Things to do in Sarawak
Sarawak is known for its rich cultural diversity with over 40 distinct ethnic groups such as Iban and Badayuh residing in the state. Not only that, the state is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes and is home to lush rainforests and stunning mountains.
If you’ve been meaning to explore Sarawak, we’ve compiled a list of 15 must-visit attractions in the “Land of the Hornbills” – from visiting iconic limestone pinnacles and nature reserves, to soaking up culture at historical museums.
1. Learn the history of various ethnic groups at Kampung Budaya Sarawak
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Established in 1991, Kampung Budaya Sarawak showcases the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the various ethnic groups of Sarawak.
The village consists of various longhouses and traditional buildings representing different ethnic groups such as Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu, so you’ll get the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage within this region.
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While you’re here, explore the traditional homes such as the Rumah Melayu and Rumah Iban. Each village offers you the chance to learn about the customs, beliefs, and practices of each ethnic group through traditional games and craft demonstrations.
Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 082-846 108
2. See the endangered Proboscis monkey at Bako National Park
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Located on the island of Borneo, Bako National Park is known for its diverse range of wildlife and vegetation. Home to over 150 species of birds, the Bornean bearded pig, and endangered monkeys such as the Proboscis monkeys, this sprawling national park is a must visit especially if you’re a nature lover.
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Visitors can enjoy bird watching – not forgetting the most popular attraction here, which is the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where you can see up-close the unique primates in their natural habitat.
To get here, you can take a boat from Batu Jetty in Kuching. This park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between the months of April and October when the weather is generally drier.
Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 8am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 011-6572 9229
3. Visit Sarawak’s iconic clock tower at Kuching Old Courthouse
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Kuching Old Courthouse, located in the heart of Kuching, was built in 1974 during the reign of the second White Rajah of Sarawak.
This historical building boasts colonial architecture, with its iconic clock tower made by the famous clockmaker Dent & Co, a wealthy British merchant firm.
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Currently, Kuching Old Courthouse also hosts arts and culture performances that are held during the weekends, so it’s a great idea to drop by this place when a performance is held. For more information on events and performances, you can visit their official Facebook page.
Address: 7, Jalan Barrack, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
Contact: 012-588 7026 | Facebook
4. Marvel at the limestone pinnacles at Gunung Mulu National Park
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Located in the island of Borneo, this UNESCO-listed park covers a whopping area of 544 square kilometres and is home to one of the world’s largest cave systems – the Sarawak Chamber.
The chamber houses several unique limestone formations, as well as over 3,500 plant species and 170 bird species. Not to be missed out on is the Pinnacles, which are a series of sharp, jagged limestone peaks that rise up to 50 metres high.
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While you’re here, you can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along a suspended bridge offering scenic views of the surrounding beauty.
The best time to visit this park is between the months of March and October, when the weather is generally dry and pleasant.
Address: 11, Mulu National Park, Pekan Mulu, 98070, Miri, Sarawak
Opening hours: 8am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 085-792 300 | Mulu National Park’s website
5. Enjoy picturesque views of rock formations & the sea at Tusan Cliff Beach
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The famous Tusan Cliff features a natural archway that has been carved out of the limestone cliff by the sea and wind. Here, you can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the open seas and the blue skies while taking a stroll along the beach.
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It’s recommended to visit the cliff during sunset, when the natural archway is illuminated by the setting sun.
Address: Jalan Bekenu, 98150 Miri, Sarawak
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
6. Learn more about the history of the White Rajahs at The Brooke Gallery
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Located in Fort Margherita, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the British Brooke family, who ruled Sarawak as White Rajahs between 1841 to 1946.
This museum features a wide range of exhibits housing photographs and artefacts that document the Brooke family’s rule of Sarawak.
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One of the most popular exhibits is the recreated state room of the Astana, which is the official residence of the Brooke family in Kuching. It provides visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the White Rajahs.
Admission: RM10/person
Address: Fort Margherita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 9am-4.45pm, Daily
Contact: 016-310 1880 | The Brooke Gallery’s website
7. Visit the seven-storey pagoda at Tua Pek Kong Temple
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Located in Sibu, this temple is dedicated to Tua Pek Kong – a Chinese deity who is believed to provide good fortune, prosperity, and protection to worshippers.
The temple features a colourful and ornate facade decorated with intricate carvings and traditional Chinese motifs. Visitors can explore the temple’s various halls, shrines, and courtyards that are filled with statues of various Chinese deities and figures.
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One of the most striking features of the temple is its towering seven-storey pagoda, which boasts panoramic views of Sibu and the surrounding countryside.
Each pagoda is decorated with colourful tiles and houses a collection of Buddhist relics and artefacts, so you’ll want to come with a fully charged phone to take loads of pictures while you’re here.
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 6am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 082-237 643
8. Shop for souvenirs at Kuching Waterfront
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Located in Kuching along the banks of the Sarawak River, this waterfront is a popular scenic promenade offering stunning views of the city skyline and the river.
There is a wide range of shops and restaurants lining the walkway. Additionally, if you’re looking for a place to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones this spot has it all under one roof.
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A visit to Sarawak would be incomplete without sampling the traditional kek lapis, and if you’re searching for the perfect place to savour this delightful treat, look no further than Maria’s Kek Lapis Bakery.
Located at Kuching Waterfront, this home bakery is a renowned spot for savouring freshly baked kek lapis. Here, you can explore a wide array of flavours including options such as strawberry and chocolate, all of which are equally delectable.
