Pending Jetty Kuching
Introduction: The Gateway to Sarawak’s River Adventures
Located along the scenic Sarawak River, Pending Jetty in Kuching, Sarawak serves as one of the main ferry terminals connecting the city to nearby islands, coastal villages, and industrial areas. Known for its practical function and proximity to key Kuching landmarks, the jetty is a vital link for both local commuters and tourists heading towards Bako National Park or other marine destinations.
Pending Jetty’s efficient operations, proximity to Kuching city centre, and convenient access to ferry, bus, and taxi services make it a key transport hub for exploring Sarawak’s coastal beauty.
Location Details
Address: Pending Industrial Estate, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Coordinates: 1.5623° N, 110.4127° E
Map: Google Maps – Pending Jetty, Kuching
Pending Jetty is located about 10 km east of Kuching city centre, within the industrial zone of Pending. It’s easily accessible via Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Pending.
How to Get to Pending Jetty
From Kuching City Centre
- By Car/Grab: Approximately 15–20 minutes drive.
- By Bus: Take local Bus No. K11 from Kuching Sentral heading towards Pending.
- By Taxi: Taxis are available at major hotels or via Kuching Taxi Apps.
From Kuching International Airport (KCH)
| Mode | Duration | Approx. Cost (MYR) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab/Taxi | 25 mins | 25–35 | Direct route via Jalan Tun Razak |
| Bus | 45–60 mins | 2–3 | Transfer at Kuching Sentral to Pending route |
Domestic & International Access
- By Air: Fly into Kuching International Airport (KCH) from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, or Singapore.
- By Sea: Travelers arriving by ferry from Labuan or Limbang can connect to Kuching via coastal routes through nearby ports like Sibu or Tanjung Manis.
Ferry Routes & Destinations
Pending Jetty mainly handles local ferry and boat transfers to surrounding areas, particularly Bako Village (for Bako National Park access) and other riverine communities.
| Destination | Travel Time | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bako Village Jetty | 30–40 mins | Local Boat Operators | Connects to Bako National Park |
| Kampung Muara Tebas | 20 mins | Local Service | Known for seafood and temples |
| Kampung Senari | 25 mins | Local Service | Fishing village with traditional lifestyle |
Ferry Ticket Prices (Approximate)
| Route | One-Way Fare (MYR) | Return Fare (MYR) |
|---|---|---|
| Pending – Bako Village | 10 | 20 |
| Pending – Muara Tebas | 8 | 16 |
| Pending – Senari | 7 | 14 |
Tickets can be purchased directly at the counter near the boarding area. Prices may vary depending on tide conditions and boat operators.
Operating Hours
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Public Holidays | 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Note: Ferry schedules may change based on weather and tide levels.
Facilities at Pending Jetty
Pending Jetty provides essential amenities to ensure traveler comfort and convenience:
- Waiting Area: Sheltered seating with river view
- Ticket Counter: Open from 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Parking Area: Free and paid parking options available
- Restrooms: Clean and maintained regularly
- Nearby Restaurants: Local eateries serving Sarawak laksa, kolok mee, and seafood
- ATM: Available at nearby Petronas Pending station (5 mins walk)
- Prayer Room (Surau): Located within walking distance near the parking lot
- Shops: Mini-marts for snacks and travel essentials
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bako National Park | 12 km | Sarawak’s oldest national park, accessible via boat from Bako Village |
| Kuching Waterfront | 9 km | Riverside promenade with cafes, shops, and cultural shows |
| Cat Museum Kuching | 8 km | A quirky museum dedicated to all things feline |
| Tua Pek Kong Temple | 8.5 km | One of Kuching’s oldest Chinese temples |
| Fort Margherita | 9 km | Historic white fortress offering panoramic river views |
Tips for International Travelers
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Currency exchange available at Kuching Waterfront or Kuching Airport.
- Immigration: No passport control for domestic travelers. Foreign visitors should ensure entry visa validity before traveling to Sarawak.
- Duty-Free: Nearby Kuching Waterfront has souvenir and handicraft shops with tax-free items.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in central Kuching; SIM cards from Digi, Maxis, or Celcom are widely available.
Getting Around Locally
Kuching offers a range of convenient local transport options:
- Grab: The most convenient ride-hailing service for short and medium distances.
- Taxi: Metered taxis are available, but Grab is often cheaper.
- Bus: Operated by Sarawak Transport Company (STC); regular routes connect to major suburbs.
- Car Rentals: Available at Kuching International Airport or city centre (Avis, Hawk, Hertz).
- Bicycle Rentals: Found near the Waterfront area for leisure rides.
Travel Tips
- 🕐 Arrive early: Boats to Bako operate based on tide levels; morning trips are recommended.
- 💧 Bring essentials: Carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and drinking water.
- 🎟️ Buy return tickets early: Last return boats usually depart before 5 PM.
- 📸 Keep your camera ready: The Sarawak River offers beautiful views during sunrise and sunset.
- 💰 Carry small change: Most operators prefer cash payments in small denominations.
Summary Table: Pending Jetty Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pending Industrial Estate, Kuching |
| Coordinates | 1.5623° N, 110.4127° E |
| Main Routes | Bako Village, Muara Tebas, Senari |
| Ticket Price Range | MYR 7 – 20 |
| Operating Hours | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Facilities | Waiting area, restrooms, prayer hall, eateries |
| Nearest Airport | Kuching International Airport (KCH) |
| Nearby Attractions | Bako National Park, Kuching Waterfront |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning to early afternoon |
Final Thoughts
Pending Jetty may not be the flashiest attraction in Kuching, but it’s an essential stop for travelers seeking authentic river journeys and eco-tourism adventures. Its role as a transport hub to Bako National Park and nearby fishing villages makes it a must-know location for those exploring Sarawak’s natural and cultural treasures. With easy access, affordable fares, and proximity to key Kuching landmarks, Pending Jetty stands as a gateway to the wonders of coastal Sarawak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where is Pending Jetty located?
Pending Jetty is situated in the Pending Industrial Estate area, about 10 km east of Kuching city centre.
2. What is the main route from Pending Jetty?
The most popular route connects Pending Jetty to Bako Village, the gateway to Bako National Park.
3. Are there food and restrooms available at the jetty?
Yes, there are restrooms, local eateries, and small shops near the jetty.
4. How early should I arrive before departure?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as boat schedules depend on the tide.
5. Can I use Grab to reach Pending Jetty?
Yes, Grab and taxis are easily available from anywhere in Kuching.
6. What time do ferries usually stop operating?
Most ferries stop service around 6 PM, depending on the tide and weather conditions.
Comments are closed.