Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and its after effects, Damai Beach Resort maintains its stature with locals flocking to the beach, enjoying a quick vacation. With sunny days ahead, the writer decides to finally have a little getaway.
Damai, still a one stop for beach holiday in Kuching
While everyone appreciates the sunny beach, it is at night when there is no noise pollution, the waves are crashing loudly by the shore, and the cricket sings — this is when the beach is at its natural calming state.
In Sarawak, many beach resorts had opened, and many had closed, especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO) when rooms and pools were not occupied as everyone had to stay at home, resulting in the rotting of furniture and growing of algae in pools.
Nonetheless, despite the hard days of Covid-19, Damai Beach Resort, Santubong maintained its stature. The sound of the beach is psychologically calming, hence many choose to have a stay by the seaside as a chance to get away from the everyday life.
It was true on the weekend I decided to visit the resort — with many flocking the beach, the entry to the stay was more strict than I remembered. We were asked to show our MySejahtera application prior to entering the vicinity.
An inspiring and calming view. 
A good place to get fresh air. 
The beach has always the psychological affect to calm and relax the mind of the busy wanders.
Then we were briefed of the rules and regulations by the security guard as well. One notable rule was not to bring outside food into their vicinity. Those who did would be given a penalty fee to pay. Having patronised the resort for many years, I did not remember the strict rule. When I asked the front desk receptionist regarding it, she told me it was a way to encourage patrons to purchase from their convenience store and restaurant.
Once we entered our room — a balcony room located far behind the chalet, nearer towards the entry point — it was a relief to know that my two-day holiday after months of not being able to get away, has started! The view from our room’s balcony was not as scenic as I imagined, however, it reminds me of staying in a high rise building, surrounded by little village houses.
And far away, I could see the beach and Mount Santubong. Choosing to stay in the balcony room for the first time, unbeknownst to me was the exercise I would receive while getting to the beach and the restaurant. It was a long walk if you ask me. Thankfully, the carpark was just below our two-storey stay.
Our walk to the beach under the bright, warm sun was nonetheless, an unfazed stroll as we were most excited for the beach. We would go through chalets in zig-zag, walking under the coconut trees with caution due to fear of a hit on our heads but when we were finally there, the sight was captivating — I would never get bored of the beach.
The beach — beyond its scenic view, was also embedded in my childhood memories. As a little girl from a big family and with a busy father, he would often take us to Damai for a quick vacation. It was always a fun one as we would stay for at least two nights, which gave us an abundance of time to play at the beach.
Now, into my adult life, life can get hectic. And I miss those days when life was easier. The beach reminds me of a simpler life. Bringing my children over, I hope they would have a place in their heart for memories like mine.
On our first afternoon at the beach, we planned to stay there until sunset. However, it was the high tide period and the sea was levelled to the point where despite placing our slippers on the rocks, the waves would crash against it and drift our slippers away.
Whenever we tried to build sandcastles, they would just get washed away by the waves. It was a shame as we were well equipped to build buildings with our tools. We even bought a sand truck!
Having given up, we spent the afternoon sitting in the waters, with our back towards the sea, awaiting the next wave to collide into us. With the strong push, we moved forward. Despite a simple game, it was a good family time.
The sight of patrons at the beach was good as everyone knew to socially distance from each other. Despite the crowd, the beach area was big enough for families scattered along the shore, away from each other.
A nice dish. 
A Western dish. 
For a filling breakfast. 
Laksa Sarawak.
The next morning, we had our breakfast at the restaurant. The breakfast was the resort’s usual — nasi lemak, congee, fried kueh tiaw, American breakfast, bread, fruits, egg station and laksa! The food was acceptable, I had three rounds! Buffets always have a sweet spot in me, as I pay a price for it, and I get the excuse to eat as much as I want to!
However, this time, I managed to burn some calories after breakfast. The walk back from the restaurant in the main building, to my room, left me hungry, to no surprise.
As we only booked a one-night stay due to work commitments on Monday, after breakfast, we rushed to the beach to say one last goodbye. During our second time there, the sea was in a low tide period. Given so, we did not manage to play in the seawater as it was a long walk to the water.
Since we did not have the chance to build sandcastles, it was on the second day’s morning that we fully utilise our tools. I could even hear the other patrons competing to build the best sandcastles. The morning was breezy, but bright, and it complemented the whole adventure by the beach.
Overall, Damai Beach Resort, despite the rough effects of the pandemic, continues to serve its guests as many run to the beach, for a quick local getaway.