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As the evening sets in, this place comes to life with beautiful illumination making it an ideal spot for a leisurely riverside walk with your friends or fam.
Address: Jalan McDougall, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: 082-423600
9. Explore a magical limestone cave at Fairy Caves
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The fairy caves is a popular natural attraction located in Bau, a known gold mining town in Kuching. Located in a limestone hill, this cave is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites as well as its unique rock formations. For the uninitiated, these are mineral deposits that hang from the ceiling of the cave like icicles.
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The entrance of the cave can be reached via a series of stairs that wind up the hillside. During your climb, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
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Here, you can explore a network of interconnected chambers which are illuminated by natural light streaming through the openings in the cave ceiling, which makes for an otherworldly environment.
Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000, Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 9am-4pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 013-803 5516
10. Visit Sarawak’s famous Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple
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The Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple is a renowned temple in Kuching, as it’s one of the oldest temples in this city. Visitors can revel in the colourful ornate of the main prayer hall filled with intricate carving and traditional Indian motifs, which makes it a sight to behold.
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Inside, various shrines and statues dedicated to different Hindu deities, such as Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, can be seen at the main altar.
This temple is known not only as a sacred place of worship but also as the centre of religious and cultural activities for the local Indian community in Kuching.
Address: 412, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 7.30am-11am & 6pm-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 016-869 9371
11. Discover the history of local oil industry at The Grand Old Lady
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This historic well located in Canada Hill, Miri, was the first oil well discovered in 1910, which marked the beginning of the oil industry in Malaysia.
The nickname Grand Old Lady was given to the well because it is one of the oldest producing oil wells in the world, and is one of the most popular landmarks in Miri.
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Here, you can take a tour of the free-admission mini museum to learn more about the history of the Grand Old Lady and the impact of the oil industry on Malaysia’s economy and development.
Address: Bukit Telaga Minyak, 98000, Miri, Sarawak
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: 085-438 516
12. Go for a hike at Mount Santubong
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Located in the Santubong Peninsula, Mount Santubong is one of the highest peaks in Sarawak with a summit that rises to an elevation of 810 metres. Rumour has it that the mountain is named after Princess Santubong – a legendary figure from local folklore.
One of the most popular trails here is the Santubong Summit Trail, an advanced trail that’ll take around 4-5 hours back and forth to complete, so be sure to come with comfortable shoes and attire.
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A hike here offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, as well as the jungle which boasts a variety of flora and fauna such as monkeys, squirrels, and exotic birds.
You can also opt to take a dip at the Blue Pool to cool off and enjoy the surrounding beauty of this natural rainforest.
Address: Kuching District, Kuching Division, Sarawak
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
13. Visit the recently opened Borneo Cultures Museum
Image credit: @discover.kuching via Instagram
Borneo Cultures Museum stands as a contemporary five-story structure, showcasing a remarkable architectural design that pays homage to Sarawak’s profound cultural heritage.
This museum has five levels, and on the third level is the museum’s biggest gallery that spans over 2,188 square metres. It’s dedicated to exploring the relationship between local communities with the natural environment based on a journey through three major geographical regions.
Image credit: @discover.kuching via Instagram
Additionally, the museum’s masterpieces can be found on level five, where artefacts reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of locals allow visitors to admire the artistic beauty of Sarawak’s culture.
Address: Bukit Telaga Minyak, 98000, Miri, Sarawak
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9am-4.45pm | Sat – Sun 9.30am-4.30pm
Contact: 082-548 215
14. Savour on local dishes at Carpenter Street
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Located in the heart of Kuching, Carpenter Street is one of the oldest streets in the city that’s named after the carpenters who worked in the area during the early days of the city’s development.
This street is lined with colourful Chinese shophouses, many of which date back to the 19th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic buildings, as well as local shops and businesses.
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A popular must-try dish here is the famous Kueh Chap at Lao Ya Keng Food Court. This classic Teochew dish served in braising sauce of pork innards and flat sheet rice noodles is a crowd’s favourite especially for those who enjoy something rich and flavourful.
For something light, opt to savour several popular must-try Kuching dishes such as tomato kway teow and kolo mee during your visit here.
Address: Carpenter Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 8am-12am, Daily
15. Darul Hana Bridge – take a leisurely stroll and enjoy scenic views
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The Darul Hana Bridge was opened in 2017 to provide pedestrians with a convenient route to cross from the historical city to the waterfront area.
Featuring a modern curved design with steel cables, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy leisurely walks, take photographs, and admire the city’s beauty.
Image credit: @sarawaktravel via Instagram
At night, the bridge is illuminated, creating a beautiful spectacle above the glimmering sea and open skies. This bridge is approximately 335m-long and offers pedestrians a scenic view of the Sarawak River as well as the picturesque buildings that make up Kuching’s city skyline.
Address: Kuching Waterfront, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Best things to do in Sarawak
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture lover, or a traveller simply seeking a relaxing getaway, there is something for everyone in the diverse cultural heritage state that is Sarawak.
So for your next trip to this state, consider visiting these places for a memorable experience in the land of Sarawak.
For more things to do in Malaysia, check out 60 things to do in Melaka and 27 things to do in Penang
Cover image adapted from: @amazingborneo via Instagram, @landofhornbills via Instagram, @eilakiliarn via Instagram, @panny_wong_yl via Instagram