City: Sarawak
Top Things to do in Sarawak
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Sarawak, Malaysia
Sarawak (/səˈrɑːwɒk/; Malay: [saˈrawaʔ]) is a state of Malaysia. Being the largest among 13 other states with the size almost equal to West Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, Sarawak is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sabah to the northeast, Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, to the south, and the independent country of Brunei in the north. The capital city, Kuching, is the economic centre of the state and seat of the Sarawak state government. Other cities and towns in Sarawak include Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu. As of the 2015 census, the population of Sarawak was 2,636,000. Sarawak has an equatorial climate with tropical rainforests and abundant animal and plant species. It has several prominent cave systems at Gunung Mulu National Park. Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia; Bakun Dam, one of the largest dams in Southeast Asia, is located on one of its tributaries, the Balui River. Mount Murud is the highest point in Sarawak.
Restaurants in Sarawak
1. Niah Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By Lo11111111
I depart as early as 5am from miri city centre to Pujut Bus station by grab (many grab are available even it is still early morning). At Pujut Bus station, bus any bus ticket heading to Bintulu (no reservation needed as there are many highway bus company, counter has open very early as well). Bus trip will takes about 90 minutes before stopping at Niah rest area (Persimpangan Niah). The journey was little bumpy, don't eat heavy breakfast before boarding! Once you reach Niah rest area, just ask the bus driver how to locate the local car driver to take you up to Niah cave, which is just about less than 10 min driving. There are many local drivers stand by already. One way cost RM30. I exchange my mobile number with the driver so that I can call him to take me down from Niah (he offer me discount as well as I book him 2 ways). For return trip, just hop in to any highway bus heading to Miri (again, no reservation required). You can pay by cash to driver upon arrival. Travelling by highway bus is very easy and much cheaper compared to booking a private car or grab all the way from Miri centre to Niah cave. Do try it out! As a slow solo hiker, I took 4 hours to visit all 3 caves and orang asli village. I would recommend to hike as early as possible as the weather is cooler, and less crowd (which you could take as many picture as you can without anyone in the picture!). There are 2 orang Iban ladies selling some drink and souvenirs on the half way, you need to pay RM0.50 to use the toilet as well. I enjoy every moment of hike and scenery. The caves were amazing to see! Do prepare good hiking shoes, torchlight, gloves, ample drinking water. Watch out your steps as the caves are slippery, some wooden planks are broken as well.
2. Kubah National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
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Reviewed By iisechew - Malaysia, null
????Kubah Waterfall, Kuching When we had our pre-wedding photoshoot 3 years ago, we knew it had to be different.. We hiked in Kubah National Park all the way in to the waterfall, about an hour of journeying, together with 2 family friends who are amazing photographers. We brought formal attire, and changed there and there, just to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Borneo's Rainforests. ????The waterfall was magical.. It's not the gushing type with thundering waters, but instead, a gentle cascading fall with beautiful serenity pools, perfect for cool-water dipping. What makes this waterfall ethereal is how lush vines and ferns of different greens line the side of the cascades, flourishing and thriving with the constant gentle patters of water. The photography there was well worth all the effort. ????How to get there? Drive by car (or rent) to Kubah National Park, using Waze or Google Maps. From Kuching, the journey will take about an hour or so. Upon arrival, Malaysians only have to pay RM 10 per entry, Foreigners at Rm 20. You will receive a map with 2 main destinations - the top of the mountain, and Kubah waterfall. ????You can give the top of the mountain journey a miss. From what I hear, there isn't even a view to enjoy, and it's just a tar road journey all the way. Kubah Waterfall is to me the main attraction here. ⏲Come by morning; by afternoon, you might be denied entry because the rangers would have no one inside the rainforests after 6pm. *Special thanks to Gabriel Diong and Julieann for the amazing photoshoot!
