tourist attractions in sarawak

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25 Best Things to Do in Sarawak (Malaysia)

Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state on Borneo Island.

Dense rainforest covers most of the territory. A handful of cities line the South China Sea coast. Capital Kuching usually gets the highest number of international visitors.

Step away from the cities and find nature spanning in all directions. Visit one of the state’s 25 national parks. Or explore their world-famous caves and photograph otherworldly environments.

Join mangrove river cruises and go kayaking along the rivers for different perspectives of this lush environment. Keep your eyes open for rare primates including proboscis monkeys and orangutans.

Crazy Tourist explores the 25 best things to do in Sarawak to get a taste of the jungle, stay at a tribal longhouse and attend a secret rainforest music festival.

1. Sarawak’s colonial capital

Sarawak’s capital combines colonial architecture with vibrant Buddhist temples and street food.

Kuching translates to ‘cats’ in English earning the nickname ‘City of Cats’. As a testament to its nickname, dozens of cat statues fill the small city center.

Visitors spend most of their time along the Sarawak River which passes through the city. Old Bazaar has dozens of souvenir shops while Carpenter Street is the place to go for food and entertainment.

Take the chance to taste Sarawak laksa.

Check out the colonial Astana (Palace) on the banks of Sarawak River. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the State Legislative Assembly.

2. Discover Sarawak’s White Rajahs

Sarawak’s White Rajahs, a British dynasty lasting three generations, ruled Sarawak between 1841 and 1946. This was the only state in Malaysia with a White Rajah ruler.

James Brooke started the dynasty after gaining territory from the Sultan of Brunei.

He and his successors developed Sarawak differently to the rest of Malaya (the old name of Malaysia). Their legacy remains today in Kuching.

The Astana acted as the White Rajah’s palace. Fort Margherita defended against attacks arriving from the Sarawak River.

Both represent a crucial era in Sarawak’s past.

3. Sarawak’s most accessible national park

Sarawak has 25 national parks. Bako National Park is the easiest to reach from Kuching.

Bako National Park has jungle trails, deserted beaches and a small community of wild proboscis monkeys. Located just 37 kilometers (23 miles) north of Kuching, it’s a favorite day trip from the capital.

Most visitors spend a full day inside the protected zone. Bring plenty of water, leech socks and a fully charged camera.

The more adventurous can follow trails to empty beaches and strange sandstone rock formations along the shore.

Join an organized tour from Kuching for convenience. Or take the red bus number one from Central Kuching to Bako Market to visit independently.

4. Discover Sarawak’s indigenous peoples at the Cultural Village

Borneo has dozens of indigenous groups who have lived in the rainforests for centuries (if not millennia).

The Sarawak Cultural Village (approximately 45 minutes by car from Kuching) demonstrates their rich heritage.

Discover how Sarawak’s Dayak people lived in communal wooden longhouses. Find out about traditional costumes. Taste indigenous food and learn how to use a deadly blowpipe.

The village itself sits at the foot of sacred Mount Santubong.

Plan a full day at the Cultural Village. Watch the cultural show performed in the early evening.

5. A rehabilitation center for orangutans and rainforest wildlife

Deforestation and human interference threaten the already endangered orangutans.

Matang Wildlife Center, like Sepilok in Sabah, rescues and adopts young and orphaned orangutans. The primates live inside a semi-wild enclosure. Rangers teach them the skills to return and survive in the wild.

But unlike other rehabilitation centers in Borneo, Matang cares for all kinds of wildlife. Visitors can get close with orangutans and other endemic mammals.

Take the time to learn about their ecology and regional conservation efforts.

Matang is approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) to the west of Kuching.

6. Exclusive beach retreats on Sematan Beach

Sematan Beach: Once a fishing village near the Kalimantan border; now an exclusive resort.

Long stretches of soft white sand hug the coastline some 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kuching. According to Sarawakians, Sematan rates among the state’s best beaches.

Spend the night at the resort and wake up to views of the South China Sea.

Or take a day trip and enjoy the pristine shoreline before witnessing the hypnotic Bornean sunset.

Be prepared to splurge – but, it’s worth the costs.

7. Celebrity-standard beaches in Damai

Damai Beach has copper orange sand against a thick rainforest backdrop north of Kuching.

The beach itself belongs to the luxurious Damai Beach Resort, which provides a slice of paradise near the capital. Expect all the comforts and luxuries of a five-star beach hotel.

Spend your time on the sun loungers or arrange a tour hiking along jungle trails. Enjoy views of the majestic Mount Santubong in the distance.

It takes approximately 45-minutes by car from Kuching to Damai Beach.

8. Explore the spooky mangroves

Look at a map of northern Sarawak near Kuching and find a network of rivers slicing the land into jigsaw pieces. This protected area forms Kuching Wetlands National Park.

The saline mangrove systems spread over an area of 6,610 acres. Both silver leaf and proboscis monkeys lurk in the spooky mangrove trees.

Crocodiles hide in the muddy waters. Countless birds including kingfishers and hornbills chatter above.

At just 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Kuching, river cruises are a popular excursion.

Some navigate the complex estuaries near both Sibu Laut and the Salak River. Others pass through smaller channels in search of wildlife.

9. Sarawak’s sacred Santubong Mountain

Standing at 810 meters (2,657 feet), Mount Santubong dominates Sarawak’s northwestern coastline.

Santubong plays a profound cultural role with Sarawak’s indigenous Dayak peoples. And it hosts thriving ecosystems and habitats.

Hike along color-coded trails through various terrains to waterfalls on the way to the summit. Look out for monkeys and hornbills.

Luckier travelers might spot both Humpback and Irrawaddy dolphins in the murky coast near Mount Santubong.

Or capture a postcard image of the towering giant behind Damai Beach Resort.

10. Hiking, orchids and natural swimming pools at Kubah

Sarawak provides endless opportunities to escape the crowds and get acquainted with the jungle.

Kubah National Park has six easy trails through the dipterocarp rainforest. Some lead to streams, waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Most travelers heading in this direction spend all their time at the nearby Matang Wildlife Center. Only a handful take advantage of the easy-to-reach rainforest.

Look out for the 93 species of palm growing in Kubah as well as the hundreds of orchids. Mousedeer and bearded pigs occasionally make an appearance too.

11. See the birthplace of Malaysia’s lucrative petroleum industry

Miri rarely makes the headlines as a tourist destination in Sarawak.

But the oil-rich city provides a convenient base to explore Sarawak’s world-famous caves. Both Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah Caves lie nearby.

Miri’s compact city center offers a handful of Buddhist temples and a slower pace of life.

Learn about the birth and importance of Malaysia’s petroleum industry, the commodity driving the national economy.

Or hike Bukit Telaga Minyak (often referred to as Canada Hill) for sweeping views of the city.

Travelers can use Miri as a base to visit Brunei Darussalam.

12. Sarawak’s best caves and most important archeological site

Niah National Park is among Sarawak’s main attractions.

Located near Miri, the protected zone houses caves, archeological sites and pagan burials.

Join a guided tour through the hundreds of kilometers of caverns and passageways. Discover cave painting and find out why the 40,000-year-old human remains found inside are so crucial to Malaysian history.

Travelers can also learn how local tribesmen harvest the Asian delicacy bird’s nest from the caves.

13. Superlative caves in an Alien-like national park

UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park is like a scene from another world.

Gravity-defying pinnacles stand next to precarious cliffs. A patchwork of green blankets the undulating landscape.

Networks of caves penetrate the subterranean limestone giving rise to a world record.

The Sarawak Chamber is the planet’s most voluminous cave room.

Nearby Clearwater Cave is the eighth longest on Earth.

Add its biodiversity including primates, hornbills and, of course, millions of bats.

Tourists can either join guided tours of the caves, river cruises or test their nerves on canopy walks.

14. A private jungle adventure in Lambir Hills National Park

Tourists looking for a more private rainforest adventure can head to Lambir Hills.

Unlike Niah and Mulu, Lambir Hills remains relatively unknown and off the tourist trail.

The national park has a handful of hiking routes including the challenging climb to Lambir’s summit. Shorter ones lead to cascading waterfalls in this mysterious rainforest.

Located approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Miri, Lambir Hill is both easy to reach and without the crowds.

15. A taste of Hawaii in Sarawak

Hawaii Beach conjures images of the paradise found in the Pacific islands.

But Sarawak has its own Hawaii Beach less than 20 minutes from Miri.

Just like the islands of the same namesake, Sarawak’s has long palm-tree lined sandy beaches. In contrast to their famous surf, Miri’s beach on the South China Sea remains calm and serene.

Local families take advantage of the beachside barbequing facilities. The one or two international visitors sit on the sand watching the radiant Bornean sunset.

Bus 13 connects Miri with Hawaii Beach. Or take a cab.

16. A glowing sea of neon blue on Tusan Cliff Beach

Tusan Cliff Beach is among Sarawak’s most stunning. Located an hour from Miri, Tusan is unpolluted, photogenic and lacks tourists.

Apart from the coastal rock formations and sandy shoreline, it occasionally hosts a rare natural event.

When conditions are right, tiny organisms called dinoflagellates start to glow. They release bioluminescence transforming the gentle shallows into a blanket of neon blue under the inky night sky.

Few have the privilege to witness the stunning ‘Blue Tears’ at Tusan.

You’ll need a smattering of luck to see it. If not, it’s still worth the trip to admire the magnificent landscapes, with or without the ‘Blue Tears.’

17. Barbeques, piers and sunsets at Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach (Tanjung Lobang) in Miri provides stunning coastal views from its two piers.

Miri’s oldest recreational park is a favorite local hangout and has been for generations. Parents bring their children as their parents did before.

Many families lounge near the shady coconut trees next to a smoldering barbeque.

Visitors can sunbath, visit Miri Marina and explore the lighthouse.

After a spectacular sunset, head to the beachside food court for fresh seafood.

18. Longhouses and night markets in superlative Sibu

Little-known Sibu holds two superlatives in Malaysia.

Sibu Central Market is Malaysia’s largest market, and Sibu Town Square is the largest square.

The small city has a Chinese majority. This creates a different atmosphere to other parts of Malaysia. Rather than the ubiquitous mosques dominating the skyline, Sibu has Buddhist temples.

Tua Pek Kong, built in the 19th-century, is a highlight.

Learn about Sibu’s story and evolution in the Sibu Heritage Center.

Explore traditional Iban longhouses and photograph panoramic views inside Bukit Aup Jubilee Park. Sibu Night Market cooks up local Sarawakian specialties including state-wide famous Sarawak laksa.

19. Sibu Central Market: Malaysia’s largest market

Travelers often report having the best cultural experiences inside local markets.

Sibu Central Market, which holds the title as Malaysia’s largest, is a state favorite.

Explore the network of stalls selling produce, clothes and the souvenirs. Head to the food section for rock-bottom snacks and street food.

Buy bags of tropical fruits picked earlier in the day from the jungle.

The market is opposite the Express Boat Passenger Terminal.

20. Sarawak’s most spectacular caves

Bau, a gold mining town near Kuching, holds a nationwide reputation for spelunking and rock climbing.

The labyrinth of limestone caves features both Wind Cave and Fairy Cave. Both are regional highlights and included on most guided tours of Bau.

Wind gets its name from the continuous draft of air passing through. The arrangement of stalagmites at Fairy’s entrance resembles a Chinese deity.

Join a tour through some of Sarawak’s most stunning cave scenery. Or test your skills scaling the rocks.

Bau is approximately one hour from capital Kuching by car.

21. Soak in Sarawak’s secret hot springs

Only a handful of Sarawakians know of the state’s almost hidden hot springs.

The seven pools lie in Kampung Panchor, a small village approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the south of Kuching.

Each natural pool maintains temperatures averaging around 42°C (108°F). Soaking in the natural minerals gives a revitalizing reward after days of exploring Sarawak’s national parks and caves.

Thick jungle surrounds the locally managed hot springs.

Getting to the springs is a challenge. Rent a car or arrange a taxi.

22. Kayaking through Sarawak’s rainforests

Muddy rivers meander hundreds of kilometers through Sarawak’s jungle.

Few activities can match drifting along in a kayak to the bemusement of primates. Let the current carry you downstream as excited children from riverside villages shout and wave.

Typical tours start in the morning and return by midafternoon. Prepare for delays and even cancellations during stormy conditions and heavy rain, which can happen without warning at any time of the year.

Tour companies in Kuching offer kayaking trips in the rainforest.

Some have more stringent safety measures than others. Research the company before booking.

23. Visit an Iban Longhouse

Sarawak’s Iban make up the majority of the state’s indigenous Dayak peoples.

Traditionally, the tribes live in long communal houses in the heart of the jungle. In recent decades, many have migrated to towns and cities.

But a few remain deep in the heart of the rainforest. Some are so far from civilization that they need to take two boats to reach their village.

Embrace the chance to learn about these former headhunters.

Travelers can join a tour from Kuching to some of the more remote villages and spend the night.

As an alternative, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village for a taste of their culture and traditions without the long hours of travel.

24. Malaysia’s most beautiful golf course

Sarawak’s highlands near the Kalimantan border rarely get the attention they deserve.

Winding mountain roads lead to the cooler highlands in western Sarawak. Environmentally conscious travelers can spend a night in the green Borneo Highlands Resort.

Golfing enthusiasts have a chance to tee off in Malaysia’s most beautiful course. The 18 holes stretch over the undulating landscapes. Mist hangs in the surrounding craggy mountains bordered by jungle around the greens.

Getting to the highlands is difficult. Rent a car in Kuching and drive the 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the resort.

25. The Rainforest World Music Festival: A concert in the middle of the jungle

Sarawak’s rainforest near Mount Santubong hosts a mysterious music festival every July.

Both local and international musicians and artists head to Sarawak for the three-day event.

Live music and performances including folk music from around the world echo through the forest canopies. Musicians play weird and wonderful instruments that rarely see the light of day.

Festival-goers can learn traditional dances in the afternoon. Or try your skills creating local handicraft and cooking ethnic foods.

This spectacular cultural event takes places in the heart of the rainforest creating an even more mystical air. Tickets usually sell out months in advance.

If you want to attend, start planning as early as March.

