp eye out, you can spot Irrawaddy Dolphins, which are rare, blunt-nosed that playfully surface near the river mouths. You might also catch glimpse of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins and Finless Porpoises gracefully navigating the deeper channels.
Shadows of the River Giants
Gliding further into the mangroves reveals the true rulers of the delta: the saltwater crocodiles. Catching sight of a massive reptile basking on the low-tide mudflats or seeing a pair of prehistoric eyes cutting silently through the water is an unforgettable adrenaline rush and one of the absolute highlights of the cruise.
In Sarawak, these apex predators are far more than just wildlife; they are deeply woven into local spiritual beliefs.
According to famous Iban legend, Sarawak’s rivers belong to the spirit of Bujang Senang. Folklore says he was once a legendary, invincible human warrior named Simalungun. After being betrayed and killed by his enemies in the river, a powerful shamanic magic transformed his spirit into a giant, 20-foot-long crocodile with a distinctive white stripe down its back to exact his vengeance. Locking eyes with a wild crocodile today bridges the gap between Borneo’s raw, untamed wilderness and its ancient, mystical history.
A Resilient Community
Deep inside the delta sits Kampung Pulau Salak, a rare and historic riverine village of around 70 wooden stilt homes. Though slated for relocation during modern development planning, its population of roughly 1,200 people chose to stay rooted on their ancestral island. Today, the close-knit community relies heavily on traditional fishing and the thriving ecotourism industry, welcoming visitors as tour boats pass by their vibrant waterfront.
From Mountain Peaks to Island Sanctuaries
The conservation corridor extends far beyond the water’s edge. To the west, the gaze shifts toward Mount Serapi, where the Matang Wildlife Centre stands nestled deep in the rainforest, acting as a crucial research and rehabilitation sanctuary for endangered orangutans.
Where the river meets the South China Sea, the journey leads to Satang Island. While the island boasts deep historical roots tracing back to the era of the White Rajahs, its modern purpose is entirely dedicated to conservation. Today, it serves as a vital turtle sanctuary strictly protected and managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
Both in the middle of the year and during year-end cycles, endangered Greenback and Leatherback turtles crawl ashore onto the white sandy beaches under the cover of night to lay their eggs. It is a delicate circle of life: out of roughly 4,500 eggs laid in a season, a mere 0.12% survive the grueling journey to adulthood, making the protective watch of the island rangers more critical than ever.
As we traveled from the misty peaks of Mount Santubong to the historic stilt houses of the delta, the experience perfectly embodied the spirit of this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival theme, #Regeneration:Roots&Rhythms, by bridging ancient cultural lore with vital wildlife conservation.
Follow the journey and explore more of Sarawak’s untamed magic:
@sarawaktravel @rwmf.official
#RWMF2026 #SarawakMoreToDiscover #GatewayToBorneo