2025 Sarawak Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten path and full of personality? Let me introduce you to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo — a city whose name literally means “cat” in Malay. If you’re a feline fan or just love quirky cities with rich culture, delicious food, and friendly locals, this place deserves a spot on your list. Why “Cat City”? No one’s entirely sure why Kuching got its name — some say it’s because of a nearby river named “Sungai Kuching,” others believe it’s because of the abundance of cats back in the day. Regardless of the origin, the city has fully embraced its feline identity. From giant cat statues in the middle of roundabouts to the quirky Cat Museum (yes, that’s a thing!), you’ll find feline influences everywhere. Kuching isn’t just about cats. The city is set along the scenic Sarawak River, with a beautiful waterfront promenade that’s perfect for evening strolls. Visit Fort Margherita, explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown, and take a river cruise to watch the sunset behind the colonial-era buildings. Nature lovers can take a trip to Bako National Park, home to proboscis monkeys and wild beaches. Kuching is known for its abundance of durian, often referred to as the "King of Fruits". During the durian season, the city and its surrounding areas, become a haven for durian lovers. Don’t Miss the Food Sarawak Laksa is a local specialty that you can’t miss — it’s spicy, rich, and unforgettable. Pair it with kolo mee (dry noodles with pork or beef) and you’ve got a perfect Kuching meal. Street food stalls and waterfront cafés make dining in the city both delicious and affordable. Travel Tips The best time to visit is between April and October for the driest weather. Getting around is easy by Grab. June to September is when the durian season is at its peak. The durian season can be affected by the weather, so the exact timing can vary from year to year. Final Thoughts Whether you’re a cat enthusiast or a curious traveler, Kuching offers a mix of culture, comfort, and cuteness. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s underrated gems — and you just might leave with a few more cat souvenirs than expected. #tripmoments #kuching #catcity #malaysia #borneo #sarawak #malaysiatrip #cats #durian

Bario is a remote highland area located in the Miri Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is one of the main settlements of the Orang Ulu community, particularly the Kelabit people. Bario is famous for its stunning natural beauty, cool climate, and traditional rice fields. Interesting Facts About Bario: 1. *Heart of Kelabit Culture - Bario is the cultural center of the Kelabit people, known for their "nuba laya" (rice wrapped in leaves), smoked meat, and the famous Bario rice, prized for its fragrant aroma and soft texture. - The Kelabit are also known for their elongated earlobes, a traditional practice among older women who wear heavy earrings. 2. Agriculture & Bario Rice - Bario rice is highly sought after in Malaysia due to its organic farming methods and unique taste. 3. Tourism & Nature - The **Bario Highlands** offer breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and peaceful village life. - Popular activities include trekking to Mount Murud, visiting Pa’ Lungan Village, and exploring the **Kelabit Highlands rainforest**. - Many visitors stay in homestays to experience authentic Kelabit hospitality. If you visit Bario, don’t miss trying Bario rice, smoked wild boar, and locally grown coffee**! 🌄🍚☕ #travel #naturalwonders

If you’re dreaming of dense rainforest, rare wildlife, and coastal cliffs straight out of an adventure film, look no further than Bako National Park. Tucked on the northwestern coast of Borneo (in Malaysia’s Sarawak state), Bako is a hidden gem that offers some of the best of Borneo in one compact park. Getting There Bako is just 37 km from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. From the city, you can take a bus № 1 or taxi to the Bako National Park jetty, then hop on a 30-minute boat ride to reach the park. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure! Why Visit? Bako is small but incredibly diverse. Though the park covers just 27 square kilometers, it boasts seven different ecosystems, ranging from swamp forest and dipterocarp jungle to white-sand beaches and cliffs. But the true stars of the park are the animals. Bako is one of the best places in Borneo to spot: Proboscis monkeys — the rare, big-nosed primates found only on Borneo Monitor lizards, wild boars, and silvered langurs Colorful tropical birds Unique insects, snakes, frogs, and even flying lemurs at night Trails, Beaches & Views There are 16 hiking trails in Bako — from short 30-minute walks to full-day treks. At the end of many trails, you’ll find quiet beaches, sea stacks, or sandstone formations shaped by centuries of waves and wind. But you can see plenty of wildlife without even leaving the park headquarters. Staying Overnight You can stay inside the park at basic chalets or hostels (book ahead through the Sarawak Forestry website). Staying overnight gives you the chance to see nocturnal wildlife on a guided night walk, which is a must-do! Travel Tips Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes Wear light, quick-drying clothing — it’s hot and humid year-round Avoid feeding animals and keep your food sealed — the monkeys are sneaky! Final Thoughts Bako National Park is raw, rugged, and unforgettable. It may be small in size, but it delivers big adventures — from jungle hikes to up-close wildlife encounters. Whether you're a backpacker, photographer, or nature lover, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. So pack your boots, grab a raincoat, and head to Bako — one of Borneo’s wildest treasures. #bakonationalpark #borneo #MalaysiaTravel #TripMoments #nationalpark #ecotravel #wildlife #kuching #malaysia

