Things to do & places to visit in Sarawak, Malaysia

Sarawak #8 destination in Malaysia 2023. The average rating score is 4.13 based on 17.1k traveler reviews, of 126 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Kuching, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 18:09.

Sarawak Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

84°F - 75°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool

Feels like

86%

Chance of rain

328.0 millimeters

Amount

3.6 mph

Wind speed

90%

Humidity

12.2

Daylight length

6:27 AM

Sunrise

6:37 PM

Sunset

23%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (29)

Top destinations in Sarawak 27

See more 15 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Semenggoh Nature Reserve (3.399 reviews)
- Great experience
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Going to Semanggoh Nature Reserve was my first experience to see orangután in their natural habitat. I wasn’t sure what to expect going to a nature reserve. It was very touristy as they have two feeding times per day and only allow you to visit at those times. Suggest to arrive 30mins prior to the times advertised to be safe and arrive to the feeding area. We saw Annuar (a 24 yr old male) down on the feeding platform, who was very impressive with his large cheek pads and his long hair is gorgeous. Could easily pass for a shampoo commercial! And we saw a mother with two little ones up on the ropes. Wouldn’t been nice if everyone stayed quiet yet people kept talking which took away a little of the atmosphere, yet I was still happy with my first orangutan experience. Highly recommend if in Borneo. See more..
4.5 Bako National Park (946 reviews)
- Have to go
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Our experience at Bako National Park was amazing with Alex Wee. He is a very knowledgable guide and can explain all the natural phenomena occurring and answer our queries. In addition, he knows the various routes very well and is able to advise us on which trail to take based on our time constraint and physical fitness. Lastly, he does not hide his passion for the wildlife and nature of the island and tries his best to spot elusive creatures such as the probiscus monkeys to make our trip worthwhile. He is like a walking encyclopaedia He is also very friendly and humble and caring. Fluently in English and Hokkien. Chinese is ok. For contact purposes: +60 11-2363 9286 See more..
4.5 Mulu World Heritage Area (393 reviews)
- Awesome
National Parks • Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations

The forested mountains feature spectacular razor-edged pinnacles and hide one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. See more..
4.5 Niah Caves (339 reviews)
- Wonderful place to visit
Caverns & Caves

Have been going to Niah caves from time to time over the past 40 years. Dont be put off by the slight difficulty of getting to the Park HQ or by the lack of accommodation in the Park or Batu Niah. Can be comfortably done as a day trip from Miri- if own transport. The Caves themselves are a pleasant (if sweaty) hour's walk on a wide plankway from the boat landing. Inside there is now a strong (but slippy) pathway to the furthest extent of the caves. The cave paintings have now mostly disappeared as have the wooden relics which were preserved until at least the mid 80s. Birds nests are still gathered by Iban who somehow clamber up rickty poles- how were these erected in the first place?? See more..
4.5 Mount Santubong (264 reviews)
- Waterfall, suspension bridge and more.
Mountains

There were 2 trails available, red, leading to the summit and blue, a loop leading back to the registration hut. At the time we were there, the red trail was closed due to the wet weather. The blue trail was very interesting as we overcame different obstacles. We came upon a waterfall, suspension bridge, crossed rivers, jumped onto a vine and swung around like Tarzan, climbed down a steep slope, saw an insect giving birth, saw Venus fly traps, etc. In other words, it was heaps of fun. See more..
4.5 Kubah National Park (262 reviews)
- Recommended
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

The nationalpark offers nice trails, which are very good signaled and clean. For the entrance you pay 20rm and you have to sign in and out at the headquarter. The staff at the headquarter is very friendly and helpful, they explain you the trails. They show you a good map (with the trails and emergency callnumbers) of which you can take a picture See more..
4.5 Mulu Caves (244 reviews)
- Fascinating to experience yourself
Caverns & Caves

