Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has launched the “Global Sia Sitok Vacations” campaign for non-Sarawakians and international tourists. The campaign - to run from May 1st, 2023 to July 15th, 2023 - enables non-Sarawakians to redeem RM100 for spending upwards of RM250.

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia with a land area of over

124,400 square kilometers and a population of 2.97 millions. Sarawak is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, food, festivals and natural landscapes so there are numerous vacation destinations to be explored. It is of no surprise that this year’s “Global Sia Sitok Vacations” campaign accessed via the EnjoySarawak mobile app features 51 merchants and 147 packages.

The EnjoySarawak mobile app serves as a comprehensive solution for discovering the finest lodging, dining, and recreational experiences in Sarawak. It allows you to effortlessly locate and reserve a diverse range of accommodations, ranging from luxurious hotels to inviting homestays. The app houses an extensive selection of dining establishments, showcasing both authentic Sarawakian delicacies and international culinary delights. It also provides an array of tours and immersive activities, granting you the opportunity to delve into Sarawak's cultural tapestry as if you were a resident.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sarawak is the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum located at the foothills of Mount Santubong. Experience life in traditional longhouses and cultural performances.

Those who prefer a more historical experience can visit Sarawak’s Fort Margherita, a formidable fortress from the late 19th century that has been converted into a museum showcasing Sarawak's colonial history with the stunning Sarawak River and the Astana - the former palace of the White Rajahs and now the Governor's residence - as the backdrop.

A short walk across the iconic Darul Hana Bridge from Fort Margherita brings you to the Kuching Old Courthouse, which combines colonial and local architectural styles. These landmarks steeped in history contribute to Sarawak's cultural narrative.

Sarawak also hosts a range of festivals throughout the year, many of which is centred around the state’s diverse cultural tapestry. One of the can’t-miss festivals in Sarawak is the Rainforest World Music Festival (RMWF) located in Kuching. The annual three-day festival brings together renowned world musicians from around the globe to interact with festival-goers and perform in the midst the lush rainforest.

This year’s festival is slated for June 23rd-25th, 2023. Those interested can obtain more information and book their tickets at https://rwmf.net/

There is no better time to book your adventure in Sarawak with the ongoing “Global Sia Sitok Vacations”  campaign. Visit

https://bit.ly/3HtAsH7 to download the EnjoySarawak app to redeem the

RM100 e-Voucher for spending of RM250 and above.

Plan your visit today with Global Sia Sitok Vacations and let Sarawak enchant you with its warm hospitality, diverse experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information, visit the Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at www.sarawaktourism.com.

A celebration of world music, culture, and nature, the Rainforest World Music Festival, or RMWF, is an annual event that takes place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The festival - introduced in 1998 - has grown in popularity over the past 25 years, attracting music lovers and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world.

This year’s festival is set to take place from 23 June to 25 June 2023 and boasts a diverse range of musical performances, each with their unique sound and style. Not only will festival-goers get to enjoy the night-time music but they will also be able to mingle and interact with a stellar list of performers including Grammy Awards winner ‘Gipysy Kings’ featuring Tonino Baliardo from France, ‘Big Mountain’ from Jamaica/USA and Sarawak’s own Zee Avi, among others.

Festival-goers can also take part in the different workshops and activities scheduled. These workshops provide an immersive experience for festival-goers, allowing them to learn more about traditional arts and crafts, dance, and music from various cultures around Sarawak. Participants who are keen to expand their knowledge of musical instruments can, meanwhile, participate in the music and instrument workshops.

In addition to the workshops, the RMWF also offers a literal taste of Sarawak. Participants can indulge in a gastronomic adventure and savour a variety of delectable traditional dishes from various Sarawakian cultures. Sarawak is home to 31 different ethnicities - each with their own different cultures, music and food - so festival-goers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying their culinary desires.

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RMWF) is a great way to connect with people from around the world and gain a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's rich cultural heritage. Whether you are interested in dance, music, or arts and crafts, there is something for everyone at the Rainforest World Music Festival.

To learn more about the festival, please visit https://bit.ly/3nhJKiF to book your tickets and rwmf.net to learn more about the festival.

The word Gawai’ originated from the Iban language that means ritual or festival, whilst Dayak refers to the native ethnic groups of Sarawak - the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut, Lun Bawang – and many more.
Gawai Dayak is celebrated to mark the end of the padi (rice) harvesting season and also a time of togetherness, a mark of gratitude for god and nature for the productive harvest, as well as prayer for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Common events during the celebration are Kumang (Queen) and Keling (King) Gawai contests, Ngirup Ai Pengayu (Long Life Drink), traditional dancing and overall merrymaking.

Preparations for the Gawai festival start very early, with the brewing of tuak (traditional rice wine) and the making of traditional delicacies such as the kuih penganan (Mexican hat shaped cake), kuih sarang semut (fishnet-like crispy snack), kuih chuan (crispy flower snack), pulut lulun (glutinous rice steamed in bamboo), manuk daun ubi lulun (chicken and tapioca shoot steamed in bamboo), and many more. After the general cleaning of the longhouse, new mats will be laid out on the ruai (the open area which runs through the entire longhouse), with the walls are adorned with the pua kumbu (traditional handwoven fabric) display on the wall and placed on the table as table cloth.

Gawai celebrations at the longhouse offer celebrants a great time to wear traditional costumes. The women would wear the ngepan, a traditional costume for welcoming guests to the longhouse, wearing the sugu tinggi (Iban maiden headgear) as hair accessory. The men would wear cawat or sirat (loin cloth) with necklaces, armlets and anklets and a headgear made of peacock feathers.

The celebration typically starts on the evening of 31^st May with the Muai Antu Rua (casting away the spirit of greed), signifying the chasing away of the spirit of bad luck.
Traditionally each family at the longhouse would throw unwanted articles into a chapan (winnowing basket) that is dragged by two men as they pass each room along the longhouse. The unwanted articles will then be tossed to the ground from the end of the longhouse.

