If adventure had a home… …it would be here

If adventure had a home…
…it would be here
w w w. sa r a w a kt our ism.co m
welcome to our
home of adventure
If adventure had a home, it would be the vast wilderness.
Grand, green, awesome! Like no other place on earth.
Kinabalu N.P
If adventure had a home, it would be filled with the friendliest
people on earth. People of different races, religions and cultures.
Sandakan
If adventure had a home, it would be here when one arrives as
a guest and leaves as family.
If adventure had a home, its home would be Sarawak.
Lahad Datu
Come and explore our vast wild home of adventure.
Sarawak, where adventure lives.
Tawau
China
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Viet n am
Laos
Thailand
Kampuchea
INDONESIA
S o uth C hina S e a
Brunei
Malaysia
Sabah
Sarawak
Singapore
Borneo
Indonesia
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doors are now open
wildest
imagination
to your
our
doorway
Sarawak’s Gateway Cities
Welcome to the land of the hornbills! Sarawak is
located on the island of Borneo, the third largest
island in the world, north of the Equator. With its
beautiful blue skies and tropical breezes you can
bathe in the sandy beaches and palm-fringed state
of Sarawak. Tropical showers cool the land with
heavier rainfalls during the monsoon months from
November to March. We hope you enjoy your stay in
our vast wild home.
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KUCHING
Capital of Sarawak
Kuching means “cat” in Malay. Like its
name, this incredible city has its grace
and subtlety on its own. A capital for
cat lovers, the world’s first cat museum
can be found here. Kuching is safe,
clean and has a surprising number of
tourist attractions.
SIBU
Located at the heart of Sarawak, Sibu
is a holiday destination for culture,
adventure and nature. You can shop,
dine, go bargain hunting or for a little
more excitement, take a ride in fast
passenger ferries to remote areas
where the locals live right next to the
jungle inhabited by exotic animals.
BINTULU
Its natural gas transformed this former
fishing village into a booming industrial
centre. Now Bintulu is soon to be a
capital of energy-intensive industries in
Malaysia. Only a short drive takes you
to the nearby Similajau Park, known for
its chain of golden sandy beaches.
MIRI
Miri is rapidly becoming Sarawak’s most
popular tourist destination. With its
lively nightlife, it is where the oil workers
and weekend visitors from neighboring
Brunei escape to. As a resort city, Miri
offers a wide range of accommodation
from international class hotels to budget
inns, good beaches and dozens of lively
restaurants, pubs and bars.
Where do you want to go?
3
our
people
Meet The Locals
Most of the people of Sarawak are
sedentary farmers who live in communal
longhouses and practice swidden rice
agriculture. This state has the most
diverse ethnic groups with a very distinct
culture, language and lifestyle. A variety
of religion with 45 different languages
and dialects runs this town. In spite of
these differences, the locals epitomise
peace, harmony and unity.
Iban, Melanau, Penan, Malay
Chinese, Orang Ulu, Bidayuh
Iban claims the largest population, thus
making its language the most widely
used in Sarawak. Chinese society
comes in second. Although Sarawak is
part of Malaysia, the Malay population
only falls in third. The Orang Ulu is well
known for their intricate beadwork and
detailed tattoos. Bidayuh people are
famous for their hospitality and warm
smiles. The Melanau are fearless sailors
and skilled fishermen while the Penan,
on the other hand, are shy and elusive.
The Penans are the last true nomadic
people of Sarawak.
Which tribe did you connect with?
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Orang Utan
Known as the ‘Man of the Forest’, the Orang Utan can
only be seen in Borneo and Sumatra.
Rajah Brooke Butterfly
This butterfly was named in honour
of Sir James Brooke, the first White
Rajah of Sarawak. It is the only
butterfly to be attracted to water,
rather than plants.
Silver Leaf Monkey
Do not be fooled with
its punkish look. This shy
primate lives on flower
and fruits and is one of
the most attractive and
common primates.
Atlas Moth
The world’s largest
moth!
Proboscis Monkey
(nasalis larvatus)
It derived its name from its
large, protruding nose. Find this
monkey only on the island of
Borneo in Southeast Asia.
Saltwater Crocodiles
‘Bujang Senang’ or the
‘happy bachelor’ dwells
widely in coastal swamps
and rivers.
our
friends
Where the wild things are
Sarawak’s rainforests are some of the most
diverse and protected ecosystems in the
world today. Rich abundant wildlife is what
attracts visitors from around the world. This
place is for animal lovers.
Black-sided Flowerpecker
At 8cm, the world’s smallest bird
is slightly larger than a matchbox.
