Discover Sarawak Institution
Quick Facts
Number of Higher Education Institutions
5
Main City
Kuching
Population
2,790,000
Airport
Kuching International Airport
Living in Sarawak
Arriving in Sarawak
One unique quirk about Sarawak is that travellers will receive a second stamp as Sarawak maintains control over its borders. If travelling to Sarawak, prepare your passport beforehand!
Airports
Kuching International Airport – Domestic and regional flights.
Airport Transportation
Bus
Buses are available to pick up and drop off at the airport from Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal. Do note that Bus No. K13 does service the airport but be sure to check with the information counter.
Car
Rentals are available and Malaysian road signs are easy to read. Driving is on the left side of the road and do note that there are toll fees for major highways as well.
Taxi
All vehicles are able to enter and drop-off passengers. Do note that fares will include highway toll fees. Flag downs and ride-hailing apps are popular as well.
Getting Around Sarawak
As a developing state, modern infrastructure is mostly confined to urban areas, although good road networks can connect you to any destination by private transportation.
Bus
Long distance buses are available at Kuching Sentral Terminal. The bus terminal is along the path of most buses coming from other parts of Sarawak.
Car
Renting a vehicle is a good option for travelling around Malaysia for extended periods. As a near-developed country, there are well-maintained roads, signs in English, and a comprehensive highway system (some of which have toll fees). Using navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to get around is quite convenient too.
Taxi
Kuching has metered taxis plying its routes, do ask them to use the meter. Otherwise, ride-hailing apps provide alternative options at a fixed price.
Water taxi
Some rural areas are inaccessible by road, making boat travel the only option. It is a popular mode of travel in some areas, and especially so for nature enthusiasts.
Flying
The only time-efficient way of travelling to the far corners of Sarawak is by flight. National carrier-operated FireFly and MASwings service most routes.
Walking
Exploring by foot within cities is encouraged as there are plenty of sights are within walking distance of each other. Roads are well-lit after dark, making evening strolling pleasant especially at Kuching’s Riverside. Signs are instructive and well-placed and pavements are wide to accommodate human traffic.
6 Things You Need To Do in Sarawak
Gunung Mulu National Park
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extensive cave system, the Sarawak Chamber is known as the world’s largest. The extensive cave system is still being explored even today. At Gunung Mulu’s summit, hikers can also view the unique sharp limestone spikes which give the trek its name – the Mulu Pinnacles.
Find out more here.
Visit Kuching
Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee rank high on the must-try list for those who visit Kuching. Trying going on a food trial to see what you can discover gastronomically!
Find out more here.
The Oldest Record of Human Settlement in East Malaysia - Niah Caves
Visitors can gain a peek into the past with a glimpse through the archeological finds at Niah National Park. Discover evidence of human occupation of the caves dating back some 40,000 years through the displays at Niah.
Find out more here.
Explore the Sibu Central Market with Your Tastebuds
Explore many local flavours from sweet, savoury to spicy. Indulge in a variety of sweet and savoury desserts, either steamed or fried. Highlights are the local vendors loudly encouraging you to patronise their stalls and the variety of exotic fruit, all Malaysia’s largest indoor market.
Find out more here.
Try Foraging for Your Own Food at the Sarawak Cultural Village
Live, dine and experience the richness of the cultural heritage of Sarawak at the Sarawak Cultural Village. With village residents sharing about their culture and traditional lifestyles, you will be hard pressed to find a more enriching experience.
Find out more here.
Enjoy Some Music at the Rainforest World Music Festival
A unique music festival the melds both traditional indigenous and world-famous musicians into a aural delight is definitely not to be missed. Come down for not just festivals but informational experience on conservation as well.
Find out more here.