If adventure had a home… …it would be here
Transcription
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 1 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. 2 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? 4 5 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 6 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. 8 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. 10 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. 12 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. 14 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. 15 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 16 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. 17 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. 18 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. 19 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. 20 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. 22 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. 23 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! 24 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 25 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) 26 +6 084 315343 +6 084 345998 27 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 28 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 All Right Reserved. Sarawak Tourism Board is the owner of the copyright subsisting in this publication. Other than as permitted by the relevant Copyright Acts, no part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording, computer networking, storage in a retrieval system without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, which will vigorously pursue any breach of their copyright. Disclaimer This brochure is provided on an “as is” basis and the Publisher disclaims all warranties or conditions of any (express, implied or statutory) including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose (whether such purpose has been communicated to the Publisher or otherwise). The Publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions and does not promise or warrant to you that any aspect of this brochure will be usable or will be available or renewed continuously. The Publisher further disclaims any responsibility or duty of care towards any person for loss or damage suffered from any use of this brochure for whatever purpose and in whatever manner. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, it is specifically brought to your attention that in no event will the Publisher be liable for any loss of profits or special. Incidental or consequential damages (however, arising, including negligence) arising out of or in connection with the use of this brochure.
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