25 Best Things to Do in Sarawak (Malaysia):

• Sarawak’s colonial capital
• Discover Sarawak’s White Rajahs
• Sarawak’s most accessible national park
• Discover Sarawak’s indigenous peoples at the Cultural Village
• A rehabilitation center for orangutans and rainforest wildlife
• Exclusive beach retreats on Sematan Beach
• Celebrity-standard beaches in Damai
• Explore the spooky mangroves
• Sarawak’s sacred Santubong Mountain
• Hiking, orchids and natural swimming pools at Kubah
• See the birthplace of Malaysia’s lucrative petroleum industry
• Sarawak’s best caves and most important archeological site
• Superlative caves in an Alien-like national park
• A private jungle adventure in Lambir Hills National Park
• A taste of Hawaii in Sarawak
• A glowing sea of neon blue on Tusan Cliff Beach
• Barbeques, piers and sunsets at Brighton Beach
• Longhouses and night markets in superlative Sibu
• Sibu Central Market: Malaysia’s largest market
• Sarawak’s most spectacular caves
• Soak in Sarawak’s secret hot springs
• Kayaking through Sarawak’s rainforests
• Visit an Iban Longhouse
• Malaysia’s most beautiful golf course
• The Rainforest World Music Festival: A concert in the middle of the jungle

Top 45 Attractions in Sarawak (2024)

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and is almost equal to the size of Peninsular Malaysia. Famed for its dense rainforest and paradise beaches, it is no surprise that Sarawak is one of the top tourist spots in Malaysia. With so much to offer with its rich culture and historical heritages, here are some of the best attractions in Sarawak that you should check out.

1. Semenggoh Nature Reserve

One of the top attractions in Sarawak that you should check out is the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, located around 20km from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. Established in 1975, this centre serves as a sanctuary for orangutans who are injured, orphaned or had been kept captive as illegal pets. Apart from the opportunity to see orang utans up close, you will also get to see many rare flora and fauna.

2. Fairy Cave

Fairy Cave, a beautiful limestone cave that is located around 40km away from the capital of Sarawak, Kuching. To get to the entrance of this cave, you will first need to go up the four storey concrete staircase. While the entrance of the cave is slightly narrow, it will open up to a massive area with a big opening on the top which allows the sunlight to shine in.

3. Siniawan Night Market

Siniawan Night Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and is a wonderful place for you to enjoy the evening. The street is lined with wooden shophouses that are decorated with lanterns, lighting up the streets at night. There is so much food waiting to be discovered here as the locals take pride in whipping up cultural dishes for the visitors to try.

4. Temasya Tanjung Batu Beach (Pantai Temasya Tanjung Batu)

Located near to the center of the town, many local will come here for an evening stroll by the beach. It is a pristine beach that has many facilities for the comfort of the visitors. Not only that, if you are looking for a beautiful sunset view, you will not be disappointed with seeing the sun disappearing below the horizon here.

5. Taman Tumbina Bintulu

Taman Tumbina Bintulu is a hybrid park which combines a botanical and zoological garden into one. This park was created for the purpose of recreation, conservation and education of the precious flora and fauna in Borneo to the public. Strategically located facing the South China Sea, this 57 hectares park is another Sarawak attraction that you should visit with your friends and families.

6. Fort Sylvia

Build in 1880, Fort Sylvia is a historical fort situated in Kapit. The fort was named after Rani Sylvia Brooke, the wife of Raja Charles Vyner Brooke (the last “white raja” in Sarawak). This fort has since been converted to be a museum that houses many artefacts such as ceramics, plates, cannons, textiles and important historical documents from that time.

Kuching (#7 – #23)

Kuching, the vibrant capital of Sarawak , is a blend of rich history and natural wonders. The Sarawak Cultural Village, often dubbed as Sarawak’s living museum, offers a deep dive into the diverse ethnic cultures, showcasing traditional crafts and indigenous architecture. Meanwhile, the Kuching Cat Museum, a nod to the city’s name, which means “cat”, delights with over 2,000 exhibits dedicated to feline history and lore. With some of the most captivating attractions in Sarawak, Kuching promises a journey that is both enlightening and memorable.

24. Gunung Gading National Park

This Sarawak attraction is a national park that also serves as a Raflessia conservation park that is located in Lundu. Rafflesia is the world’s largest flower and it was only in 1994 that the park opened its doors to the public, giving the world the opportunity to see this flower up close. Apart from this magnificent flower, you can also jungle trek in the various trails available here, and take a dip in one of the many waterfalls and bathing spots available here.

Miri (#25 – #36)

Miri, a captivating city , is a hub of diverse attractions in Sarawak and natural splendours. The Lambir Hills National Park, renowned as one of the world’s most ecologically diverse areas, invites you with its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and a myriad of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the Niah National Park, famed for its extensive cave networks, offers a journey through prehistoric times with ancient cave paintings and geological wonders, ensuring your visit to Miri is both adventurous and historically enriching.

37. Rumah Nyuka Longhouse

Longhouses are commonly found in villages in Sarawak as the aborigines tribes lives in clusters under one roof. One of the most famous longhouses that you can check out is the Rumah Nyuka Longhouse, built in 1955. Usually made out of bamboo and wood, this longhouse is home to around 300 people from 45 families. If you want to experience staying the night staying in a longhouse, you will be glad to know that homestay option is available here.

Sibu (#38 – #48)

Sibu , a picturesque city in Sarawak, is a blend of cultural and natural attractions in Sarawak. The Sibu Heritage Centre, housed in the former Sarawak Municipal Building, offers a deep dive into the city’s rich history, showcasing the migration stories of Chinese migrants and a collection of antique artefacts. Meanwhile, the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, located in the heart of the city, is a sanctuary for diverse bird species and wildlife, making Sibu a delightful fusion of history and nature.

While we have only listed some of the top attractions in Sarawak, there are so many more places in Sarawak for you to explore. Not only will you be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural wonders, it is also a state with so much history. Apart from places to visit, you can also try a variety of delicious food available here.

Tourist places in Sarawak

Here are the top 15 places to visit in sarawak in 2024:.

1 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak 30 Tourist attractions

The state capital of Sarawak and the largest city on the island of Borneo, Kuching is a diverse city which has incorporated multiple cultures and has evolved as a city with a unique cultural identity. Located on the banks of the Sarawak River, it is serviced by its own international airport and...

Best Time: June to October

2 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Bau is located in Malaysia’s largest state of Sarawak, about 26km southwest of Kuching. It is a small town with a natural frontier of limestone mountains. It is primarily known for its Bidayuh Culture as the descendants of the Bidayuh Tribes reside here. Bau is packed with natural beauty from caves ...

Best Time: May to September

3 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Sibu is an island town and the capital of Sibu district in Malaysia’s largest state of Sarawak. It is located on the Island of Borneo. Known as the gateway to Batang Rejang, Sibu is a charming town with vibrant culture and a bustling waterfront. Sibu is also popular for offering some of the bes...

Best Time: February to August

4 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Bintulu is a small coastal town located in the Bintulu district of Sarawak State of Borneo Island in Malaysia. Bintulu is well-known for its golden beach and the rare endemic Irrawaddy dolphins. It is also famed for the longest kite festival in Malaysia. The town also has the best ‘belacan’ shrimp s...

5 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak 3 Tourist attractions

Miri is the capital of Miri District and a coastal city in Sarawak State on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. The town is recognised as the birthplace for Malaysia’s petroleum industry as the first oil well was drilled in Miri in 1910. Miri is also a gateway to the world-famous UNESCO site of Gunung M...

Best Time: February to March

6. Niah National Park

6 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Niah National Park, located in the Miri Division of Sarawak, encompasses of limestone caves and forms an archaeological site that attracts the interest of both history and nature lovers.

7. Batang Ai National Park

7 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Batang Ai National Park is a national park in Malaysia which can be accessed through the largest man-made lake Batang Ai. Orangutans (pongo pygmaeus) can be widely observed while on the treks offered or while staying in the longhouses or night camps.

8. Lambir Hills National Park

8 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Lying 32 km west to the city of Miri, on Miri- Bintulu Road Miri, is the lush green forest of Lambir Hills National Park. Occupying an area of 6952 hectares, it is the world’s most ecologically diverse area. Bukit Lambir with a height of 465 meters is the highest point in the park.

9. Gunung Mulu National Park

9 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Named after Mount Mulu, the second-highest peak in Sarawak, the Gunung Mulu National Park in is a spectacular national park located in the Mulu World Heritage Area. These rainforests took 60 million years to develop which is why it is one of the most prestigious natural sites in South East Asia and ...

10. Bako National Park

10 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Bako National Park is the oldest national park of Malaysia housing beaches, cliffs and rock formations. Covering an area of 27 square kilometers, it envelops the peninsula of Muara Tebas. The wildlife of the park is exceptional with long-tailed macaque monkeys, proboscis monkeys, squirrels and monit...

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11. santubong.

11 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Santubong is a town that sits under the peak of Mount Santubong in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is famous for the huge expanse of sandy beaches. A visit to this town ensures the sight of Irrawaddy river dolphins. Lucky travellers may also spot Indo-pacific humpback or finless porpoises. Anothe...

12. Kubah National Park

12 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Kubah National Park is located 20 km from Kuching at the scenic backdrop of Matang Range. The park covering an area of 2230 hectares is situated on a plateau and offers to its visitors clear water and streams with cascading waterfalls and bathing pools. Even though the park beholds a myriad of fauna...

13. Gunung Gading National Park

13 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Often referred to as the ‘Home of the elusive Giant Flower’, Gunung Gading National Park is located near the town of Lundu in Kuching Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. The park is considered as the best place in Asia to witness the rare Rafflesia plant which produces the world's largest flower. This pa...

14. Talang Satang National Park

14 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Talang Satang National Park is the first Marine National Park of Malaysia. The area covered under the park is home to an array of marine life including the endangered Green and Hawksbill Turtle. Talang Satang is the first site in the world to emphasise turtle research and management. The park also h...

15. Similajau National Park

15 out of 15 Places to visit in Sarawak

Similajau National Park is located in South China Sea in Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. The prime attraction of the park are the salt-water crocodiles which are the world’s largest crocodiles. It is known for its rich diverse biodiversity with beaches, rocky beds and rainforest.

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Top 19 Best Things to do in Sarawak + Tourist Spots

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Things to do in Sarawak: Exploring the Best Attractions and Activities in Malaysia’s Largest State

Table of Contents

Sarawak is a Malaysian state located on the island of Borneo. It is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife. Tourists from all over the world come to Sarawak to experience its rich heritage and explore its natural wonders.

There are plenty of things to do in Sarawak for tourists of all interests. Those who love the outdoors can take a trip to Mulu National Park, home to some of the largest cave systems in the world. Visitors can also go river kayaking in the rainforest or take a guided tour to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Sarawak’s colonial capital, Kuching, offers a charming mix of colonial architecture and Buddhist temples for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

This guide will provide an overview of the best things to do in Sarawak, from exploring its rich heritage to experiencing its stunning natural beauty. So pack your bags and get ready to discover all this amazing state has to offer!

Geographical Overview

Sarawak is a state located on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It is the largest state in Malaysia and covers an area of approximately 124,450 square kilometers. The state is known for its diverse geographical features, which include lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities.

The state is home to several rivers, the most notable being the Sarawak River. The river flows through the heart of Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can leisurely cruise down the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Sarawak is also home to several national parks, including Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its impressive limestone formations and extensive cave systems. Visitors can explore the caves and take guided tours to learn about the unique ecosystem.

The state also has several beautiful beaches, including Damai Beach and Tanjung Batu Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Sarawak is also known for its dense rainforests, home to various flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided jungle treks to explore the rainforest and learn about the unique ecosystem within. The state is also home to several indigenous tribes who have lived in the rainforest for centuries.

Overall, Sarawak offers a unique blend of geographical features, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Cultural Insights

Sarawak is a melting pot of different cultures, with Malay, Chinese, and various ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously. Visitors to Sarawak can immerse themselves in the state’s diverse cultural experiences, from exploring indigenous homes to experiencing communal living.

Sarawak Cultural Village

One of the most popular cultural attractions in Sarawak is the Sarawak Cultural Village, which showcases the traditional lifestyles and customs of various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, and crafts and sample local delicacies.

The Chinese influence in Sarawak can be seen in the architecture of the Chinese House, a historical building in Kuching that was once the residence of a wealthy Chinese businessman. The house is now a museum that offers insights into the lives of wealthy Chinese families in the past.

For a truly unique cultural experience, visitors can visit the Penan people, one of the indigenous communities of Sarawak. The Penans are known for their nomadic lifestyle and intricate weaving techniques, which produce beautiful and intricate baskets and mats.

In addition to these attractions, visitors can explore the communal living practices of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Many indigenous communities still practice communal living, where extended families live together in longhouses. Visitors can witness this way of life and learn about the customs and traditions of these communities.

Historical Landmarks

Sarawak has a rich history, and visitors can explore several historical landmarks to learn more about the region’s past. One of the most prominent figures in Sarawak’s history is James Brooke, who became the first White Rajah of Sarawak in 1841. Visitors can learn more about Brooke and his impact on Sarawak at the Brooke Gallery, which is located in Fort Margherita.

Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita is an important landmark and monument in Sarawak’s history that dates back to the Brooke Dynasty. The fort was built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, in the style of an English castle.

It is located in Kuching, Sarawak, named after Charles Brooke’s wife, Margaret Alice Lili de Windt. Today, the fort serves as a museum and houses the Brooke Gallery, which displays fascinating artifacts and storyboards about the white rajas of Sarawak.

Another must-see historical landmark is the Astana, built in 1870 as a residence for the White Rajahs. Today, Astana serves as the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak, but visitors can still explore the impressive architecture and learn about its history.

Old Court House in Kuching

In addition to these landmarks, several other historical buildings throughout Sarawak are worth exploring. For example, the Old Court House in Kuching was built in 1874 and served as the seat of Sarawak’s government until 1973. Today, the building has been restored and houses the Sarawak Tourism Board.

