If you are planning to visit Sarawak, you will be in for a treat. This is because the East Malaysian state has everything you are looking for in an ideal travel destination. From the world’s oldest caves to the beautiful island under the sun, you can find it all in Sarawak.
Natural Wonders and National Parks
Sarawak has the largest land area among all the states in Malaysia. Besides housing some of the oldest rainforests which are well-preserved, you get to enjoy a lot of sun, sea and sand as well. Among the top attractions here are:
Loagan Bunut National Park
The Loagan Bunut National Park is located within the Miri city of Sarawak. It sits on a large 10,736 hectare land which was gazetted in January 1990 and was operational to the public a year later. Located towards the upper reaches of Bunut River, this is where one would be able to find the largest natural lake in Sarawak.
The unique feature of this lake named ‘Logan Bunut’ by the Berawan people here is that the water level is totally dependent on that of Bunut River, Tinjar River and Baram Rivers respectively. Around the months of February, May or June is when the water levels are at its lowest.
Here is where one would be able to visit nature at its best as you can practically walk around the dry mud areas while enjoying the scenic landscape. For those who are interested in traditional fishing methods, you can experience what the locals call the ‘Selambau’ — where fishes are retained by the Berawan people especially during low water level seasons.
Wildlife and nature highlights at Loagan Bunut include:
- Hundreds of bird species found throughout the park
- The argus pheasant and black barded langur among notable animals
- Rich flora and fauna across the dry mud areas and lake surroundings
To get here, you will have to come from Miri town where travel agencies will arrange a 4WD for the 130km journey.
Bintulu Promenade
The Bintulu Promenade is one of the latest tourist attractions in Bintulu town of Sarawak. This is the longest waterfront in Sarawak, built on a 120 acre land, very much similar to the Kuching Promenade. It is a commercial and recreational park offering a wide range of facilities for both the business and leisure traveller.
The Promenade is perhaps the best place to watch the awesome sunset while enjoying the sea breeze. Developed by Sarawak Land (Kemena Park) Sdn Bhd, it is located around the river mouth of Kemena River.
Facilities and highlights at the Bintulu Promenade include:
- Jogging track and cycling trails for outdoor enthusiasts
- A upcoming retail complex, hotel and residential units still being developed
- A unique sight of swans flying across the Kemena River
Kelabit Highlands
The Kelabit Highlands is home to the Kelabit people, one of the indigenous people of Sarawak. It is a vast highland plateau located within the interior of the state, over 1,000 meters above sea level. Here you will enjoy the cool highland weather, which can be very chilly during the nights.
The people here are known as the Kelabits, most of whom are Christians. Other communities here include the Penang and Lun Bawang, collectively known as ‘Orang Ulu’.
The main town of the highlands is Bario, where you will fly in from Miri via MASWings Twin-Otter planes landing at Bario or Ba Kelalan airstrips. There are 2 daily flights to and from Miri except on Mondays where only 1 flight operates at RM70 one way.
Things to enjoy in the Kelabit Highlands:
- Homestays with local families to experience the natural highland lifestyle
- Jungle trekking — one of the most popular activities here
- Occasional cultural performances and events by the local community
- Most areas run on generators at night, giving a truly off-grid experience
Belaga, Sungai Rejang
The town of Belaga is located along the Rejang River in Sarawak. This is where one would be able to explore the many longhouses common among the indigenous groups of the state. Many local tour guides in Belaga offer holistic options to experience the lifestyle and practices of the people here.
Getting into Belaga requires a permit from Kapit, which must be obtained prior to arrival. However, if you are coming from Bintulu by road, no permit is needed.
Ways to get to Belaga:
- By boat from Kapit — departs at 9am daily, takes around 5 hours and costs RM30
- By 4×4 from Bintulu — available but it is a long and gruelling journey
Bako National Park
The Bako National Park is one of the many national parks in the naturally rich East Malaysian state of Sarawak. This is the natural habitat of the proboscis monkey, known for its distinctive nose. While relatively small compared to other parks in the state, Bako is no less interesting — featuring rainforests and beautiful beaches side by side.
If you like, you can stay overnight at the park where lodges are available. For trekkers, there are 16 colour-coded jungle trails at the oldest national park in Sarawak. The park is made up of a complete range of natural attractions including cliffs, hills, jungle and sandy beaches.