I never understood why anyone would find cave tours boring. Pictures really don't do them justice - you need to experience them yourselves. I always thought I'd be disinterested, but this is the third time I'm visiting any kind of caves and I still find them so fascinating. Mulu Caves are even better with their sheer size, I cannot be more amazed! From the bat exodus of the Deer Cave to the underground river in the Clearwater Cave, I really have nothing bad to say about them. Book the tours with the park itself, it's cheaper and the guides are super friendly! See more..
4.5 Deer Cave (236 reviews)
- Wow! the word impressive doesn’t even come close
Spent More than 3 hours Caverns & Caves

The ginormous size of Deer Cave cannot be explained and can only be appreciated in person. I was told how massive it is, yet I didn’t comprehend until walk inside the entrance mouth of the cave. The walk to Deer Cave alone was stunning admiring the forest, then walking around the cave was beautiful. Be sure to be there in the afternoon for the bat exodus which is mind blowing. Watching the millions of bats fly out of the cave in a smoke formation was one of the best natural experiences I’ve witnessed in my life. Cannot highly recommend Deer Cave enough. See more..
4.5 The Brooke Gallery (180 reviews)
- Interesting visit
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Open from 24th September 2016, the 175th anniversary of the founding of the State of Sarawak, the Brooke Gallery tells the story of one of the most remarkable kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its 'White Rajahs'. In the 1830s Sarawak, a province of the once-mighty Sultanate of Brunei in north-west Borneo, was ravaged by piratical raiding and rebellion against Brunei rule. Inspired by stories of its natural wonders and diverse indigenous cultures, a bold English adventurer, James Brooke, arrived on its shores in his yacht, Royalist, in August 1839. He was to forge a unique bond with its peoples and together they built the foundations of today's Sarawak. The displays focus on the people, places and events that have shaped the state. They take us on a journey through a century of 'White Rajah' rule that began in September 1841, was shattered by the Japanese invasion of December 1941 and ended in July 1946 with Sarawak's annexation as a British Crown Colony. The subsequent move towards political independence culminated in Sarawak's part in forming the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963. See more..
4.5 The Great Orangutan Project (164 reviews)
- Visit Here and Support the Centre
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This 2 or 4 week multi award-winning orang-utan volunteer project, based in the Matang Wildlife Centre, focusses on the conservation and protection of Borneo's most fascinating and enchanting species - the orang-utan. Please Note: This page is solely in reference to the 2 or 4 week orang-utan volunteer project offered by The Great Projects See more..
4.5 Clearwater / Wind Show Caves (143 reviews)
- Great
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves

As great as all other trails and showcaves in Mulu National Park. Nice boat ride to the caves and swimming in the river after is liek a dessert. See more..
4.5 The Pinnacles Trail (137 reviews)
- Amazing rainforest trail, rewarded with mother nature architecture
Hiking Trails

Will say a must visit in Borneo. Awesome rain forest trail. Consist of 9km flat trail consist of 2 suspension bridge, 2nd suspension bridge marked half of the journey (4.5km). Leeches found on the trail. Camp5 sited next to freezing cold rive with awesome mountain cliff as backdrop. 2.4km hike to 1.2km height is tough due to sharp edge's stones and steep hill. The final hike consist of ladders, some are 90 degree climb without any safety rope (extra precautions needed). At the end rewarded with sharp Pinnacle structure (like the photo behind 100 Malaysia ringgit note). Descent is even harder, took longer time. Daily afternoon rain shower is expected during wet season of Borneo. Slightly above average fitness are required. See more..
4.5 Mulu Skywalk (91 reviews)
- go early in the morning; book in advance
Spent 2-3 hours Bridges

worth a trip to see and definitely worth the price of admission. be sure to go early in the morning so it's not too hot. bring a towel so you can wipe sweat off. hike takes about 30-45m in and can be arranged so that you do the skywalk in the morning, then go have lunch at the park cafe... and continue in the afternoon to Deer and Lang caves, followed by the bat viewing around 530p. See more..
4.5 Darul Hana Bridge (73 reviews)
- fantastic night view of Kuching Waterfront
Bridges

