Location : Desa Temajuk, Kecamatan Paloh, Kabupaten Sambas, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
Driving from Kuching to Temajuk, Sambas in West Kalimantan is tough but not impossible if the weather condition is right and with proper documents as in the form of an invitation letter from the Bupati of Sambas. Further down the road from Kampung Pueh is the under construction Pan Borneo Highway with its starting point at Telok Melano fishing village. From what we observed, construction work was progressing very well and it will only be a matter of months before one can drive right up to the doorstep of Telok Melano.
We took a left turn a couple of kilometers before Melano and drove along a muddy off road to arrive at the Indonesian Army checkpoint to register ourselves, altogether 9 of us.
With the Bupati’s invitation letter in hand we had no issue passing through. We passed through several rubber plantations with the same old houses and lousy road condition almost identical to the situation 4 years ago when I came with an ojek.
The dirt road leading to Telok Atong Bahari was even worse although homestay, cafes and karaoke facilities seemed to be prospering. We stopped by Jasmine Canteen for a coffee and debated whether to stay over or moved on to Camar Bulan which was nearer to the Wonderful Indonesia event venue. We decided on the later.
Our local guide Fendi on his motorbike showed us the way to Camar Bulan Resort, a very colourful and unique setup.
We took up the beachfront chalet. I must admit for the price we paid, the chalet was definitely under equipped. No chairs, doormats or brooms were provided. The wooden floor was mostly covered with sand. It was quite evident the owner/manager lack knowledge or experience in the hospitality business. I hope they learn as quickly as possible.
In the evening we drove about 2km away to the town centre to join in the Wonderful Indonesia celebration. Our first stop was at the photography exhibition then toured the food stalls to sample some local dishes. Not much variety to impress us. Temajuk ladies have to work harder on their culinary skills to draw in the tourists from Sarawak.
Once the Pan Borneo highway is completed on the Telok Melano section do expect curious Sarawakians to drive there to spend the weekend. Indonesia will have to put in more efforts to improve the infrastructure and setup an immigration post to make entry monitored.
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This is so fun!!😍 how i wish i can join u😍
If there is no invitation letter would it be difficult for us to go through? Do we have to get local tour guide?
If you use the local ojek / guide, then you would not need invitation latter.
Ohh if using local ojek still also can go to camar bulan resort or how? One ojek cost rm35 or it’s per head?
Ojek from Telok Melano charges RM35/head to go to Camar Bulan.
How do you get an invitation letter?
Just forget about that bro. Too long a story to tell, sorry.