As the sun sets, a miring (offering ceremony) will take place, starting with the beating of the gendang rayah (ritual music).
The Tuai Rumah (Longhouse Chief) thanks the gods for the good harvest, and asks for blessings, guidance and long life as he waves a cockerel over the offerings before ending the miring ceremony. Dinner is then served and just before midnight, a procession of young maidens and warriors in traditional garb go up and down the ruai seven times, and this is known as the Ngalu Petara (welcoming the spirit of the gods).

At midnight, the gong is sounded and the Tuai Rumah leads everyone in the longhouse in a toast with Ai Pengayu (a special kind of tuak) and wish each other “Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai” which translates to “Long Life, Health and Prosperity”.

The celebration turns merrier as some will dance to traditional music being played. Some will sing and recite their traditional poems (pantun or ramban), while some would perform the traditional dance form called Ngajat to symbolise the joy of a good harvest.

The male ngajat copies the mannerisms of a hornbill - considered the king of the birds – to show courage, heroism and strength. The ngajat of the ladies is the opposite, as it consists of soft, graceful movements with very precise body turns.
A traditional band joins the dance troop giving life to the dance with their vibrant beats and tunes, playing the traditional folklore.
There will also be blowpipe competitions as participants will take the opportunity to demonstrate their blowpiping skills.

On June 1^st, the homes of the Dayaks are opened to visitors and guests, a custom known as Ngabang.
Traditionally, when guests arrive at the longhouse, they are served with ai tiki as a symbol of welcoming them to their home.
From time to time, guests are served with tuak and this would be called as “nyibur temuai” which literally means “watering the guests”.

For the Christian Dayaks, Gawai would also mean attending a church mass service to thank God for the good harvest.
The Gawai celebrations usually lasts for several days, and it is also considered an auspicious time for wedding ceremonies and baptisms to take place.

COME AND EXPERIENCE GAWAI IN SARAWAK

In conjunction with 2023’s Gawai festival, everyone is invited to experience the festivity first-hand with the local community at the Sarawak Gawai Festival Open House, to be held at Rumah Matop longhouse in Betong, about 246km from Kuching, on 9^th June 2023.

The open house aims to promote the rich cultural diversity of Sarawak and highlight the unique traditions and customs of the Gawai celebrations and visitors will have the chance to experience the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Not only will they get to taste traditional ethnic cuisines, visitors can also participate in cultural performances at the historic longhouse, which was built in 1941 from belian (ironwood) pillars.

Those interested in participating in the Gawai Dayak Open House can go to the website https://sarawak.travel/openhouse/ for more information.

Dubai, UAE - Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is set to draw more tourists from the Middle East region through its participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 held in in Dubai from 1st to 4th May 2023 under Tourism Malaysia (TM) Pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

With the theme “Working towards Net Zero”, STB highlighted on sustainable travel trends and creating growth plans within important vertical industries that is consistent with the three United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that STB is advocating - SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

STB Deputy CEO (Integrated Marketing Communications Division) Suriya Charles Buas said STB’s participation in ATM2023 was a golden opportunity to put Sarawak at visitors’ top of mind when it comes to ecotourism and responsible tourism in the Middle East region.

“I believe Sarawak distinctiveness and effort in upholding the pillars of Responsible Tourism is a great promotional point to position Sarawak as one of a leading stop-over spots in Malaysia,” he added.

Apart from highlighting Sarawak’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF) attractions to tour agencies, potential investors and international visitors, STB also emphasized the promotion of the newly launched Global Sia Sitok Vacation (GSSV) packages and STB’s iconic event the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) to be held from 23^rd to 25^th June 2023 at Sarawak Cultural Village.

The GSSV campaign invites non-Sarawakians and foreigners to choose from over 140 travel packages and redeem RM100.00 e-vouchers for purchases over RM250.00 from 1^st May to 16^th July 2023 via the Enjoy Sarawak App which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple Apps Store.

The Arabian Travel Market is the premier international travel and tourism trade show that enables inbound and outbound tourism professionals to capitalize on market opportunities in the Middle East. Popular tourist destinations from across the world congregates in Dubai to exhibit their brands alongside the greatest names in accommodation and hospitality, known tourist attractions, cutting-edge travel technology companies, and airlines.

The Tourism Malaysia Pavilion at the ATM 2023 hosted 64 exhibitors, ranging from the hotels, destination management companies, tour operators, and state tourism boards.

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at https://sarawaktourism.com.

Download Sarawak Tourism Calendar Of Events 2023

Fellow travellers, we have a message for you: Come to Sarawak!

We're not kidding.

Greetings, Golfers! Guess where you can fly, land, and play golf all in the same day? Yes yes yes! Kuching, Sarawak! Due to its breathtaking scenery and a golf culture that’s run by passionate locals, Kuching is rightly hailed as the golf paradise of Malaysia. There are a few golf courses in and around Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak and it’s the perfect location for a golfer on their holiday! Golf facilities have been mushrooming across the state and many are asking, "Why should I come to Kuching for golf?" Here are some of the reasons why Kuching is a golfer's paradise.

With one golf course practically at your doorstep, another a short ride away, another a small commute and a couple more within striking distance, Kuching, Sarawak is the land of top-notch golf courses for you!

You should come because Damai Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole championship course that is truly spectacular and unique. The setting is truly spectacular, bordering the foothill of Mount Santubong and hugging the beaches, rocky outcrops and mangrove forests of the South China Sea. If you like to golf, this is your place!

Have you ever wanted to golf in a place that has beautiful mountains, lush green forests and an amazing view of the city? The Samarahan Country Club is located strategically next to the University of Malaysia, Sarawak Campus along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Kota Samarahan and 12 KM away from the Kuching International Airport. The course layout requires precision and accuracy in order for players to score well on each hole. Samarahan Country Club's goal is to be the best in the state.

