Popular Accommodation styles available in Sarawak.

Sarawak has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences from international standard hotels to bed and breakfast accommodations. They could be found through-out the state.  These are the most popular accommodations types available in Sarawak.

A number of Deluxe and International standard hotels hotels could be found in Kuching, the Capital Cit , Miri, Sibu and also Bintulu; providing accommodation to both business and leisure travellers alike. Location within their premises are fine dining and entertainment outlets, others also have fitness centre.

Kuching Hilton

 

Serviced Apartments are also available in the major cities of Sarawak … providing home away from home accommodation experience. Most of these apartments are equipped with standard facilities and kitchen facilities for those who would like to do their own cooking. They are located within the town centre, in close proximity to business centre, dining and entertainment outlets.

Wesberly Apartments, Kuching

 Beach resorts could be found at the many beautiful and popular beaches in Sarawak, especially in Kuching, Lundu and Miri. These resorts also offered various outdoor activities, like kayaking, Scuba diving and also jungle trekking.

Damai Puri Resort & Spa, Kuching

There are numerous cheap and budget hotels in Sarawak offered clean and comfortable room at affordable price for budget conscious travellers. They could be found located in close proximity to popular tourist attractions, entertainment and dining outlets, making them the preferred accommodation options among budget conscious travellers.

Miri Trail Guesthouse, Miri

 Bed and Breakfast accommodation are also available, providing hostel style accommodation for backpackers and some B&B also have single room accommodation for those who preferred some privacy.

Anjung Hostel, Kuching

 For those who would like to enjoy and experienced Sarawak communal lifestyle, there are the various homestay accommodation  located in the villages of the Ethnic Community of Sarawak.  Guests are either accommodated in private home or in some villages, the longhouse of the local community. Various traditional and cultural activities are being organised by the community for their guests.

Kampung Benuk Homestay, Samarahan.

 

Whatever your accommodation preferences, there is always one accommodation styles that suit your budget and taste.

Things to Do in Sarawak.

“What is there for me in Sarawak to do and see?”, you would asked yourself when confronted by the option of a trip to Sarawak, Malaysia. I would also do, as I want to know what to expect once I am there.  There are lot of activities await you to enjoy and experienced in Sarawak. 

Well, Sarawak is a vast state with multiracial and culture population practising different culture and lifestyle has plenty of nature wonders and culture adventures await you. Though majority of the visitors to Sarawak are lured by its nature beauty and multi-culture society, others come to enjoy and experienced other activities. These are the top 5 popular activities among Sarawak Visitors.

Topping the list is NatureAdventure, visitors come to Sarawak to enjoy, experienced and see for themselves the alluring caves, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches and the exotic flora and fauna found at the vast network of Sarawak National Park, wildlife centres and sanctuaries. 

Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park in Miri Division, Batang Ai National Park in Sri Aman, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Samarahan and Matang Wildlife Centre in Kuching.  The beautiful and exciting underwater world off-shore of Miri City waited to be enjoyed and experienced by you.

Clearwater Cave at Gunung Mulu National Park

 The next on the list is the culture adventure, where you can experienced and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of Sarawak various ethnic communities. These communities living in communal settlement in the interior of Sarawak practise their own unique culture and lifestyle. 

You can visit some of these villages, Iban longhouse at Bawang Assan, Sibu, Bidayuh Longhouse at Kampung Mongkos, Serian, Orang Ulu longhouse in Bario, Miri among others.

Bidayuh Longhouse at Kampung Mongkos, Serian

 The cities and towns in Sarawak also have interesting places and site to visit and see. Some of those visitors who come for a short trip to Sarawak preferred to go sightseeing around the cities and town, visiting Museum, historical site and building. 

Visiting these places provide you the opportunity to get a glimpse of Sarawak by-gone era and the progress it have gone through to get to as it today. Kuching, Sibu and Miri are among the most popular destinations for city sightseeing as each has their own unique heritage and history.

Textile Museum in Kuching, Sarawak.