3. The Brooke Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Open from 24th September 2016, the 175th anniversary of the founding of the State of Sarawak, the Brooke Gallery tells the story of one of the most remarkable kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its 'White Rajahs'. In the 1830s Sarawak, a province of the once-mighty Sultanate of Brunei in north-west Borneo, was ravaged by piratical raiding and rebellion against Brunei rule. Inspired by stories of its natural wonders and diverse indigenous cultures, a bold English adventurer, James Brooke, arrived on its shores in his yacht, Royalist, in August 1839. He was to forge a unique bond with its peoples and together they built the foundations of today's Sarawak. The displays focus on the people, places and events that have shaped the state. They take us on a journey through a century of 'White Rajah' rule that began in September 1841, was shattered by the Japanese invasion of December 1941 and ended in July 1946 with Sarawak's annexation as a British Crown Colony. The subsequent move towards political independence culminated in Sarawak's part in forming the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963.
Reviewed By JohnB16032
Great museum and historical building. Take about 1.5 hours to read and understand the fascinating history of Borneo. Good mix of artifacts and documents. Well worth the 20RM entry.
4. Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,380 reviews
Reviewed By Tanpt
20 minutes easy drive out of Kuching. Visit during feeding times (check web site) - when the wardens will call the orang utans and they will come for their favourite food (banana and coconut) Amazing to see them swing in and out, mums with baby in arm. one arm on rope , the other clutching the banana or coconut. interesting to see them smash the coconut on the hard resting place - to get to the meat . well worth the trip out. But be warned, on the rare occasions during fruit season, they may prefer wild fruit and now come when called!! Great for kids and easy walk
5. Mulu Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By NicT198 - Sibu, Malaysia
As a Malaysian, i have learned about the size of the caves from the school text books but i couldn't imagine how magnificently large and beautiful it is. Words and photos are insufficient to describe the size and beauty of these caves. There's a total of 4 show caves separated into 2 places: Deer and Lang caves are side-by-side: 3km walk from the park HQ - it is also the place to watch the 'bat exodus' Wind and Clear Water caves: requires a boat ride to reach; there are many stairs in these 2 caves but it's definitely worth the effort. - to visit: please prepare a torch light, poncho (just in case it rains), hiking shoes with good grip (could be slippery); and always, listen to the guide - they are there to make sure of our safety and comfort. on the side note: I believe this is the most well-maintained national park in Sarawak - clean and tidy.
6. Mount Santubong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By ashaec - Bangkok, Thailand
The jungle loop trail is the easier of the two trails. The trek took us only about one and half hours to complete. It’s a short trail and well marked but there are some confusing sections. It would be a good idea to get a contact number before staring out from the park office just in case. I had read that there are multiple exits but these exits were not marked well. Physical fitness is required as this is not a flat and easy esp for people who don’t trek frequently. There were some climbs and descents where we had to hold on to ropes or tree roots. There is plenty of shade but the path would definitely be very slippery and dangerous during the rainy season. Would recommend good waterproof shoes as the trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots and some small streams and brooks to cross and also carry plenty of water. The waterfall is right below the suspension bridge and would require climbing down some slippery rocks To get there: We had to drive around a bit after Culvert to find the park entrance. Look out for cars parked near “Santubong puteri trail start” ( google maps)
7. Deer Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By Poleinahole - Switzerland, null
The park is very well organized with accommodation; an info center; activities (like the canopy and night walks), guides; well maintained paths; clean toilets snd a well stocked shop with bug spray, rain ponchos, etc. A highlight is the 45 minute walk to and from Lang and Deer Caves and the caves themselves. Both are beautiful. It’s now rainy season and it poured at dusk so there were no bats, but the experience was incredible just the same. Given that it’s low season I was able to walk back to the park HQ by myself. Magical. Note that even if you fo see the bats, you won’t be able to get the famous picture of the “Abraham Lincoln” looking rock face of the cliff staring at the bats. That was taken by a photographer dangling from inside the roof of the cave for hours, rather than from the outside of the cave bay viewing area.
8. Bako National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 924 reviews
Reviewed By ngcwee - Kuching, Malaysia
Bako is truly one of the most beautiful places in Kuching. Within a short boat ride from the Bako Jetty you have access to a pristine national park with beautiful rock formations, some of the best beaches in the area, nice jungle trekking and some unique landscapes. Getting there is also a breeze with the efficient and cheap boat service run by the national park. A must for nature lovers.
9. Darul Hana Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By iisechew - Malaysia, null
Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching, built to completion in November 2017, spans over the serene Sarawak River. Pedestrians are able to admire the beautiful view of Kuching City, with iconic buildings such as the State Legislative Assembly Complex (DUN) and the entire Kuching Waterfront Walkway in sight. Some special facts to take note of: - The bridge is shaped as an 'S', for Sarawak - The supporting towers of the bridge are made in the form of the unique hornbill bird, which is a prominent symbol of the Sarawak culture. -This bridge not only is used daily by commuters. It provides direct access to the iconic Fort Margherita and the Brooke Gallery. This bridge has a soft spot in my heart. Often when I return to Kuching to visit my wife and family-in-law, I'd somehow end up in the Kuching Waterfront walkways, admiring the tranquility of the Sarawak River. That would then take me to the Darul Hana Bridge, where I have spent much time enjoying a certain calmn. It is really beautiful to be immersed in this amazing culture that is unique to Kuchingites.
10. Kuching Esplanade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,071 reviews
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Reviewed By PaulOoi
Kuching Waterfront esplanade located just opposite the Main Bazaar Street or for those not from Kuching it is just beside The Imperial Riverbank Hotel. You won’t missed it on the path where Gloria Jean’s Cafe stands. Those visiting Kuching, this is a MUST visit especially from evening onward. I will share my personal experience with you, the crowd started to build up as it gets dark into the evening. I was there on weekend, strolling along the riverbank straight on 2 evenings while staying at the Imperial Riverbank hotel. It is definitely a happening place to be and suitable for all people, be it a couple looking for a romantic backdrop, family bringing their children, elderly people sitting on the riverbank bench watching life passing by and tourists. This Sarawak river will tailor your mood for an enjoyable, relaxing & to forget your worries.... What you will see and participate :- 1. Riverboat ferry diners for a relaxing dining night out on a river cruise or simply let the river create your relaxation moods, cost around RM60+ 2. Or on a more like “AirAsia “ budget type, you can get a sampan boat ride on the river, price under RM20 per trip. 3. Then of course there is a sampan transportation to get you cross the other side of the riverbank. 4. Restaurants, there are the mak chik styles of cooking with plastic tables & chair along the path of this esplanade. Dishes are reasonably price and sedap too. Then there are the upper class dining choices, James Brooke restaurant & café surrounded by the park garden. Or the Gloria Jean’s Cafe with a river view on the top floor, for cakes, pies & coffee. 5. As you stroll along the riverfront, you will see stalls selling Sarawak souvenirs, cake lapis, lekor stall ( lekor stall was swamped with customers waiting for their orders, when I was there.... must be delicious ). 6. Street busking.... yes, you will see local singers performing, some in native Sarawak costume and some with bands too. Then you will see people dressing up in teddy bear outfit, Transformer characters performing generating happy mood . 7. THIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT – colourful water fountain show, jetting water up in the sky hundreds of feet above, with catchy songs to make the water fountain shows come alive using the Sarawak Legislative Assembly beautiful building as the backdrop.... awesome, you MUST not miss it. Do check out the timetable for this performance during the night, the show is on a schedule time. 8. You can walk across to the DUN & Fort Astana using the Darul Hana bridge. 9. Yes, there is a Tua Pek Kong Temple across the road where James Brooke's restaurant & cafe is. You won't miss it . There are plenty to do and pass your time in a memorable way..... don’t forget to take as many photos as possible so that when you get back home you can look at them longer..... Enjoy and have a wonderful time like I did...
