Best Places to Visit in Sarawak | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Sarawak Travel Guide
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Welcome to Sarawak, Malaysia! Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and adventure. As the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is home to lush rainforests, stunning national parks, and an array of exotic wildlife, including the endangered orangutans. Immerse yourself in the rich indigenous cultures of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu tribes, and witness their traditional longhouse communities. Explore the vibrant capital city of Kuching, with its charming colonial architecture, bustling markets, and mouthwatering street food. Whether you're trekking through the dense jungles, cruising along the majestic rivers, or discovering the ancient cave systems, Sarawak promises an unforgettable travel experience that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Best Places To Visit in Sarawak
1. Kuching : Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, is a vibrant and charming city that offers a mix of modernity and tradition. The city is known for its beautiful waterfront, colonial architecture, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the Sarawak Museum, which showcases the state's rich cultural heritage, or take a stroll through the bustling streets of Chinatown. Kuching is also a gateway to the Borneo rainforest, where visitors can experience the natural beauty of Sarawak.
2. Miri : Miri is a coastal city in Sarawak that is known for its beautiful beaches and national parks. Visitors can explore the Niah Caves, which are home to ancient human remains and cave paintings, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Tusan Beach. Miri is also a great place to experience the local culture, with its vibrant night markets and traditional longhouses.
3. Sibu : Sibu is a bustling town that is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious food. Visitors can explore the Sibu Heritage Centre, which showcases the town's history and culture, or take a stroll through the bustling night markets. Sibu is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous kampua noodles and fresh seafood.
4. Bintulu : Bintulu is a coastal town that is known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Similajau National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife and beautiful beaches, or take a stroll through the Bintulu Wetlands, which is a haven for birdwatchers. Bintulu is also a great place to experience the local culture, with its traditional longhouses and delicious seafood.
5. Batu Niah : Batu Niah is a small town that is known for its ancient caves and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Niah Caves, which are home to ancient human remains and cave paintings, or take a stroll through the town's traditional longhouses. Batu Niah is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous belacan and tuak.
6. Mukah : Mukah is a small town that is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the Mukah Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mukah Beach. Mukah is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous umai and sago dishes.
7. Kapit : Kapit is a small town that is known for its traditional longhouses and beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore the Kapit Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture, or take a boat ride along the Rajang River, which is the longest river in Malaysia. Kapit is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous bamboo chicken and tuak.
8. Limbang : Limbang is a small town that is known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Limbang Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Pandan Beach. Limbang is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous laksa and satay.
9. Lawas : Lawas is a small town that is known for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Lawas Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture, or take a boat ride along the Trusan River, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Lawas is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous ikan patin and terubok dishes.
10. Serian : Serian is a small town that is known for its beautiful scenery and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Serian Wetlands, which is a haven for birdwatchers, or take a hike through the Borneo rainforest. Serian is also a great place to experience the local cuisine, with its famous laksa and kolo mee.
Hotels Map Of Sarawak
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Tours And Activities In Sarawak
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Food & Drinks To Try In Sarawak
1. Kolo Mee: A popular Sarawakian dish, Kolo Mee is a type of dry noodle dish served with minced pork, char siu (barbecued pork), and spring onions. The noodles are usually tossed in a flavorful sauce made from shallots, garlic, and pork lard.
2. Laksa Sarawak: This unique version of laksa is a must-try in Sarawak. It features a rich and aromatic broth made from a combination of spices, coconut milk, and tamarind. The dish is typically served with rice vermicelli, prawns, shredded chicken, bean sprouts, and a variety of herbs.
3. Sarawak Layer Cake: Also known as Kek Lapis Sarawak, this colorful and intricately layered cake is a popular dessert in Sarawak. It is made by layering different colored and flavored batter, resulting in a beautiful and delicious cake. Some common flavors include pandan, chocolate, and vanilla.
4. Umai: Umai is a traditional Sarawakian dish made from thinly sliced raw fish, usually mackerel or seabass, marinated in lime juice, onions, chili, and salt. The acidity of the lime juice "cooks" the fish, giving it a refreshing and tangy flavor. Umai is often served as an appetizer or a side dish.
5. Midin: Midin is a type of wild fern found in Sarawak and is a popular vegetable dish in the region. It is usually stir-fried with garlic, chili, and belacan (shrimp paste) to enhance its natural flavors. The fern has a unique texture and taste, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
6. Teh C Peng Special: This is a popular local drink in Sarawak, especially during hot weather. It is a combination of three layers - black tea, evaporated milk, and gula apong (a type of palm sugar). The layers are carefully poured to create a visually appealing drink with a sweet and creamy taste.
7. Tuak: Tuak is a traditional rice wine commonly consumed in Sarawak. It is made by fermenting glutinous rice with yeast and water. The resulting wine has a sweet and slightly alcoholic taste. Tuak is often served during festive occasions and is considered a symbol of hospitality in Sarawak.
8. ABC (Ais Batu Campur): ABC is a popular Malaysian dessert that can be found in Sarawak as well. It is a shaved ice dessert topped with various ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and syrup. It is a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day.
9. Belacan Bee Hoon: Belacan Bee Hoon is a spicy and flavorful dish made with rice vermicelli noodles stir-fried with belacan (shrimp paste), chili, and a variety of vegetables. It is often served with prawns, squid, or chicken for added protein. The dish has a unique aroma and taste that is loved by locals.
10. Sarawak White Pepper Crab: Sarawak is known for its high-quality white pepper, and one of the best ways to experience it is through the famous Sarawak White Pepper Crab. The crabs are cooked in a fragrant white pepper sauce, giving them a distinct and delicious flavor. It is a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
Best Time To Visit Sarawak
The best time to visit Sarawak, Malaysia is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the national parks. Additionally, the dry season is also the peak tourist season, so visitors can expect crowded attractions and higher prices. If you prefer less crowded and cheaper options, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May or October to November. However, it's important to note that Sarawak experiences rainfall throughout the year, so it's always a good idea to pack rain gear regardless of the season.
Flight Calendar For Sarawak
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Transportation To Sarawak
There are several transportation options to get to Sarawak, Malaysia:
1. By Air: The most convenient way to reach Sarawak is by flying into Kuching International Airport (KCH), which is the main airport serving the region. There are direct flights to Kuching from major cities in Malaysia, as well as international flights from Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia.
2. By Land: If you are already in Malaysia, you can also reach Sarawak by land. There are bus services from major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru to Kuching. The journey can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the distance.
3. By Sea: Sarawak is also accessible by sea. There are ferry services from Brunei and Labuan to the city of Miri in Sarawak. Additionally, there are cruise ships that make stops in Sarawak as part of their itineraries.
Once you are in Sarawak, there are various modes of transportation available to explore the region, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.