SARAWAK

  Sarawak is the largest and, certainly in terms of visitors per square kilometer, least touristed state of Malaysia. Nearly as large as peninsular Malaysia, the interior is covered in a thicket of impenetrable jungle and mountains and the great majority of the population lives near the coast or along rivers leading to the sea.

Map of Sarawak in Malaysia

Coat Of Arm

Sarawak Flag

Interesting Place in Sarawak :

 1.Gunung Mulu Natioanal Park

Mulu Caves National Park is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the worlds largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, capable of accommodating forty Boeing 747 airplanes. In Mulu, you will also find one of the worlds biggest cave passage, Deer Cave, which can fit five cathedrals the size of Saint Pauls in London. Another key attraction is Clear Water Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia. The massive caves here are home to millions of bats and cave swiftlets that swarm out into the jungle in great clouds every

evening at dusk!The outdoorsy type will be pleasantly surprised by some of the best examples of tropical limestone weathering in the world, including enormous razor-sharp pinnacles, deep-cut canyons, appropriately named The Pinnacles. There are tough but rewarding multi-day hikes available from the resort. A guide and porter are recommended.

2.Sarawak Cultural Village

Known as the 'Living Museum', the Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle. Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. They wear traditional costumes and also put on dances for visitors. The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of

buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others. The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy multicultural dance performances. Besides this, there is a restaurant and handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style.
The Iban longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open to a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving. Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make themselves. Comfortable guesthouses are also available for visitors.

3.Bako National Park

Sarawak's oldest national park was established in 1957, covers a modest 27 sq. km., and is about 37km from Kuching. It's known for its extraordinary natural scenery, habitats, plants and wild life. Its most significant features are secluded coves and rugged rocky headlands with magnificent steep cliffs that overlook the South China Sea. The sea spray, wave action and the wind have also carved out magnificent sea arches and sea stacks at the base of the cliffs, some rearing above the waves like a mighty serpent's head. The attractive sandstone formations appear pink with iron patterns on the cliff. Further inland, waterfalls

tumble down into freshwater pools in a tranquil and idyllic jungle setting. Bako contains an incredible variety of plant species and vegetation types, and this is one of the parks great attractions. At Bako it is possible to see almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.Bako is also home to approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. The best times for seeing wildlife at Bako are just after dawn

and just before dusk, when the animals are at their most active. Bako is a fascinating place for bird watching, as over 150 species have been recorded here. Bakos extensive trail system is made up of 16 colour-coded jungle trails which offer a range of walking and hiking options. The fit and adventurous can opt for full- day jungle hikes or overnight camping expeditions, whilst those who prefer to take it easy can opt for a relaxing forest walk.

4.Longhouse Tour

A holiday in Sarawak is not complete without a visit to the longhouses that are the traditional dwellings of many of the natives here such as the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. A longhouse is a terraced street of separate dwellings covered by one roof. A tuai rumah (headman) is the head of the longhouse. Every family has their own separate bilik (room). Communal activities are carried out on the ruai (verandah). Male visitors will spend a night on the verandah whereas female visitors are invited to stay in the bilik or room. Longhouse communities normally wear

practical clothes like jeans and T-shirts. They only wear their traditional costumes during festivals like Gawai Dayak or the Iban harvest festival and also during weddings. Tour groups are normally greeted with a glass of tuak or rice wine and a welcome dance. After that, they will tour the longhouses and will be entertained by various cultural performances. You are usually invited to join in the dancing. Visitors can spend a night at the longhouses or in a nearby guesthouse.

5.Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching

In Santubong, Sarawak, you have the opportunity to watch the Irrawaddy dolphins. These dolphins are protected species but they often get caught in the fishermen's net. Much conservation efforts have been done to help save these magnificent creatures to stay alive.

6.Bornea Highland

Borneo Highlands is a unique hill resort which possesses an eco friendly side. This is the best place in Kuching for people who want a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the lifestyle in city. There, you can loosen yourself while breathing the fresh air with cool breeze blowing. Besides, get ready to be mesmerized by the spectacular scenery and enjoy the cool temperature of around 18 to 28 degree Celsius. There is an 18 holes gold course in there, cafes and spas. Bidayuh Spa offers all kinds of massages and spa treatments where you can just lay back and relax. The popular in - house restaurant in Borneo Highlands with the name of Annah Rais Cafe caters wide range delicious cuisines with organic

ingredientsThere is one interesting twist to it where you can actually pick your own ingredients in their Organic Farm for the chef to prepare your very own special dishes. One of the amazing attractions of Borneo Highland is a spot called the Kalimantan Lookout Point. There, you can have a bird's eye view of Kalimantan. Apart from the attractions mentioned, there are more attractions there such as Flower Garden, Rabbit Park, Horticulture Nursery, Organic Farm, Simangas Waterfalls and Chinese Tea House. There are a lot of activities offered by Borneo

Highlands including mountain biking, massage classes, jungle trekking, night walking, longhouse visit, bird watching and etc.There are tour and packages offered in travel agency that will bring you about Kuching. Accommodation will be settled by them according to your preference, whether to be in the resort of Borneo Highlands or in the city of Kuching. Shopping experience will also be covered as you will be guided to the shopping malls and supermarkets in Kuching. However, remember to call and make booking for reservations in Borneo Highlands as they only allow not more than 16 people to visit the place if you fancy a one day trip rather than a night or two in their resort. Thus, visitors with no reservations are not allowed to visit the highlands.

7.Jong's Crocodile Farm

Locates about 25 km from Kuching, this privately-owned crocodile farm is arguably the largest of its kind in Sarawak. Spread over an area of three and a half acres of land, it houses over 1000 crocodiles. Crocodile - the most feared animal in Sarawak has make thier home in some of the densely populated riverbanks. Our guide will brief you how our riverbank our riverbank dwelling natives have regularly became victims of the fierce reptiles while bathing and fishing in some of the most highly crocodile infected rivers in the rural area.At a safe distance and standing in the area separated with thick concrete wall and strong fence, you are able gaze at the snapping jaws, cold menacing eyes, sharp pointed teeth and powerful lashing tails of

crocodile. However, they are reared for the commercial value of its hardy hide.Other rare species of exotic animals found only in Borneo are bred in the farm include red eyed Fireback Pheasant, the pretty Golden Cockerel, Barking deers, Sambar deers and the world largest snakes - Python, Leopard-cats, Sunbears, Civets, Hornbill, long tail and pig tail Macaques, Hornbills, Peacock, Egret, monitor lizards, Bearcats and many more. It is a chance for you to see some of the household animals such as goats, turkeys, goose, ducks, swans and that are rarely found in big acity nowadays.

Sarawak's Food :

Ya Mong Mong

Seafood Aglio Olio

Sarawak Laksa

Midin Belacan

Umai

Terung Dayak Soup