Find them all.
Black-sided Flowerpecker
Rajah Brooke Butterfly
Hornbill
The state symbol of
Sarawak.
Saltwater Crocodiles
Silver Leaf Monkey
Proboscis Monkey
Orang Utan
Atlas Moth
Hornbill
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7
our
jacuzzi
How was your water paradise experience?
The Sea & Waterfalls
Enjoy the sun, sea and sand of Sarawak’s beautiful beaches
and vibrant underwater life. Sunbathe and swim in the crystalclear pools of Mother Nature. Sarawak is naturally blessed with
numerous waterfalls. Surrender to the cold, fresh, sparkling
mountain water and let your worries swiftly wash away.
Magnificent cascades of water provide refreshing scenery to
calm sore eyes and soothe frayed nerves. Sit back, relax and
watch the sunset.
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9
our
entertainment
Borneo Jazz Festival
Weaving & Basketry
Asian, Latin, contemporary, Caribbean, and all that jazz. This genre finds its way to
the northern most city in Sarawak for an outdoor international festival for the easy
going people of Miri.
Tribal communities weave palm, rattan, tree barks, bamboo and various other
plants gathered from the forests into works of art.
Rainforest World Music Festival
The Orang Ulu ladies are the artisans of this fine craft. They make ceramic beads for
their traditional costumes as well as for trading.
A 3-day music festival that celebrates the diversity of world music in an exhilarating
rainforest. It is indeed music with nature. Enjoy the sweet sounds of nature and
ethnic music from talented musicians. Performers and fans flock from around
the world to participate in musical workshops and enjoy evening concerts.
Kaul Festival
Beadworks
Pottery
The Chinese are much sought after for their porcelain wares around the world.
Family-run pottery kilns produce beautiful and uniquely handcrafted decorative
and functional earthenware.
Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau community living along the
coast of Central Sarawak region. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving
to the spirit of the sea as well as one of the propitiations for good fortune.
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11
our
mural
Tattoo
An age-old form of body art practiced
by the natives of Sarawak. Traditional art
form of tattooing has been an integral
part of the Iban community for decades.
Hand tapping style of tattooing using
two sticks could be quite painful yet
rewarding. For the Ibans, tattooing
symbolises an individual’s experiences,
and every tattoo signifies a period of
time during their travels.
“Tree of Life”
According to the Kenyah/Kayan people of
Sarawak, the Tree of Life in their legends and
myths gives birth to the first man and woman
when an upper world creeper impregnates
an underworld tree. The hornbill bird (Burung
Kenyalang) in both traditional Iban and Kenyah
belief is the celestial upper world counterpart to
the underworld ‘Naga’ or dragon goddess. The
hornbill is usually depicted perched at the top of
the Tree of Life motif.
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13
our
garden
Home to the most exotic flora and fauna.
Rafflesia
- The world’s largest flower
A must-see by many admirers
and the curious traveller, this
rare bloom is found in Gunung
Gading National Park and is
endemic to Borneo. The Rafflesia
Tuan-mudae grows to the size of
a large coffee table and has no
leaves, emitting a strong odour
when in bloom. The Rafflesia
can be seen only when it is
ready to reproduce, when the
parasitic growths on the vine
form a lump that develop into a
structure somewhat resembling
a cabbage.
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Carnivorous Plants:
Nepenthes
Equally bizarre are these
tropical pitcher plants
that trap insect and some
small mammals in its juglike protuberances. The
Nepenthes is popularly
known as the “monkey
cup”. It refers to the
fact that monkeys have
been observed drinking
rainwater from these
plants.
Rhododendron
crassifolium
The large and showy
Rhododendron, a
Bornean endemic, is
easily recognized by its
distinctive foliage. This
evergreen shrub bears
strongly ribbed, elliptic,
dark green leaves and
pink, red, orange, or
apricot-coloured, open
bell-shaped flowers.
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata
is one of the most
recognized and widely
grown species, which
is commonly known as
hanging lobster claw.
Heliconia grows to about
6-8 feet tall and has
spectacular bright red
bracts with yellow tips.
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Bako National Park
Sarawak’s oldest national park
is home to the rare proboscis
monkey, long-tailed macaque,
silver leaf monkey, monitor
lizard, plantain squirrel, wild
boar, otters, mouse deer and
over 150 species of birds.
Gunung Gading National Park
The rare Rafflesia draws tourists here for a
possible glimpse of the world’s largest flower.
Even if you miss the flower, you would enjoy
trekking and adventure through the mountains to
view beautiful cascading waterfalls and foliage.