 Sarawak beautiful andintricate handicrafts are well sought after by visitor due to the ethnic and traditional influence design. Shopping for Handicrafts is also considered as one of the popular activities done by visitors to Sarawak. They visit the various handicrafts and curios shops, weekend market and handicrafts centre, looking for their desired items. 

The preferred items are Bidayuh Kesah, Iban Pua Kumbu and the beautiful, intricate ceramic craft. The popular sites to shop for Sarawak handicrafts are Kuching Main Bazaar, Serikin Weekend Market, Miri Handircaft Centre and Sibu Central Markets.

Sarawak Ceramic crafts.

Sarawak is also a popular destination for sporting events like golf, rock climbing, water sport and also 4x4 vehicle adventure.  Among the International standard Golf and country Club in Sarawak are the Damai Golf and Country Club, Borneo Highland Resort and Golf Club in Kuching and the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club in Miri. 

Whatever your purpose coming to Sarawak, for pleasure or business, there is always an activity that fit into your schedule and budget. You can contact the local tour operator for details on Sarawak Travel Package so that you can make an informed decision for your trip to Sarawak.

People of Sarawak, their Culture and Lifestyle.

Sarawak is the most diverse and multi-cultural state in the Federation of Malaysia. This multi-racial and multi-cultural is reflected in its people’s lifestyles, cultural practises, food and experiences. The people of Sarawak practise a variety of religions including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taosim, Confucianism, ancestor worship, Bahai’sm and animism.

The diversity play a defining role in Sarawak’s Cultural landscapes with their dances, music, crafts and traditional practises. The communities of Sarawak comprised of Iban, Chinese, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Penan and other minority group among them Punjabi, Sikhs.

The Malays, who are renowned for their beautifully crafted wooden home, of which some can still be admired along the bank of the Sarawak River in Kuching are also known for their kain Songket  and "Selayah keringkan"(textiles woven in gold and silver tread). They are also excellent silverware and brassware crafters. As literature plays an important role in their lives, the "pantun" or poetry is a popular pastime with young and old alike wile"bergendang", which you can see and experienced during festive session, wedding ceremony and also during other special occasion. The Malays are mostly Muslim and celebrate Hari Raya Haji and Adil Fitri.

The Chinese have been in Sarawak since the 8th.Century AD. Firstly as seafaring explorers, followed by the migration of traders. Today, the Chinese are an integral part of Sarawak's business community...sharing theirs trades and cuisines. They are found predominantly in the cities and towns of Sarawak. There are various clans of Chinese in Sarawak...depending on their places of origins, among them are the Hakka, Foochow and Hokkien. You can learn more about the immigration journey at the Chinese Museum Located at Kuching Waterfront, Kuching. The majority of the Chinese in Sarawak practise Christianity, Buddhism and also Taosim.

Lion Dance and also Dragon dance are also being practise as part of their Culture Heritage. The community usher the Chinese New Year with pray at the various temple and other religious ritual.

The Bidayuh mostly found in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions. Their gentleness and simplicity in life endears them to everyone they meet...known for their hospitality and warm smiles. They speak different dialects depending on the place of domicile. Those from the Serian district speaks Bukar Sadong...from Penrissen speaks Biatah...from Lundu speaks Selako Lara and from Bau speaks Bau-Jagoi dialects. Their distinctive handicrafts like “Kesah” one of the many crafts made from rattan by the community.

Even though majority of the Bidayuh practise Christinanity, some of them still practise the traditional ritual and animism. The Bidayuh together with the other Dayaks tribe in Sarawak celebrate the Gawai in late May to early week of June every year and also Christmas.

The Iban, which means "the wanderers" is the largest of Sarawak ethnic groups. Once the legendary warrior of Borneo and the most feared of the head hunting tribes...they now live a peaceful lifestyle. Most of the Iban live along the numerous riverine settlements in the longhouses. You can visit some of these longhouses at Sri Aman, Sibu and also Kapit. The Iban community practise Christianity and some still practise animism. 