Wildlife and Nature

Sarawak is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a nature lover’s paradise. From national parks to wildlife reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Sarawak.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve

One of the most popular attractions in Sarawak is Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where visitors can observe rehabilitated orangutans during feeding times. Other wildlife reserves in Sarawak include Bako National Park, where visitors can spot proboscis monkeys and hornbills, and Kubah National Park, which is home to various bird species.

Wind Cave and Fairy Cave in Bau

For those interested in bats, the Wind Cave and Fairy Cave in Bau are must-visit destinations. The caves are home to a large number of bats, and visitors can witness their mass exodus during sunset.

Sarawak is also famous for its diverse range of bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles. Birdwatchers can head to places like Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures.

In addition to its wildlife, Sarawak is also home to a rich variety of flora. Visitors can explore the botanical gardens in Kuching or head to the Borneo Highlands to see the rare Rafflesia flower, which is the world’s largest flower.

Outdoor Adventures

Sarawak is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking to kayaking, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Adventure seekers can head to Gunung Mulu National Park to explore the otherworldly caves and pinnacles. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a range of activities, including caving, trekking, and canopy walks.

For those who enjoy hiking, Sarawak has plenty of trails to choose from. The Bako National Park is a popular spot for hiking, with trails that lead through dense forest and along rugged coastlines. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and monitor lizards.

Fitness enthusiasts can join the Forest Rangers program, which offers a range of fitness activities, including jungle runs, boot camps, and yoga sessions. The program is a great way to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beauty of Sarawak’s rainforest.

Kayaking is another popular outdoor activity in Sarawak, with several rivers and waterways to explore. The Sarawak River is a great spot for kayaking, with calm waters and stunning views of the city skyline.

Caves Exploration

Sarawak is known for its stunning caves that offer a unique and exciting experience for visitors. From the magical Fairy Cave to the impressive Sarawak Chamber, there are plenty of caves to explore in Sarawak.

Spelunking Adventure

One of the most popular destinations for cave exploration is the Gunung Mulu National Park. The park is home to several caves, including the Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave, Wind Cave, and Lady Cave. The Deer Cave is one of the largest cave passages in the world, and visitors can witness a spectacular sight of bats flying out of the cave at dusk. The Clearwater Cave is another popular attraction that features crystal-clear water and impressive rock formations.

Another must-visit cave in Sarawak is the Niah Caves, which is located in the Niah National Park. The caves have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years and are home to some of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia. Visitors can explore the Great Cave, which is one of the largest cave chambers in the world.

For those who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Sireh Cave in Serian is a hidden gem with stunning rock paintings believed to be about 20,000 years old. The cave also features large chambers and caved parts with clean underground water.

National Parks

Sarawak is home to several national parks that offer a glimpse into the state’s natural beauty. Each park has its own unique features and attractions that make it worth a visit. Here are some of the most popular national parks in Sarawak:

Bako National Park

Bako National Park is located on the Muara Tebas peninsula and is known for its stunning coastline, dense rainforest, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park’s many trails, which lead to secluded beaches, waterfalls, and rock formations. Bako National Park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the proboscis monkey, which can only be found in Borneo.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the largest cave systems in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park’s many caves, which are home to unique rock formations and underground rivers. The park is also known for its limestone karst formations and stunning rainforest scenery.

Niah National Park

Niah National Park is located in the Miri Division and is known for its limestone caves, which are home to ancient human settlements and unique rock formations. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the caves and learn about the park’s history and cultural significance. The park is also home to several rare bird species and is a popular spot for bird watching.

Lambir Hills National Park

Lambir Hills National Park is located near Miri and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park’s many trails, which lead to stunning waterfalls, rock formations, and panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Bornean bearded pig and the slow loris.

Kubah National Park

Kubah National Park is located near Kuching and is known for its stunning rainforest scenery and diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park’s many trails, which lead to secluded waterfalls, rock formations, and panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Bornean orangutan and the clouded leopard.

City Highlights

Sarawak has many cities that offer unique experiences to visitors. Here are some of the highlights of the cities in Sarawak:

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and has a lot to offer visitors. The city is known for its beautiful waterfront, a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the view of the Sarawak River. Visitors can also learn about the city’s history and culture by visiting the many museums and galleries, such as the Sarawak Museum and the Chinese History Museum. The city is also famous for its love of cats, and visitors can find cat statues and murals throughout the city. For those who love shopping, Kuching has many markets and shopping centers, including the famous Carpenter Street.

Miri is the second-largest city in Sarawak, known for its oil industry. Visitors can learn about the history of the oil industry by visiting the Petroleum Museum. The city has many beautiful beaches, such as the Tusan Beach and the Luak Bay Beach. Visitors can also explore the city’s natural beauty by visiting the Lambir Hills National Park and the Niah National Park.

Sibu is located on the Rajang River and is known for its Chinese culture. Visitors can learn about the city’s history and culture by visiting the Sibu Heritage Centre and the Tua Pek Kong Temple. The city is also known for its food, especially its seafood.

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the Sibu Central Market and the Kampung Nyabor Market. For those who love nature, Sibu is a great place to explore the outdoors, with many parks and gardens to visit, such as the Bukit Lima Forest Reserve and the Sibu Lake Garden.

Local Cuisine

Sarawak is a food lover’s paradise with its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Dayak cuisine. Visitors can find a wide variety of dishes ranging from the famous Sarawak Laksa to exotic meats like crocodile and wild boar.

Sarawak Laksa

One of the must-try dishes in Sarawak is the Sarawak Laksa, a spicy noodle soup made with a special blend of spices and herbs. It is typically served with prawns, shredded chicken, and bean sprouts. Visitors can find this dish in many food stalls and restaurants throughout Sarawak.

Aside from Sarawak Laksa, visitors can also try other local delicacies like Kolo Mee, a dry noodle dish tossed with minced pork and spring onions, and Kueh Chap, a soup dish made with flat rice noodles and pork offal.

For those looking to try exotic meats, Sarawak offers a variety of options, including crocodile, wild boar, and deer. Visitors can find these meats in specialty restaurants and food stalls.

Festivals and Events

Sarawak is known for its rich cultural heritage and celebrates several events and festivals throughout the year.

Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)

One of the most popular festivals in Sarawak is the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). This three-day festival takes place annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village and features world music performances and workshops.

During the day, visitors can attend musical demos and workshops conducted by musicians from around the world. At night, the festival comes alive with full-on concerts featuring world music in the Borneo rainforest. The RWMF attracts both local and international musicians and artists, making it a unique and vibrant event.

Gawai Dayak festival

Aside from the RWMF, Sarawak also celebrates other festivals, such as the Gawai Dayak festival, which the Dayak community celebrates to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Visitors can witness cultural performances, and traditional games and taste local delicacies during this festival.

What About Kuching (WAK) festival

Another festival worth checking out is the What About Kuching (WAK) festival, a month-long celebration of arts and culture. The festival features various events such as art exhibitions, music performances, and cultural workshops.

Practical Information

Sarawak offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. However, before embarking on any adventure, it is important to keep in mind some practical information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Transportation

Getting around Sarawak is relatively easy, with a variety of options available. Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation such as buses or trains. However, it is important to note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so it is advisable to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Sarawak, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Visitors can choose to stay in the city center or in more rural areas, depending on their preferences. It is important to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Food and Drink

Sarawak is known for its delicious cuisine, with a variety of local dishes to try. Visitors can enjoy breakfast at local cafes or try street food from vendors. It is important to note that tap water is not safe to drink in Sarawak, so visitors should stick to bottled water or other safe drinking options.

Points of Interest

Sarawak is home to a variety of points of interest, including stunning waterfalls and national parks. Visitors can explore the rainforest, go kayaking, or visit cultural attractions such as museums and temples. It is important to note that some attractions may have admission fees, so it is advisable to check ahead of time.

Internet and Communication

Internet and communication services are widely available in Sarawak, with many hotels and cafes offering free Wi-Fi. Visitors can also purchase SIM cards or use international roaming services to stay connected while traveling.

Cleanliness and Safety

Sarawak is generally a safe and clean destination for visitors. However, it is important to take precautions such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings. Visitors should also follow basic hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly to avoid illness.

Tourism in Sarawak

Sarawak tourism is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people. The state is located on the island of Borneo and is the largest state in Malaysia. It has diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense rainforests to sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

There are many things to do in Sarawak for tourists. Visitors can explore the state’s rich cultural heritage by visiting its many museums, temples, and historical sites. The state is also home to many national parks and wildlife reserves, where tourists can experience the natural beauty of the region up close.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sarawak is the Bako National Park. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and bearded pigs. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, which offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s rugged terrain and stunning scenery.

Another popular attraction in Sarawak is the Gunung Mulu National Park. It is home to a vast network of caves, including the world-famous Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, which offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s dense rainforest and stunning limestone karst formations.

Sarawak is also known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Rainforest World Music Festival, the Kuching Food Festival, and the Sarawak Regatta. These festivals offer visitors the chance to experience the state’s rich cultural heritage and sample its delicious cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some interesting places to visit in sarawak.

Sarawak is a state in Malaysia that is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Some of the interesting places to visit in Sarawak include Gunung Mulu National Park, Bako National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, and Kuching Waterfront. These places offer a glimpse into the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the local people.

What are some recommended day trips from Kuching?

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and offers a variety of interesting day trips. Some of the recommended day trips from Kuching include visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village, exploring the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, and taking a boat ride to the Santubong Peninsula. These day trips offer visitors the chance to learn more about the local culture and history, as well as experience the natural beauty of the region.

What are some popular activities to do in Sarawak?

Sarawak offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular activities to do in Sarawak include exploring the local food scene, visiting cultural sites such as temples and museums, hiking in the national parks, and taking part in water sports such as kayaking and rafting. These activities offer visitors the chance to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Sarawak.

What is Sarawak known for?

Sarawak is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history. The region is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the famous orangutans of Borneo. Sarawak is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous and colonial influences. The region is home to a variety of cultural sites, including temples, museums, and traditional longhouses.

What makes Sarawak unique?

Sarawak is unique for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The region is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the famous orangutans of Borneo. Sarawak is also unique for its rich cultural heritage, which is a mix of indigenous and colonial influences. The region offers visitors the chance to experience a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Is Sarawak a safe place to visit?

Sarawak is generally a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate and a friendly local population. However, visitors should exercise caution when traveling in remote areas or at night, and should take appropriate safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or water sports. Visitors should also be aware of local customs and laws, and should respect the cultural traditions of the local people.

Sarawak Travel and Tour Packages

Want more updates about other Sarawak tourist spots? Like, Follow, and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and Pinterest , and Team out Of Town  on YouTube  for more Sarawak Travel Spots.

• Top 15 Best Things to Do in Kuching, Malaysia
• Bucket List: Top 6 Best Things to do in Miri, Malaysia
• 12 of the Best Beaches in Asia

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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• Top Sarawak Attractions

I have compiled this list of Top Sarawak Attractions based on my travels and extensive research. It is probably the most comprehensive list you can find on the internet.

Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state with an area of 124,000 sq.km. but with a population of only 2.5 million made up of a multicultural mix of 27 ethnic groups.

Despite the state's vastness and inaccessibility, it is much easier than it used to be to get around . In 1960 there were less than 500km of sealed roads in the whole state but now there are over 11,000km. All the major towns have their own airports while boat services on the state's 55 navigable rivers are still the only way to access many inland and remote rural areas.

Forest cover is said to extend to 84% of Sarawak's land area but rainforests are under threat from logging, agriculture, plantations and development. Around 5% of Sarawak's land area is classified as Totally Protected Areas , comprising 25 national Parks, 8 Nature Reserves and 4 Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Sarawak is a biodiversity hotspot and its forests, caves, wildlife, mountains and beaches are its main attractions. 

On this website, it is my policy to only write about places that I have visited personally but I am making an exception for Sarawak due to its size. So far I have only visited the areas around Kuching, Limbang and Miri but I feel there is a need to create a comprehensive list of Top Sarawak Attractions for those intrepid travellers who would like to explore further afield. 

On this map of Top Sarawak Attractions I have tried to place the marker points as accurately as possible for those places I have visited but some marker locations are rough estimates only and should not be relied upon without double checking.

Top Sarawak Attractions  1. Kuching City Highlights Walk

Kuching is an interesting city with a colourful history. Its heritage buildings include stunning Chinese temples, mosques, colonial era buildings, vibrant street markets and bazaars, museums and plenty of cat statues (Kuching meaning 'cat'). Cover the main sights using my Kuching City Highlights Walk.

Other attractions in Kuching City and Kuching Division include:

•   Cat Museum
•  Sungai Apong Fishing Village
•  Pitcher Plant & Wild Orchid Garden 
•  Batu Lintang PoW Campsite Memorial in Sarawak
•  Anna Rais Hotspring and Bidayah Longhouse
•  Jong's Crocodile Farm
•  Rafflesia Monument, Lundu

Top Sarawak Attractions  2.  National Parks

Sarawak has 25 National Parks :

•   Bako National Park , Kuching 

 This is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak but one of the most interesting, containing a wide variety of vegetation and terrains which can be accessed by a well-maintained network of nature trails. It is only 37 km from Kuching. There are some fine beaches here too - Telok Sibur, Telok Pandan Besar and Telok Pandan Kecil among them. Bako Sea Stack is a much photographed unusual rock formation jutting out of the sea. You need to hire a boat to access it. You can read about my trip to Bako Bational Park here.    

•   Gunung Gading National Park , Kuching

The park includes four jungle-clad mountain peaks, dense primary rainforest, crystal clear streams and waterfalls and is one of the best places in Malaysia to find the giant Rafflesia flower. The park is easily accessible from Kuching on a day trip.    

•   Kubah National Park , Kuching

Another easily accessible park, just 22km from Kuching, is Kubah National Park. It contains three sandstone peaks, the highest of which, Gunung Serapi (911m), takes 3-3 1/2 hours to reach the summit where a viewing platform provides great views on a clear day. The Matang Wildlife Centre is located nearby.   

•   Tanjung Datu National Park , Kuching

Tanjung Datu is one of Sarawak’s smallest National Parks with an area of just 14 sq km. There is no road access to Tanjung Datu so independent travel to the park may be difficult. For those few who make the effort, pristine beaches, stretches of coral and unspoilt rainforest await.