Notable wildlife at Bako National Park:
- 150 proboscis monkeys — the park’s most iconic residents
- The bearded boar — a well-known highlight
- Monitor lizards — the largest reaching up to 2 meters long
- Almost every type of vegetation found in Sarawak
Jalan Satok Sunday Market
Every tourist knows that to learn about the local produce of a place, one must visit the local market. If you are in Sarawak, you must go to the Jalan Satok Sunday Market — a vibrant gathering of local traders from outside Kuching. Unlike most Sunday markets, this one takes place in the afternoon.
Some bargaining and haggling skills will come in handy, and knowing a bit of the local slang or language would help. Located along the junction of Jalan Satok and Jalan Palm, you can get here by taxi or on foot — just look for Miramar Cinema and the market is right opposite.
What you can find at Jalan Satok Sunday Market:
- Squirming grubs, wild ferns and sieet — exotic finds from the natural jungles
- Fresh vegetables, food and local produce from traders across the state
- Clothes and handicrafts unique to Sarawak
Lambir Hills National Park
Located along the Miri-Bintulu road, the Lambir Hills National Park was gazetted in 1975 and is easily reached from Miri town — about half an hour’s drive away. The park is home to more than 1,000 species of trees across 286 genera and 81 tree families, making it one of the most diversified forests in the country.
The best time to visit is in the morning to maximise your time. Wildlife you might spot includes the sun bear, pangolins, bats and monkeys. You will need to register with the Park Office before entering and must leave before 5pm.
Popular waterfalls to visit in Lambir Hills:
- Latak Waterfall — reachable after a 15 to 20 minute trek
- Pantu Waterfall — requires a longer trek but worth the journey
- Nibong Waterfall — another scenic destination deeper in the park
Matang Wildlife Centre
Located about half an hour’s drive from Kuching, the Matang Wildlife Centre is an enclosed area of rainforest situated at the Kubah National Park. It serves as an Orang Utan sanctuary to breed and rehabilitate the endangered species — rescuing them from captivity or orphaned situations. Once they mature and are able to survive in the wild, they are released back into the jungles.
Feeding times are the best times to visit as this is when the Orang Utans are most active. Apart from the Orang Utans, the centre also houses Sambar Deer, Civet Cats and Sun Bears, as well as Sea Eagles, Hornbills and other bird species across its 3 aviaries.
There are 4 jungle trails available to explore:
- The Pitcher Trail
- The Sungai Rayu Trail
- The Sungai Senduk Trail
- The Sungai Buluh Trail
A taxi is your best way to get here as there are no bus services from Kuching.
The Grand Old Lady
Miri has always been regarded as an ‘oil town’. One of the most important historical monuments in Sarawak is known as the Grand Old Lady — the first oil well in the state, built when oil was discovered on 22 December 1910. Located on top of a hill in the heart of Miri town, it sits majestically on Canada Hill.
It earned its name as the ‘mother’ who turned a poor country into a prosperous and rich nation. The tower is about 30 meters high and was used in oil production for 62 years. Before becoming an oil town, Miri was just a fishing village.
To get here, take a taxi or drive yourself as there are no public buses to Canada Hill. While here, also visit the Petroleum Museum to learn more about the history and development of oil and gas in Miri and Malaysia.
Sarawak Regatta
The Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with distinct historical and cultural significance. It was held as early as before 1872 and was organised as an annual event during the New Year. The Sarawak Gazette recorded in 1872 that the annual Regatta was held on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River in front of the Astana.
The European community in Sarawak and neighbouring countries were invited to the Astana for breakfast before the race. The boat ‘Sri Matu’, built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat. These records indicate that the Regatta had always been an important social integration event for the people of Sarawak.
Prominent political figure the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui recorded that Raja Charles Brooke used to send his yacht ‘Maimunah’ to outstations to bring in the various Tuan Residents to join in the social event.
The tradition continued through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period, organised by the Resident and District Office with funds from the government and public donations. The day programme included:
- Races for traditional longboats and dragon boats
- Greasy pole climbing and duck catching
- Pillow fights and totolizer running
The Kuching Waterfront comes alive again with cheers and excitement as competing teams vie for honours and prestigious titles. The Sarawak Regatta traces its roots to 1872 during the Brooke’s ruling era when the Sarawak River served as the main gateway into Kuching for trading, communication and protection.
The races lined up for Sarawak Regatta are:
| 1 | Balok Boat |
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| 2 | Bidar Boat |
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| 3 | Kenyalang Boat |
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| 4 | Tambang Boat |
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