Sarawak

Sarawak makes access to Borneo’s natural wonders and cultural riches a breeze. From Kuching, the island’s most dynamic city, pristine rainforests – where you can spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia – can be visited on day trips, with time in the evening for a tasty meal and a drink by the waterfront. More adventurous travelers can take a ‘flying coffin’ riverboat up the 'Amazon of Borneo', the Batang Rejang, on their way east to hike from longhouse to longhouse in the cool environs of the Kelabit Highlands, or to the spectacular bat caves and extraordinary rock formations of Gunung Mulu National Park. For the best chance of seeing an orangutan in the wild, venture to the Batang Ai region.

Explore Sarawak

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sarawak.

  • Museum

    Fort Margherita

    Built by Charles Brooke in 1879 and named after his wife, Ranee Margaret, this hilltop fortress long protected Kuching against surprise attack by pirates…

  • Museum

    Sarawak Museum

    Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020 after extensive conservation work, the Sarawak Museum was established in 1891 by Charles…

  • Historic Building

    Old Court House Complex

    The Old Court House was built in the late 19th century to serve as the city’s administrative centre. It now houses a cafe and bar, the excellent Ranee…

  • Bridge

    Darul Hana Bridge

    Linking the northern and southern parts of Kuching, the city's spectacular pedestrian bridge (335m) is constructed to resemble the letter 'S' (for Sarawak…

  • Museum

    Sibu Heritage Centre

    Housed in an airy, circular municipal complex built in 1960, this excellent museum explores the captivating history of Sarawak and Sibu. Panels, rich in…

  • Museum

    Art Museum

    Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020. This museum featured an exhibit called Urang Sarawak, which deftly and succinctly…

  • Museum

    Chinese History Museum

    Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the nine major Chinese communities – each with its own…

  • National Park

    Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    One of the best places in the world to see semiwild orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat, swinging from trees and scurrying up vines, Semenggoh…

  • Cave

    Deer Cave & Lang Cave

    A 3km walk through the rainforest takes you to these adjacent caverns. Deer Cave – over 2km long and 174m high – is the world’s largest cave passage open…

  • Museum

    Fort Sylvia

    Built by Charles Brooke in 1880 to take control of the Upper Rejang, this wooden fort – built of belian (ironwood) – was renamed in 1925 to honour Ranee…

  • National Park

    Tanjung Datu National Park

    Occupying a remote, rugged peninsula at Sarawak’s far northwestern tip, this compact 14-sq-km national park features endangered mixed dipterocarp…

  • Cave

    Great Cave

    A raised boardwalk leads 3.1km (3½ to four hours return) through swampy old-growth rainforest to the mouth of the Great Cave, a vast cavern approximately…

  • Cave

    Wind Cave & Clearwater Cave

    Wind Cave, named for the cool breezes blowing through it, has several chambers, including the cathedral-like King’s Chamber, filled with dreamlike forests…

  • Waterfront

    Waterfront Promenade

    The south bank of Sungai Sarawak along Main Bazaar and Jln Gambier is a lovely tree-shaded promenade, with walkways, lawns and food stalls. It's a fine…

  • National Park

    Gunung Mulu National Park

    Arguably the most impressive destination in Borneo, World Heritage–listed Gunung Mulu National Park manages to pack some of the planet's most incredible …

  • Cave

    Langang Cave

    Langang Cave can be visited on the park's Fast Lane tour, which passes extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites. Keep an eye out for blue racer snakes…

  • National Park

    Bako National Park

    Bako National Park is one of the best places in Sarawak to see rainforest animals in their native habitats. It's notable for its incredible biodiversity,…

  • Historic Building

    Astana

    Built by Charles Brooke in 1869, the Astana (a local word meaning 'palace’) – conveniently labelled in giant white letters – and its manicured gardens…

  • Museum

    Mulu Discovery Centre

    Offers a very accessible introduction to the park as a ‘biodiversity hot spot’ and to its extraordinary geology. Situated in the HQ building between the…

  • Museum

    Sarawak Cultural Village

    This living museum centres on seven traditional dwellings, including three tribal longhouses, a Penan hut, a Malay town house, a Melanau tall house and a…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Sarawak.

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