There are many reasons why you should come to Sarawak for golf. First and foremost, the Kelab Golf Sarawak (Sarawak Golf Club) is located approximately 10 km from the centre of Kuching City. The main feature of KGS is its 36-holes golf course, the only one in The Land of the Hornbills! Aside from golf, which includes a KGS driving range open even at night, KGS offers a variety of other sporting and recreational opportunities. The club, for example, has an eight-lane Olympic-size swimming pool. The indoor hall comes complete with badminton courts and squash courts, and the tennis complex is adjacent to the indoor badminton hall.

You will be surprised by how much you can enjoy your visit at KGS as there are many other things that you can do besides playing golf at Kelab Golf Sarawak! For example, you can swim in KGS’s Olympic size swimming pool, play badminton at their indoor badminton hall or play squash at their squash court, or play tennis on their four tennis courts.

If you're looking for a place that's truly unique, look no further than Kuching! As the main feeder city for the rest of Sarawak, its food foundation stands on the distinct biodiversity of Borneo. Kuching is, to coin a phrase, a culinary melting pot. Experience Siniawan Night Market at night and enjoy local delicacies that you can only find here in Kuching! The well-known Oyster Omelette and Ngoh Hiang is another must-try food in Siniawan Night Market. You can eat it as it is or pair it with a mug of cold beer or even enjoy it with a bowl of rice! And famous dishes like Kolo Mee, Manok Pansoh (Chicken cooked in bamboo) and the godly Sarawak Laksa which you can smell from a mile away!

What are you waiting for? Discover Sarawak today! To learn more about Sarawak, head over to https://sarawaktourism.com/

KUCHING, 5th December 2022 - In the spirit of celebrating 65 years of India-Malaysia’s diplomatic ties, Sarawak Tourism Board welcomed the 12-member Bharatnatyam dance troupe of the Anthara Dance Academy from Tamil Nadu, India on Monday (Dec 5) at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).

The visit to Sarawak was integral to a people-to-people and vibrant cultural exchange to showcase the rich and diverse relationship between India and Malaysia. According to High Commission of India in Malaysia Second Secretary Narender Pal Singh, this was part of the Indian High Commission’s efforts to reach out to the Indian community across various parts of Malaysia and an opportunity for the community to reconnect with Indian performing arts.

“India and Malaysia share an Enhanced Strategic Partnership with rich engagement across business, defence, education, culture and people-to-people ties. We very much value the people-to-people exchanges and will continue to do our best to facilitate them and promote them,” he said.

The cultural stories of India were communicated in motion through the dances performed at Sarawak Cultural Village called the ‘Shadakshara Kowthwam’, ‘Annai Mugathone’, ‘Swarapallavi’, ‘En Pallo Kondeerayya’, ‘Enenna Vilayadai’, ‘Thottu-thotthu Pesavaraan’, and ‘Tillana’.

This is the fourth Indian performing arts troupe visiting Malaysia in the last four months. The Bharat Natyam Troupes consist of the Bhangra Troupe and Kalaripayattu troupe sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Government of Tamil Nadu. The Bharatnatyam Troupe visited Ipoh and Penang last September while the Kalaripayattu group visited Penang and performed at Malaysia’s Living Arts Cultural Festival.

KUCHING, 29 Nov 2022: On a journey to empower special needs groups through sports and responsible tourism, the Sports for Good tours organised by Ageless Bicyclist just concluded its charitable cycling tour around Kuching.

The meaningful cycling tour was participated by 10 cyclists from Singapore and 4 deaf cyclists from the Sarawak Deaf Sports Association in support of the Kuching Autism Association. The cycling tour which started from 24th November – 26th November 2022 includes touring around Kuching City, Wind Cave and Mount Singai.

During a dinner hosted by Sarawak Tourism Board, Mr Malcolm Chen, founder of Ageless Bicyclist based in Singapore said: “The Sports for Good Tours will evolve from just cycling to a broader sports tours event. The whole concept of this (Sports for Good Tours) will integrate sports, tourism and charity.”

“What we are doing right now is very much packaging a program that will support a charitable organisation. For Ageless Bicyclist, we put our priority first on supporting the Autism community. We hope to create more programmes in Sarawak’s main gateways which are Kuching, Sibu and Miri. There are also enquires about Sport Fishing, which is something we will look into in the near future with the help of Sarawak Tourism Board,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Ernest Ting the General Manager for Sarawak Society for the Deaf through an interpreter said cycling has been his source of happiness since young especially when he was cycling in groups. To him, cycling is an inclusive sport where being deaf does not matter.

When asked about his recommendations on some of the best spots to cycle in Kuching, he advised to look out for any cycling events on Facebook to join exciting cycling tours that include exhilarating routes in Sarawak.

Ageless Bicyclists is a non-profit social enterprise that started in 2015 and is a member of raiSE, ARAIBA (ASEAN Responsible and Inclusive Business Alliance), an associate member of Asean Autism Network and recognised as Honouree Brands For Good. Ageless Bicyclists is Singapore's first non-profit social enterprise with an experiential inclusive recreation cycling program for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Majlis Makan Tahun Kedayan (the Kedayan annual grand feast) is a festival to preserve the traditional practices of the Kedayan community in Lawas, and is one of the ceremonies performed after the rice harvest. It usually will last for three days, and this year it will be starting on 25^th – 27^th November 2022 to be held at Taman Awal Lawas.

This festival is held in appreciation of a bountiful rice harvest, with the expectation that it would lead to a better income in the future. Apart from being a symbol of gratitude, it also serves as a reminder to the current generation to respect and continue the hard work of the previous generation. During the festival's opening ceremony, rewards will be presented to Kedayan children who have successfully continue their studies overseas.