The Melanau are known to be fearless sailors and skilled fishermen...this seafaring group can be found in the coastal regions of the Rejang and Baram River. Some of the Melanau people practise Islam,while other are mostly Christian. They Celebrate Pesta Kaul, a ceremony by the fishermen seek the blessing and thanking the Spirit of the Sea for the bountiful catch and also their safety at sea.

The Orang Ulu which is renowned for their artistically intricate beadwork on their garments and basketry...and beautiful murals in their longhouses, are also fine musicians who compose hauntingly melodious tune on their mandolin-like sapes. They live mostly in the Interior of Miri, Bintulu, Belaga and Limbang Division. The elder ladies still portray tattooed hands and legs to show by-gone days of courage and beauty. Though majority of the Orang Ulu are Christian, there are still a minority group that practise animism and the old tradition. They also Celebrate Gawai and also Xmas like their others Dayaks Tribe in Sarawak.

The Penans are shy and elusive. They are the last true nomadic people of Sarawak. They build temporary huts deep in virgin jungles...hunt wild animal with their blowpipes. They supplement their meals with wild sago, fruits, roots and plants. The Penans are very skillful in making fine..durable rattan baskets and mats. They could be found living in the Interior of Belaga and the surrounding areas.

They are other minority groups in Sarawak, among them are the Javanese, Indian, Punjabi and also Sikhs. The diverse ethnic groups live harmoniously, respecting each other unique culture, lifestyles and religion and celebrate a variety of colourfull festivals throughout the calendar year.

Sarawak Cities and Towns

Sarawak Vast area is divided into 11 administrative divisions which are sub-divided into 33 districts. Each division is headed by a Resident, while a District Officer is in-charge of the respective districts.

There are many modern cities and quaint riverside towns in Sarawak that still retains its own old charm and at the same time served as different gateways to different paradises. Each of these Cities and towns has its own blend of culture and natural wonders where you can base your stays to explore your choice of paradise.

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The major towns and cities in Sarawak are well connected by networks of roads, air travel and also water travel. They served as the gateway to different part of the region. 

Kuching which is the capital city of Sarawak State is the main entry point to the region. It is the administrative centre of the State with an interesting history of different era. There are many interesting historical sites and building within and also outside the city.  You can also learn the history of Kuching by visiting the numerous museums found in the city.

There are also National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and beaches which you can visit in a day trip. Within the city itself, you can also find lot of modern and chic shopping malls and handicraft and curios shops. From Kuching you can either take a inter cities bus, flights or express boats to tour other cities and towns in Sarawak.

Sibu which is an inland riverine town is a holiday destinations for culture, adventure and nature. It is the gateway to the central region of Sarawak where you can visit the various riverine towns like Sarikei, Mukah and many other small towns in this part of the region. Within Sibu City itself there are many interesting historical sites and building, public park, museum and also religious building. 

Outside the City you can still find the Iban Longhouse and also other ethnic Community settlements.

From Sibu you can either take an inter-city Express bas or air flight to other Cities in the Northern Region; Bintulu and Miri.

Bintulu is a booming industrial centre in Sarawak. You can visit the Similajau Park and the Tumbina Park and also native longhouse outside the City. Within the City you can visit the local wet and handicraft markets and a number of historical and religious buildings. From Bintulu you can either take the road or air flight out to your next destinations.

Miri is another big and modern City in Sarawak, which served as the gateway to the Northeast Region.  As it is a resort City, there are many types of accommodations, pubs and bars and also dinning outlets.  This region has a number of National Parks; among them are the Mulu National Park, Lambir National Park and Loagan Bunut.

Offshore of Miri are the best diving site in Sarawak, providing dive enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the underway life. Within the City itself, you could find modern chic shopping malls and complex and a number of interesting site.

Beside theses major cities and towns, there are other small towns in Sarawak, among them are Limbang, Lawas, Kapit, Mukah and Belaga. There are also the border town and settlement scattered in the region.