•     Talang Satang National Park , Kuching

Talang-Satang is a marine park established with the primary aim of conserving Sarawak’s marine turtle population. The park comprises the coastline and sea surrounding four islands of the southwest coast of Sarawak; Pulau Talang Besar (Greater Talang Island) and Pulau Talang Kecil (Lesser Talang Island) off Sematan, and Pulau Satang Besar (Greater Satang Island) and Pulau Satang Kecil (Lesser Satang Island) off Santubong, near Kuching. These four “Turtle Islands” are responsible for 95% of all the turtle landings in Sarawak. Pulau Satang Besar is a 30-minute boat ride from Damai Beach, Sarawak Boat Club Jetty or Telaga Air Jetty. There is no regular boat service and visitors should travel in an organised tour. 

•     Kuching Wetland National Park, Kuching
•    Santubong National Park, Kuching
•    Bungo Range Nature Reserve, Kuching
•    Sedilu National Park, Samarahan, Kuching
•    Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sri Aman, Kuching
•    Sampadi National Park, Lundu, Kuching
•    Batang Ai National Park, Sri Aman

Batang Ai National Park is part of a wider protected area covering adjoining regions in Sarawak and neighbouring Indonesia. It is a rainforest and wildlife conservation area and one of the few remaining areas where orangutans are found in the wild.  Batang Ai National Park is the only part of this area open to visitors. Access is by motorized traditional longboat from the Hilton Batang Ai jetty or the Batang Ai public jetty. There is no public longboat service and transport should be arranged in advance. 

•     Maludam National Park, Sri Aman
•    Similajau National Park, Bintulu

Similajau features a stretch of fine beaches with clear water suitable for swimming, especially during the dry season (February to October).The park is located 30 km north-east of the town of Bintulu. It gets busy at weekends but is fairly empty at other times. 

•     Bukit Tiban National Park, Bintulu
•    Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri

This is probably Sarawak's number one natural attraction. Gunung Mulu National is a UNESCO World Heritage Site including the world's biggest caves, trekking (including the famous Pinnacles trail), canopy walks, and pristine rainforest. The park is not accessible by road and requires a short (and relatively expensive) flight from Miri to Mulu.

•     Niah National Park, Miri

Another great location for cavers, Niah contains a vast cave complex swarming with bats and swiftlets with ancient cave paintings and archaeological remains. The majestic rainforest is criss-crossed with walking trails. The park is located a couple of hours drive from Miri town.

•     Lambir Hills National Park, Miri

Lambir Hills National Park is thought to be one of the world’s most diverse forest eco-systems with a wide variety of plant, bird, insect, reptile and animal species. The park is also known for its waterfalls (including Latuk Waterfall and Tengkorong Waterfall). Lambir is only 32 km from Miri.

•     Loagan Bunut National Park, Miri

Loagan Bunut, which centres on Sarawak’s largest natural lake, is one of the most unusual aquatic ecosystems in Malaysia. The lake normally covers an area of approximately 65 hectares. However when the water level in the adjacent Tinjar river is low, the shallow lake can drain completely, leaving a huge expanse of dried and cracked mud. This normally occurs two to four times a year, in February and in late May or early June/July. This unique cycle of flood and drought has created a remarkable food chain which supports a large variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals. Loagan Bunut is approximately 120km or 3 hours by road from Miri, with half the journey along gravel roads. 

•     Usun Apau National Park, Miri
•    Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, Miri

This park, close to Miri, is the best area in Sarawak for divers with reefs lying at depths from 7 to 30 metres and interesting wreck dives. Year round diving is possible but the best time to dive is from March to August.

•     Gunung Buda National Park, Limbang, Miri
•    Pulong Tau National Park, Limbang, Miri

Mount Murud, Sarawak's tallest mountain (2422m) is located within Pulong Tau National Park, close to the border with Kalimantan. Climbing Mt. Murud entails an arduous four day adventure. The Kelabit Highlands are also in this area.

•     Rajang Mangrove National Park, Sibu   
•    Pelagus National Park, Kapit, Sibu

This park is home to Pelagus Rapids.

Top Sarawak Attractions  3. Nature Reserves

In addition to the National Parks, there are a further eight Nature Reserves in Sarawak:

•   Wind Cave Nature Reserve, Kuching

The Wind Cave Nature Reserve near Bau is a popular day trip excursion from Kuching. Fairy Cave is nearby. Read details here.

•   Fairy Cave Nature Reserve, Kuching

Fairy Cave is an impressive show cave within easy reach of Kuching. For photos, details and directions read here.

•   Sama Jaya Nature Reserve, Kuching

On the outskirts of Kuching City, Sama Jaya (formerly known as Stutong Protected Forest) is a small urban wilderness and one of the oldest protected areas in Sarawak.

•     Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Kuching

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, 24km from Kuching, cares for injured or orphaned wild animals. Its orangutan rehabilitation activities have been transferred to the Matang Wildlife Centre.

•     Bukit Hitam Nature Reserve, Limbang
•    Bukit Sembiling Nature Reserve, Limbang
•    Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu   
•    Pulau Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve, Mukah, Sibu

Top Sarawak Attractions 4. Wildlife Sanctuaries

T here are also four Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sarawak:

•    Samunsam Wild Life Sanctuary, Kuching
•   Pulau Tukong Ara Tukong Sanctuary, Kuching
•   Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit

The Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (187,000 hectares), together with the adjoining Betung Kerihun National Park (800,000 hectares) in neighbouring Indonesia, make up the most important biodiversity sanctuary in Borneo and, added to the adjoining Batang Ai National Park, may be home to 10% of the remaining wild population of orangutans and other rare and threatened plant and animal species. 

•     Sibuti Wild Life Sanctuary, Miri

Top Sarawak Attractions 5. Santubong Area

Here you can find a number of Top Sarawak Attractions:

• Gunung Santubong . You can climb this 810m high peak if you have the energy. Expect to take about 5 - 6 hours to go up and down. It is harder than it looks - it is steep and involves scrambling over countless tree roots and a number of rope ladders but climbers are compensated by excellent views, weather permitting.
• Sarawak Cultural Village at Damai, at the foot of Gunung Santubong, is a living museum where you can encounter all the ethnic groups of Sarawak in one place and experience their culture, dress, traditions, dance and homes. I thought the longhouses and other houses were very interesting. The cultural show is a bit touristy and you can expect to be invited on stage to join the dance or try a blowpipe. They have similar shows in Sabah and elsewhere but well worth experiencing at least once. This year's Rainforest World Music Festival was held here.
• Santubong Fishing Village
• Damai Central. You can read about my trip to Damai Beach and Damai Central here.

Top Sarawak Attractions 6. Beaches

Considering how long a coastline Sarawak has, it has relatively few good beaches. Apart from those already mentioned, you could consider the following:

•   Damai Beach , Santubong (Kuching Division)
•  Sematan Beach, Sematan (Kuching Division)
•  Pandan Beach, Lundu (Kuching Division)
•   Taman Selera Beach (or Brighton Beach, also known as Tanjung Lobang), Miri
•   Hawaii Beach, Kampong Bakam, Miri
•  Bungai Beach, Miri
•  Sibuti Beach, Miri
•  Peliau Beach, Miri
•  The Luak Bay Esplanade, Miri
•  Tanjung Batu Beach, Bintulu
•  Kala Dana Beach, Mukah

Top Sarawak Attractions 7. Miri Town Attractions

•   Handicraft Heritage Centre
•  Grand Old Lady, Miri's First Oil Well, Canada Hill
•   Miri City Fan
•  Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple
•  Tamu Muhibbah Market
•   Miri Crocodile Farm
•  San Ching Tian Taoist Temple

Top Sarawak Attractions 8. Sibu Town 

•   Rejang Esplanade
•  Tua Pek Kong Temple & 7 Storey Pagoda
•  Sibu Cultural & Heritage Centre (formerly Civic Centre Museum)
•  Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
•  Sibu Central Market
•  Wong Nai Siong Garden
•  Sibu Mist Garden (no more?)

Out Of Town

•   Yu Lun San Tien En Si a.k.a Jade Dragon Temple
•  Skrang River Safari & Iban Longhouse
•  Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

Top Sarawak Attractions 9. Bintulu Attractions

•   Bintulu Promenade
•  Taman Tumbina Bintulu (Botanical and Zoological Gardens)

10. Limbang Attractions

•   Limbang Regional Museum
•  Merarap Hot Springs

11. Up-Country Forts (Now Museums)

•   Fort Sylvia, Kapit (Also see the Kapit Museum)
•  Fort Emma, Kanowit
•  Fort Alice, Sri Aman (Also see the twice daily Tidal Bore Phenomenon or benak at the Sri Aman Waterfront)
•  Fort Hose, Marudi (Baram District Museum)

More Top Sarawak Attractions will be added to this list as I explore further. 

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Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Sarawak, Malaysia

Nature & parks in sarawak.

• Caverns & Caves
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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1. Semenggoh Nature Reserve

2. Bako National Park

Recommended Outdoor Activities (44)

3. Mulu World Heritage Area

4. Mount Santubong

5. Kubah National Park

6. Mulu Caves

7. Niah Caves

8. Fairy Caves

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10. The Pinnacles Trail

11. Clearwater / Wind Show Caves

12. Sarawak Orchid Garden

13. The Great Orangutan Project

14. Lambir Hills National Park

15. Kuching Wetlands National Park

16. Jong's Crocodile Farm & Zoo

17. Wind Caves

18. Matang Wildlife Centre

19. Gunung Gading National Park

20. Niah National Park

21. Penan Peace Park Long Kerong

22. Batang Ai National Park

23. Miri City Fan

24. Malaysia-China Friendship Park

25. Damai Central

26. Tusan Cliff Beach

27. Pantai Temasya Tanjung Batu

28. Crocodile Farm

29. Similajau National Park

30. Tusan Beach

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Dive Into Malaysia

24 Top Places To Visit In Kuching, Sarawak

Going on a holiday in Kuching and want to know all the best places to visit in Kuching? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Kuching to plan your ultimate trip.

Kuching – the capital city of Sarawak state of Malaysia on the island of Borneo – is the most populous city located along the Sarawak River. Considered a significant gateway for tourists visiting Borneo, there’s a great range of attractions to entice you to stay longer both in the city and in the surrounds. It’s also quite pretty thanks to its riverfront location and is maybe my favourite city in Malaysia. It just offers so much.

Grab your Malaysia Kuching map, and let’s explore this modern city! Wondering where to visit in Kuching, well if it’s your first time we suggest starting at the waterfront. You’ll find a plethora of attractions in the vicinity, including some of the top 10 places to visit in Kuching including the Astana and Fort Margherita.  

First-timers to the city find it almost comical to see all the cat-related statues, artworks and carvings that are scattered throughout the city (Kuching literally means cat in Malay!), and the city is even home to the world’s first cat museum. It’s great for a laugh.

Being one of the most culturally diverse cities of Malaysia, the heritage trail covers museums focused on different cultures and religions and many highlight the region’s many indigenous groups.

There are so many interesting places in Kuching town that you need to plan appropriately to make sure you hit the ones that are most important to you. There are a lot of great things to do in Kuching, so it’s usually not possible to see them all in one stay.

No list of where to visit in Kuching, Sarawak, would be complete without mentioning the abundant nature on the doorstep of the city. Only an hour outside of Kuching city you have splendid national parks such as the Bako National Park, the best place in Kuching, Sarawak, to discover those cheeky proboscis monkeys.

And another of the places of interest in Kuching, Malaysia, is the awesome Gunung Gading National Park home to the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia. 

It’s hard for us to pinpoint the best place in Kuching, Sarawak (and we haven’t even mentioned the orangutans yet!) as there are simply so many spectacular adventures to be enjoyed. You definitely need more than 1 day in Kuching!

Below, you will find our Kuching trip blog guide with everything you need to know about the best places of interest in Kuching, Sarawak, as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate holiday in Kuching! There is also a handy Kuching attraction map of the interesting places in Kuching, Sarawak.

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Top 24 Places To Visit In Kuching, Malaysia

Here are the best places to go in Kuching. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.

I have loosely ordered this list starting at the Kuching waterfront and working our way out to places to visit in Kuching surrounds. This means that many of the places in the first part of the list can be visited on a walking tour quite easily. You can see many places in a small area in Kuching.

It also means that this list isn’t in order of what you should prioritise visiting.

There are some absolutely fabulous attractions and day trip options from Kuching in the latter part of the list and you should definitely try to visit some (all!) of them.

Take A Walk Along Kuching’s Waterfront

You don’t need to check your Kuching map; tourists are always naturally drawn to the most iconic Kuching sightseeing spot – the Kuching Waterfront!

A picturesque location from where most of the promotional pictures of the city are taken, this 900-metre esplanade offers an excellent view of the Sarawak River, along with many historical sites such as The Astana and Fort Margherita.

While you are sightseeing here, do not miss the Darul Hana Bridge.  An unusual S-shaped pedestrian suspension bridge with two viewing platforms, this is the best place to admire the magnificent Floating Mosque. In fact, my photo below of the Floating Mosque was taken from this bridge. As was the photo of the Astana.

Time your visit well, as the sunset view is particularly captivating with beautiful sunbeams shimmering across the spectacular golden crown of the mosque. 

There’s a great energy along here especially in the evening as the weather cools down and the locals come out. I try to walk along here as much as I can when I’m in Kuching as I just love it.

The Kuching Waterfront is definitely one of the must-go places in Kuching. The next few Kuching attractions on this list can also be visited or sighted while walking along here.

Address: 37, Jalan Main Bazaar, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak

View The Amazing Floating Mosque

Located on the river itself, the Floating Mosque is a relatively new addition to the riverfront that opened in 2019. It’s big enough to fit 1,600 worshippers.

It was built to replace the 186 year old Masjid India. That mosque was built by Indian Muslim traders who work at India Street.

Its design is inspired by the Middle East. It looks quite spectacular on the river especially at the night when it’s lit up and during sunset when the golden sky accentuates the colours of the mosque.

Non-Muslims can visit outside prayer time if dressed appropriately to see the unique internal design.

