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 Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang, the largest state
in Malaysia, is located on the southwest corner of
Borneo and it is opulently endowed with cultural wealth
and natural beauty. It is a land of vast primeval rainforests,
majestic mountains, caves, unique flora and fauna and
diverse ethnic communities. Also known as the land of
the hornbills, Sarawak's history is one of
heroic adventure and romance, piracy and
Photo: Sarawak Museum
rebellion and
the hornbill is being made as the state crest. The
state which covers an area of 124,500 square kilometers, came under the rule of the White Rajahs when the
Sultan of Brunei made James Brooke, an English
adventurer, the ruler of Sarawak in 1841 for his help
in quelling a rebellion. Use this comprehensive travel
guide on Sarawak to learn more about all the famous
places of interest and tourists attractions in Sarawak
in order to make your trip here fulfilling.
Administratively, Sarawak
is divided into nine divisions which are Kuching, Sri
Aman, Sibu, Miri, Limbang, Sarikei, Kapit, Samarahan and
Bintulu. Kuching, the state
capital city which incidentally is also located in Kuching
division sits on the banks of the Sarawak River, 32 km
from the sea. The influence of the British is reflected
in the architecture of some of its public buildings. A
fine example is the Sarawak Museum, one of Asia's best, housing a fascinating collection of Borneon
ethnological and archaeological artifacts. The Cat Museum, Islamic Museum, Chinese Museum, Timber Museum and
Police Museum also offer interesting insights into
Sarawak whereby some of the most famous museums in
Malaysia are located in Sarawak.
 Other attractions in
the city include the Fort Margherita, named after the
wife of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah and the
Astana, presently, the residence of the Governor of
Sarawak. The Sunday Market or Pasar Minggu, where local
produce is sold, is the best place to mingle with the
local folk. The Sarawak Cultural Village at the
foothills of the legendary Mountain Santubong, 35 km
from Kuching, is a major tourist attraction. Popularly
known as the living Museum, the village is a showcase
Photo: Bako National Park of the state's rich cultural diversity. Located at the
foot of Bukit Hantu is the Sarakraf Pavilion, which is a
cross between a gallery and a sophisticated lifestyle
shop.
Sarawak's
magnificent caves is truly one of nature's greatest
gifts. The Niah National Park is an area of major
archeological significance as the oldest human remains
in Southeast Asia, dating back 40,000 years, were
found in its world renowned Niah Caves. The caves is
home to millions of bats and swiftlets and witnessing
the collection of guano for use as fertilizer and the
hazardous task of harvesting birds' nests can be an
absorbing experience.
 Equally awe-inspiring are
the Mulu Caves located in the Mulu National Park. These
enormous caverns contain Southeast Asia's largest cave
system and other major caves which can only be described
in superlatives and it is no surprise that two-thirds of
Sarawak's land area is covered with rainforest. The spectacular Sarawak Chamber, the
largest cave in the world is claimed to be able to
accommodate 40 Boeing-747 aircraft. The Clear Water Cave
and the Deer Cave are no less intriguing for cave
explorers. Another fascinating highlight of a
holiday in Sarawak is to go on a safari up its mighty
rivers like the Skrang Photo: Kuching
Waterfront
River, Lemanak River and Batang Ai River.
Make it a point too to experience life in a longhouse,
once the home of notorious headhunters.
Sarawak's traditional
cottage industries and agricultural activities possess a
charm of their own and their products make memorable
souvenirs. The handicrafts of fine craftsmanship include
wood-carvings, beadworks, 'pua kumbu' (handwoven
Iban textile), the 'ajat' baskets and sleeping mats
of the Penans and sunhats of some communities. Sarawak's
fine art of pottery-making has today flourished into a
popular indigenous industry especially in Kuching, Miri
and Sibu. Pepper growing is also a significant economic
activity in Sarawak which is noted for its high-grade
black and white pepper and tourists are attracted to it
because of its natural and cultural wonders. So, make
Sarawak your top travel destination in Malaysia today.
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