Sarawak, More to Discover Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbills, there is so much more Sarawak can offer than what meets the eye. Boyfriend and I go to central of town to explore food and beutiful street scene. We ate local food include Kuey Chap, Sarawak Laksa and Sarawak Kopi! We went to the Sarawak Culture Village with one day pass, it’s an amazing experience to learn about the local culture and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak. I really love being around Sarawak. It’s so beautiful! #coupletravel #awesomepic #历史古迹 #beautiful_malaysia #sarawak #photoshoot #kuching

#malaysia #eastmalaysia #sarawak #sabah #locallife #local #view #scenic #breathtaking #locals Manage to squeeze a night out in Sabah Sarawak during my work trip, to enjoy some traditional local food and did some sight seeing. In Sabah Sarawak, i realise that there are more chinese as compared to the mainland malaysia, and the food consist mainly of bbq wild boar(which is non-halal) and chinese delicacies like chilli crab and laksa as well. Also, in the morning, wake up early to catch a glimpse of the low lying clouds and the nice cool weather. If time prevails hike up towards Sosodikon Hill which is more than 1000m above sea level. Don't worry, although the elevation seems super high, the entrance from the hut towards the top of the outloook only take less than 15minutes which is mostly doable by many.

Very high quality salted terubok. Came there to buy as ole2 from Sarawak for friends and family from the peninsula. The best thing is that there are ready-to-fry whole fish for sale. Very tasty. You can eat just like that... The owner is very friendly. The owner also give an extra service without charge to pack the salted terubok buyer buying . May this shop always prosper...

#bucketlistreboot Sarawak Laksa, what an iconic dish, million of Sarawakian and Malaysian growing up loving this dish, a rich spice , curry like dish comprising of more than 15 spices cooked in Prawn Head broth, served with beehon or noodles with prawn, chicken shreds, garnished beith coriander leafs. OMG, what a heavenly dish. As Famous Late Celebrity Cook, Anthony Bourdain used to describe this dish as God's Breakfast. Found in early of last century, believed to be the creation of Chinese Hawker with the varieties of spices from Indian spice shop at Kuching Carpenter Street. Since then it has become the staple food for Sarawakian Breakfast. Lots of varieties and thickness of broths and each town claimed to be the best laksa in Sarawak. I started off this trip to Sarawak to find out which version is my favourite and my personal best Sarawak Laksa. First, I tasted three of the famous Kuching Sarawak Laksa. Choon choon, Double Happiness and Choon Hui versions, then I tasted two versions of my Hometown Miri versions. Cafe 63 and Hong Yung Cafe. All tasted superb and rather different in the thickness of the broths, spiciness and the texture of the noodles. As a strong vivid lover of Sarawak Laksa, I loved all of them and if I have to choose my favourite, Lol, killing me actually, I declare Cafe 63 version in Miri City Centre as my favourite. It is really a close call. All located in City Centre of Kuching and Miri. Sorry Sibu folks, I don't have the time to taste the Sibu Version. I will be there soon.. All the Laksa lovers out there, please come and taste the Gods Breakfast, you will forever crave for it...

These are the place I visit at Sarawak. A very beautiful and nice place, enjoy and relax.. hope everyone have chance to visit here, k bye #passionpassport #staycation #gooutside

Having a great lunch at Sarawak with my lovely friends.. See you again next time, oh yeahhh!!!!

Indah House - In this quiet side street in Kuching you will discover a great cafe offering vegetarian and vegan food served by friendly and helpful staff. The simple vegan menu is presented on a price of reused cardboard, but looks great. The Curry Canai was good as was all the food we had. Well worth a stop. Has a few tables outside. Lots of art displayed throughout and for sale. They gave us top tips for other places in the city and suggested the most amazing guide for Bako national park. Go here to find his details. You won't regret it. The people at Indah cafe are all super friendly and accommodating, it would be a shame not to add some of their warmth to your visit to Kuching! #passionpassport

Permai Rainforest Resort. Deep in the Borneo jungle, with only the neighboring cultural village and a food court in walking distance, this rainforest hotel is designed for total nature immersion. The 44 acres (17.8 hectares) of lush vegetation form a veritable eco-paradise here, and a private white-sand beach fronts the South China Sea (there's also a public one nearby). Much like the stream-fed jungle pool though, there are no loungers or umbrellas here. The teak-wood lobby and cafe area are rustic, as are tree house and cabin rooms, which are all spread amid lush greenery. Wooden or bridged walkways divide up exotic foliage, and exotic birds, lizards, and tree-swinging monkeys make for quirky company. Prepare for more-challenging bugs, mosquitoes, or snakes though, and uneven terrain isn't for the mobility-impaired. Couples, families, or team-bonding conference groups come here for the retreat setting and nature-centric activities. These range from evening mangrove or firefly walks, to more-challenging ropes courses. Nearby trails also lead to beautiful waterfalls. Bare-bones accommodation and simple (but mostly included) food aren't always top-quality, but the experience is unique. #staycation #passionpassport

