When it comes to natural beauty, Sarawak has it all. Perched on the northwestern edge of the exotic island of Borneo, Sarawak is the largest of Malaysia’s states and is literally quite unlike any other place on earth. An amazing variety of wonders await visitors who come to Sarawak. Home to over 30 different ethnic groups, long sandy beaches, and an incredibly large natural world with a rich history makes Sarawak one of the most popular tourism spots in Malaysia.
Sarawak is popularly known as ‘The Land of the Hornbills’ in tribute to the majestic-looking hornbills found in the state. Considered as a messenger from the spirit world by the Iban community, an indigenous group, hornbills are central to many Iban ceremonies, beliefs and even traditional dances.
Sarawak is also home to more than 30 ethnic groups living together in perfect harmony. For an insight on the lives and culture of some of these major ethnic groups in Sarawak, a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village is a must. The village contains replicas of ethnic houses for the viewing pleasure of visitors. Major ethnic groups are the Ibans, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau and The Orang Ulus.
Nestled on the banks of the Sarawak River, the capital, Kuching, retains the old-world charm of its romantic past.
The river is the focal point of the town and features a graceful, European-style esplanade -The Kuching Waterfront - with views across to the Astana (the palace) and Fort Margherita. For another perspective on the town, hire a boat and float down the river either by day or night-the sunset is fantastic.
The narrow, bustling streets near the river are crammed with ornate temples, markets, historic buildings and traditonal Chinese shophouses selling local handicrafts. Kuching also lays claim to nine museums, many within walking distance of each other.
Approximately 35 km from the capital of Kuching lies the picturesque fishing village of Santubong boasting some of the finest beaches in Sarawak.
The opportunities for an adventure in Sarawak are as numerous as they are diverse. Visitors will be able to easily find tour operators that offer trips where one can enjoy jungle trekking, mountain climbing, caving, and mountain biking or river safaris. Jungle trekking offers visitors a close up view of the amazing flora and fauna of Borneo. Scattered national parks throughout the land allow visitors easy access to Sarawak’s natural treasures where the proboscis monkeys, the famous bearded pigs, silver leaf monkeys and long tailed macaques can be seen. These huge parks are also home to an enormous range of fauna including the carnivorous pitcher plants, sundews, wild orchids and the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. In addition, the Niah and Gunung Mulu national park situated close to Brunei houses the Niah Caves containing prehistoric remains dating back 40,000 years. There are also quite a lot of National Parks scattered in Sarawak such as : Bako, Similajau, Kubah, Lambir Hills, Gunung Gading, Batang Ai, Tanjung Datu and Loagan Bunut National Park.