Check Out The Astana

Astana – a name derived from the Malay word ”Istana” which means Palace – is an interesting Kuching place to visit. This majestic colonial building was constructed in 1870 by the second White Rajah – the dynastic monarchy of the British Brooke family who ruled the Raj of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. A royal couple, Charles Brooke and Renee Margaret constructed the Astana and used it as their home until the Japanese occupation.

The Astana now serves as the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak. Therefore, it is not open to the public except during the annual Hari Raya celebration. However, visitors can appreciate this Kuching famous place from a distance. It’s perhaps best viewed from the Kuching waterfront.

Address: Astana, Kampung Istana, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

Visit Fort Margherita

There are plenty of interesting places in Sarawak Kuching to visit that have historical value, but Fort Margherita is perhaps the most famous one. This English-styled fort was built in 1879 by Charles Brooke during the White Rajah era and was said to protect Kuching from the attack of pirates.  

Named after the Rajah’s beloved wife Renee Margaret, visitors start their exploration of the site by admiring the exterior design of the fort from the waterfront before approaching it by a short sampan ride. 

The fort now serves as “Brooke Gallery” and is a really interesting place to spend an hour at, with heaps of memorabilia helping you understand the influence the family had on Kuching. This is one of the fun things to do in Kuching for history fans!

Address: Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

Experience A Traditional Wooden Boat Ride At The Sarawak River

In the old days, a traditional wooden boat was the primary mode of transportation in Kuching. Today, tourists may experience the same journey taking an hour-long boat ride along the Sarawak River.

The traditionally designed boat sails upriver from the Kuching Waterfront and offering you great views of the Astana, Fort Margherita, Sarawak Museum and all the major attractions in Kuching, Sarawak. On the return, sailing downstream will take you along a local stretch of the river, revealing a completely different side of Kuching.

If it fits with your schedule, we highly recommend you do this cruise during sunset. The late afternoon orange glow shimmers across the water and with the Kuching top attractions as the backdrop, you’re sure to grab a few Insta-fabulous pics!

Alternatively, you can also take a cruise in a bigger boat and enjoy a meal or sunset drinks while you enjoy the scenery.

Click here for a sunset cruise option.

Address: 1st Floor, Lot 42, Section 33, 124, Jalan Tabuan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Learn More At The Chinese History Museum

Looking to understand Chinese history and culture in Sarawak? The Kuching best place to visit for this has to be The Chinese History Museum located at the waterfront, right across the river from Fort Margherita.

This educational landmark was formerly the base of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce but was opened to the public in 1993 to help visitors learn about the critical history of the Chinese community in Sarawak.

At the museum, you will find plenty of memorabilia and artifacts explaining the arrival of first-generation Chinese pioneers, early trading activities, the local political environment and today’s Malay-Chinese. There is a particularly interesting exhibit highlighting the various dialects from regions of China, perhaps particularly relatable to Chinese speakers! 

The Chinese Museum is amongst the most educational places to visit in Kuching, Malaysia.

Address: Chinese History Museum, Jalan Bazar, Sarawak, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Explore Chinatown

During the white Rajah era, an influx of Chinese migrated to Kuching and formed what has become today’s Chinatown. Considered one of the busiest and happening places to visit in Kuching town, the two most notable streets are the Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street.

Both are packed with charming Chinese shophouses, built with intricate architecture, and Chinese Temples that are decorated extravagantly during major Chinese festivals. This is the best place to visit in Kuching, Sarawak to experience the living cultural heritage of the Chinese.

Amongst and within some of the shophouses you will find all types of eateries, including several specialising in mouthwatering local dishes such as Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee (Sarawakian dry noodles). A total must-try! 

For all you shopaholics, be prepared to show off your bargaining skills and snatch up Chinese paintings, handicrafts or antiques at a bargain price.

It’s a great place to wander around and take it all in. It’s low level and the pretty shophouses, temples and street art make it one of my favourite places in the city to just soak in Kuching.

Chinatown is also a famous place in Kuching, Sarawak for bars/speakeasies. Picture yourself sipping on an ice-cold beer on an Asian-warm day… Chill, relax and watch the hustle and bustle of chaotic Chinatown!

Address: Padungan Road, Kuching, Sarawak

Check Out The Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple

Located at the centre of Chinatown on Carpenter Street, the Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple is the best place to go in Kuching to discover the culture of the Teochew community.  Originally built on the Main Bazaar some 150 years ago, the Temple was moved to its present location in 1863 and underwent a major renovation in 1968.

This ancient temple is insignificant in size but architecturally picturesque, with strikingly colourful artworks and various gold-foil covered deity statues.

An annual celebration is held on the fourth day of the twelfth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, bringing the Temple to life.  Lion and dragon dance troupes parade, traditionally dressed singers and dancers perform, along with a wild battering of gongs and drums that heat up the city until midnight!  

Therefore, we feel that the best time to visit Kuching, Sarawak is perhaps to catch this exciting event at the Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple.

Address: 22, Jalan Carpenter, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak

Visit The Textiles Museum

The Textile Museum is a surprisingly interesting place to visit in Kuching as it celebrates the unique textile-making techniques of the region. It also showcases the intricate designs woven by the Sarakan ethnic groups, taking visitors through the entire textile making process from raw materials to the finished product. 

Also on display are some costumes locally made by ethnic communities, and an exhibit featuring 30 historical garments – including a 100-year-old Kenyah jacket. It is one of the Kuching Malaysia points of interest that offers deep insights into the Sarakan ethnic group.

It’s also housed in a cool building! It was built in “colonial Baroque” style in 1909.

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak

Discover Local Culture At The Borneo Cultures Museum

The Borneo Cultures Museum opened in 2021 and is quite the attraction. An awe inspiring building, it was built to reflect “Sarawak’s unique traditional crafts and rich cultural heritage”. But it’s not just the outside that’s worth seeing.

Inside, you’ll find five storeys of exhibits, auditoriums and more to enjoy and learn. The ground floor is home to an auditorium and function rooms for events as well as a restaurant and shop.

Level two has a great area for kids where they can learn about sustainability while studying the state’s rivers. There’s also an Arts and Crafts Gallery where you can learn about traditional crafts, dances and music.

Level three has a massive 2,188 square metres of exhibits about the relationship local communities have in Borneo with their environments. It’s told through a river journey through three different geographical regions.

Level four is home to the “Time Changes” exhibit which is about the history of Sarawak from prehistoric times to today. This includes archaeological discoveries from around Sarawak.

The top level displays Sarawak culture with many top artefacts of skilled craftsmen and more.

This Kuching points of interest is by far the best museum I have been to in Malaysia. Parts are quite immersive and interactive, and it’s done well. It definitely should be on your to-do list.

This is a big museum (the second largest in South East Asia), and you could easily spend the day here. But even if you only have a couple of hours, it’s worth coming here. The only downside is the price. It is expensive for foreigners at RM50 for adults and RM20 for kids up to 12 years old. 13-17 year olds and 61+ year olds are RM25. It is substantially cheaper for Malaysians.

Note that the old Sarawak Museum has closed.

Explore The Natural History Museum

Located basically across the road from the Borneo Cultures Museum is the Natural History Museum. It’s home to a collection of zoological exhibits such as hornbills, leopards, and those famous wild cats of Sarawak. 

You can see the skeletons of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and more. There are also animals that are now extinct.

This museum is free and easy to visit.

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak

Visit The Sarawak Islamic Museum

Also located by the Borneo Cultures Museum, another Kuching interesting place to visit is the Sarawak Islamic Museum. It was originally built as a school offering teaching training to Malays so that in turn, they could provide a high level Malay education. It opened as a museum in 1992.

Aimed at presenting the honourable culture of Islam to the people of Sarawak, there are seven galleries displaying artifacts.

Themes range from Islamic history, architecture, science and literature influences, cultural collections, weaponry, arts and a special Quran collection. Each gallery is said to offer a valuable lesson to Islamic culture.

The Sarawak Islamic Museum is an informative, free and interesting place to visit in Kuching, Sarawak.

Address: Jalan P. Ramlee, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak

Leave The Big Smoke Behind At Kampung Boyan

Just across the river from all the action is Kampung Boyan, a Malay village with low level, colourful houses. It feels a world away from the riverfront area, but it does give you good views of it.

There’s also a hawker centre here and other Malay eateries.

The most fun way to get here is by wooden boat ride across the river for RM1 each way. It only takes a couple of minutes. It’s also right by Fort Margherita so you can visit at the same time if you wish.

Look For Cat Statues

Being called the ‘cat city of Malaysia’, cat statues are almost a must-have in the city! The most prominent, also considered the city’s icon, is the mega cat monument: the Family Cat installation.

Located at a roundabout in the city centre and beautifully lit in the evening, it makes for an unusual entry on our list of best places to visit in Kuching at night. 

The location of the family cat statue makes it iconic and hard to miss, but it’s not the only one.

In the south of the city sits a white waving cat built in the 90’s. As the very first cat statue installed in the city, it holds a special place in the heart of the local people and would be the very best place to go in Kuching, Sarawak if you are considering writing a Kuching attractions blog post of your time in the city.

There are many more cat statues all over the city, some strikingly cute and easily spotted around tourist places in Kuching town such as the bronze cats at the waterfront. Others are hard to find, in unusual places such a lamp post or a manhole!  

It’s quite the game trying to spot these pesky cats – keep looking and see how many you can find by the end of your trip!

Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

See Sarawak’s State Flower At The Orchid Garden

Sarawak’s state flower is Normah Orchid and thus it makes sense to find an Orchid Garden in the centre of the city! One of the top things to do in Kuching, the garden is located near the Astana and Fort Margherita, meaning you can easily combine all three within a day’s exploration.

Housing over 75,000 plants, botanists will find this an interesting place at Kuching. In fact, most are dazzled by the 82 genres of orchids on display in the gardens.

Some of the infamous Borneo native species can be found here, including Bulbophyllum Beccarii – rotten meat stinky orchids – and the rare Lady Slippers that were once thought to have gone extinct.

We highly recommend a visit here to anyone who loves orchids or botany, making the orchid garden among the must-visit places in Kuching.

Address: Kampung Istana, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

Have A Laugh At The Cat Museum

The name “Kuching” literally means cats, and the Cat Museum is an attraction place in Kuching that amusingly presents the city’s love of cats. It’s the world’s first museum dedicated to our feline friends!

Located only 15 minutes from the Kuching waterfront, there are over 4,000 exhibits. From the conventional display of history between cats and Kuching city, and the introduction of various cat species to the region, to the lighthearted exhibition of all things cat: Maneki-Neko (The Japanese Beckoning Cats), Garfield The Cat, and even Hello Kitty! 

While it is called a museum, I found it more a kitschy collection of cat related memorabilia. Like someone started collecting cat items, and it got out of hand. However, this isn’t to say it isn’t worth visiting. It’s actually one of my favourite things to do in Kuching because it’s just so funny.

In fact, I consider it a must do in Kuching. You only need about half an hour here to have a good look.

Address: Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

See Orangutans Up Close At Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Visiting endangered orangutans is perhaps the most popular activity when travelling to Borneo. Semmenggoh Nature Reserve in Kuching offers a fantastic opportunity to view these playful and intelligent primates up close.

Here, you’ll find the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre which is just 40 minutes outside of the city, making it a perfect half day trip in Kuching. 

The Reserve is home to semi-wild orangutans that were orphaned, injured or illegally caged as pets. After they are rescued, they live in this environment, roaming freely within the jungle reserve. 

However, there are too many orangutans in too small a space for the orangutans to be able to completely fend for themselves, so they often return for meals at fixed feeding times (currently 9 am and 3 pm). This makes for a great opportunity for you to see orangutans up close.

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is open from 8am-10am and 2-4pm so you can visit these feedings and watch the orangutans. Since these are wild animals, there are no guarantees that they will show up. However, outside the fruiting season, you would be unlucky not to spot some orangutans at this time.

I visited in the fruiting season and there were two orangutans that hang out for awhile. It was amazing. They loved posing for us and were awesome to watch.

While you are here, you can also learn about these amazing creatures at the on-site Semenggoh Orangutan Gallery, and there’s also a Botanical Research Centre within the reserve for flora enthusiasts.  

Overall, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve is an excellent Kuching place to go for an interactive and educational encounter with some of nature’s cutest creations! Visits only take a couple of hours and you won’t regret it.

Address: KM 20, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 93250 Siburan, Sarawak

Click here for discounted tickets or click here here to read my full guide to visiting here.

Learn Local Culture At Sarawak Cultural Village

Looking for one of the best activities in Kuching to learn about Sarawak culture? Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum that offers guests an opportunity to experience all the cultures of Sarawak squeezed into just half a day!

On your visit, you’ll find authentic replica houses from each of the major ethnic groups in Sarawak such as Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Malay, Penan and Chinese. A representative from each group – dressed in traditional clothing – welcomes you to their respective home and showcases their tribe’s culture through demonstrations of unique cultural activities.

After, be sure to catch the multicultural dance performance – presented twice a day – which highlights the harmonious and peaceful style of living that can be found amongst these Sarawakian groups. 

Finally, end your visit by sampling the different foods on offer at the onsite restaurant. We suggest ordering their ethnic set menu which combines signature dishes from each group, giving you a chance to taste them all! 

Just 45 minutes drive from the city centre at Damai Beach, the Sarawak Cultural Village is one of the most interesting locations for day trips from Kuching.

Click here for discounted half-day tour tickets .

Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak

Splash, Relax Or Hike At Damai Beach

Looking for a great beach near Kuching or somewhere to go on a jungle hike while enjoying a swim? Or visiting Sarawak Cultural Village and wondering what else is in the area? Visit Damai Beach!

Located 45 minutes drive north of Kuching, Damai Beach is the place to head for some beach time. It’s home to the Sarawak Cultural Village as well as a great golf course and some nice jungle trekking at Mount Santubong National Park where there is a range of trails from easy to challenging.

The beach itself is lovely, especially at sunset.

You can get a shuttle bus here from Grand Margherita Hotel or take local bus K15 from Saujana Bus Station. Otherwise, you can take a Grab taxi, but note that getting one back again can sometimes be difficult.

