Welcome (“ Selamat Datang") to hold your next Tour, Meeting, Incentive, Convention & Exhibition in Sarawak, a place like no other and by far the most exotic , where you’ll be sure of a spectacular welcome. It has been described as Asia's Best Kept Secret. But the secret is no longer in secret. Sarawak is the place for history, mystery, romance and exotic adventures. The land of the fabled White Rajahs, the hornbill and the orang utan. Its rainforest, the size of Austria, houses the world's richest and most diverse ecosystem. It is also home to the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, the size of a coffee table, squirrels and snakes that fly, deer the size of cats, plants that eat insects (and small mammals) and species of flora and insects still waiting to be discovered. Kuching, the state capital is one of Asias healthiest and most pleasant cities. Malaysia Airlines flies regularly to Kuching International Airport as well as to Miri from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu. Hotels in Kuchng are at par with the worlds best, staffed by the friendly people who charmed you in the longhouses. Stately buildings from the time of the White Rajahs lend Sarawaks capital a unique fascination; they also make irresistible backdrops for holiday photos! Culture, heritage, nature Sarawak has it all. And then the sports! Worldclass golf courses lie within easy reach of the major towns. There are tranquil beaches and pristine diving sites on the South China Sea coast. Gigantic world-famous caves are easily accessible. Sarawak with its myriad natural, cultural and adventure attractions offers you the perfect, worry-free jungle destination for a Meeting to remember. Sarawak History: Sarawak's history is colourful, filled with adventure, piracy, head-hunting and romance. The modern history of Sarawak, whiffs of Victorian melodrama. In 1838 James Brooke, a British adventure with an inheritance and an armed sloop arrived to find the Brunei Sultanate fending off rebellion from war like inland tribes. Brooke put down the rebellion and in reward was granted power over part of Sarawak. Appointing himself Raja Brooke, he pacified the natives, suppressed headhunting, eliminated the much-feared Borneo pirates, and founded a dynasty that lasted until after World War II. The Brooke family of “White Raja’s” continued to bring ever growing tracts of Borneo into their control throughout their rule. More Info>> Sarawak Fact Files:
Area |
124,450 sq km
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| Capital |
Kuching |
Official name |
Sarawak |
Population |
1.85 million (estimation) |
Language |
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the Official language but English is widely spoken and understood. Other languages spoken in the state include Iban, Bidayuh.
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| Chief Minister |
Tun Datuk Patinggi Hj. Ahmad Zaidi Adruce b. Mohammed Noor |
Religion |
Although Islam is the official religion of the state, the people of Sarawak enjoy religious freedom. Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practised , while some forms of paganism still exists in the rural interior.
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| Economy |
Tourism, Forestry, Manufacturing and Agriculture. |
Currency |
Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) |
| Geographical Location |
Located immediately north of the Equator between latitude 0° 50° and 5°N and longitude 109° 36' and 115° 40' E, Sarawak stretches some 800km along north-west coast of the island of Borneo. Sarawak is separated from Peninsular Malaysia to the west by about 600km of South China Sea and directly adjoins the State of Sabah to the north-east where the sultanate of Brunei forms a double enclave. Inland, the State borders with Kalimantan, Indonesia.
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| Climate |
Climate is warm and equable, with an average annual temperature of 25.6 deg C. The average annual rainfall is between 330 cm and 460 cm. |
Sarawak Culture : Sarawak is a kaleidoscope of cultures, with 27 different and distinct ethnic groups making Sarawak a truly diverse cultural heaven. The main groups are the Iban, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu community and Chinese. The people of Sarawak take great pride in their multi cultural traditions, and enjoy sharing them with visitors, whether in the streets of Kuching, a rural market or in the upriver longhouses. Sarawak hospitality is legendary, and visitors are assured of receiving the warmest possible welcome wherever they go. Every town and marketplace in Sarawak offers curios of a unique Sarawak style, culture and craftsmanship. Shoppers should spend their time browsing through the Kedai (marketplace) to search for genuine antiques and souvenirs. Sarawak's natural beauty is legendary. So are its arts and crafts - literally - for these unique designs are often based on age-old legends. An excellent opportunity to experience the diverse multi racial cultures of Sarawak at the Cultural Village. This is the best place for you to witness the culture of the 7 major ethnic tribes of Sarawak in this beautiful 17 acre village at the footill of the legendary Gunung Santubong. There are 7 authentic replicas of ethnic houses. eg: Longhouse of Bidayuh Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, Melanau Tall House, Penan Hut and Malay Stilted House. Inside these houses there are showcases of artefacts kept by the natives as heirlooms for many generations. See natives who live inside this village will demonstrate the making of their famous handicraft such as beadwork, wood and bamboo carvings, straw weaving and "Pua Kumbu" - Iban hand woven blanket. The visit will end with a colourful 45 minute cultural dance presentation of various ehtnic groups at the theatre. Sarawak Access : 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 :
The major ports in Sarawak are in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. The latest
addition, Senari Port, a new deep-water port at Kampung Senari complements the
existing facilities at the Kuching Port Authority. 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 :
The Trans-Borneo Highway connects Kuching to all major cities in Sarawak, and
carries on through to the neighbouring state of Sabah through Brunei. 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. Sarawak Getting Around :
By Bus:-
There is an extensive bus network linking most of the major towns, including Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei, Sri Aman, Bintulu and Miri. Gunung Gading, Kubah, Niah Caves and Lambir Hills National Parks are easily accessible by public bus services, as is Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Bus travel in Sarawak is generally economical, comfortable and reliable.
By Taxis:-
Taxis are easily found outside the large hotels or at taxi stands in all the major towns. Fares are reasonable, but should always be agreed in advance.
With the rapidly improving condition of Sarawak's road network,self-drive rental cars are a good alternative to public transport. Reputable operators can be found in most major towns.
By Boats:-
- Express Boats - These powerful boats, which often resemble wingless aircraft, are the main means of travel on the major rivers and between the coastal towns. Express boat services are available to most of the major inland destinations, and as well as being fast and economical, they offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenery and meet the locals.
- Longboats and Sampans - Local river travel is usually in smaller craft. Small wooden longboats are the equivalent of buses and taxis in upriver areas, and visitors to longhouses will normally experience the pleasures of upriver travel in one. In Kuching, wooden sampans, known locally as tambangs, are used as river taxis and are an excellent way of discovering the Kuching river front.
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