Are you planning a trip to Malaysia? There’s no chance you’re skipping Sarawak, the one state that deserves the appreciation it gets. Seriously, if you haven’t yet added Sarawak to your itinerary, it’s time because this destination is going to blow your mind. Naturally, you’re wondering how you’ll keep up with Sarawak’s pace, but that’s where we come in; we’ve picked out the perfect guide for you so you can start your trip right away. Let’s get started:
Why Sarawak?
Sarawak is practically heaven on earth; you’re surrounded by lush greenery, immersed in a rich culture, and find yourself around people who are willing to do anything just to make you happy. If travelling is your hobby, you’ll be pulled to Sarawak’s insane views and charming culture way more than you’d imagine. But that’s not all Sarawak is known for; it’s home to one of the most diverse collections of national parks and wildlife reserves in the region, making it a real haven for nature lovers. And let’s just say we’ve got plenty more in the bag for you.
The Perfect Spot For Ecotourism
Sarawak’s rich natural landscapes make it an ideal setting for ecotourism, which continues to be a key focus for the state. The journey begins with the post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), aiming to focus on ecotourism with attention given to preserving sanctuaries, national parks, and nature reserves. Here are just some of the destinations that promote ecotourism:
Bau
Once known for its gold mining, Bau has now shifted its focus toward ecotourism, embracing its natural surroundings and cultural heritage to offer a more sustainable experience for visitors. The magic begins with Tasik Biru, the Blue Lake, inviting tourists to a serene destination. If you’re willing to explore Bau in detail, you’ll find the Wind Cave & Fairy Cave Nature Reserve, each a delight for spelunkers. Wait a little longer and explore Paku Rock Maze Garden, a very Indiana Jones-esque adventure park that’ll keep you occupied for hours.
Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park
Dive deep into the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, a spot where you’ll meet more than 800 species of corals. The pristine patch reefs carry on for miles, allowing tourists to explore Mother Nature’s beauty for over an hour.
Bako National Park
Head to the oldest national park in Sarawak, and you’ll find that it hosts some of the rarest and most intriguing animals. Guided tours take you through the routine of the endemic Proboscis monkey, the long-tailed macaques, silver-leaf monkeys, and even a couple of fascinating animals, like the bearded pig.
Semenggoh Nature Reserve
If you’ve ever wanted to see how orangutans live peacefully in their natural habitat, head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, just a short drive from Kuching. It’s one of the best places to observe these gentle, intelligent creatures up close as they roam freely through the forest.
The reserve focuses on orangutan rehabilitation, and during feeding sessions, you’ll get rare, up-close views while learning about the efforts to reintroduce them into the wild.
Thrill Seeker’s Delight
While Sarawak is truly a spot for nature lovers, don’t take its lush greenery lightly; the state offers countless adventurous activities, perfect for people who just can’t stop living life to the fullest. Here’s another glimpse into all the adventure you can find in Sarawak:
Wildlife Watching
The biggest benefit to Sarawak’s closeness with Mother Nature is seeing animals in action up close. Whether you’re spotting proboscis monkeys, watching monitor lizards dart through the underbrush, birdwatching in the quiet of the canopy, or even going frogging to find rare and colorful species after dark, Sarawak offers a wildlife experience that delights nature lovers of all kinds.
Spelunking
If you’ve got an odd love of hiding out in caves and channelling your inner adventurer, Sarawak won’t disappoint. Gunung Mulu National Park is home to some of the world’s most impressive cave systems, including Clearwater Cave and the massive Deer Cave, both of which are surrounded by lush rainforest. At Niah National Park, you’ll find Niah Cave, a site of significant archaeological importance with evidence of human settlement dating back over 60,000 years. Each cave offers a unique thrill, whether you’re drawn to its natural wonders or its rich history.
Trekking and Hiking
If you’d rather skip the dark corridors and prefer exploring nature openly, Sarawak’s exciting trekking and hiking trails will do the job. While you’ll find plenty of trails in almost every national park, UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu National Park and Bako National Park are renowned for their thrilling and beginner-friendly trails.
A Glimpse Into The Past
Typically, tourist destinations offer little more than museums. But that’s what makes Sarawak so exciting; you’ll find some of the oldest destinations here, including plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and here’s a closer look at both.
Mulu National Park
Mulu’s extensive display of natural landmarks is why it’s counted as one of the best destinations in the world. The park is home to impressive cave systems, including the Clearwater Cave, Deer Cave, and Lang Cave. The park is also home to the Sarawak Chamber, which is so huge that you could fit up to 40 Boeing 747s inside. If we’re talking numbers, you’ll be impressed to see the Mulu Pinnacles, limestone spikes that tower 45 meters high.
Niah National Park
Inside Niah National Park, you’ll find one of the world’s oldest limestone caves. Considered Malaysia’s oldest cave system, Niah has recorded human history for over 65,000 years, and it’s all preserved on the walls, as evidenced by several prehistoric cave paintings. Archaeologists have long ventured to Niah because of its Paleolithic and Neolithic burial sites, centring around the Great Cave. It’s truly one of the most delightful destinations for anyone who appreciates history and nature.
Sarawak Delta Geopark
Next, we’ve got the Sarawak Delta Geopark, home to 42 geological heritage sites. The park isn’t only rich in culture; it’s also home to some of the most diverse natural landscapes. This includes 28 officially recognized Rock Landscape Geosites such as Serapi, Bau, and Padawan, along with 12 Biological Diversity Biosites, like the Santubong National Park. If you’re still wondering why Sarawak Delta Geopark deserves a visit, it’s because it’s also home to 14 cultural sites, including Fort Margherita, Sarawak Cultural Village, and Annah Rais Longhouse.
Amazing Festivals
Sarawak’s event calendar is anything but ordinary. In 2025 alone, the state is set to host over 250 events across music, food, sports, lifestyle, and culture. From vibrant festivals to international showcases, there’s something happening year-round that appeals to every kind of traveler.
These include the Rainforest World Music Festival, held annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village, inviting musicophiles from all over the world. You can also attend the Borneo Jazz Festival, a milder yet more relaxing music festival that unites jazz lovers.
If you’re looking to experience something truly unique, don’t miss Gawai Dayak, a cultural celebration held every 1–2 June to mark the end of the rice harvest. It’s when Sarawak comes alive with traditional music, ngajat dance, vibrant costumes, and joyful communal feasting, especially in longhouses and local villages. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the heart of Sarawak’s Indigenous culture.
Impeccable Art
While we’ve mostly discussed Sarawak’s natural beauty, it’s also a proud holder of the World Craft City title by the World Crafts Council, a recognition of its vibrant community of skilled artists and artisans. From intricate woodcarving and beadwork to beautifully woven rattan pieces, the state is rich in living heritage. Travelers can take home unique souvenirs, such as the Pua Kumbu, a ceremonial cotton cloth that reflects Iban folklore, or the Keringkam, a delicately embroidered Sarawak Malay headscarf crafted with gold or silver thread.
Gastronomic Adventures
How could we not talk about the food? With 34 ethnic groups calling Sarawak home, the state serves up one of the most diverse culinary scenes in Malaysia. From longhouses to local markets, every region offers something unique, but Kuching stands out as the heart of it all. Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2021, the capital brings everything together in one place. Must-try foods here include Sarawak Laksa, Ayam Pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), Midin (jungle fern), Kolo Mee, Kek Lapis Sarawak, and the ever-popular Gula Apong Ice Cream.
For more information about things to do and see in Sarawak, visit this website.