Gunung Mulu is Sarawak’s largest national park (544 sq km), and also Malaysia’s first World Heritage Area. Mulu’s wildlife is often heard but not seen, but visitors are almost certain to encounter bats, swiftlets, cave dwelling insects, snakes, lizards, tree frogs and an abundance of beautiful butterflies. The summit of Gunung Mulu is covered by moss forests and stunted montane vegetation, whilst razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, some as high as 50 metres, are found on the upper slopes of Gunung Api. The park’s forest ecosystems include peatswamp, heath, mixed dipterocarp, moss forest and montane vegetation; home to thousands of species of ferns, fungi, mosses and flowering plants. #besttrip #urbanexplorer

Tasik Biru is located at Bau district of Sarawak. Once they're known as history of Gold Mine which the only one in East Malaysia! This place is so calm and amazing. #travelsnacks#uniquelodging#newphotographer#travelinspiration#seasidephotoguide#naturalwonders

Outstanding! The rainforest was beautiful. We didn’t see too much big wildlife but it didn’t matter too much as the small wildlife was weird and totally wonderful. We saw so many interesting insects and even some snakes. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

The highway journey from Lundu to Telok Melano unveils Sarawak’s spectacular natural grandeur. Along the route, serpentine roads wind past undulating mountains wreathed in mist, while verdant tropical rainforests flank the pathway. Modern expressways carve through the landscape, dotted with occasional signposts marking detours to tranquil villages like Kampung Titiakar. This seamless fusion of untamed wilderness and effortless accessibility creates an utterly invigorating travel experience. #summervacay#travel #couplestrip #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel

#summervacay Sarawak’s most popular night markets, showcasing the vibrant blend of food, culture, and community spirit across the state. Siniawan Night Market – Weekend only, Bau District. Located about 25 km (≈30 min drive) from Kuching, this weekend-only market runs Fridays to Sundays, usually 4:30 PM to 11 PM. It’s nestled in a charming heritage town lined with wooden shophouses and illuminated glass lanterns in zig-zag patterns that create a magical backdrop at dusk. Foodies love it for authentic Hakka-origin dishes such as bamboo chicken (lemang periuk kera), kolo mee, laksa, satay, ais kacang, rojak, char kueh, and gula apong cendol. #travel #couplestrip

#summervacay Why Iban Settlements Are Popular? Warm hospitality: Guests are welcomed at the riverbank with a traditional greeting ceremony and sweet tuak rice wine; visitors usually join nightly cultural performances, including Ngajat dance and music under the guidance of the Tuai Rumah (longhouse head). Authentic cultural immersion: Stay overnight, join in daily activities—like weaving pua kumbu textiles, bamboo cooking, riparian farming—and learn traditional crafts such as blowpipe shooting and basket making . #travel #couplestrip

#summervacay A lively look at Iban settlements—traditional longhouses in Sarawak—offering immersive cultural experiences and unforgettable jungle hospitality. What Are Iban Longhouse Settlements? An Iban longhouse (rumah panjai) is a communal home raised on stilts, composed of private family compartments ("doors") connected by a shared gallery called the ruai—the heart of social life in the settlement. These villages typically line major rivers like the Skrang, Lemanak, Batang Ai, or Rejang, ranging from 20 to over 40 family doors under one roof . #travel #couplestrip

Welcome to Pasar Tamu Miri — a local treasure bursting with color, culture, and the true taste of Sarawak! From jungle produce to indigenous crafts, this open-air market is not just a place to shop — it’s an experience to remember. 🍍 Wild fruits you’ve never seen 🌾 Fresh-from-the-rainforest herbs & spices 🧺 Handwoven baskets, beadwork & Borneo vibes 🍃 Indigenous ingredients like midin, terung asam & bambangan 📸 Photo ops at every turn, with friendly faces and vibrant stalls Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or just exploring the heart of Miri, Pasar Tamu is where local life thrives. Come early, bring your curiosity, and prepare to be amazed by the sights, smells, and stories waiting in every corner. Support local. Taste tradition. Discover Sarawak — one tamu at a time. #summervacay #Sarawakculture #naturalwonders #thingstodo #Pasartamumiri #Tasteofborneo

