One Day in Bau, Sarawak: Caves, Blue Lake & Siniawan Old Town
I had multiple days in Kuching and wanted to see more beyond the city center. After searching online for possible day trips, the name “Bau” came up several times. It’s a small town less than an hour’s drive away, known for its caves, blue lake, and old town. Naturally, I was curious to see it for myself.
It turned out to be a packed (but very doable) day trip. And there are still a few more spots in it I didn’t manage to fit into the one-day itinerary, that I would have to save for my next visit.
Bau may not have the big-city attractions, but for a day out of Kuching it felt adventurous, a little offbeat, and exactly the kind of side trip I enjoy.
Bau is a small town in western Sarawak, about 35 kilometers from Kuching. Historically, it was known for gold mining. The big turquoise Tasik Biru (Blue Lake) was actually a former open-pit mine that’s since filled with water. These days, Bau is better known for its natural attractions, especially Fairy Cave and Wind Cave, which draw weekend visitors from Kuching.
The town itself is compact, with a laid-back, small-town feel. The population is mostly made up of Bidayuh, Chinese, and Malay communities, and you’ll hear a mix of Malay, English, Hokkien, and Bidayuh being spoken. Like much of Sarawak, there’s a mix of religions here, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam.
Best time to visit Bau
You can visit Bau any time of year, but it’s worth knowing that Sarawak has a wet season from roughly November to February. Adverse weather may cause the caves to be closed. Plus, you’ll likely get caught in showers when sightseeing. The drier months (March to September) are generally more comfortable for day trips, with less chance of rain interrupting your plans.
If you want to catch Siniawan Old Town’s night market, plan your visit for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening. On weekdays, the old town is still worth seeing for its heritage wooden shophouses, but the street market with its food stalls and lanterns is livelier on weekends.
How to get to Bau
Bau is really easy to reach from Kuching. It’s only about 35–45 minutes by car. My friend and I went with a rented car, which gave us the flexibility to stop at different places along the way.
If you don’t drive, you can still get there by Grab or local taxis, though you’ll want to confirm with your driver about return trips since Bau might not always have ride-hailing cars available.
Some local tour operators also run day tours that combine a few spots in Bau, which could be a hassle-free option if you’d rather not figure out transport yourself.
How to get around in Bau
Once you’re in Bau, most of the main attractions are within a short drive of each other (around 5 – 15 minutes apart). There’s no reliable public transport between them, so having your own car or booking a driver for the day makes things a lot smoother.
If you’re relying on Grab or taxis, it’s a good idea to arrange return pick-ups in advance, especially for the caves, since phone signal can be patchy and drivers don’t always hang around.
Since having your own wheels makes a big difference in Sarawak, you might want to check out my article on driving in East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), where I share what to expect on the road, tips for renting, and things to watch out for.
1-day itinerary in Bau
Morning: Wind Cave Nature Reserve
Start your day in Bau early and head to the Wind Cave Nature Reserve, a low, narrow cave system that’s pitch dark inside. You’ll definitely need a torch or headlamp here. The boardwalk path takes you through chambers where bats roost above your head and you can hear the flutter of wings in the dark.
It’s not a long walk, maybe 30–40 minutes, but it’s a different kind of cave experience compared to the more dramatic ones in Sarawak. After finishing the loop inside, take a short stroll along the riverside nature trail outside the cave, which is quiet and shaded, with plenty of birds and butterflies.
Mid-morning: Fairy Cave
From there, drive about 15 minutes to Fairy Cave, which is almost the complete opposite of Wind Cave in terms of atmosphere. To reach the entrance you’ll need to climb several flights of concrete stairs, but the effort is worth it. Inside, the cave opens up into a huge chamber with sunlight streaming in from above, moss-covered rocks, and dramatic stalagmites and stalactites.
Some formations are said to resemble figures from folklore, which is one of the reasons it’s called Fairy Cave. I spent close to two hours exploring here, and it was my favorite stop of the day for sheer scale and atmosphere.
Noon: Lunch
Once you’re done with the caves, head into Bau town for lunch. It’s a small place with a handful of local coffee shops and eateries, where you can sit down for a bowl of Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, or simple rice dishes. A few top-rated options are:
Afternoon: Blue Lake (Tasik Biru)
Just a short drive from town is Tasik Biru, or the Blue Lake, one of Bau’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s actually a flooded old gold mine, but today it’s a calm hangout spot.
You can’t swim in it, but you can walk around the edge, go on a boat ride, rent a pedal boat, or just take in the view while enjoying a popsicle. I personally thought it was too commercialized as you need to pay even to walk on the pontoon walkway, but it’s worth a quick stop if you’re already in the area.
Evening: Siniawan Old Town
By late afternoon, you can start making your way back towards Kuching, stopping at Siniawan Old Town. This small street of preserved wooden shophouses is quiet in the day, but if you’re there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening, the whole street transforms into the Siniawan Night Market.
Red lanterns are strung across the street, and the air fills with the smell of barbecued meat, midin ferns stir-fried with garlic, noodles, wild boar dishes, and all sorts of local snacks. Having dinner here is the perfect way to end the day before driving back to Kuching at night.