There will also be several competitions on the day of the event. Among them are the Kedayan language song competition, the Kedayan language storytelling competition for the children's category and the kelupis wrapping competition. Furthermore, the most anticipated event is the beauty pageant called Kapala Kapo and Kepala Bisai for women and men respectively.

Meanwhile, the Junjung (traditional house) Kedayan competition,
done collaboratively by each Kedayan village based on creativity and uniqueness, will display the community's cultures in terms of lifestyle and food. In addition, the Kedayan Song Performance and the Gulintangan Musical Instrument Competition will take place.

For those who are interested in learning more about this festival, you may contact Puan Suriyah Binti Jinin at 013-5794881.

Sarawak Tourism Board has launched its Photography and Videography Competition 2022 themed "Hidden Gems of Sarawak"! All photographers, amateur, professional, and students alike, are encouraged to enter this exciting contest to promote Sarawak Tourism and state loyalty!

Capturing Sarawak’s rich beauty in a photograph can be a daunting task. The sheer magnitude of the landscape is awe-inspiring! But beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Here’s 5 top locations that you can photograph while in Sarawak!

Sarawak is a biodiversity hotspot and its forests, caves, wildlife, mountains and beaches are its main attractions. With a new category in the Photography competition, My Hometown/My City, one can easily find spots in Sarawak! Kuching is a fascinating city with a colourful history. Its heritage buildings include stunning Chinese temples, Floating Masjid India Mosques, Kuching’s Fort Margherita, vibrant street markets such as Uptown Metrocity, Borneo Cultures museums, and cat statues which is a famous tourist spot. Not to mention Sarawak’s one and only, DUN-Sarawak State Legislative Building. Its distinctive "payung" roof has become an icon for Sarawak.

Discover Sarawak at night by going to the Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching, Sarawak. Kuching's Waterfront is teeming with locals enjoying family time. View the Waterfront from the centre of the bridge and enjoy the lights from the Waterfront as well as a fountain show with music and strobes! Now that is how you capture Sarawak at night!

Sarawak is famous for its nature of course! Did you know Gunung Gading is home to the world's largest flower, the rafflesia! At that, visit Wind and Fairy Cave Nature Reserve and Tasik Biru in Bau. With the Photography Competition’s Going Green and Nature’s Wonders category, there is nothing that you cannot picture once you are there!

The Photography and Videography competition is open to all Malaysians nationwide and will run
until 15 December 2022. With new categories being added this year, such as the "TikTok" category, that will surely pique your interest! Participants can submit up to five (5) photos in each category and one (1) video for the competition. Each participant can only win one (1) prize for photography and one (1) prize for videos.

The winners of the photography and videography competitions will be announced on the Official Facebook page of Sarawak Travel, Malaysia, Borneo https://www.facebook.com/visitsarawak/ and the Sarawak Photo Art Society https://www.facebook.com/Sarawak-Photo-Art-Society-276048912732774/

Register here at https://stb.foto.org.my/

Psst… Less than a week to go. If you haven’t checked out Kuching Food Festival 2022. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with a wideeee range of choices from crocodile soup to icecream Goreng!

For more information, checkout sarawaktourism.com 

Positioned as the main gateway to Central Sarawak and the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang basin, Sibu is a thriving modern town that will charm you with its historical and cultural heritage, vibrant food scenes and beautiful waterfront life.

Although Sibu may not always be the first choice of destination when it comes to visiting Sarawak, the unique charms of Sibu town that it is a down-to-earth place filled with friendly smiles everywhere will not disappoint. For those looking for an opportunity to explore Sibu, here are some of the highlights which might inspire you to explore this vibrant town.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

History buffs, rejoice! In a town that is predominantly Fuzhou since migration of early settlers originating from the Fuzhou region in southern China began in 1901, it is no surprise that you will be surrounded by Fuzhou cultural heritage buildings throughout the city. You can begin your Fuzhou trail in Sibu by visiting Sungai Merah, the earliest riverine settlement of the Fuzhou Chinese in Sibu. Wong Nai Siong, a Chinese Revolutionary leader responsible for leading the Fuzhou migration to Sibu, decided after travelling for 13 days down the Rejang River that Sungai Merah was the most suitable place to start a new settlement due to its strategic riverbank location.

The trail then led us to Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden which was built in honour of Sibu’s principal founder and features a bronze bust of him. You can also find more information about the history of the Fuzhou community in Sibu here.

We finally reached the end of our heritage walk with the James Hoover Memorial Park, commemorating the renowned Methodist missionary and educator, Reverend James Matthew Hoover from the USA who helped to build 41 churches and 40 schools all over Sibu. He helped to manage the settlement after Wong Nai Siong left from 1903 to 1935. You can read more about his journey, contributions and achievements here.

Sibu Night Market

After all the walking earlier, our stomachs began to growl in hunger. Our local guide informed us that Sibu’s night market is a must-visit place when it comes to searching for good local food at night. Our eyes glistened at the sight of assembled food ranging from Sibu’s signature Kompia (Sibu’s version of a bagel) with meat filling, inside barbequed pork, local savoury desserts such as yam cake and youtiao (a deep-fried Chinese breadstick), steamy dim sums, to local Malay cuisines and of course, satay served with peanut sauce.

While enjoying our snacks and walking around, we found ourselves in another section of the market where visitors can shop for affordable items such as souvenirs, clothes, shoes, accessories and more! This is a plus point for those who need a quick “fashion fix”, a wardrobe change or just need to buy a gift.

The market usually operates from 5 pm till 10 pm every evening and we’d say this place is definitely worth a visit as it is perfect for an evening stroll and getting to know the locals better.

1. EAT LAKSA SARAWAK & KOLO MEE

THE two favourite signature breakfast meals of Kuching are without a doubt Laksa Sarawak and Kolok Mee.  A visitor to Sarawak cannot leave without having a taste of these two iconic dishes.

