This article is sponsored by Sarawak Tourism Board.
Images via Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Forestry Corporation
After nearly two years of standstill, the world is finally recovering… which means we can start packing bags for travelling again! As we regain control of our lives and health, there’s a place that wants to welcome you to a land filled with diversity in nature, culture, history, adventure, festivals, and of course, food!
Welcome to Sarawak.
Image via Sarawak Tourism Board
Fondly known as the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak is a clear description of what it means to be a melting pot of ethnicity and culture. Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like to fully immerse yourself in this world in Borneo that’s one-of-a-kind!
If you like nature & adventure
When it comes to lush green rainforests, mountains and wildlife, Sarawak is a well-known destination for nature junkies. Scratch that adventure itch and reconnect with nature in some of the world’s most pristine and hidden locations waiting to be discovered.
Niah National Park, Miri
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Located about 3km from the small town of Batu Niah, the surrounding area of Niah National Park is covered in a dense rainforest home to all sorts of flora and fauna. The park is also open for jungle walks, homestays at Iban longhouses, and cave experiences.
Now this is not just any regular park. It’s said to be the birthplace of civilisation in the entire region!
The cave is an important prehistorical site as new discoveries in 2017 suggested that human civilisation existed since 65,000 years ago in the Niah Caves system, exceeding the previous estimate of 45,000 years!
Archaeology enthusiasts will find the Niah caves a dream location because it’s made up of a series of enormous interconnected caverns and smaller caves. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest cave entrances, Palaeolithic and Neolithic burial sites and iron-age cave paintings.
The Great Cave is as large as a few cathedrals combined, with an entrance that’s 16 storeys high! In the Painted Cave, you’ll also discover cave paintings that are 12,000 years old in red hematite, and boat coffins, making it a perfect burial ground.
Santubong National Park, Kuching
Image via Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Forestry Corporation
Santubong National Park is located on the Damai Peninsula, roughly 35km north of Kuching. One visit here and you’ll be mesmerised by the beauty of this mystical mountain covered in a lavish rainforest.
It’s also one of the most popular hiking locations in Kuching because of the incredible views of the coastline from the summit and the chances of spotting a variety of wildlife here.
Image via Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Forestry Corporation
If you’ve heard of the legendary tale of Princess Santubong being turned into Mount Santubong, you’re going to want to plan a day trip to the Santubong National Park to find out more about this myth.
One of the most famous sayings is that the mountain resembles a woman lying down when you look at it from different angles! You might want to confirm this with your own eyes.
If you love food (who doesn't?!)
Coming from such diversified cultures, Sarawak naturally offers an amazing palate when it comes to local delicacies, especially when it’s mixed with the rich flavours brought in by immigrants when they first step foot onto the land.
This resulted in a wealth of dishes and food that originated in Sarawak, like Kolok Mee, Sarawak Laksa, Umai, Manok Pansoh, Gula Apong ice cream, and more, bringing with it generations of history and heritage.
In fact, the city of Kuching was recently recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in its bid to share its unique food culture with the world!
Sarawak layered cake
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This renowned layer cake from Sarawak, a.k.a. Kek Lapis Sarawak, is essentially attributable to its geographical origin in Sarawak.
As the name suggests, it’s a cake made with layers arranged in different ways to create colourful patterns. It’s perfect for every occasion! You can find this sweet snack almost everywhere in the state because it has become one of the most sought-after desserts there.
Trust us… you’ll be going home with a few extra cakes in your luggage as souvenirs after visiting Sarawak!
Kelabit cuisine
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Kelabit food is something you can’t miss when you visit Miri, especially if your tastebuds are craving something traditional and authentic.
Some of the signature Kelabit dishes includes Daun Ubi (fried pounded tapioca leaves mixed with Bario Salt), Luang Sena’ag (fried minced fish) and the Binamut, a traditional highland delicacy made from millet boiled with water and palm sugar (or gula apong).
You can choose to have your meals served in Nuba Laya, which is a traditional Kelabit dish with mashed rice wrapped and steamed in isip or itip leaves. It’s an indigenous food that’s so unique because some of the ingredients used can only be found in Bario Highlands!
Since you can’t really find it elsewhere, we highly recommend adding Kelabit cuisine in your list of Sarawakian food to try.
If you want to immerse yourself in history & culture
Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Goddess of Mercy Pagoda, Sibu
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Founded more than a century ago, the Eng Ann Tua Pek Kong is the oldest and most well-preserved Chinese temple in Sibu.
It was rebuilt in 1897 from the original wooden structure with an adjacent 7-storey Goddess of Mercy Pagoda, which is considered one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside of China!
You can visit the temple for religious purposes or just climb up the steps to enjoy the incredible sunset view overlooking the Rajang Rivers and the Sibu Waterfront!
If you like to have some fun at festivals
Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)
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It’s one of the most celebrated events in Sarawak and one that festival-goers are no strangers to. The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is a three-day annual music festival that shines light on the colourful global indigenous music in the jungles of Borneo.
And guess what? RMWF will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in June next year, so be prepared for all the exciting sounds and cultural happenings for music lovers near and far!
From world music at the foothills of Mount Santubong, extend your stay in Sarawak and head over to Miri to enjoy the Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF), one of the longest running Jazz festivals in the region, which will include a stellar line-up of local and international artists.
Besides all that we’ve just talked about, there’s a plethora of other things to explore in Sarawak too. So mark your calendars and book your next trip here!
Visit Sarawak Tourism’s website for more travel aspirations and vacation ideas.