Malaysia
Sarawak
Region
Sarawak in western Borneo is Malaysia's largest state. Here you'll find the Mulu and Niah Caves (both UNESCO-listed), Bako National Park's proboscis monkeys, Semenggoh's semi-wild orangutans, and Iban longhouses.
by Felix Gillen
Sarawak in western Borneo is Malaysia's largest state. Here you'll find the Mulu and Niah Caves (both UNESCO-listed), Bako National Park's proboscis monkeys, Semenggoh's semi-wild orangutans, and Iban longhouses. The capital Kuching, on the Sarawak River, is the starting point.
Most trips start in Kuching. From there, you can reach Bako, Semenggoh, and the Sarawak Cultural Village as day trips. The Batang Ai National Park, with its Iban longhouses, is about 250 kilometers to the east and is worth an overnight stay. The northern region around Miri is the gateway to Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, which you can practically only reach by plane. Distances are great, so plan four to five days for Kuching and its surroundings, and another three to four for Mulu and Miri.
More places in Sarawak
Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak in western Borneo, is a compact city on the Sarawak River, featuring buildings from the White Rajahs era, Chinese shop houses, and a long waterfront promenade. It is the best starting point for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the national parks in western Borneo.In the city: Waterfront, Main Bazaar, Borneo Cultures Museum, Fort MargheritaExcursions: Bako National Park, orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak Cultural VillageTravel time: year-round; most rain falls from November to February
The Gunung Mulu National Park in northern Sarawak, a half-hour flight from Miri, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000 and is one of the largest cave areas on Earth. Here await the enormous Deer Cave with its evening bat exodus, the Clearwater Cave System with over 200 kilometers of explored passages, and the jagged limestone peaks of the Pinnacles.The park also contains the Sarawak Chamber, one of the world's largest known cave chambers.Getting there: by plane from Miri, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu or by boat; there are no roadsPlanning: Book accommodations and guides early, especially from June to SeptemberMoney: In Mulu, there is no bank and no ATM; bring cash in Ringgit with you
The Sarawak Cultural Village, located at the foot of Gunung Santubong, approximately 35 kilometers north of Kuching, is an open-air museum featuring the traditional houses of Sarawak's main ethnic groups. Twice daily, there is a cultural show with music and dances.Cultural Show: usually at 11:30 AM and 4 PM, approx. 45 minutes; please check current times and admission prices beforehandFestival: The Rainforest World Music Festival takes place here at the end of June
At the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, about 20 to 25 kilometers south of Kuching, rehabilitated orangutans roam freely in the reserve's forest. Twice daily, rangers offer fruit at a feeding platform; whether and how many animals visit is up to them.Feeding Times: mornings from 9 to 10 AM and afternoons from 3 PM for about half an hourAdmission: 10 RM for foreign adults, 5 RM for childrenNote: Sightings are not guaranteed, especially when the forest offers abundant food
Food in Sarawak
Sarawak Laksa
Noodle soup with spicy paste, coconut milk, prawns and omelette strips. The typical breakfast in Kuching.
Kolo Mee
Dry egg noodles with pork, onion oil, and spring onions. Also available with chicken.
Manok Pansoh
Chicken with herbs, slow-cooked in a bamboo tube, an Iban dish.
Midin
Wild-growing fern from the jungle, usually stir-fried with garlic or shrimp paste.
Kek Lapis
Colorful layer cake in many patterns and flavors, a popular souvenir.
White Rajahs and Longhouses
From 1841 to 1946, the British Brooke family ruled Sarawak as the “White Rajahs”. Afterwards, the country became a British Crown Colony, joining Malaysia on September 16, 1963. Many buildings in Kuching date from the Brooke era, such as Fort Margherita and the Astana. To this day, Sarawak retains its own powers, including those concerning entry requirements.Sarawak is ethnically very diverse. The largest group are the Iban, making up almost 30 percent of the population, alongside Bidayuh, Melanau, the indigenous peoples of the interior who are collectively known as Orang Ulu, as well as Chinese and Malays. Many Iban still live in longhouses, where an entire village community resides under one roof. Gawai Dayak, the harvest festival of the Dayak, is celebrated on June 1st and 2nd.
Traveling in Sarawak
Flights and BusesKuching and Miri have airports with connections to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, among other destinations. Long-distance buses operate between the cities on the Pan-Borneo Highway, and journeys are lengthy. AirBorneo (formerly MASwings), a regional airline, flies to Mulu from Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Around Kuching, Grab, rental cars, or tours are the most practical options.Entry RequirementsSarawak conducts its own immigration control, even if you are arriving from another part of Malaysia. Have your passport ready.Entry, safety and health: For current information on entry requirements, safety and health, check the UK FCDO travel advice for Malaysia.
