Discover Sarawak Institution

Sarawak

What do the world’s most extensive cave system, archeological dig site housing a 40,000 year old human skull and an Orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation centre have in common? They are all based in Sarawak. From lush rainforests to cultural displays, Sarawak is home to many friendly locals. It also houses Gunung Mulu National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and host to many international music festivals.

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.

Sarawak

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Sarah Azreen Abdul Samat

Sarah has over 22 years of experience in corporate finance transactions involving equity issuance, mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, corporate restructuring, and corporate valuation, amongst others. She began her career in investment banking with Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad in 2001 after obtaining her professional qualifications from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Later in her career, she joined other investment banking institutions in Malaysia such as AmInvestment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and RHB Investment Bank Berhad.

Presently, Sarah sits as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Reneuco Berhad and Independent Director of Pharmaniaga Berhad. She is currently the Executive Director of 3p Capital Advisers Sdn. Bhd., a company licensed with the Securities Commission Malaysia to provide advisory services to the capital market players.

Tuan Haji Ismail Bin Mohamed

Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed sits on the Board of Director for Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). He obtains his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Prior to sitting on the EMGS Board, he was also appointed to be the Board of Director to KEJORA from 2013 to 2018, and several companies such as Permodalan Darul Takzim Sdn Bhd, Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd, PIJ Holding and Ranhil SAJ Sdn Bhd. Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed also co-founded Pertama.

He started his career by setting up a company and being the founder of JYBB Enterprise. His career came to prominence when he became the co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Pertama Polyerethane Technology (M) Sdn Bhd and subsequently became the Special Officer to the Minister of Education in 2013.

Ismail Mohamed is acknowledged for his expertise in Agriculture and Agro-based industry, landing him being appointed as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee of the Johor State, the Chairman of Agro KEJORA and the Chairman of the Johor State Agriculture, Agro-based industry, Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives Committee.