Pulau Talang & Pulau Satang National Parks
These two islands are turtle sanctuaries. Green
turtles come ashore to lay and bury their eggs
between May and October.
Similajau National Park
Bird watcher’s paradise! Golden sandy beaches
and evergreen forest make this park home to
some 185 species of birds and 24 species of
mammals. Keep an eye on the sea too, for you
may just spot some dolphins and turtles.
our
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Gunung Mulu National Park
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gunung Mulu has it all – the world’s largest cave
chamber and the world’s most extensive cave
systems with razor sharp limestone pinnacles.
Watch the exodus of millions of bats from the dim
caverns at dusk. Leave your footprints behind in a
jungle adventure. Do retire to the comforts of The
Royal Mulu Resort for a jungle resort experience.
backyard
Borneo Highlands Resort
Nature lovers will find the eco-friendly Borneo
Highlands Resort a haven. Home to half of all bird
species in Sarawak, it’s one of the Important Bird
Areas (IBA) in Malaysia. The resort also offers a
variety of attractions and recreational activities
for everyone to explore.
Loagan Bunut National Park
The major attraction of Loagan Bunut is its
large natural lake, which miraculously shrinks
and disappears every dry season. It is another
bird watcher’s paradise. Watch the Berawan
tribes display their unique fishing skills called
“Selambau”.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
An Orang Utan sanctuary, this is a perfect place
to catch a glimpse of these fascinating primates.
Semenggoh also boasts an arboretum, a fernery,
forest nursery, seed bank, ethno herb botanical
garden, tropical orchard, an orchard garden and
much more.
Matang Wildlife Centre
Matang caters to researchers and nature lovers
from all over the world. Waterfalls, rock pools,
designated swimming areas, picnic spots and
scenic nature trails make this a wonderful
campsite.
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Caving and Rock Climbing
Demanding and requires reasonable
mental and physical fitness, but it is great
fun! Located near the town of Bau, just 40
minutes away from Kuching.
our
playground
Headhunter’s Trail
Sarawak’s highly acclaimed trail that traces the route of the ancient
Kayan tribesmen who traversed valleys, hills and rivers.
Pinnacles
Climb Gunung Api (Fire Mountain) to the pinnacle, which reaches the
sky at an amazing 2,377m. An effort that rewards you with towering
40m razor-sharp limestone pinnacles and panoramic vistas.
Golf
Enjoy this other kind of ‘green’ adventure. Play Sarawak’s golf courses
by the beach, in the cities and on the hillsides. Stunning views await
you and your golf buddies, so bogeys won’t hurt as much.
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Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Experience a Kayaking adventure suitable
for beginners and children in some of the
most beautiful surroundings of Kuching.
Paddle leisurely and savour the sights
of unique limestone formations and
towering riverine trees, while enjoying the
peace and tranquility of the rainforest.
Two trails are accessible from Bau with
fire roads and screaming downhills, the
scenic Bratak Trail and the Kampung
Opar Trail. Just 100km from Kuching, the
Penrissen Highlands, near the Indonesian
border, is linked by tracks that are largely
unexplored.
Are you up for a challenge?
Trekking
Treks vary in distance. Some last up to
seven days and cross into Kalimantan,
Indonesia. Take on the Mt. Santubong
Summit Trek only if you are fit and agile.
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our
kitchen
Al-fresco Sarawak style
Dine at open-air hawker stalls, which offer
the most scrumptious food at amazingly
low prices. And during cool nights, just treat
yourself to dinner under a canopy of stars on
a river cruise.
Fresh from the sea
Seafood is naturally on the menu in towns by
the sea or river. Savour fresh bamboo clams,
jellyfish, tiger prawns and crabs that are
reasonably priced all year round.
The call of the jungle
Tease your taste buds with unique Midin fern
tops, bamboo shoots, pineapple shoots, palm
heart, sago pearls and many other jungle
fruits and edible plants.
Sarawak Laksa
A local signature dish, freshly made vermicelli
submerged in a concoction of deliciously
thick soup rich in ‘santan’ (coconut milk)
and spices, topped with tasty chunks of
seafood, chicken and sliced omelette.
Sarawak’s original and best taken piping hot,
this delight is easily available in most coffee
shops, restaurants and hotels.
Swallow’s nest
Swallow bird’s nest, a Chinese delicacy touted
to maintain youth and beauty, is harvested
from designated caves of Sarawak by special
permits. Try a bowl of this jelly-like delicacy
at upmarket Chinese restaurants.
Try Tuak!
Societies around the world have their own
alcoholic brew, fermented from fruit or grain.