Ranked the No. 1 Food in Asia by TasteAtlas and dubbed as ‘The Breakfast of the Gods’ by the late Anthony Bourdain, Sarawak Laksa consists of vermicelli rice noodles soaked in a spicy-sour shrimp-based broth made from over 30 different herbs and spices, thickened with coconut milk, topped with crunchy beansprouts, boiled prawns, shredded chicken, thin slices of omelette, a sprinkling of fresh coriander, served with spicy sambal made from pounded chillies and belacan (shrimp paste) and a freshly cut calamansi (golden lime).

Kolok Mee is a bowl of fresh noodles cooked perfectly al-dente, swirled vigourously in lard and vinegar until each strand is evenly coated, topped with slices of char siew (barbequed pork) and minced pork, dressed with chopped spring onions and sliced chillies. Kolok Mee can also be enriched with fishballs, wontons and vegetables such as choy sum. Halal versions of Kolok Mee can be found at Muslim outlets.

2. FEED THE ORANGUTANS AT SEMENGGOH

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, located 20 kilometers south of Kuching, is a renowned sanctuary for the conservation of the orangutans in their natural habitat. For over 20 years, the wardens at Semenggoh Nature Reserve have been training young orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild.  They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the Centre for a free meal. During feeding time, visitors will gain the golden opportunity to interact with the orangutans as they will swing down from trees for a free hand out of fruits.

3. KAYAKING AT SEMADANG RIVER

Adrenaline junkies will love the wide variety of all-inclusive day-trip adventure tours along Semadang River, ranging from river kayaking, bamboo-rafting, caving and jungle trekking. The Semadang Kayaking experience includes all kayaking, rafting and caving activities. Also, after a massive workout from kayaking, visitor can further enrich their local culinary experience with some traditional, home-cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients by the river.

4. EAT GULA APONG ICE CREAM

Good news for dessert lovers – you will love Sarawak’s Gula Apong Ice-cream. Gula Apong is a type of palm sugar made from nipah palm, which grows abundantly in the coastal lowlands in Sarawak.  It has a subtly different, nuttier flavour compated to the gula melaka in West Malaysia.  Vanilla ice-cream really tastes best when gula apong syrup is drizelled over it, or you can also enjoy gula apong flavoured ice cream.

5. EXPLORE MULU NATIONAL PARK

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip to Mulu National Park is a must when you are in Sarawak. Located in Miri, Mulu is well known for its rich biodiversity and its karst features. The varied topography of Gunung Mulu National Park includes swampy lowland rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, and lofty sandstone mountains – these provide a great diversity of habitats and are one of the reasons behind the astounding biodiversity of this reserve.  Mulu’s most remarkable feature is the world’s finest karst collapse and the 50metre-tall razor-sharp limestone Pinnacles on the northern end of Gunung Api.

6. DEEP SEA DIVING AT MIRI-SIBUTI CORAL REEFS NATIONAL PARK

The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is a protected area, and the thriving marine life is a testament to this. There are over 40 dive sites throughout the park with something suitable for divers of all levels. Among the popular dive spots in the national park include Belais Reef, Anemone Garden and the exciting Barracuda Point where a school of the large predator can be seen swirling in a never-ending circle.

7. TREKKING AT GUNUNG GADING NATIONAL PARK

 To all hikers, nature, wildlife and jungle enthusiasts – are you looking for a challenging jungle trekking adventure in a tranquil, lush, natural and timeless environment? Then Gunung Gading National Park is the place to be. Gunung Gading is home to the rare Rafflesia, which is also known as the corpse flower because of the stench it gives off while it is blooming. There are a number of treks at the park and not all of them will feature the Rafflesia, so be sure to tell your guide beforehand if you want to see it in all its glory and he will take you where you will be able to spot it. Some of the jungle trails here will also lead you to scenic waterfalls and jungle streams. Have a refreshing swim at these ice-cool waters before you leave.

8. MORNING BIRDWATCHING AT KUBAH NATIONAL PARK

Kubah National Park is situated on a sandstone plateau, mostly covered by mixed dipterocarp forest which interspersed with patches of scrub and unusually rich area of Kerangas forest, is the home of mammals, birds & many species of reptiles and amphibians. Upon arrival, bird watchers can aim to spot some endemic species like Blue-banded pitta, Bornean blue-flycatcher, Yellow-rumped flowerpecker, Bornean Black-magpie, Chestnut-crested yuhina, Dusky munia & etc.

9. EXPERIENCE THE SERENITY OF BARIO

Lying at an altitude of about 3,500 feet above sea level in the north-eastern corner of Sarawak is the famous Bario Highlands, a Kelabit territory, one of the minority Orang Ulu tribes of Sarawak.  Bario means ‘Wind’ in Kelabit language. It is the gateway to the Kelabit highlands with about thirteen villages are located in & around Bario area, with Kampung Bario Asal being the first.  This is a must-visit longhouse where one can see the ancient timbers of the unique kitchen darkened by the constant smoke of generations of cooking fires.  Bario’s most enchanting attraction is its’ the calmness, the serenity and the natural splendour of its surroundings against a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of paddy fields at the base of mist-covered hills standing tall as far as the eye.

10. VISIT SIBU’S TUA PEK KONG

The Eng Ann Tua Peng Kong was founded more than a 100 years ago, making it the oldest and best-preserved Chinese Temple in Sibu. From the original wooden structure, it was rebuilt in 1897 with an adjacent 7-storey Goddes of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Pagoda, considered as one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside of Mainland China. Tourists not only visit the temple for religious purposes but also to climb its steps to enjoy the magnificent sunset view overlooking the Rajang Rivers and the Sibu Waterfront.

Fresh ingredients with bold flavours gathered from the jungle.

The natural resources of the rainforests are a source of livelihood for the natives of Sarawak, and people back in the old days came up with various cooking methods and jungle food which are still put to practice to this day. Sarawakian ethnic tribes would utilize any resources found in their surroundings and nature to use as cooking tools and food sources.