Click here to read our full guide to Damai Beach and everything there is to do there.

Take A Santubong Wildlife Cruise

For something quite different, go and experience Sarawak’s wildlife from a special cruise. These wildlife cruises sail along the Santubong River to the rivers and mangroves of the Santubong Peninsula (where Damai Beach is located), the mouth of the Salek Estuary and the Kuching Wetlands National Park to the north and northwest of Kuching.

As you cruise along, your guide will look out for Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, silver-leaf monkeys, crocodiles, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards and a variety of birds. As the day darkens, there are fireflies to spot as well.

It’s a great opportunity to explore the natural side of this area some more. Some cruises also include dinner and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Kuching. These cruises depart late afternoon making it easy to fit into your itinerary.

When I did this cruise, it was simply amazing. Not just the animal spotting, but how beautiful the whole area is as the sun sets. I watched Irrawaddy dolphins glide by for about 30 minutes, saw proboscis monkeys play in a tree, macaques and some great scenery. The fireflies at night are also a highlight.

This is definitely a tour worth doing.

Click here to join this wildlife cruise now or click here to read my full review of this cruise.

Spot Wildlife At Bako National Park

Established in 1957, Bako National Park is the oldest national park in the region and is among the best places to visit in Sarawak, Kuching. Located at the northern tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula, the park is accessed via a 15 minutes boat ride from Kampung Bako, approximately 35 minutes drive from Kuching.

Arrange your boat transfer to go past Bako’s most pictured attraction, the Sea Stacks. These oddly shaped but handsome sea stacks are natural art, formed by waves eroding cliffs and rocks across centuries. The edges can be seen from the beaches at the park, but for a closer (and much better) look join a dedicated boat ride.

The National Park is particularly famous for its diverse range of ecosystems with seven different types including rainforest, mangroves, swamps, dipterocarp forests and cliff vegetations. All attract a diverse amount of wildlife. 

The star of the show is usually the proboscis monkey, endemic to Borneo, but there is much more wildlife such as wild boar (bearded pig), monitor lizards, macaque monkeys, flying lemurs and more!  Visitors can choose from many track options through the extensive jungle trail-system, the shortest taking only 30 minutes through to serious multi-day treks.  

Trails can be hard work with many lacking shade and involving climbing around tree roots. However, I did it with a bad ankle so you can too!

The more adventurous can even spend a night in one of the modest jungle lodges, giving time to tick off more wildlife viewings especially at night. A visit to Bako National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Kuching!

You can visit independently, but a tour makes it all so much easier. You won’t have any dramas getting there and back and you’ll have a guide for the best chance of spotting wildlife.

Click here for discounted full-day tour tickets.

Address: Muara Tebas peninsula, Kuching, Sarawak

Click here for our full guide to visiting Bako National Park. It has absolutely everything you need to know about visiting here from how to get here to what trails you can hike.

Experience The Annah Rais Longhouse

Longhouses are traditional homes for most native Sarawakian tribal groups. These are long, narrow houses built from timber and bamboo, mostly elevated off the ground on stilts. 

Many of the traditional longhouses can only be found in remote areas in Sarawak, which can involve lengthy travel. Yet here in Kuching you can easily reach one: the Annah Rias Longhouse. Only an hour’s drive from the city centre, this is a truly exceptional and very popular tourist attraction in Kuching, Malaysia.

The Bidayuh Tribe, who make up 8% of Sarawak’s population, are the key residents at the Annah Rias Longhouse. Believed to be over 100 years old, the Longhouse has been greatly expanded with interconnected walkways forming a proper community village. It is one of the most intriguing places to see in Kuching, Sarawak.

Visitors may roam freely around the area and can see the Biyudah people going about their daily lives. To be fair, the area is relatively developed for tourists, but you can still witness the fascinating Biyudah history and culture through items such as a cylinder made of human skulls – believed to be from caught invaders, wall murals and an old wooden house that is miraculously still standing, and home to families today.

Shops sell local produce and handicrafts with one of the unique products to test being Tuak. This is a local rice wine that’s used in rituals and festivals as an offering to the worshipped spirits. This charming village is unique and pretty making it one of the most attractive places in Kuching, Sarawak.

Address: No. 9, Kupo Saba, Kampung Annah Rais Longhouse, Jln Borneo Height, 93250, Kuching, Sarawak

See The Famous Rafflesia Flower At Gunung Gading National Park

The world’s largest flower Rafflesia can, when in full bloom, grow as large as a coffee table! It is famed just as much for its smell as its size – emitting an awful smell that it uses to attract insects. Gunung Gading National Park is one of the very few natural habitats for this rarely found flower. Let’s hope that you’re lucky enough to catch one in full bloom, one of the most incredible things to see in Kuching. 

Carefully built raised walkways take you to the area where Rafflesia buds are most commonly found. With only a short flowering time – of only a few days – to avoid disappointment, we encourage you to check with the park ranger before making your trip. 

In addition to Rafflesia, Gunung Gading National Park also offers various trekking trails taking you to numerous picturesque spots including a short trek through seven waterfalls, and a serious summit trail across a large dipterocarp forest to a former British Army Camp. Hiking enthusiasts will note this as one of the top 10 things to do in Kuching.

The easiest way to visit is on a guided tour. Click here to book one now.

Address: 94500 Lundu, Sarawak

Eat Kek Lapis

The last thing to do in this list is also the most delicious – trying Sarawak kek lapis! This is basically layer cake. We couldn’t help but try some after admiring how good it looks.

It tastes just as good as it looks too!

It’s easy to find it in stalls along the waterfront in the evening. Or drop into Kek Lapis Mama Su. This shop opposite the river has many options you can try and buy. It’s the perfect way to top off a great day in Kuching.

Kuching Tourist Attraction Map

The following map shows you where all the attractions listed above are in Kuching. It also has our recommended hotel choices (coming up!).

Best Place To Stay In Kuching, Sarawak

Similar to the wide choice of places to go in Kuching, Sarawak, hotel options are equally vast both in and out of Kuching. 

We have handpicked four properties at different price points and locations from a luxury resort by the coast to a convenient Inn located in the city. This way, we have provided our best recommendations for all types of travellers.

You can find our full guide to the best hotels in Kuching here. If you are looking for a Kuching Airport hotel, read our review of the Raia Hotel here. It’s directly opposite the airport.

BEST RESORT – Cove 55 Hotel Kuching Review

Cove 55 is a luxury boutique resort located at the foot of Mount Santubong, 35 minutes drive from Kuching city not far from Damai Beach. Upon arrival, visitors are dazzled by the 30-metre exquisite turquoise infinity pool that offers a panoramic view of the South China Sea. 

Rooms are aesthetically contemporary with a hint of tribal elements to highlight the hotel’s roots as an Iban family holiday home. All rooms feature either a private garden or a balcony that overlooks the pool and/or the sea. Basic room types are perfect for couples and their two bedroom suite accommodates up to two adults and two children, making an excellent choice for family travellers.

There’s a bar and restaurant on-site which features fresh local produce and Sarawakian cuisine, with the option of indoor or outdoor dining. You’ll find a great pool and gym to work away the kilograms at after!

Winner of Unique Luxury Hotel of the Year Malaysia and Luxury Boutique Retreat for the continent of Asia, Cove 55 offers a wonderful stay and is best suited for people who want a natural and luxurious resort while they are in Kuching.

Click here for the latest prices.

BEST IN KUCHING – The Waterfront Hotel Kuching Sarawak Review

This 5-star hotel in Kuching is a great place to stay to be close to Kuching’s heart and attractions. Located on top of a shopping centre, a short walk from the riverfront, at the entance to Chinatown and close to the Borneo Cultures Museum, this hotel is a very convenient place to stay.

There are many different room options at this hotel which offer different views (try to get a river view room), sizes and extras. Suites come with spacious living areas and club rooms offer access to their private lounge. 

All rooms have free WiFi, flatscreen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, air-conditioning, minifridge, bathrobe and slippers, desk area and a lounge chair so you can’t go wrong. They are all clean and modern. Rooms come in twin, double and family options (with two queen beds).

There’s a great range of facilities including a restaurant that offers stunning river views. It also features an undercover pool with great views, a bar by the pool and a gym. Of course, there is also the shopping centre downstairs for super easy access to shops and more eating options.

I love staying at The Waterfront Kuching and I recommend it for you too.

Click here for the latest prices or click here to read our full review.

Pullman Kuching Hotel Review

The Pullman Kuching Hotel is a beautiful property located right above a shopping mall and only 5 minutes walk from the Kuching Waterfront.

Reasonably priced for a 4.5 star hotel, this international branded hotel offers everything you would expect including a well-appointed fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.  And guests of the hotel have access to three restaurants and cafes that offer a wide array of Asian and international food. There’s also a bar by the pool and a lounge bar.

All rooms are spacious and well equipped with everything you need, even fitness gear!

Whilst superior rooms offer vibrant city views, deluxe rooms come with a spectacular waterfront view totally worth the additional cost  And for families, a family room comes equipped with one king and one single bed. There are also suites with separate living areas. 

BUDGET – Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching Review

Strategically located, Tunes Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the Waterfront and is surrounded by major attractions such as both the Chinese and Sarawak Museums. Even though there is no on-site restaurant, you will find some great local Kuching cafes and eateries in the near vicinity.

The rooms are small, but they do have air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathrooms with some toiletries. You can choose between single, twin, double and family rooms which have a bunk bed and bedding for three.

Some rooms do not have windows which can help you save money.

There is a lack of facilities, and rooms are not cleaned during your stay. Otherwise, this is a great option for people looking for a budget hotel in Kuching.

How To Get To Kuching

It’s easy to get to Kuching by flight, bus or car (if you are already in Malaysian Borneo).

If you are coming from peninsular Malaysia, your only choice is to fly here.

To see all the latest flights and prices, click here .

If you need to take a bus from elsewhere in Sarawak, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices .

You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here .

You can also read our guide to getting to Kuching from Kota Kinabalu (in Sabah) here or our guide to getting to Kuching from Sibu here.

Kuching With Kids

There are so many interesting places in Kuching, Malaysia that are excellent to go with kids. Within the city, hunting for cat statues and visiting the Cat Museum are both sure to get your youngsters excited. 

Children also love the experience of taking boats across the river to different places of interest in Kuching city. Be sure to include the various museums, especially the Natural History Museum for its animal exhibits.

Outside of the city, Kuching is surrounded by natural jungle and the nature that Borneo is famous for. Young and old have fun exploring the region’s national parks and trying to spot the vast amount of wildlife and especially seeing the jaw-dropping Rafflesia flower. 

And then there’s the feeding of orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve and all the fun at the Sarawak Cultural Village with the locals dressed in traditional clothing and their old-style, unusual, homes to be discovered. My kids loved the opportunity to get up on stage at the cultural village during the dance performance.

You will not regret bringing your children for a holiday in Kuching, Malaysia.

Final Words

Kuching has the perfect combination of being vibrantly modern with a twist of rich cultural vibe. This is a city where you may casually stroll aimlessly around the streets, taking in the artistic surroundings and admire the diverse cultural harmony. It’s a beautiful place both at its centre and in its surrounds.

Being the capital of Sarawak, it’s a busy city but just drive for half an hour and you’re in a primeval jungle, full of natural wonders. Truly an amazing city, it makes for a perfect starting point to your Borneo journey.

You can check out all the best Kuching day trips here. Find our full travel guide to Kuching here and our full guide to the best places to stay in Kuching here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Sarawak

Sarawak is the largest state of Malaysia , but it is not located on the mainland Malaysia. Sarawak is stationed on the Borneo island, sharing international borders with Indonesia & Brunei; as well as state border with Sabah , another Malaysian state. There are several reasons to visit Sarawak. Among top places to visit in Sarawak are the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak Museum, Cat Museum, Fort Margherita, Buddhist temples, parks, mosques, and nature reserves. Things to do in Sarawak range from adventure, nature exploration, beach activities, island hopping, snorkling, diving, and water sports. Sarawak is also inhabited by the famous Bornean headhunter tribe of Iban. So collection of Iban trophies, which is basically cut-off head of the enemies are also among Sarawak tourist attractions. You don’t have to worry about headhunting anymore when you visit Sarawak. There are many cultural aspects concerning tribes like Iban which you won’t be able to explore on Malaysian mainland. The Iban cuisine is among top Sarawak attractions, and for good reason. There are several restaurants among Sarawak famous places which serve these delicacies. You can also head out to the villages, where different variation of the popular Iban dishes can be tasted. Another Sarawak tourist attractions concerning the tribes are the tribal tattoos. It is not just about the design, it is about the traditional method & tools with which these tattoos are imprinted in the skin which makes it a Sarawak must see. Even if you are not getting a tattoo by yourself, the process is an interesting Sarawak sightseeing attraction. The best time to visit Sarawak if you want to see more traditions & traditional practices would be during the tribal festivals & harvest festivals. But the most popular festival taking place in Sarawak is the Rainforest Music Festival. This festival pulls many music lovers to visit Sarawak. The state capital city of Kuching is usually where tourists begin their Sarawak sightseeing. There are a few good spots among top Sarawak attractions to visit in Kuching. The places to visit in Sarawak located in Kuching includes waterfronts, museums, temples, and cultural centers. The most interesting Sarawak tourist attractions in Kuching is the Cat Museum. Gunung Gading and Bako National Park are the best place to visit in Sarawak which are close to the state capital of Kuching. The night market of Kuching is also a Sarawak attraction place for shopping, but more so for the street food. Boat ride in Bako National Park is a great way to explore the mangrove forest and is among Sarawak interesting places to visit. Sarawak has a long coastline so expect some beach fun when you visit Sarawak. There are also several islands you can visit among Sarawak tourist attractions. There are also several places to visit in Sarawak for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. Hiking trails and great camping sites are practically everywhere, as Sarawak sightseeing is primarily nature oriented. You can stay at one of many longhouses, it’s a genuine unique structure which feels like a tree house. These longhouses located in the jungles are a Sarawak must visit. But nature exploration is tough, so make you are there on best time to visit Sarawak weather wise.