this suspension bridge is for pedestrian and bicycle (not for riding!) only. connects the Kuching South with its hotels and old historic Kuching centre, with the North bank of the Sarawak river where the State parliament building n Astana (Governors official residence ) and Fort Margarita (from Rajah Brooke days) and Malay houses. a photogenic and peaceful location - the bridge has several sitting and viewing areas on it for those who may just want to sit and meditate. it is a suspension bridge, so certain parts of it may seem to move with your weight as you walk - but fully cemented , so no worries. Sides are more than waist height, but children should be supervised. Sitting on the ledge of the sides of the bridge for selfie is potentially suicidal. See more..
4.5 Kuching Waterfront (67 reviews)
- Glamorous Night View of Kuching Waterfront
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

Beautiful place to relax while walking along the river especially in the evening. You will love the amazing lightnings and the beautiful fountain show. Travel on a Sarawak river sunset cruise is great experience to enjoy the beautiful scenery. See more..
4.5 The Spring Shopping Mall (49 reviews)
- Spring hits the spot
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

It's not as big as Vivacity or other megamalls, Spring packs a punch in many ways that other malls don't. The selection of shops is well-curated. Many of the stores that appear here exist only here in Kuching: Sephora and Bath & Body Works to name a few. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Ta Kiong supermarket offering a wide variety of imports. Their selection is immense, perfect for those seeking particular sauces from different countries. See more..
4.0 Sarawak Cultural Village (1.892 reviews)
- Lovely stroll among the long houses
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

This is a lovely site among the jungle and mountains of Sarawak. It's a very relaxing to walk among the different types of long houses. The houses are suspended on poles, accessible through logs carved into ladders. So much of the houses' interiors will be unavailable to those without full mobility. The music and dance show is also a must, so I would time your trip to co-oncide with one of the performances. During our visit I believe there was one at 11.30 and a second at 4.30. But please do confirm the timings. I would recommend getting the 'lunch package' as they offer some interesting locals dishes for your meal. See more..
4.0 Kuching Esplanade (1.075 reviews)
- Sarawak RIver Boating is not to be missed
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Sarawak River Boating Since time in memorial, boating across the Sarawak River has been a main means of crossing the river for locals to reach the hustle and bustle of Kuching town; and only for the smallest fee imaginable, Rm1/person! Till this very day, despite Jambatan Darul Hana being recently built, working adults and students still commute across using the traditional boats. The boat ride makes for a very serene experience. As you ride on the boat, you could picture how in the previous centuries the 'rakyat' commuted through boats like these for their very sustenance. I suggest giving more than Rm1/person when your ride ends. These boatmen have been doing this for years. Give them a tip and be generous! See more..
4.0 Sarawak Museum (815 reviews)
- Worth a Visit
Speciality Museums

Nature studies, tradition and local craftsmanship come together in this 1891 museum. See more..
4.0 Fairy Caves (522 reviews)
- Worth the drive
Caverns & Caves

Very pretty and peaceful place after a short hike. A couple of things are to park behind the old shed like building at the turnoff concrete lane across from the old church and walk in from there. At the bottom of the steps/trail as you face the pond the carvings in the rock face are to your left. The path is just above the path at the pond level. The Fairy Cave is from the same level but to the right. Both are a little tricky to find and are not main looking paths. Do look around as they are nice to find. We continued up the trail past the pond and went up the stepped trail to the top of the hill. Some beautiful views. This was a really nice little excursion. See more..
4.0 Sarawak Orchid Garden (419 reviews)
- Worth visiting
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Quite tricky to find, especially as you have to cross a building site after crossing the bridge to the state legislature side of the river. It is worth the effort as the orchid garden is super. Lots to see, even if you are not a particularly keen gardener See more..
4.0 Chinese Museum (370 reviews)
- Little gem of a museum
Speciality Museums