For Sarawak, it is made of rice. The humble
home-brewed tuak is ubiquitous during
celebrations as it is the traditional drink of the
Dayak community. Enjoy it in the longhouses
or at local pubs.
Kolok Mee
A popular dish amongst the locals, Kolok
Mee is enjoyed any time of the day. This
light yellow egg noodle consists of lard,
barbecued meat sauce and black vinegar. It’s
also normally complemented with barbecued
meat slices and minced meat.
Umai
Traditionally, Umai is a common lunch meal
for the Melanau fisherman. It consists of thin
slivers of raw fresh fish, usually iced but not
frozen, combined with thinly sliced onions,
chilli, salt and lime juice. It is indeed a dish for
the brave. You’ve been warned!
Kek Lapis Sarawak
A specialty for the Malay community
especially during the festive season like Hari
Raya Aidil Fitri, celebrated during the end of
the fasting month of Ramadhan. These often
colourful cakes are made with a lot of eggs,
sometimes even up to 30 eggs for one loaf!
Any favourites?
Five-star dining
For the less adventurous, five-star hotels in
Kuching and Miri offer both western and oriental
fine dining. A number of Japanese, Korean,
Thai, Mediterranean and Western cuisines dot
the streets and business areas of these cities.
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21
our
house
guidelines
Hotels / Boutique Hotels
Most luxurious hotels are located in
commercial areas. However, some
budget hotels are also available around
the area. Guests may unwind and enjoy
the comforts of modern facilities such as
wireless Internet connection.
our
guest
rooms
Pick your home away from home.
Accommodation in Sarawak varies from
hotels to resorts to bed & breakfast
depending on your specific preference.
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Beach & Jungle Resorts
Surround yourself with lush tropical
rainforest or relax in a neighboring sea.
Spa resorts are accessible if pampering is
what you have in mind.
Bed & Breakfast
Old colonial-styled houses or shops are
transformed into guest houses or inns at
very affordable prices.
Homestays
Homestays have become a staple among
tourists who want to experience living
the traditional Sarawakian way.
TRAVEL TIPS
Climate Usually very hot and humid.
Temperatures here vary between 23˚C to
32˚C. Mosquito repellents are advisable.
Language Iban is generally used in
Sarawak, however, English is widely
understood.
Religion Religions such as Christianity,
Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are
practiced.
Timezone GMT + 8
Currency The local currency is Ringgit
Malaysia (RM). Credit cards are widely
accepted in urban areas. Foreign currency
and traveller’s checks can be converted
to Malaysian Ringgit at banks or at
authorized money changers throughout
the country.
Clothing Light, cool, and casual clothing
is suggested. For more formal occasions,
men should wear jackets, ties, or longsleeved batik shirts whereas women
should wear dresses.
Business Hours Department stores and
supermarkets usually are open daily
from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Offices generally
operate from 9am to 5pm (MondayFriday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday) while
government office hours are usually from
8.30am to 5.30pm.
Electricity 220V AC, 50Hz; all plugs are
round European two-pin types.
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useful contact numbers
KUCHING
Visitor’s Information Centre
Sarawak Tourism Complex (Old Courthouse)
Jalan Tun Abang Hj. Openg
93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 410944/2
Fax: +6 082 256301
Email: [email protected]
our
mother tongue
Iban Language Guide
Words & phrases to get you by
Express Bus
Selamat pagi! - Good morning!
Selamat lemai! - Good evening!
Nama brita nuan? - How are you?
Sapa nama nuan? - What is your name?
Brapa rega utai tu? - How much is this?
Mar amat! - too expensive/difficult
Aku ka tindok - I want to go to sleep/bed
Aku enda nemu - I don’t know
Pulai dulu - I’m going back
999
994/ +6 082 417712
991/ +6 082 256685
+6 082 276666
Transportation
Kuching International Airport
Lost & Found
Malaysian Airlines (MAS)/Maswings
Air Asia
Batavia Air Silk Air
Taxi Radio Service
aku - I; me (same in Malay)
amat - truly, true
au - correct; that’s right
makai - eat (Malay makan)
aram - let’s go
dini - where
hai - hi!
Selamat datai! - Welcome!
Terima kasih - Thank you!