The jungle can literally be their kitchen. By using mother nature’s earthly elements and resources, Sarawakians can pull off all sorts of dishes that are deemed meals made for the gods.

Sarawak cuisine and its long traditional cooking methods have been passed down from one generation to the next. Traditional cuisine is still being served to this day at home, food stalls and restaurants in Sarawak due to its simple recipe and exquisite taste.

Wild ingredients you can find

In Sarawakian traditional cuisine, the freshness of the ingredients plays an important part in the jungle kitchen.

Other than the common ingredients that are easily found elsewhere like salt, ginger, and pepper, Sarawak has many indigenous ingredients to offer which can only be found in the jungle like asam paya, nibong, daun jampang and
terung asam (local eggplant) to name a few.

Aside from the famous wild vegetable midin, buah dabai is also exclusively grown here on the island of Borneo. Buah dabai (Canarium Odontophyllum from the family of Burseraceae) is a native fruit and considered a local olive. Locals would usually eat this with sugar and soy sauce.

These ingredients are available all year round and can be found in local stores.

Anything is possible in the jungle

Now that you know what ingredients and resources are used to make these traditional jungle food, what about the kitchenware? What sort of equipment did the natives use to concoct these dishes back in the old days? With the resources of the jungle, one can get creative.

First off, bamboo is gathered in the wild and used as a pot to cook. Bamboo is also used to store and carry the ingredients around in the jungle. The versatility of the bamboo stalk does not stop there – it also acts as a cup.

And then there are the isip leaves which are used as a plate like the banana leaves platter in local mamak cafes. Not only that, theisip
leaves are also used to wrap rice so that the rice packs can be carried around and consumed anywhere.

Besides isip leaves, the sago tree barks are used as bowls to serve dishes in larger portions, and these choices of natural tableware are environmental-friendly.

Innovate with Mother Nature

As for traditional cooking methods in Sarawak, the methods commonly practiced are fermentation, boiling and smoked cooking.

Take ayam pansuh for example, chicken is stuffed in a bamboo stalk and cooked over an open fire. The bamboo is continuously rotated to avoid burning.

Another example is umai, a traditional delicacy made of thinly sliced raw fish fermented with asam paya (swamp fruit), lime juice, onions, chilies, and a pinch of salt. The lime juice acid works into the raw fish naturally curing the fish. Be sure to use a fish of good grade for better quality.

As for smoked cooking, locals prefer this method to cooking over the fire as it requires less wood, and the fire itself is controlled to avoid any unwanted fire hazards in the jungle.

The Sarawak rainforest is more than just a jungle – it is also the biggest kitchen in the world

Despite the technological advancement made in kitchen, traditional cooking in Borneo is very much alive and is still in practice to this day. Cooking traditional Sarawak food requires a delicate touch, patience and innovative thinking using the natural elements from the surrounding. With Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, there are also various types of produce found in the jungle that have health benefits.

If you are keen to learn more about Traditional Sarawak jungle food, be sure to check out this article; https://sarawaktourism.com/story/sarawak-is-more-than-just-kolo-mee/
listing out the traditional cuisine that you can find in Sarawak.

Glimpses of the past at the well-preserved Fort Hose.. Pic: Azmir Azali Bujang)A brief look at Sarawak Forts, Sarawak’s first line of defence during the British colonial reign.

The Brooke dynasties have long relinquished their reign over Sarawak but their influence and presence during the early formative years of the land of the hornbills is still evident today. They played a significant role in the history and shaping of Sarawak.

For instance, some of the current ordinances and regulations of the state are carried over from the past. Monuments and buildings of varying importance grew in numbers during the Brooke’s administration, as did the population of the local communities during then. These building structures form an impressive part of the physical landscape of Sarawak today, and have become popular tourist attractions.

And these important structures include forts. The Brooke family built several forts across Sarawak — over 20 to be exact.

The front of Fort Margherita. Pic: ShutterstockWonder why so many forts were built during the Brooke era? After all, this was not the medieval times when it was impertinent to fend off enemies amidst warfare.

But, like the predecessors in the Middle Ages, these structures were built exactly for that — to protect the local communities from enemies. This was the very first line of defence put up for the people as James Brooke joined forces with the then Sultan of Brunei, Pengiran Indera Mahkota, as they took down a rebellion led by pirates.

Fort Alice

These forts deteriorated over the decades and restoration works were carried out to some. As a result, some of these historical buildings became magical time capsules for people to experience and appreciate as they were in their glory days.

One of these is Fort Alice in Sri Aman. The fort was built in 1864, using entirely Belian (ironwood) timber. It was also fitted with a drawbridge, lookout towers and cannons. An interesting fact is that Fort Alice was built from the materials from another structure, Fort James in Nanga Skrang. The fort was named in remembrance of Charles Brooke’s wife, Margaret Alice Lili de Windt.

Fort Margherita

Another one is Fort Margherita which is well known and popular among tourists. It was also named after Charles Brooke’s beloved wife, whose first name was Margaret. It is located along the Sarawak River in Kuching, near the Astana and opposite the city centre.

This 19th century three-storeyed fortress resembles an English castle. By 1971, the building was converted to become a police museum, and subsequently handed over to the Sarawak Government.
Fort Sylvia

Fort Sylvia

Up north in Kapit, located next to the Rajang River basin lies Fort Sylvia. It was relocated further down the river from its initial location at Nangga Baleh in 1880, and it functioned as the administrative centre for the division at that time. Fort Sylvia also doubled as the station for the Sarawak Rangers, the para-military force founded by Charles Brooke.

Fort Hose

Finally, we have Fort Hose in Marudi, which was built in 1901. Unlike the forts mentioned earlier, it did not get its name from the Brooke family, but was named after the Resident of the Fourth Division (Baram) in 1891, Charles Hose.

