Land of the Hornbills
Sarawak stretches some 800 kilometres along the northwest coast of Borneo, covering 124,449 km² — an area larger than Peninsular Malaysia. It is a land of mighty rivers, dense equatorial rainforest, and some of the most spectacular limestone cave systems on Earth.
Malaysia's longest river, flowing 563 km from the Iran Mountains to the South China Sea. It is navigable for 130 km to Sibu by ocean-going vessels and for another 160 km into the interior by smaller boats.
Mulu is the most studied tropical karst area in the world. Its Sarawak Chamber — 600 m by 415 m and 80 m high — is the largest known cave chamber on the planet. About 80% of Sarawak's land area is covered with forest.
Temperatures are uniform year-round: 23°C in the early morning to 32°C during the day. Highlands like Bario can drop to 11°C at night.
The northeast monsoon (Nov–Feb) brings heavy rain, while the southwest monsoon (Jun–Oct) is milder. Annual rainfall ranges from 3,300 to 4,600 mm.
Borneo is home to 10 primate species, over 350 bird species including 8 hornbill species, and countless endemic plants and animals.
Sarawak is one of the most culturally diverse places in Southeast Asia, home to at least 34 different ethnic groups. Each community has its own language, traditions, architecture, and cuisine — yet they share a distinct Sarawakian identity.
The largest indigenous group, making up close to 30% of the population. Formerly known as Sea Dayaks, they are famous for their longhouses, ngajat dance, and tuak (rice wine).
Formerly Land Dayaks, they mainly reside in the Lundu and Bau areas. Known for their traditional baruk (round house) and asam siok (chicken cooked in bamboo).
"People from upriver" — a collective term for tribes like the Kayan, Kenyah, Lun Bawang, and Kelabit. Known for intricate beadwork and the sape (a traditional lute).
Comprising about 25% of the population, the Malay community has a rich heritage of calligraphy, traditional dress, and dishes like bubur pedas and kek lapis Sarawak.
One of the most influential non-indigenous groups, with a history in Sarawak dating back centuries. They have shaped the state's trade, cuisine, and urban culture.
Coastal people traditionally associated with sago cultivation. Known for tebaloi (sago crackers), umai (raw fish salad), and the tall Rumah Tinggi.
Established in 1991 at the foot of Mount Santubong, this award-winning living museum features seven major ethnic groups — Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, and Penan. Visitors can walk through authentic replica houses, try blowpipe shooting, and watch cultural performances twice daily.
Sarawak's history is a story of indigenous kingdoms, a British adventurer who became a "White Rajah," colonial rule, and eventual union with Malaysia.
Sarawak becomes the southern province of the Sultanate of Brunei after the decline of the Majapahit empire.
James Brooke, an English adventurer, helps the Sultan of Brunei suppress a revolt and is installed as Rajah of Sarawak — beginning the Brooke dynasty.
Sarawak is recognised as a separate state by the United States (1850) and Great Britain (1864).
Japanese occupation during World War II interrupts plans for democratic self-government.
The last White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke, cedes Sarawak to the British Crown. It becomes a Crown Colony.
Sarawak achieves self-government and joins the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September.
For over a century (1841–1946), Sarawak was ruled by the Brooke family as a personal kingdom. James Brooke and his successors — Charles Brooke and Charles Vyner Brooke — suppressed piracy and headhunting while gradually expanding the territory through purchase and annexation.
Their legacy is visible today in Kuching's colonial architecture, including the Astana (the Rajah's former palace) and the Court House.
From the lively waterfront of Kuching to the ancient caves of Mulu, Sarawak offers experiences that span city culture, wildlife encounters, and deep jungle adventure.
UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world's largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the Sarawak Chamber, and the razor-sharp Pinnacles. Accessible by small plane from Miri.
Sarawak's famous orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary, just 24 km from Kuching. Semi-wild orangutans come to feeding platforms twice daily (9am & 3pm).
Sarawak's oldest national park, accessible by boat from Bako village. Sea stacks, jungle trails, and the nearly guaranteed proboscis monkey.
Home to the Niah Caves, where 65,000-year-old human remains have been discovered — a gateway to the early history of human civilisation in Southeast Asia.
A new heritage landmark featuring ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs), iron-smelting sites, and the Wallace Centre, highlighting Sarawak's role in world science.
A beautifully restored colonial promenade along the Sarawak River — heritage shophouses, the Astana palace, and some of the best evening food stalls in Borneo.
Every evening at dusk, millions of bats spiral out of Deer Cave at Gunung Mulu — one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in Malaysia. The time varies; park rangers will advise based on that evening's conditions.
Sarawakian cuisine is distinct from the rest of Malaysia — less spicy, more subtle, and deeply influenced by the state's varied geography, indigenous cultures, and fresh local ingredients.
Grown in the highlands of Sarawak, Bario rice is regarded by locals as the finest rice from the highlands. Traditionally, it was eaten only by the longhouse chief on special occasions — now it is available in restaurants across the state.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you make the most of your journey through Malaysia's largest state.
MASwings operates daily small-plane flights from Miri (30 min) and Kota Kinabalu. Book early — seats are limited.
Feeding sessions (9am & 3pm) can fill up on weekends and holidays. Morning sessions generally see more orangutans.
The waterfront, Main Bazaar, Sarawak Museum (old and new campus), and day trips to Bako and Semenggoh genuinely need two days minimum.
Minimum 5–7 days: 2 in Kuching, 3 at Gunung Mulu, plus an optional longhouse stay.
Look for JAKIM certification in Kuching. Traditional Iban food at longhouses may contain rice wine — ask in advance.
Signal is limited in Gunung Mulu and deep jungle areas. Download offline maps before heading into the interior.
Every evening at dusk, millions of bats spiral out of Deer Cave at Gunung Mulu — one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in Malaysia. The time varies; park rangers will advise based on that evening's conditions.