The Caves are the most popular Sarawak interesting places to visit. The cave system is UNESCO listed. The Sarawak Chamber is the largest natural chamber in the world. These are Sarawak must visit for adventurers and tourists alike. The festival takes places in the state capital of Kuching, which itself is a Sarawak attraction place. There are many famous places in Sarawak in close proximity to the location of the festival. The Rainforest Music Festival alone is a big reason to visit Sarawak, but don’t limit your tour to just the music festival, you should easily check off top Sarawak attractions from your list. Nature has bestowed many gifts upon Sarawak and they have been well preserved. There are several national parks, nature reserves, wildlife reserves, and conservation parks in Sarawak. Each offering a different reason to visit Sarawak. There are numerous species of flare & fauna in Sarawak. To explore nature, the best time to visit Sarawak would be anytime other than monsoon. Exploration of nature can also be done on river cruises, which are popular for sighting saltwater crocodiles, birds, and monkeys. If you take the boat rides in the evening you would also get to watch a lot of fireflies. Among the birds, hornbill is a list superstar of the Sarawak state. Many ornithologists visit Sarawak to see over 50 species of hornbills residing in Sarawak. The state is nicknamed land of the hornbill and there are many Sarawak interesting places to visit to track these fascinating birds. The rhinoceros hornbill is the creme de la creme of bird sighting in Sarawak. There are also rhinoceroses, pigmy elephants, bears, monkeys, otters, civets, snakes, and variety of cats. If you are looking to see orangutans, then Semenggoh National Park is the best place to visit in Sarawak to spot the red haired monkeys. It is one thing to see the monkeys in a zoo and whole another experience to see them in their natural habitat. Among flora, the rafflesia flower is a popular species people spot & click pictures with. This large flower smells like a corpse and is among Sarawak sightseeing things. If you are going to hike or engage in any kind of outdoor activity, you should monsoon season to visit Sarawak. Your window of best time to visit Sarawak starts from April and remains open till September. If you set your visit towards September the weather is comparatively more pleasant. So we would say even in the pleasant weather window, July to September would be the best time to visit Sarawak.

Districts & Cities to visit in Sarawak

Kuching is the state capital and as you would expect, this city has many places to visit in Sarawak. Among top Sarawak tourist attractions in Kuching are Cat Museum, Sarawak Museum, Fort Margherita, Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching Waterfront, Chinese History Museum, and The Brooke Gallery. The Kuching city mosque is a prime highlight and is among Sarawak must visit places. You will also see a lot of street art in Kuching. The Bako National Park and Mount Santubong are great Sarawak attraction place for nature exploration & hiking. The best place to visit in Sarawak for seeing Orangoutangs is also located in Kuching. The Matang Wildlife Center is also among places to visit in Sarawak to see wildlife. For majority of tourists, the journey of Sarawak interesting places to visit starts from Kuching.

The top Sarawak sightseeing places in Bau include Mount Singai, the Wind Caves, the Fairy Caves, Bung Jagoi Heritage Center, Bung Bratak Heritage Center. Bau used to be a Gold Miniting town and still is in many ways. The two most famous places in Sarawak for Cave exploration are located in Bau: the Wind Caves & the Fairy Caves. Mount Sinai in Bau is also among top Sarawak attractions for hiking trails.

Though Lundu is not the first place you would think of when you visit Sarawak, it is conveniently located next to the state capital and has some nice Sarawak tourist attractions. The most best place to visit in Sarawak in Lundu is the Gunung Gading National Park. You can also head to the islands from Lundu, though these can’t be called Sarawak must visit. But you do get a private island sort of feeling, because these islands near Lundu remain mostly empty. There are also some beaches you can visit in Lundu as Sarawak attraction place, but the beaches are better in Kuching and other places in Sarawak.

Sarawak interesting places to visit in Sri Aman include the Alice Fort, and Maludam National Park. You can go for boat rides in the Batang Lumpar river from Sri Aman town. These rides will take you for Sarawak sightseeing of the rainforests and the National Parks.

There are not many famous places in Sarawak in Lubbock Antu. The only top Sarawak attractions in Lubbock Antu is the Batang Ai National Park and Batang Ai Dam. If you are looking for leisurely places to visit in Sarawak, you can also head to Atman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat.

Sibu lies along the central region of the Sarawak coastline. When you visit Sarawak, you will need to get to Sibu to visit Bukit Lima Forest Reserve and Taman Jubli Bukit App Forest Park. The Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple located in Sibu is also among Sarawak tourist attractions.

Kanowit is not among Sarawak must visit places. There is only Fort Emma in Kanowit which can be considered Sarawak attraction place. Though its not a place you would want to extend yourself for.

There is a whole lot of forest and a whole lot of nothing in Selangau for tourists. Selangau is not among Sarawak interesting places to visit. Good for hiking though.

There are several famous places in Sarawak located in Miri including Miri Crocodile Farm, Tua Peo Kong Temple, San Ching Tian Temple, Miri Marina, Petroleum Museum, Coco Cabana and several beaches. The places to visit in Sarawak in Miri also include several natural wonders like Mount Bario, Batu Lawi, Lambir Hills National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, Long Bedian, Long Lellang, Mount Murud, Mulu National Park, and Niah National Park. There are great beaches in Miri among Sarawak tourist attractions with island hoping and water sports facilities. Shopping for handicrafts is also a great in Miri and so is the street food.

There are several mountains and National Parks among Sarawak must visit in Murudi. The district is named after mount Murund. Sarawak attraction place in Murudi include: Gunung Mulu National Park, Mount Mulu, Gua Air Jernih Clearwater Cave, Sarawak Chamber Cave, the Pinnacles Viewpoint, Deer Cave, Gunung Api Forest, Tata Abu Mountains, and Pulong Tau National Park.

Sarawak sightseeing in Limbang include Limbang Museum, Limpaki Wetlands, Paya Maga Highlands, and Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park. Sarawak interesting places to visit also include Merarap Hotsprings retreat and Meritam Volcano Mud bath located in Limbang.

There is only one destination to explore in Lawas when you visit Sarawak, that is the Gunung Buda National Park & its caves. Other than that there is not much to see or do in Lawas.

Famous places in Sarawak located in Sarikei include Rumah Nyuka Longhouse, Lake Garden, Rajang River, and Doremon Supermarket. Boat ride in Rajang Mangrove National Park is popular among things to do in Sarawak. Sarikei is not too far from other Sarawak top attractions, but its not a place you need to bend over backwards to visit Sarawak for.

Aside from a few hiking trails there aren’t many places to visit in Sarawak located in Maradong. If you have short time to visit Sarawak, you can skip Maradong.

Julau is same as Maradong, lots of greenery, lots of forest area, but no significant Sarawak tourist attractions. This one you can also skip when you visit Sarawak.

On the same vein, Pakan is also not in Sarawak must visit. Yet another district you can skip in Sarawak attraction place.

The only Sarawak interesting places to visit in Kapit are Fort Sylvia and Pancur Gelanggang Waterfall. There are also a few longhouses in Kapit, but you wouldn’t count then in Sarawak sightseeing.

We are catching a theme here, Song is also not among famous places in Sarawak. There are jungles, there are hiking trails, you can go for camping, and you can ride the Rajang river. But not any top Sarawak attractions to explore in Song.

Keeping to the theme of skippable places to visit in Sarawak, you have Belaga. The Lusong Laku Waterfall is worth a trip if you visit Sarawak & happen to pass by Belaga.

There are 2 places in Samaran, though not among Sarawak must visit, are Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Pitcher Plant Garden. There are also longhouses you can visit for jungle adventures in Samarahan, but these aren’t the ones you’d call Sarawak attraction place.

The KLB Garden, Ranchan Recreational Park and Gunung Ampungan are among Sarawak interesting places to visit for ecotourism. The Silabur cave is also great for Sarawak sightseeing. Kampung Mongkos is a local history museum makes for an interesting visit despite not being among top Sarawak attractions.

Simunjan has Pottery Center and Tusita Hermitage among cultural places to visit in Sarawak. And yet again a place you can skip when you visit Sarawak.

Sarawak tourist attractions in Asajaya are Beliong Chinese Temple, Kampung Semara Masjid, and Jambatan Batang Sadong bridge. Apart from these there aren’t any locations you can count as Sarawak must visit.

There are a few places spots you can hit in Bintulu when you visit Sarawak. Sarawak attraction place in Bintulu includes Similajau National Park, Niah National Park, Taman Tumbina Zoo and Pantai Tanjung Batu. The Tua Pek Kong Temple built in dark green color is an imposing cultural building among Sarawak interesting places to visit.

Tatau doesn’t offer any Sarawak sightseeing places. You can do all the usual jungle & mountain exploration, but nothing else to be excited about in Tata when you visit Sarawak.

Same as Tatau, nothing to write home about in Betong. You won’t find any famous places in Sarawak worth visiting in Betong. So if you are planning to visit Sarawak, Betongs is skippable.

Saratok is another place you can skip when you visit Sarawak. You can see that we are giving more places you can skip or avoid than top Sarawak attractions. That’s because as much as you should know where you want to go, you should also know where not to waste time.

Much beach and Lamin Dana are the only places to visit in Sarawak located in Much district. Even these are skippable if you don’t have much time when you visit Sarawak.

Dalat has only one historical landmark to offer known as Oya Square. Even including that, it is not one of best place to visit in Sarawak. So yes, it is skippable on Sarawak visit.

Matu is same as Dalat minus the historical landmark, so completely skippable and not among Sarawak must visit.

Aside from beaches & a few minor Sarawak attraction place, there isn’t much to see or do in Daro. So that completes the list of skippable places when you visit Sarawak.

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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SARAWAK

A leisurely boat rides along the Sarawak...

Annah Rais Longhouse is a traditional Bi...

Fort Margherita is a special attraction ...

Kuching Waterfront is a famous attractio...

Sarawak Cultural Village is a famous att...

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a popular t...

Gunung Mulu National Park is known for i...

Bako National Park is a famous attractio...

Sarawak is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors. The state is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Tourists can explore the lush rainforests and crystal-clear waters of Bako National Park, take a boat ride through the picturesque Batang Ai Reservoir, or discover the rich traditions of the local indigenous communities at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Sarawak is also home to charming cities such as Kuching, which offers a blend of modern amenities and historical landmarks. Visitors can experience a blend of cultures and cuisines, from Malay to Chinese to indigenous. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Sarawak is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Malaysia.

Sarawak offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including wildlife spotting, jungle trekking, cultural experiences, and adventure sports such as caving and rafting. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, dining, and nightlife in the cities and towns of Sarawak.

Sarawak has several airports, with the largest being Kuching International Airport and Miri Airport. Visitors can also travel to Sarawak by road from neighboring states in Malaysia or by ferry from nearby islands.

Sarawak is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with influences from Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cultures. Some popular dishes include laksa Sarawak, kolo mee, and Sarawak-style steamed buns.

The best time to visit Sarawak is during the dry season from March to October, when the weather is typically sunny and pleasant. However, visitors should be aware that this is also peak tourist season, so accommodation and flights may be more expensive.

Sarawak has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity year-round. The rainy season typically lasts from November to February, while the dry season is from March to October.

Some of the top tourist attractions in Sarawak include Bako National Park, Batang Ai Reservoir, Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching Waterfront, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Kuching, Malaysia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on November 16, 2023

Located in the west of Borneo Island, Kuching is the capital and largest city of the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. Set in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Sarawak River, not far from the South China Sea, the city has long been an important trading post. As such, it is home to an intriguing mix of different peoples, cultures, and cuisines.

Throughout its history, Kuching has been ruled by everyone from the Sultan of Brunei to the Japanese, and the adventurer James Brooke rather incredulously made it his own personal kingdom. Consequently, there are a lot of interesting historical sights to be found around town, with galleries, museums, and old colonial buildings all on show.

In addition to all of these tourist attractions, Kuching is ideally located if you want to explore the wild jungles and rugged coast that Sarawak is renowned for.

12. Chinese Museum

Once the courthouse of the Sarawakian Chinese, this delightful museum now hosts a whole range of different exhibitions on the customs, cultures, and lifestyles of the nine main Chinese communities that came to live in the city. Among the extensive collection are lots of fantastic artifacts, photographs, and traditional costumes for you to peruse. These document the history of the Chinese in Kuching since they first started migrating to the city around the year 1830.

The pastel-colored colonial-era building lies on the banks of the Sarawak River and is just a stone’s throw away from the gorgeous Tua Pek Kong Temple, which is an important holy site for the local Chinese community.

11. The Old Courthouse

Built all the way back in 1871, the Old Courthouse was once the administrative center of the city. As such, it occupies a prominent place along Kuching’s waterfront. Its verandahs, pavilion, and Round Tower are very peaceful to walk around and showcase some wonderful architecture from different epochs.

Nowadays, the lovely old colonial building is home to the fantastic Ranee Museum, which looks at the life and times of Margaret de Windt, the former queen of Sarawak. There’s also a bar and restaurant. In addition to this, there are several venues located in the Old Courthouse that host art exhibitions and cultural performances.

10. Sarawak Museum

The oldest museum in the whole of Borneo, the Sarawak Museum was first opened in 1888. Since then, it has educated countless numbers of people on the rich history, culture, and heritage of the island’s many indigenous groups.

With lots of interesting ethnographic artifacts, local handicrafts, and wildlife specimens on display, the museum really is fascinating to wander around.

The extensive collection is housed in a charming old building that dates to Victorian times. With the perfectly manicured lawns all around it, it wouldn’t look out of place in Merry Old England. Due to re-open in mid-2020 after lengthy renovation works, the Sarawak Museum is well worth visiting if you want to learn more about Borneo and Kuching’s captivating past.

9. Mount Santubong

Located around half an hour’s drive to the north of Kuching, Mount Santubong lies at the heart of a delightful national park of the same name, with lots of great outdoor activities and beautiful scenery on offer. Towering above its surroundings, the mount dominates the park, and its forested slopes rise dramatically above the glistening waters of the South China Sea.

Trekking through the lush rainforest to reach its summit is a marvelous experience, and the views from up high are simply spellbinding. With wildlife in the shape of proboscis monkeys and colorful hornbills for you to spot, Mount Santubong certainly makes for a memorable and nature-filled day out.