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Police/Ambulance Fire Station Rescue
Sarawak General Hospital
Biaramas Express
Vital Focus (Suria Bus/ PB Express/ Borneo Highway)
+6 082 454242
+6 082 401217
+6 082 246622/ 1 300 88 3000
1 300 889933
+6 082 626299
+6 082 256772/ 773
+6 082 482000/343343
+6 082 411111/456999
+6 082 453190/461277
Immigration Office
Visa, Pass & Permits
Passport
+6 082 410436
+6 082 429653
Postal Service
General Post Office Pos Laju (National Courier Service)
+6 082 242211
+6 082 339937
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SIBU
MIRI
Visitor’s Information Centre
No. 32, Jalan Tukang Besi
96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 084 340980
Fax: +6 084 341280
Email: [email protected]
Visitor’s Information Centre
Lot 452, Jalan Melayu
98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 085 434180/1
Fax: +6 085 434179
Email: [email protected]
Police/Ambulance Fire Station Sibu General Hospital
999
994/ +6 084 330343
+6 084 343333
Transportation
Sibu Airport
Malaysian Airlines (MAS)
Reservations
Air Asia
Reservations
Taxi Service Police/Ambulance Fire Station Miri General Hospital
999
994/ +6 085 420991
+6 085 420033
Transportation
+6 084 307799
+6 084 326166/321055
1 300 88 3000
+6 084 307871
1 300 88 9933
+6 084 313384
Miri Airport Information
Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
Taxi Station
+6 084 344999
+6 084 322450
Immigration Office
+6 084 319228
Postal Service
+6 085 615433
+6 085 414155
+6 085 432277
Express Bus
Biaramas Express
Vital Focus (Suria Bus/ PB Express/ Borneo Highway) +6 085 414999
+6 085 426000/430416
Express Bus
Biaramas Express
Vital Focus (Suria Bus/ PB Express/ Borneo Highway)
Visa, Pass & Permits
Passport
+6 085 442104
+6 085 442105
Express Boat
Express Bahagia
General Post Office
+6 085 433423
Immigration Office
Visa, Pass & Permits
Passport
+6 084 336882
+6 084 333237
Postal Service
General Post Office
Pos Laju (National Courier Service)
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+6 084 315343
+6 084 345998
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FOREIGN CONSULATES
Australian Consulate in Kuching
Suite 504, 5th Floor
Wisma Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 233350
Fax: +6 082 313388
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.malaysia.embassy.gov.au
Bruneian Consulate in Sarawak
No. 325, Lorong Seladah
10 Jalan Seladah, 93350 Kuching
Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 456515/458515
Fax: +6 082 453616
Email: [email protected]
Chinese Consulate General in Kuching
Lot 3716 Dogan Garden, Dogan Road
93250 Kuching City, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 240344
Fax: +6 082 238344
E-mail: [email protected]
Consulate General of
Indonesia in Kuching
Lantai 6, Bangunan Binamas
No. 1, Jalan Pandungan
93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 241734/421734
Fax: +6 082 424370
Consulate of Netherlands in Miri
12A, Piasau Camp, 98000 Miri
Sarawak, Malaysia
Postal address:
c/o Sarawak SHELL Berhad
Locked Bag no 1 98009
Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 085 453084
Fax: +60 85 455 791
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eblom.com/consul
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French Honorary Consul
c/o Telang Usan Hotel
Ban Hock Road,
P.O Box 1239
93724 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 415588
Fax: +6 082 425811
New Zealand Consulate in Sarawak
Lot 8679, Section 64
Pending Commercial Centre
93762 Kuching, Sarawak
Malaysia. P.O. 3201
Tel: +6 082 482177
Fax: +6 082 482279
Email: [email protected]
United Kingdom Consulate, Malaysia
Sublot 63, Block A
Level 2 Taman Sri Sarawak Mall
93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 256044
Fax: +6 082 425199
Email: [email protected]
United Kingdom Consulate, Malaysia
Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 085 453612
Fax: +6 085 453617
Email: [email protected]
Polish Consulate
Lot 154-156 Jln Sungai Padungan 91300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 413877
Swiss
Honorary Consul
Honorary Consul of Switzerland 301 Golden Farm, 6th Mile
93250 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 612463
Fax: +6 082 614622
Come visit us again soon!
Sarawak Tourism Board Office
5th, 6th & 7th Floor, Bangunan Yayasan Sarawak Building
Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
P.O. Box 2950, 93758 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +6 082 423600 Fax: +6 082 416700
Email: [email protected] Website: www.sarawaktourism.com
Useful Contacts:
Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Sarawak Office)
Tel: +6 082 246775 Fax: +6 082 246442
Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Sarawak Convention Bureau
Tel: +6 082 242516 Fax: +6 082 242519
Email: [email protected] Website: www.sarawakcb.com
Sarawak Tourism Federation
Tel: +6 082 240620 Fax: +6 082 427151
Email: [email protected] Website: www.stf.org.my
Copyright
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