We had not heard of this place prior to our trip to Kuching and only happened to drop in as it was just opposite our hotel. I'm so glad we did! Although small, it is well maintained and very informative. The recordings of the various dialects were fun - we didn't know there were so many Chinese dialects! The displays and write-ups were easy to understand and gave a good explanation of the Chinese culture. Admission is free but there is a collection box at the end if you wish to make a donation for the upkeep of the museum. See more..
4.0 The Old Courthouse (211 reviews)
- picturesque location
Architectural Buildings

Old Court House, Kuching This heritage building is so picturesque, photoshoots for graduations or weddings are often done here. Being the literal court house in past times, it now comprises of lush gardens with lovely cafes such as Commons & Roots and a Tourist information Centre. Directly opposite is the Sarawak River and Jambatan Darul Hana See more..
4.0 Lambir Hills National Park (172 reviews)
- Suitable for Hiking by Adults, Picnic at Waterfall, Not Much Other Facilities, and Lack of Maintenance
Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Canyons

Despite the city of Miri having a large community of expatriates and locals keen on exploring outdoors, Lambir National Park has not taken serious efforts to be the major attraction in Miri for recreation, family get-together, and relaxation. No new facilities added for the last 10 years. Existing facilities continue to crumble (small bridges across streams along the trail, and tree tower are mostly damaged). Other national parks like Poring (Sabah) and Mulu (Sarawak) have more facilities (well maintained trail, canopy walk, tree tower). Addition of those facilities, including children playground, garden with flower trees, and expansion of pool section at the waterfall may be able to attract more attendance. And in return, the canteen could also be in operation. Different fees structure (for using the facilities could also be considered (like what is done at Poring). As of now, Lambir National Park is only suitable for hiking or picnic at the waterfall. See more..
4.0 Carpenter Street (171 reviews)
- A lot of hidden gem waiting to be discovered
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

There is a lot of things you can discover here. to put it short, it's a stretch of mixed businesses that pass down generations to generations. You can find coffee shop. backpackers hostel and many more. I suggest you to co,e and eat at ALLADIN CAFE, they have the best Chicken Rice I've tasted so far. Go for the fried, roasted or steam - my personal pick is the fried! See more..
4.0 Tua Pek Kong (166 reviews)
- Cultural Knowledge
Religious Sites

Shows us cultural Knowledge Wisdom are all features that makes Kuching sought after even by me who has a Diverse Cultural History you cannot say that this is exactly like somewhere else it is special and can only be found here, those who value ancient culture timeless wisdom must visit. See more..
4.0 Kuching Mosque (131 reviews)
- Kutching Mosque
Natural History Museums • Religious Sites

The Mosque was very impressionable unfortunately we did not realise how close it was to the Merdeka Palace Hotel where we were staying Every morning very very early we were woken by the chanting coming from the Mosque See more..
4.0 Kuching Wetlands National Park (128 reviews)
- Meet Mr Ehwan for the best trip
National Parks

Enjoying the nature See more..
4.0 Niah National Park (118 reviews)
- Explore cave and walk trough a boardwalk forrest
National Parks

A national park, it provides amenities for the solo to the group traveler and visitor. Walk through the forest to the many caves within. Explore the multiple caves available with an easy walk through the forest on its boardwalk or you can get a guide to get you on the trails. With mini falls and event views from peaks. There is even a river boat ride to travel down. Get to know people and if your lucky, visit a village that is link by the river. See more..
4.0 Fort Margherita (110 reviews)
- Amazing dive into history of Sarawak
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

A must visit location if you are visiting Kuching City. The fort is easily accessible by river crossing from Sarawak Waterfront. A brief walk takes you to the fort premises. The building is well-maintained and an entry fee of RM 15 provides access to various levels of the fort housing rich history of colonial occupation and history o rajahs of Sarawak. The rooftop commands amazing views of the surrounding and distant views of the Sarawak River. See more..