Other things to see and do in Bau
If you have more than a day in Bau, or if caves and lakes aren’t quite your thing, there are a few other spots worth knowing about:
Paku Hot Spring – About 10 minutes from Bau town, this natural hot spring is a popular spot with locals who come to soak and relax. Facilities are basic, but if you’re looking to unwind after a sweaty cave trek, it makes for a nice stop.
Serikin Weekend Market – Roughly 30 minutes from Bau near the Indonesian border, this cross-border market comes alive on Saturdays and Sundays. Indonesian traders sell textiles, handicrafts, kitchenware, and produce, usually at bargain prices.
Mt Singai Catholic Memorial & Pilgrimage Center – Located on the slopes of Mount Singai, this memorial is dedicated to Catholic missionaries who served in the area. It’s both a spiritual site and a scenic hike where you will climb a long wooden staircase through the forest.
Borneo Tribal Village – A community-run attraction near Kampung Apar, designed to showcase Bidayuh culture and traditions. Visitors can try local food, see cultural performances, and learn about traditional crafts. It’s still developing but offers an accessible way to experience Bidayuh heritage.
Bung Bratak Heritage Centre – Set on a hilltop about 300 meters above sea level, this heritage center preserves the history and culture of the Bidayuh Jagoi people. There’s a small museum, traditional structures, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It also occasionally hosts cultural events and educational programs.
Bung Jagoi Heritage Centre – A hike up a hill leads you past secondary forest to a cluster of traditional Bidayuh houses, some still used by the community. The heritage center aims to keep alive the traditions of the Jagoi Bidayuh while offering visitors a glimpse of authentic longhouse life.
What to bring on a day trip to Bau
- Torchlight or headlamp – essential for the caves, especially the Wind Cave, as it’s pitch dark inside. Don’t rely on your phone’s flashlight; a proper torch is safer and lasts longer.
- Sturdy shoes – both Wind and Fairy Caves have slippery steps and damp patches. You won’t be allowed in without proper shoes. (If you didn’t bring any, you can rent them at the cave entrance).
- Water – it gets humid and you’ll sweat a lot climbing through caves. Carry enough water, as there aren’t shops at every stop.
- Small towel or bandanna – for wiping off sweat and mud.
- Insect repellent – useful in the caves and forests.
- Light jacket or poncho – Sarawak’s weather can change quickly, and you might get caught in a sudden downpour.
- Cash (small notes) – handy for entrance fees at the caves or buying snacks at stalls.
- Optional but nice to have: a snack or sandwich if you get hungry between cave visits (lunch options in Bau town are rather limited), and a change of shirt if you don’t want to stay sweaty through dinner.
Where to stay in Bau
While it’s common to visit Bau as a day trip from Kuching, staying overnight gives you more breathing room to enjoy the attractions without rushing. Options are more limited than in Kuching, so booking ahead helps. Here are several good picks for different budgets:
Budget
- Borneo Tribal Village (BTV) — A longhouse-style hideaway for the more adventurous and unfussy budget travelers. Location can be a bit hard to get to without your own transport though.
- Heritage House @ Windcave — For something adventurous and characterful, this gives you proximity to Wind Cave, which is about 500 meters away.
- Roxy Hotel Siniawan — Clean, spacious rooms with private bathrooms. Good location at Siniawan old town.
Mid-range
- Ara Hotel — A 2-star hotel with spacious air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms and basic amenities, plus a garden, terrace, and free parking.
- RTS – BluLake Guesthouse — Guesthouse right by the Blue Lake featuring air-conditioned rooms with lake views, and a balcony to relax and take in the surroundings.
- Sumiran Eco Park & Resort — A 22-acre rainforest-themed eco camping & recreation site that offers glamping, tent camping, outdoor adventures (flying fox, obstacle trails, ATV, boating) as well as event / training facilities.
Luxury
- Borneo Happy Farm — A nature-inspired farm stay, offering a mix of farm activities, animal encounters, meals, and cozy accommodation in a green, rural setting.
- Pinggir Siak — A rustic jungle-stay that you’ll need to trek a bit (about 10 minutes from a parking spot) through forest to get to. Great if you want quiet and outdoors.
- Mendung Escape — Another escape-style homestay, good if you want to disconnect a bit more.
Additional tips for visiting Bau
- Plan around weekends if you can. The Siniawan Old Town is much livelier on Friday to Sunday evenings. On weekdays the old town is still worth a look, but it won’t have the same food and atmosphere.
- Check cave opening hours. Read my articles on the Wind Cave and Fairy Cave to find out how to book a time slot online. Go in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.
- Entrance fees are small but cash-only. Expect to pay a few ringgit for each attraction. Keep small notes handy.
- Watch your footing. Both caves can be slippery, especially after rain. Take your time on the stairs and boardwalks.
- Facilities are basic. There are toilets and simple stalls at the attractions, but don’t expect restaurants or big shops nearby. Bring snacks or eat in Bau town.
- Weather check. Sarawak’s climate is unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a wet afternoon. Bring a poncho or light jacket just in case.
Final thoughts
Spending a day in Bau gave me a quieter, more low-key taste of Kuching beyond the city center. It’s a trip that combines nature and history with a fun food stop to wrap it all up, and I’d recommend it to anyone with a spare day in Kuching.
If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss my Kuching travel guide, where I share the best things to do, see, and eat in the city itself. And if you’re looking for more ideas across Malaysia, from food recommendations to offbeat destinations and practical travel tips, you’ll find plenty more throughout the blog.
