Ten Must-visit Places in Sarawak, Malaysia

Blessed with breath-taking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage and hidden gems sprinkled throughout its vast lands, Sarawak is an unrivalled adventure into nature, history, and culture. From the green canopies of its pristine forests that teem with life to mammoth caves that give a glimpse into the past and its warm, diverse people, Sarawak is the essence of the mystical island of Borneo.  

As the hosting destination of the PATA Destination Experience Forum & Mart 2023, we’d like to take you on a walk through some of Sarawak’s top attractions! 

Mulu National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site

This UNESCO-listed national park is unlike any other place on earth.

Nestled in a lush rainforest, Gunung Mulu National Park is home to limestone pinnacles, a wide network of caves, waterfalls and rivers, and an abundance of life. Whether you’re exploring the world’s largest cave room, enjoying a dip at the Paku waterfall, testing your nerves on canopy walks or simply taking in the exceptional natural beauty around you, Gunung Mulu National Park is a must-visit.

Niah National Park

Step into a land before time at the Niah National Park.

The great cave is one of Sarawak’s main attractions for a reason, being a priceless archaeological site. Go on a guided tour through the expansive network of caverns and passageways and get a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants lived and the stories they told through cave paintings some 40,000 years ago.

Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park

A northern city on the island of Borneo, Miri is known for its diverse marine life and thriving coral reefs. Considered to be among the healthiest and most beautiful places in the world to dive, there are also shipwrecks to explore. The Atago Maru Wreck, one of the most popular wrecks to explore is a 100m long Japanese WWII ship where large moray eels, jacks and barracudas can frequently be seen.

In terms of flora and fauna composition, hard and soft corals thrive in splendid diversity. Sharks, leopard sharks, marble rays, napoleon wrasses, groupers, schooling mackerels, and turtles hang out during the day. During certain times of the year, you may also witness the great whale sharks who migrate through these waters.

Borneo Cultures Museum

Only opened its door to the public in March 2022, Borneo Cultures Museum is the second largest museum in Southeast Asia homing over 1,000 artifacts that showcase the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous peoples of Borneo and Sarawak.

With five levels each with different themes of exhibitions and/or functions, this is a place where no culture enthusiasts should miss out on.

Padawan Hiking Trails

An hour’s drive from Kuching city, the Padawan district is one of Kuching’s best-kept secrets for hiking adventures. Surrounded by its natural breathtaking landscape, hikers will be in for a treat. The hiking highlights of Padawan are mainly waterfall hikes. Visiting here also gives you the opportunity to get to know the Bidayuh people, engage with them and learn about their traditions.

Siniawan Food Festival

A small town in the Bau district, about 20km away from Kuching, the Siniawan is a quiet town by day, flanked by two rows of shops – 24 on each side. Each shop is made out of wood, reminiscent of buildings from the old Sarawak Kingdom era.

Every other weekend of the year, Siniawan’s centre street comes alive with stalls selling food. Some of the must-tries include pitcher plants stuffed with steamed glutinous rice, a traditional Bidayuh delicacy, as well as kompiah – mini burger-like buns stuffed with meat and various fillings. There is also halal food sold by Muslim traders. You can savour their food in an open-air setting, flanked by the town’s unique buildings.

Mount Santubong

A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Mount Santubong is more than a picturesque sight.

The majestic mountain promises excitement and adventure with a host of activities including hiking and a river cruise along the Salak river where you can get a closer look at the wildlife that call its mangrove forests home.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve

A haven for one of the most critically endangered animals on earth, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve is more than a tourist attraction.

For the past 20 years, its wardens have nurtured young Orangutans that have been orphaned or rescued from captivity. Now, the reserve is home to a thriving population of Orangutans. Watch in awe as our shy jungle cousins swing from tree to tree and interact with them as they descend for handouts of fruits.

Sibu Central Market

The Sibu Central Market is Malaysia’s biggest indoor market, home to thousands of stores selling everything imaginable.

By combining the former wet market and the native Lembangan market in clean and hygienic new surroundings, the area contains a wide range of stalls offering various vegetables, fruits, meat, general merchandise as well as food and drinks.

Jong’s Crocodile Farm

Seeking a thrilling experience? Look no further than Jong’s Crocodile Farm, home to over 1,000 crocodiles. Watch nature’s “bad boys” in action as they leap several feet out of the water during feeding time. But don’t worry, you’ll be watching from a safe distance. There’s also a crocodile museum, an Arapaima pond, and a host of other animals including birds, monkeys, sun bears, and deer to admire at the farm.

Feeling the wanderlust? Be sure to join the PATA Destination Experience Forum & Mart 2023 to learn more about Sarawak, Malaysia. This event includes tours across the destination, as well as presentations and panel discussions about the latest topics in destination marketing and management. Save your seat and mark your calendar for June 21-23!