The fortress sits on top of the hill, overlooking the Baram river, with two large cannons positioned at the front to ward off invaders from attacking the local communities.

Old Forts, New life

Most of the surviving forts have been given a new lease of life, preserving the longstanding legacies and histories that live within their respective walls.

Fort Alice, or Sri Aman Heritage Museum is now refurbished as a gallery to showcase the stories of the Iban people and the British soldiers during the Brooke administration. The restoration efforts of this colonial building were commended, as it won the Gold Award from Malaysia Institute of Architects’ Awards 2017 under the conservation category.

Fort Margherita is a well-known tourist attraction, due to its strategic location which is nearby the new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building. It now houses an exhibition hall showcasing the history of Sarawak under the Brooke’s rule.

The peacekeeping ceremony among the Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Kajang people at Fort Sylvia lives on. By May 1997, the Tun Jugah Foundation took over the restoration works for this historical monument to preserve and promote Kapit’s cultural heritage. Today, Fort Sylvia serves as a museum of artefacts and historical documents. There is also a section dedicated to showcasing the mementos, uniforms, medals, and other personal possessions of Tun Jugah, one of the prominent leaders of Sarawak’s independence movement.

Over the years, authorities have converted Fort Hose into a district office, a welfare department, immigration department, Land and Survey department, information department, and even the community development office of Penan Handicraft Exhibition Centre. After the building was engulfed by fire in 1994, the local communities were quick to aid in the reconstruction by contributing Belian poles. Now, Fort Hose stands proudly as the Baram Regional Museum which showcases the illustrious heritage and culture of the Orang Ulu communities.

Although this is nowhere an exhaustive list of all surviving Sarawak forts we have in the state today, we hope to have piqued your interest to find out more about the other surviving forts state-wide.

It is crucial for all responsible parties to conserve and restore these historical monuments, not just as tourist attractions but also to tell the historical stories to future generations.

Sarawakians pride themselves on living in a land of wonder and excitement, where endless experiences await those who dare to come. There is so much to do in Sarawak besides spending your weekend in Kuching strolling by the waterfront. Let us explore the rivers of Mukah.

Enter Mukah, the deceivingly sleepy capital of Mukah division. This central region is located along the coast of Sarawak. It is also commonly associated with Pesta Kaul (Kaul festival) which is celebrated by the Melanau community.

The rivers of Mukah

The Melanau heartland has an abundance of nature interweaved with culture. It has been this way for centuries. There is no denying that the geographical location of this idyllic town illustrates how the rivers, Batang Mukah, Batang Oya, Batang Igan and Batang Rajang, plays a significant role in the lives of people who live here, creating a nurturing bond between nature and its inhabitants.

So, what can we look forward to in Mukah?

To find out more we need to learn about the Melanau people first. According to anthropologists, Melanaus are among the original settlers of Sarawak (The Report: Sarawak 2008, 2008). The name “Melanau” itself was said to be given to the inhabitants of the coastal swamp flats and the riverbanks of Sarawak’s central region by one of the Sultans of Brunei.

In the early days, the Melanau people adhered closely to a belief system that intertwined their lives with their surrounding nature. You can see how prevalent this is in Pesta Kaul, a ceremonial festival to appease the spirits of the sea, Ipok.

Pesta Kaul

On the festive day of Pesta Kaul, offerings such as food, cigarettes and betel nuts are placed on poles called seraheng, which are then brought to the river in a boat procession to please the spirits. Next, bapak Kaul (‘father’ or leader of the Kaul festival) scatters yellow rice around the food offerings as an invitation to Ipok to feast on them. This is followed by prayers and chants to Ipok to increase providence for the coming year.

Over the years, regardless of the diversity of various religious beliefs and practices, Pesta Kaul traditions and activities still play an important role in bringing the community together.

Traditionally, Melanaus have been mostly farmers, traders, and sago producers but they have been recognised as fine boat builders and fishermen. There is no coincidence that Pesta Kaul is held during the northeast monsoon in April. During this period, the seas are very rough, and the villagers often must endure flooding, which spells hardship for the Melanaus and their livelihood.

The rivers are considered the cradle of civilisation in Mukah, and they continue to serve its inhabitants till today. Fishing is one of the major sources of livelihood as it is a vital industry to the local people. Pay a visit to the local fish market and you will be delighted to discover a range of fresh-from-the-sea produce such as local red snappers, pomfret, stingray, mackerel, terubok and shrimps.

Sago

Another important source of income for Mukah inhabitants is sago production. Sago is derived from sago palms trees. They grow abundantly on the coastal areas of Mukah due to its fertile, swampy peat soil. The locals have cultivated sago for centuries and it has become an integral part of their daily lives. Sago based local delicacies such as tebaloi and kuih sepit are popular amongst the locals and tourists alike. These foods have become the pride of the Melanau community.

The sago palm trees are transported via the rivers in Mukah to the factories for processing. Mukah is truly a living example of nature, culture and inhabitants cohabiting and functioning as one ecosystem.

To discover more about fascinating Mukah and its interesting activities, check out https://sarawaktourism.com/tours_activities/mukah-melanau-cultural-heartland/

Get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and excitement of this coastal town as you traverse along the scenic rivers that tell a thousand tales.

Your favourite Sarawak dish was just crowned the Best Asian Food by TasteAtlas, with a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. With such a recognition, we now know why the late Anthony Bourdain called Sarawak Laksa “The Breakfast of the Gods” and he’s absolutely right.

TasteAtlas, the world’s first interactive food map, describes dishes and ingredients from all over the world. The platform allows users to search by ingredient, place or dish, providing a wealth of food knowledge just at the click of a button. It calls itself as a “world atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients and authentic restaurants”.

Source: TasteAtlas website: https://www.tasteatlas.com/

Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak Laksa is unique because its influences are not from one dominant community where the dish was originated by the Kuching Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community. Instead, it’s a cornucopia of local tastes and flavours unique to the varied people of Borneo.

