Why Sarawak is Malaysia’s best kept secret

When travellers think of Borneo, they are usually directed to Sabah for the wildlife on the Kinabatangan River, the luxury island resorts of Gaya Island, primary rainforest exploration in Danum Valley and of course the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear sanctuary.

Borneo is Odyssey World’s bestselling destination and yes, it’s true, 90% of our guests visit Sabah on their Borneo holiday. However, it has been in high demand in recent years and during peak times in April, July and August, our favourite lodges sell out months in advance. If you’re considering a trip to Borneo but want to experience a whole other side, consider Sarawak instead!

A hidden gem of Southeast Asia, Sarawak offers the opportunity to delve into an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience while avoiding the tourist-trap clichés. This vibrant Malaysian state is known for its pristine rainforests, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions that are unique to the region.

Travelling to Sarawak can be done as a complementary trip to Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah or an independent excursion to discover the riches of the region. From trekking through the lush jungles to exploring the colourful local markets, here are just some of the reasons Sarawak should be considered as part of every Borneo holiday:

           

* All photos provided by our managing director Felicia Severns

Orangutans

Offering a vast array of fauna and flora, Sarawak is second to none when it comes to biodiversity – especially its endemic birds, granting it the nickname ‘Land of Hornbills’. However, the true star of the show, and what keeps the visitor’s eyes peeled, are the cheeky orangutans!

Orangutans are known for their intelligence, agility and charisma, and visiting a sanctuary is a unique opportunity to witness them up close. The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is one of the oldest orangutan sanctuaries in Sarawak and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the endangered species.

This orangutan rehabilitation centre trains orphaned or rescued orangutans how to survive in the wild before release. Visitors can learn about their behaviour, habitat, as well as the necessary conservation efforts. Over 20 orangutans live in the forest within the nature reserve and often return to the centre at feeding times.

For a wilder experience, guests have also come up close to our red-headed cousins whilst visiting Batang Ai or Nanga Sumpa.

Kuching

Kuching, the state’s capital, gives off a romantic charm of both the modern and traditional. Its name translates to “cats” in English and it’s not hard to see why – sporting cat statues and even a cat museum, the city was named as such due to the profusion of cats present at its inception.

Despite this adorable peculiarity, the city is also renowned as the “Food Capital of Malaysia”. Famous for its local delicacies, such as Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and kueh chap, the local cuisine marries a blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences.

Kuching’s vibrant riverside is the perfect place to experience the city’s lively food scene. The city has even been touted as one of the cleanest in Asia. As the sun sets, neon lights come to life, food stalls and markets open up, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air.  It’s a very easy place to base yourself for various adventure activities and spend your evenings safely cycling, river cruising or strolling around the waterfront eateries.

           

Visit the Iban tribes and stay in a longhouse

The indigenous Iban communities form the largest demographic in Sarawak, accounting for 29% of the population. Visiting these fascinating tribes opens your eyes to a way of life that’s remained relatively unchanged for centuries, giving you a deeper appreciation for the history and culture.

The Iban tribes typically inhabit longhouses – made of wood and elevated on stilts, they feature a central communal area where families gather to socialize, eat, and work. Their design lends itself to communal experiences and intimacy; eliciting closeness and kinship among the tribe, as well as being used for major events and ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and harvest festivals.

The unique opportunity to stay in a longhouse aids your immersion and paints you a more authentic picture of this society. Typically located in remote areas, surrounded by lush rainforest and winding rivers, staying in a longhouse presents a chance to relish the beauty of the natural world surrounding you. Not only that, this eco-tourism experience, when chosen carefully, provides economic opportunity for these communities and encourages them to protect their lands and wildlife against alternative income sources and corporate bandits (eg, forestry logging, palm oil plantations and poaching).

Hike the Pinnacles Trail

Given its reputation as an ecological paradise, it should come as no surprise that Sarawak boasts a healthy variety of national parks – from Bako, which includes a luscious rainforest, mangrove swamp, and beach vegetation, Niah, sporting one of the world’s largest cave systems and a plethora of unique bird species, as well the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu National Park – home to the world’s largest cave chamber, unique fauna and the acclaimed Pinnacles Trail!

While a challenging physical feat, hiking the Pinnacles Trail is an incredibly rewarding experience. Trek through dense jungle, climb steep inclines, and scramble up rocks and you will be greeted with an array of unique flora and fauna, breathtaking views of the limestone karst formations and a surfeit of marvellous wildlife.

Not only is the hike a rewarding experience, but your participation supports the conservation efforts of the park. Gunung Mulu is home to a number of indigenous communities, not only can you learn more about their traditional way of life, but funds generated from tourism help to protect the local ecosystem.

Odyssey World has a huge range of customisable Malaysia and Borneo itineraries. Speak to our dedicated Borneo travel specialist and find out more about Sarawak and Sabah, by emailing us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or give us a call!