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 Sarawak
covers some 124,000 square kilometers along the northwestern coast of
Borneo and is the largest of the 13 states in Malaysia. Much of the land
is still forested and a healthy 75 percent is devoted to forest reserve
and national parks.
Its
capital city, Kuching, one of the most charming towns in Malaysia is
simply unique offering such a romantic and unlikely history. Kuching’s
residents is approximately 450,000. Perfectly preserved colonial
buildings blend elegantly with the gracious modern architecture adorned
with beautiful landscape.
For such
a vast state, Sarawak’s population of about 2 million is a surprising
sparse yet fascinating and diverse mix of almost thirty ethnic groups.
The population is mainly composed of the Iban tribe (who forms one-third
of the population) with a mix of Chinese and Malays while the Bidayuh,
Melanau and the Orang Ulu comprise a minority of the population. Sarawak
is a society composed of traditions and customs that is both hundreds of
years old and as new as the microchips in a personal computer.
Reflecting the wide mixture of ethnic groups in Sarawak, religion in the
state is both tolerant and diverse. Islam is the official religion.
However, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and animism are also
represented and respected.
Although
Bahasa Melayu is the official language, English is by far very widely
spoken over the state. |
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Like Sabah, Sarawak is known
to international visitors primarily because of the extraordinary natural
wonders of its national parks, including Gunung Mulu, the Niah Caves,
and Bako. Sarawak's cultural treasures are also fascinating, reflecting
the influence not only of the state's many ethnic peoples, but also the
odd western influence of Sarawak's "White Rajahs."
The
capital of Sarawak is Kuching. Malaysia Airlines flies regularly to
Kuching International Airport as well as to Miri from Kuala Lumpur,
Johor Bahru, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu. Boats are a common mode of
transport in Sarawak, as its the dense vegetation of its interior is
crisscrossed with rivers. Travel in areas not reachable by boat is often
by light aircrafts and helicopters. Major towns are serviced by buses. |
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The capital of Sarawak is Kuching. Malaysia Airlines flies regularly to
Kuching International Airport as well as to Miri from Kuala Lumpur,
Johor Bahru, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu. Boats are a common mode of
transport in Sarawak, as its the dense vegetation of its interior is
crisscrossed with rivers. Travel in areas not reachable by boat is often
by light aircrafts and helicopters. Major towns are serviced by buses.
By Air
:
Kuching is connected by air to a number of regional capitals like
Singapore, Manila, and Hong Kong. Malaysia Airlines also operate daily
flights from Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, regular flights connects Kuching
to other major towns. Charter planes and helicopters are also available.
By Sea
:
Major ports are serviced by ships from the Peninsula although more
catered for cargo purposes. Boats are a major form of transportation
because of the states' vast network of rivers.
By
Road :
Car rental and taxi services are available in all major towns. However,
visitors should note that the taxis are not operated by meters, thus a
fare should be negotiated before embarking on your journey. |
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