Malaysia's largest state, Sarawak, is an astonishing land of jungle-clad mountain terrain hosting some of the world's most exotic flora and fauna and dense forests criss-crossed by serene rivers and swift rapids. Occupying an area of 1,24,450 sq km on the northwestern seaboard of Borneo, Sarawak prides itself in an exciting offering of nature, culture and adventure including the world's largest caves, wildlife sanctuaries, historical places as well as cultural diversity and recreational facilities.
Sarawak is popularly known as 'The Land of the Hornbills' in tribute to the majestic-looking hornbills found in the state. Considered as a messenger from the spirit world by the Iban community, an indigenous group, hornbills are central to many Iban ceremonies, beliefs and even traditional dances.
Sarawak's history dates about 40,000 years ago. Remains of a pre-historic civilisation including stone-age tools, artifacts and skull fragments of a 'Niah Man', aged between 35,000 and 40,000 years old, have been discovered at the Niah caves, located in the northernmost corner of the state.
Around 7th or 8th century AD, when traders from China, Japan, India and Arabia piled the maritime route, the early Sarawakians traded using beads, pepper and swiftlets nests-found in the roofs of the Niah Caves-as trading currency.
Sarawak, was, in the early years under the Brunei Sultanate. During a period of uprising, James Brooke, an English adventurer who arrived in Sarawak in 1839, managed to subdue the rebellious crowd. In gratitude, the Pengiran Mahkota (ruler) of Brunei made Brooke the Rajah of Sarawak. The appointment of Brooke started a 'Brooke dynasty' which included Brooke's nephew and later his son, Charles Vyner, until 1941. During the Second World War, Sarawak was occupied by the Japanese and after that it became a British Crown Colony. In 1963, Sarawak joined Malaysia.
Although James Brooke founded the 'dynasty of the White Rajahs', it was his nephew who was responsible for much of the Brooke 'legacies' found in the city, among them Fort Margherita, named after the second Rajah's wife. The building has now been converted into a police museum
There are also some fine colonial buildings including the Astana, an imposing palace daing back to 1870, the Court House built in 1874 and the Sarawak Museum of Normandy-style architecture.
Kuching sits on the banks of the wide Sarawak river. The waterfront is a favourite area for strollers and there are sampans for hire for those wanting to take a leisurely ride on the river. The river is also the venue for the annual Sarawak Regatta, a reenactment of 'Baram Regatta' which was held to bring peace among the fighting Dayaks by Sarawak's Rajahs in the early days.
For a relatively small city, Kuching has a surprising number of excellent museums. Pride of the Sarawakians, is the Sarawak Museum which houses a superb ethnographic section and gives an outline of Sarawak's history. In addition, there are museums charting the fortunes of the Chinese community, Islamic civilisation, forestry and even one devoted to cats-not without a reason. 'Kuching' means 'cat' in Malay. The city even dedicates a month-long Cat festival (Pesta Meow) in December for cat lovers. Exhibitions, shows and competitions on cats can be expected. Other activities are cat adoption program, cat drawing contests and just about anything associated with cats!
Sarawak's people comprises about 1.8 million people including Malay, Chinese, Indians and a rich ethnic diversity of groups such as Penan, Iban, Murut, Kenyah, Melanau, Kayan and Kelabit.
Colourful festivals are celebrated by various indigenous groups.
For an insight into the cultures of Sarawak, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village. Located in Damai, about half a day road journey from Kuching, the Cultural Village sprawls over 17 acres of landscaped grounds and houses seven authentic replicas of ethnic dwellings- Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese.Cultural shows, handicraft demonstrations and displays of tribal artefacts can be seen at the Village.
A good time to visit is during the Gawai Festival mid-year where Gawai Tourism Night will be held. There will be a unique dance/drama presentation of historical events/folklore by performers from the Sarawak Cultural Village, including 'The Romance of Sibauk-How Padi came to Earth'. This is a combination of the many versions of the native Bidayuh tales of the origin of padi. Another highlight is a pageant with contestants dressed in traditional costumes.
Given the wide cultural diversity of Sarawak, there is a variety of cuisines and a stay at longhouses (the traditional dwelling of the ethnic people) may introduce visitors to some native dishes. Look out for the native dishes Umai, a salad of raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices and manok pansoh, chicken pieces cooked in bamboo and midin, local ferns cooked in oyster sauce.
Sarawak is a wonderland for those seeking arts, crafts, curios. In Kuching, streets are crammed with shops selling pua kumbu, the traditional Iban hand woven rugs, silver jewellery, beadwork, woodcarving and basketwork.
In a state as large as Sarawak, the outdoor is a great playground for the adventure seeker. The National Parks make suitable places to begin with. Most parks have a system of well-marked jungle trails offering a variety of treks. There are gentle rainforest walks, half-day and full day jungle hikes and some tougher options such as week long camping trips, combined trekking and river-expeditions and demanding mountain climbs.
For activities of more relaxing nature, there are a couple of beaches to head for. Though having a long coastline, much of Sarawak's coast are rugged interpersed with mangrove swamps. However, the beaches at Damai and Santubong, near Kuching are popular tourist spots and served by a range of seasports
With such diversity, it can be bewildering for a first time visitor what to seek out. Hence, for those on tight schedule, tour packages are ideal......
So what are you waiting for, put on your bag pack and get ready for a trail of adventure and discovery and be fascinated by SARAWAK