Kuching, an island in Malaysia, is another beautiful place. The people are lovely. Even though they don't speak the language, they try to understand and communicate with us. The price of food and accommodation is not very expensive. The food is delicious. There is a beautiful sea. We traveled during Chinese New Year. I recommend going to Siniawan. It's a night market style. Selling food. Each shop is delicious. Especially the coconut ice cream made from fresh coconut is very delicious. But I didn't take a picture. Another food that I like and like very much is laksa. It is very delicious. You can eat it every day. #TravelMalaysia #kuchingsarawak

From the very first bite, you can feel the rich aroma of fat melting on your tongue. This isn't just dining—it's a martial arts tournament for your taste buds 🍽️💥! Not only do you get to savor Wagyu beef, but you also learn about the intricacies of each cut. Even the "beef fat" becomes the soul of the dish 🌸 📍Wagyu Dojo, a rare one-stop premium Wagyu experience center in Kuching 🇲🇾

🚗 Just 1.5 hours from Kuching, Bengoh Dam is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world—lush rainforests, towering cliffs, and misty landscapes straight out of Jurassic Park! 🚣♂️ Boat Ride to Bengoh Dam – The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across the calm waters of Bengoh Dam. 🥾 Jungle Trekking & Hidden Waterfalls – A moderate trek through dense rainforest leads to stunning waterfalls, including Curtain Falls and Kling Waterfall. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools! 🏕️ Serene Nature Escape – Far from city life, Bengoh Dam is perfect for adventure seekers, hikers, and photographers. Tips for Visitors 🌿🚣♂️ ✔️ Book a local guide – The trails can be tricky; a guide helps navigate and shares local insights. ✔️ Wear proper hiking shoes – Expect muddy and uneven trails, especially after rain. ✔️ Pack light but smart – Bring water, snacks, a waterproof bag, and an extra change of clothes. ✔️ Start early – Mornings offer cooler weather and better lighting for photos. ✔️ Respect nature – Keep the area clean and take nothing but pictures! #kuchingitinerary #naturalwonders #myitinerary #kuching #hiking #sarawak #discoversarawak #gatewaytoborneo #borneotravel #sarawakborneo #eastmalaysia

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a city that beautifully blends rich cultural diversity, heritage charm, and lush nature. Located along the longest river in Malaysia — the Sarawak River, the city offers both scenic views and immersive experiences. As you explore the city streets, don’t miss the vibrant murals that bring local stories and identity to life. But the real highlight? The food scene — a paradise for foodies. Must-tries include: • The iconic Sarawak Laksa • Kueh Chap • Kolo Mee • Ice Kacang for a refreshing treat • And the creamy, nostalgic Sunny Hill soft serve ice cream And of course, don’t leave without sipping on the famous 3-layer milk tea with Gula Apong — a local favorite that’s sweet, satisfying, and surprisingly healthier with natural Nipah palm. Kuching is not just a destination — it’s an experience full of flavor, history, and heart. #kuchingitinerary #sarawak #kuching

Located on the outskirts of Kuching, Siniawan Heritage Town is a hidden gem that blends heritage charm, local flavors, and scenic beauty. This old-fashioned street comes alive in the evening with vibrant murals, traditional wooden shophouses, and a bustling night market atmosphere. As the sun sets over the hills, the lantern-lit street transforms into a magical scene, perfect for photography and slow strolls. You’ll find a variety of local Sarawakian dishes, snacks, and drinks served by friendly vendors — all while surrounded by a backdrop of history and character. Whether you come for the food, the murals, the sunset views, or simply to soak in the small-town vibe, Siniawan offers an unforgettable cultural escape from the city. #kuchingitinerary #siniawanheritagetown

Located in Sarawak, Borneo, the Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Semenggoh Wildlife Center) offers a rare and unforgettable chance to see wild orangutans in their natural habitat. These critically endangered great apes are native to Borneo and Sumatra, and Semenggoh plays a vital role in their protection and rehabilitation. From the main entrance, it’s a bit of a walk to the viewing area, but you can also take a shuttle if preferred. The highlight? The feeding sessions held at specific times, where semi-wild orangutans emerge from the forest for food — a truly magical and humbling experience. Guides are on hand to share important information and safety tips, including what to do (and what not to do) during your visit. Semenggoh isn’t a zoo — it’s a protected, conservation-focused space that reminds us how precious and vulnerable these incredible creatures are. A must-visit for wildlife lovers and responsible travelers. #kuchingitinerary #orangutan #semenggohwildlifecenter

#favouriteitinerary The Cat Museum in Sarawak is a unique museum located in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, dedicated entirely to cats. It reflects Kuching’s reputation as the “City of Cats” (since "Kucing" means cat in Malay). The museum is housed on the Lobby Floor of Kuching North City Hall Headquarters on the top of Bukit Siol (Siol Hill) at Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, Kuching. It stands 60 meters above sea level overlooking the picturesque view of Kuching City. OPENING HOURS : MONDAY - SUNDAY : 9.00am - 4.30pm (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAY)