State situated on the northwest coast of Borneo, attracts tourists with its endless forests, rapid rivers, various customs and traditions of local residents.

Sarawak borders with Kalimantan on the south, and in the north - with Brunei and Sabah, the largest state of Malaysia. Its area is 124,450 square km. Sarawak is geographically divided into 9 areas. State capital is Kuching.

The population (about 1.7 million people) represents 23 ethnic groups. The emblem of the state is the Hornbill bird.

Shelf zone of Sarawak, rich in gas and oil plays an important role in the economy of Malaysia. Mostly gas is exported to Japan.

Other sources of currency earnings to the treasury are black and white pepper, rubber, sago, copra, bird nests and forest. Annually in Malaysia is about 27 thousand tons of pepper and Sarawak produdes about 90% of it.

Chinese and Iban ethnic group make 30% of the total population of Sarawak. Other large ethnic groups are Malays, bidayuh, melanau, Orang Ulu.

Ibans are mostly fishermen, hunters and farmers. Malays live on the coast and also engaged in farming and fishing. Nationality bidayuh in their time escaped piratesand has moved into the depths of the island. Melanau group is considered the indigenous population of Sarawak, and is engaged in fishing. Many ethnic groups live in villages on the banks of the rivers in ancient huts. People are very friendly and always welcomes guests.

History

Archaeological excavations in the area Santubong show that Chinese immigrants appeared in Sarawak during the reign of the Tang dynasty, Sung-Yuan from 618 to 1386. On the subsequent history of the state is practically no evidence. It is believed that the Sarawak land was owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

The territory inhabited by people of Bidayuh not represent to anyone special interest. However, the development of trade in the region and the growing might of Singapore, has changed and policy for Sarawak. In 1820, in Kuching got a lot of merchants from Brunei. Their actions provoked a rebellion. The situation has worsened the ethnic conflict between the settlers and Malay bidayuhs. At this time, specifically in 1839 on the historical stage an English adventurer James Brook appeared.

During he stay in Singapore on his yacht, he learned about the situation in Sarawak and offered his services to the heir of the Sultan of Brunei Raja Muda Hassim. Brooke managed to negotiate to stop the bloodshed. In recognitionof his merits Sultan of Brunei gave to Brook the title of Rajah of Sarawak.

Following these events, the state for a long time was quite well-managed by Brook family . Thus, the nephew of Charles James Brook found in Sarawak oil the production of rubber was started here, rapidly expanded housing. Charles Brook died in 1917 at age 86. His successor was the eldest son of Charles Viner Brook, who in 1945 handed the Sarawak to the British Empire. In 1963 the state joined the Federation of Malaysia.

Cuisine

In the state you will find different cuisines: Western, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nien, Japanese, Indonesian, Filipino.

What to do in Sarawak?

Kuching. Kuching is the state capital. It stands on the banks of the Sarawak River, 32 km from the coast. The city in its own way is beautiful. It has historic buildings, colorful markets, parks, gardens and promenade, a mosque, churches, temples, one of the oldest museums in Asia, with a beautiful collection of ethnological and archaeological artifacts. Penang is rich in antiques, which can be purchased in shops along Main Bazaar, Wayang Street and Temple Street. Prices are high, but you can haggle. Tourists are also encouraged to spend a few hours at a Sunday bazaar in Jalan Satok, where you can find antiques.

Embankment runs along Jalan Gambier. This is the busiest part of the Kuching colorful with lots of eateries, shops and stores that sell souvenirs.

Astana. The palace consists of three amazingly beautiful buildings, connected by verandahs. It was built in 1870 by Raja Charles Brooke in honor of his wife Ranee Margaret. The palace is situated on the north bank of the Sarawak River among meadows. It can be seen from Pangkalam Batu, located on the opposite shore. Now Astana is the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak, the place of official events.

Fort Margherita was built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, and is also devoted to his wife. Fort occupies a strategic position along the Sarawak River, and formerly served on its intended purpose. Now it's a police museum.

Courthouse is an another indication of government Brook. The building's facade is decorated with complicated patterns, which shows the influence of culture of various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Built in 1874, it served as the home of the Government. Clocks were installed in 1883, and an obelisk in honor of Charles Brooke's reign - in 1924. Now it's the building of the Supreme Court in Eastern Malaysia.

Post Office Building was built during the reign of Charles Brooke. Portico, designed in Greek style is supported by Corinthian columns. The facade of the house - has no analogues in the world. Construction of the building marked the commissioning of the lines of communication to Sarawak.

The pavilion is located opposite to the post office, a pavilion is the first house built in Kuching.

Museum. The building was built in Norman style. The Museum is known in Asia for its collection of ethnological and archaeological exhibits, artisan handicrafts. Many of the museum treasures belonged to the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, an associate of Charles Darwin. Wallace has spent many years in Borneo and was a personal friend of Brooke. The museum also presents Chinese porcelain and exhibits on the life of the peoples of Sarawak. In addition, the model of Niah Caves, where were found traces of a man who lived there 40,000 years ago, is presented.

Entrance to the museum is free. It is open from 9:30 to 17:30 (except Friday), Sundays from 9.30 to 18.00.

State Mosque, the construction which costed millions of dollars, was opened in 1968. It is located in the visibility Besar Masjid, built in 1852. With the growth of Muslim population they needed a larger mosque. The new mosque is grand structure with a gilded dome.

There are many churches in Kuching, the oldest of which is Tua Pek Kong Temple. It was built in 1843. Officially was opened to the public in 1876.

Temple Tunb Seng Ong was opened in 1895 in honor of the god Tunb Seng Ong. The temple is visited by fishermen, asking the saint a good catch. According to legend, God does not leave prayers unanswered.

Not far from Santubonga is located an ethnographic village of Sarawak - a living museum, with an area of ​​15 acres. There are huts of various ethnic groups which represent different exhibits. For tourists held musical shows performed by artists of ethnic Iban, Kayan, Ken, Bidayuh.

Village Santubong. This picturesque village lies in the 32 km from Kuching. There are a beautiful beach and several archaeological excavations. In the Delta Santubong found Buddhist inscriptions on the stones. In IX-XIII centuries during the reign of Tang Dynasty and Sung, Santubong was an important trading center. For tourists there are chalets, which can be pre-booked in Kuching.

Reserve Semenggoh. In Semenggoh (32 km from Kuching) is located a rehabilitation center, falling for any reason in captivity orangutans. In addition, there are contained other types of animals and birds. Visit the center is better during feedings from 8:30 to 9:00, from 15:00 to 15:15. The center is open from 8:00 to 12:45 and from 14:00 to 16:15.

Pepper plantations. Sarawak is the largest exporter of pepper in Malaysia. Plantation can be seen along the road from Kuching to Serian. Local pepper is famous for it's flavor and aroma.

Wild jungle. The forests of Sarawak are home to over 550 species of birds and countless reptiles, insects and mammals such as deer, wild boar, gibbons, crocodiles, orangutans. In the waters of Sarawak live 4 species of sea turtles. For laying their eggs has been established a reserve on the island of Talang - Thalang - around Kuching. Hornbill is a bird protected by law and the emblem of the state. Wildlife can be admired in 9 reserves of Sarawak.

River safari. River is the main transportation artery of Sarawak, on the shores inhabited by people. Traveling through it, with stops in villages, you will be pleased. Major routes safaris are led through rivers Skrang, Lemanak, Batang Ali Redzhang. The usual journey begins with a move along the road to the river, and then a boat tour. Safari is the culmination of the evening dance performances of local people in villages in the lobby where you will be offered a drink of rice wine.

River Rajang. Travel along the longest river of Sarawak usually starts from Sibu to Kapit through settlement Kanovei and Song. These are Living Areas of Ibans. Within an hour of swimming up the river from the capital thresholds are Pelagus. After them the territory inhabited by Orang Ulu. Safari can be completed in Belaga, where the tribe foam or extend it to areas inhabited by Kayan and ksnuahami.

Prior to Belaga, you can also get from the river Batang Bintulu Kemena by Seba, Pandan, Labang, Tuba. The final part of the route is 65 kilometers by road to get to the river Rajang and Belagara respectively.

Safari on the River Skrang. Visiting Sarawak would not be complete without a visit to the hut of local tribes. To this end, a safari on the river Skrang is organized. A breathtaking journey, with stops in villages of Ibans will forever remain in your memory. Hut as it represent individual homes. However, because each one can get to a common room used for handicrafts: weaving, wood carving. Guests are invited to participate in the ceremonial dances of the night, try the rice wine. For tourists are built comfortable cottages.

Caves. Caves in the Reserve Gunung Mulu are open to the public. There are different routes depending on their complexity. For beginners are offered tours of the caves Deer, Deep Water, Lagang, Pinekl, Drunken Forest. To visit the other requires expertise and special equipment. They are: Stone Choir - Fern Rock systems, Sim, Greene, Clearwater, Wind, Snake Track, Sarawak Chamberí Cobra, Kaubed, Benarat, Black Rock.

Traveling around the state. Sarawak, as a state with many rivers, is famous for water travel. Speed ​​boats are available in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Marudi, Limbang, Kapite, Belage. Bus transportation companies involved in land routes. There is also a taxi.

Shops. In Sarawak, there are a number of modern shopping complexes. In Kuching, these are: Visma Saberkas at Jalan Green, Sarawak Plaza, Tun Joogh Complex on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Visma Hopoh on Jalan Ramli, Visma Phoenix on Jalan Song Thian Cheok, Kuching Plaza on Jalan Mc Dougall. There you'll find everything you need.

Sunday Market at Jalan Satok is an assembly of various goods, both local and imported. Vegetables, fruit, meat, spices and souvenirs - at your service. The market starts at 5 am.

Craft. Handicrafts include wood carving, weaving, manufacturing of tableware, bamboo and ratan baskets. You can also buy antiques and jewelry in the shops along Main Bazaar, Wayang Street, Temple Street and the Sunday market at Jalan Satok.

How to get here?

MAS makes flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Miri. Brunei Airlines operates flights to Kuching three times a week. Merlati Airlines fly via Pontianak.

International airports are located in Kuching and Miri. WFP is in Sibu, Bintulu, Kapiti, Belaga, Marudi and Limbang.