8. Fort Margherita

Overlooking the lively Kuching waterfront, Fort Margherita was built in 1879 on the banks of the Sarawak River to help protect the city from attack. One of the main attractions in Kuching, the dazzling white walls and turrets of the fort stand out against the greens of the lawns and trees that surround it.

Besides exploring the impressive fortifications, visitors can also take a look around the fort’s Police Museum, which has an amazing collection of old armaments and armor, including cannons, pistols, and swords.

7. Sarawak Orchid Garden

Located just a short walk away from Fort Margherita, the Sarawak Orchid Garden is a delight to stroll around, with a myriad of different plants, flowers, and orchids lining its peaceful pathways and greenhouses. Tastefully laid out, the garden is very well looked after, and there are over 75,000 plants on display.

The gorgeous Normah Orchid – the state’s flower – can be spotted here and there. To get to the orchid garden from Kuching waterfront, you can either walk across the Darul Hana footbridge or take a short boat ride across the river.

6. Waterfront Promenade

Covering the south bank of the Sarawak River, Kuching’s scenic Waterfront Promenade stretches for just under a kilometer, and for many people, it is the heart of the city. Taking you past such sights as the Chinese Museum, Square Tower, and the India Mosque, the promenade really is a beautiful place to go for a walk and has a lovely laidback feel to it.

On the opposite bank, you can see the impressive Astana and Fort Margherita rising before you; at night, lots of young couples congregate here to take a romantic stroll when everything is beautifully illuminated. As a number of cafes and food kiosks line the way, the waterfront promenade is also a great place to grab a bite to eat.

With so much for you to see, no trip to Kuching can ever be complete without having ambled along the promenade at least once or twice.

5. Gunung Gading National Park

Although Gunung Gading National Park is blessed with lots of stunning scenery, fantastic treks, and fantastic wildlife, it is the enormous Rafflesia flower that is undoubtedly the star attraction. Reaching up to a meter in diameter, the parasitic plant is remarkably the world’s largest flower. It can take months and months to grow, only to bloom for just a couple of days.

While it certainly does make for an impressive sight, the national park has loads of other natural wonders for you to enjoy, with plenty of trails and paths snaking their way through the dense rainforest that coats its mountainous terrain.

Lying around two hours away from Kuching, Gunung Gading National Park is just about doable as a day trip. While visiting its many twinkling streams and waterfalls, you may even catch a glimpse of an orangutan or two peacefully swinging through the jungle.

4. Kubah National Park

Despite calling itself ‘the home of palms and frogs,’ Kubah National Park has much more to offer, although you certainly will see plenty of them dotted around the rainforest. Hidden away amongst the dense undergrowth are lots of colorful orchids, as well as a number of beautiful waterfalls for you to make your way to.

As it lies just half an hour’s drive to the west of Kuching, many locals enjoy coming here at the weekend to go for a walk in the forest or cool off in one of its pretty streams or bathing pools.

3. Sarawak Cultural Village

If you’re interested in learning more about Borneo’s various indigenous peoples and cultures, then a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village is a must. The living museum has seven traditional buildings and longhouses for you to wander around, and each of these displays an architectural style from a particular group, such as the Malay, Chinese, or Penan.

In addition to this, you’ll see lots of locals dressed in their traditional attire making handicrafts using ancient techniques. These live demonstrations show you how the indigenous groups once weaved, carved, and cooked. Twice a day, the locals put on a dance and music performance which proudly showcases their rich cultural heritage.

2. Bako National Park

The first national park to be established in Sarawak all the way back in 1957, Bako is home to an incredible range of different landscapes and ecosystems. Lying just half an hour away from Kuching, it is one of the most popular national parks with both locals and tourists alike, and it is easy to see why.

Jutting out into the South China Sea, the peninsula on which it lies is home to jagged cliffs and secluded beaches, with some pretty mangroves also on display. Its tangled mess of dense rainforest is a delight to explore, and lots of hidden waterfalls and sparkling streams can be found here and there.

As there are a plethora of fantastic paths and trails for you to hike along, many people end up staying a night or two in Bako. On top of its astounding natural sights, Bako National Park also boasts a vast array of wildlife, and over 150 types of birds have been spotted within its confines. With proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, monitor lizards, and pangolins all on show, the park really is well worth visiting.

1. Semenggoh Nature Reserve

For many people, Borneo is synonymous with orangutans, and Semenggoh Nature Reserve is one of the best places to see them in the world. The reserve has long run a successful rehabilitation program for orphaned or rescued orangutans, and thankfully, all of them have since been released back into the wild. As such, they roam free around the rainforest at their will, coming and going as they please.

Many of them, however, still return to the center for a free meal a couple of times a day. Seeing the orangutans happily munching away on the fruit that is left out for them is an amazing experience, and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any trip to Kuching – or even Borneo, for that matter.

Besides seeing them up close and personal, visitors to Semenggoh Nature Reserve can also go on a walk around its premises and enjoy the colorful fauna and flora of the rainforest.

Best Time to Visit Kuching

With temperatures remaining between 30 and 33°C (86 to 91°F) and each month seeing a lot of rainfall, you can’t really visit Kuching and avoid the heat, sun, humidity or rain. As such, many just visit when they have a holiday or plan it around one of its numerous fun festivals.

As the driest months are from April to September (though that’s not saying much!), loads of people visit then. July and August are of course the peak season due to the school holidays with prices being higher. Conditions are also best then for exploring the center, sunbathing or trekking about its lush, steamy jungle. Huge events include its Gawai Dayak Festival and Rainforest World Music Festival in June.

From October to March, the riverside city sees an incredible amount of rain tips down. If you don’t mind the sudden strong showers, prices are lower and there are barely any crowds at its caves, jungle lodges and wildlife sanctuaries.

Although extremely wet with pretty much every single day seeing at least some, if not a lot, of rain, December is the most popular month along with August. Prices again rise as people pour in for the holidays. Some also visit for Chinese New Year in either January or February.

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Amazing tourist attraction guide.

Once a booming gold mining town some 200 years ago, Bau is now the hotspot for ecotourism. It is located about 35km from Sarawak capital city of Kuching, with just a 30 minutes drive away.

All the while, Bau is famous for its’ prime attractions like Tasik Biru, Wind Cave and Fairy Cave etc. Just recently, more and more new attractions are being uncovered, making Bau a more vibrant town, not only to tourists from nearby cities and foreigners, but also to the local.

There is unseen traffic congestion recently in this small town of Bau especially during weekend, packed with tourists and cars flocking in from nearby Kuching, Lundu, Sentosa, Serian etc. It is now a hotspot for ecotourism after the government has announced plan to develop this town in full swing, some which we can see from the pictures below.

There are definitely more than 10 Must Visit tourist attractions in Bau, ranging from limestone caves, mountains, lake and water falls etc. However, I will try to squeeze in the top 10 in this introductory article.

Tasik Biru (Blue Lake) Resort City

Tasik Biru is a man-made lake and was originally an open gold mining pit which started in 1820. It was named as Blue Lake because of it’s turquoise blue water, which is a result of high levels of arsenic that was left over from the old gold mining activities. In fact, it is originally named as Tai Parit by the local Chinese Hakka, which means Big Ditch that store the world’s best quality and most elegant gold.

With the reduction in arsenic content in recent years, Tasik Biru has transformed into a top spot for tourists in Bau, even in Sarawak, called Tasik Biru Resort City.

New floating hotel, named as Roxy Tasik Biru Floating Chalets which is built on the calm waters of Tasik Biru, is a new one of it’s kind hotel concept in Sarawak.

Beside appreciate the tranquillity surrounds this lake area while staying in the floating chalets, there are other attractive activities that you can do or explore here. For example, you can experience A-Walk-on-the-Water when crossing the floating bridge on the lake, which is built directly across Tasik Biru.

You may also hop on the small pedal boat and enjoy the fun of explore every corner of the lake.

Furthermore, you can enjoy local and Asian delights at the nearby food court.

In short, this resort with many new amenities is now a perfect holiday getaway for tourists who want to escape from the busy and over-crowded city life for a full relaxation and recharge trip.

Bau Wind Cave

Located just 2.2km away from Tasik Biru Resort City, Wind Cave is not a new tourist attraction for local and foreigners. It is called Wind cave because there is a constant cool breeze that blows throughout the cavern. You can observe many amazing stalagmites that formed thousands years ago You may also spot some swiftlets and bats that dwell within this large cave. There is also a river running through beside this cave, it is a branch of Sarawak River.

Bau Fairy Cave

Further to the southwest, about 7km from Wind Cave, you will find another Stalagmite cave attractions, the Fairy Cave.  It is named after a stalagmite structure at the entrance that is said to resemble a Chinese deity.

Inside, you will notice the great contrasts between the light entering the cave and its shadowy darkness, along with hues of brown and grey of the rocks – highlighted by the rich green of the moss. This is an instable place. Further on top of the cave, you will discover a totally stunning view that looking over some paddy fields.

Another activity that can be done here is Rock Climbing, just outside this Fairy Cave. This is a perfect cliff to train and test the climbing skills of those rock climbing lovers, mostly from Kuching city.

Siniawan Night Market

Located just 10-15 minute drive away from Bau, this small old town is just a single street (2 rows of 24 face to face old wooden shophouses), but with big name since it started the weekly night market about 10 years ago. Decorated with rows of red lanterns across the street, Siniawan Night Market open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm onward.

Always attracted many food goers and gourmet hunters from nearby towns and Kuching city, it offers a plethora of local delights as well as international cuisine like Taiwan, Thailand, Korea food etc. Not to forget to mention that there are some bars with very good vibe to enjoy a cup or 2 with your friends or love one too.

Do not miss this Siniawan Night Market if you have chance to visit Bau or Kuching.

Bau Abba Paradise

Located just nearby the Bau fairy cave, Abba Paradise Bau is a new beautiful getaway spot for those who love natural tropical rainforest, camping and relaxation at a tranquil place. It takes less than an hour drive from Kuching, thus there are hundreds of visitor flock in almost every week. You have to pre-book if you plan to camp here.

Besides appreciating and indulged in this tranquil natural haven, visitors can also jump into a specially designed natural swimming pool to enjoy the cool water flowing from the mountain. In fact, many people come here to have camping and BBQ with friends and family.

As this is a private property, the owner of Abba Paradise actually charges a very affordable entry fee for them to maintain this place. It cost only RM5 for adults and RM3 for children, while it is free for elderly. For those who like to explore and want to stay overnight, they can also choose to camp there for RM130. Homestay also available here with various types of rooms to choose from.

Bung Bratak Heritage Centre

Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is a Bidayuh historical site that is located at Kampung Tembawang in Bau, on top of a 1000-foot tall hill that will takes about 30 minutes to reach.

It is an ideal getaway location for visitors who love nature. Bung Bratak was originally a hill settlement of seven longhouses for Bidayuh, which is surrounded by thick forest. If offers a superb view from this hill top, especially during the sunrise. It is believed that the sunrise is one of the best in Malaysia. Visitors can also go for a jungle trek to the Bung Bratak waterfall nearby.

Serikin Weekend Market Bau

Located about 22km from the Goldmine town of Bau, Serikin Market is a famous weekend market along the border of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Once a quiet small village, Serikin Weekend Market has turned it into a popular tourist destinations for people from Kuching city as well as tourists from West Malaysia, thanks to the thriving cross-border trading activities here.

Serikin Weekend Market is where cheapest and rare goods are sold by not only local traders, but also traders from Indonesia. This includes dried food stuff, vegetables, meat, fish, authentic traditional handicrafts, rattan furniture, traditional carpet, bric-a-brac, gemstones, knick-knack, batik clothing, local fruits, wild ornamental plants and souvenirs.

You are able to do bargaining here. It is good to survey the price from few different shops first before starting to bargain for the best price. However, the items sold here are generally at very affordable price already.

Make this in your traveling list if you are visiting Bau or Kuching.  

Paku Hot Spring

This natural spa has actually been there for very long time. It is only started to become widely known to tourists after the recent revitalisation into a tourist attraction. More facilities like toilet and changing room as well as pools to cater for legs soaking and bathing, and a bigger shelter roof are built to facilitate visitors.

It is believed that the hot spring water can not only rejuvenate your body, but also has some healing effect.

It is located at Jalan Air Panas of small Paku town, a 10 minute drive from Bau.

Paku Hot Spring opens daily from 9am – 7pm.

Ticket fee is affordable: RM5 for adult and RM3 for children.

View the full video of Paku Hot Spring (Kolam Air Panas Paku) here:

Paku Rock Maze Garden

Paku Rock Maze Garden is a rather new tourist attraction in Bau. It is located just behind the Shi Wang Gong Temple, about 10 minute drive from Bau town. It was an undeveloped primitive stone forest overgrown with shrubs before it is developed and open to public as a newest tourist attraction in May2022.

Paku Rock Maze Garden is an extremely precious geological heritage that is formed some few millions years ago. After entering through the main entrance, you will be greeted with many rocks and stones with very peculiar shapes. Thanks to the development of the walkway, it is actually very easily to navigate inside this rock maze now. So do not miss this new tourist attraction in Bau from your traveling list.

Libiki Bamboo Resort

For those who appreciate nature, rainforest jungle with river and small creature and inserts chirping in the surrounding, Libiki Bamboo Resort is the one that is not to be missed.

Beside appreciating the scenery and rainforest here, you can also have fun by doing activities like swimming in the river, BBQ, riding ATV etc. You can even camp at this site if you want, and grab the chance of watching the twinkling stars straight into the clear sky without any obstruction from any man-made building, and wake up in the next morning immersed in a rainforest cool and fresh air environment which you can’t have in a concrete city jungle.

Located just 15 mins drive from Bau town, Libiki Bamboo Resort is another perfect place for a short getaway for your family & friends.

The above are the top 10 tourists attractions in Bau. Some of them are very new as it is just open to tourists. There are some other attractions in the making in Bau, and I will update this list in future if needed. Hope you enjoy your holiday in Bau town, away from busy city.

Looking for hotels to stay in Bau? Check out the BEST deals here .

Do Make Sure to check out our most comprehensive introduction of all types of unique  hotels in Kuching here .

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