Sarawak Laksa is a noodle dish made up of vermicelli rice noodles soaked in a shrimp-based broth brewed from 30 different herbs and spices, thickened with coconut milk then topped with beansprouts, boiled prawns, shredded chicken, slices of omelette and fresh coriander. A local secret to enhance its flavour is to add a squeeze of lime and some sambal belacan (shrimp paste).

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Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind and experience living with the indigenous people of Sarawak. Replace hot hotel showers with cool and refreshing river dips. Forget artificial air-conditioners as you enjoy the cool and fresh air of the natural surroundings. Get connected to nature as you embark on an authentic Sarawak longhouse experience.

Sarawak is truly a celebration of different cultures. Malaysia’s largest state is home to 27 ethnic groups speaking 45 different languages and dialects. Each group boasts their very own unique stories, beliefs, traditions and cultures.

Enjoy the culinary delights of the different cultures, dance to traditional music played by master musicians on unique Sarawakian instruments, listen to the stories, folklore and legends of the respective ethnic groups and discover the meanings of the tribal tattoos. No indigenous-living experience is more complete, authentic and fulfilling than spending a day with the local community at a longhouse — usually located approximately an hour’s drive away from the nearest city or town. Other longhouses may require boat rides that cut through forests.

Morning view outside Sarawak Cultural Village longhouse architectural model. Pic: Damian Pankowiec

What is a traditional Sarawak longhouse experience?

Sarawak is a constantly evolving state and this has seen many of the longhouses being rebuilt with bricks and mortar. Despite this, there is still a number of longhouses located all across the state that has remained true to their roots. Many of these also provide lodging for guests to provide them with an authentic Sarawak longhouse experience.

Bear in mind though that the experience provided aims to be as genuine as possible. As such some of these longhouses may not have access to direct electricity and may require generators to keep electrical appliances and devices running. It is therefore recommended to bring your own portable power sources for your needs. But fret not – you would probably not use your smart devices much as the longhouse communities have plenty of activities planned for you to partake in and enjoy.

A ruai is a long communal space in a traditional longhouse. Pic: Robas

A traditional longhouse is – as the name implies – a house that extends in length. It can accommodate up to thirty families. The house stands on stilts and a large area of the structure is made up of a long communal space called ruai. Upon arriving at a longhouse, you will be immediately greeted by the chief and the community with the traditional welcoming ngajat dance alongside tabuh music. Thereon, let the food and celebrations begin.

Activities

A stay at the longhouse truly allows you to take a step back and smell the roses. You will find yourself enjoying the views and the morning sunlight as you lounge and relax at the ruai in the mornings. Watch the locals go about their daily activities as they harvest their crops. The surrounding land, functions like an extension of the longhouse. It is usually laden with crops, produce and farm animals. These lands are owned by the families of the community, but some families own bigger farming plots further from the longhouse of which will require longer travel.

If you do not mind mosquito bites – as well as a bit of dirt under your nails – you might enjoy keeping the locals company during their bumai business. Sipping cold coffee from plastic flasks in the afternoon during bumai breaks and enjoying the lush-green view and fresh forest air is a humbling and rewarding life experience.

Weaving rattan mats and baskets in the longhouse. Pic: Matyas Rehak

If you are more of an indoor person, you can choose to partake in a number of activities at the
ruai. When not busy raising the young ones, the local women will carry out handicraft projects. These include weaving mats and baskets from rattan. On some occasions, you may get to observe an indigenous woman weaving ceremonial cloth on a large wood loom. You can also give it a try and see if this is a skill you can bring home with you.

Eat like the locals

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the Sarawakians know this. Do not be surprised if you are served a meal as heavy as that of lunch and dinner for breakfast. If your refreshing morning cold bath of gathered water does not wake you, the bitter but aromatic freshly brewed coffee prepared by your host will perk you up after a good night’s sleep on a floor mattress.

Dinner is often served on the rattan mat spread out on the floor in the evenings. The local delicacies are wide-ranging – from chicken cooked in bamboo, the Dayak’s tomato-like sour eggplant cooked with clear soup and dried fish, to fermented Chinese herring or kasam terubok, stir fried cangkuk manis and taro roots.

Priceless experiences and memories

A cosy family bedroom at the longhouse for guests of all ages. Pic: Sarawak Tourism Board

As you start preparing to leave for your home, take one last look around the longhouse. You will be amazed at how sturdy the structure is even after decades of withstanding the hot and humid climate of Sarawak and the tropical storms associated with the Borneo rainforests.
Feel the cool rattan mats beneath your bare feet and hear the morning roosters crowing from their coops. The children will gather in the
ruai
to observe with keen eyes as you gather your belongings, and to bid farewell.

You take one last Instagram photo with your host and the chief. You strap on your sandals at the bottom of the stairs and make your way back to the city with a gift of home-brewed rice wine gifted by your host, a warm heart filled with priceless memories and an amazing Sarawak longhouse experience.

We love an ideal kampung retreat. Experiences at different villages and communities will bring about different surprises. Check out the
Iban Longhouse Tour
and
Mongkos Longhouse Daytrip
or visit the best of multiple tribes with the
Sarawak Cultural Village
package.

Bindi Irwin is the daughter of wildlife conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin.

以下为即将在婆罗洲爵士音乐节舞台演唱的爵士乐歌手简介：

陈胤希是中国目前最活跃的爵士歌手之一。

最令岘港旅游部印象深刻的是峇哥国家公园弃用水泥；以树木来建造楼梯。

3名越南岘港旅游部官员在古晋进行考察期间，也获得砂拉越森林局的接待，并在该局解说员的陪同下参观实蒙古野生动物护育中心。

砂拉越旅游局希望透过这项体验之旅能发展古晋的文化体验旅游，并建立起国外的代表机构与本地旅行社的良好的关系。