City: Sarawak
Top Things to do in Sarawak
The 10 Best Free 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. 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)
2. Jade Dragon Temple
3. The Spring Shopping Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By LifeisanAdventurenow
It's not as big as Vivacity or other megamalls, Spring packs a punch in many ways that other malls don't. The selection of shops is well-curated. Many of the stores that appear here exist only here in Kuching: Sephora and Bath & Body Works to name a few. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Ta Kiong supermarket offering a wide variety of imports. Their selection is immense, perfect for those seeking particular sauces from different countries.
4. 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.
5. Kuching Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By kellygkb - Kuantan, Malaysia
Launching on 14-Oct 2018, still new attractive place to visit. Sitting beside river front, sharp at 10.30pm start showing us the fountain with main 3 element: music, water and lighting.Started with the traditional sarawak musical song and drama, follow by water and colourful lighting. Most important is free. Nighttime have a place for sightseeing at the middle of town.
6. Kuching Esplanade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,071 reviews
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...
7. Sarawak Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 814 reviews
Nature studies, tradition and local craftsmanship come together in this 1891 museum.
Reviewed By TeraIbrahim - Canillo, Andorra
The Sarawak museum was on renovation when we went, but the Urang Sarawak exhibition was open. It was so informative and retails, from ethnics migration to current Malaysia, if you are planning to learn the history and culture or doing research on this topic, this is the place for sure. Free entry some more!
8. Chinese Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By AnonNightshade - Perth, Australia
The heritage seen in this is incredible. The only problem is when you go in large groups, there are small walkways that cause congestion. Other than that I found it ???? ????. I found it interesting to learn the origins of the Chinese family names and the diverse types of people in Sarawak.
9. Sarawak Orchid Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By robn802 - Ontario, Canada
Not the easiest to find as the signs run out once get to the road to the State Legislature, a sign at the top to go left would be helpful to tourists. We found it and told other tourists how to find. Overall, a great assortment of orchids, the outside ones seemed to be out of season but we still enjoyed what was there. We accidentally left the cold room to the end & that was the best as it had the best orchids, recommend doing it that way. If you have the time, go! Also free admission.
10. Sibu Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By AdrianaW112 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We love the heritage centre. They have very interesting information about Sibu and the citizens. You can see complete information about al the different cultures and the history till now. We learn a lot from this visit and the entree is free! The visitors information centre is downstairs.
