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We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for things to do in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. But, what if you’re looking to explore Sarawak off the beaten path? Here are our top things to do in Sarawak beyond Kuching. We’re talking orangutans, jungle, longhouses, & more!
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Top Things to Do in Sarawak: Explore Sarawak Culture Beyond Kuching
If you’ve made it to the island of Borneo, and specifically Sarawak, Malaysia, chances are you’re ready to explore what the area has to offer! Check out these awesome experiences in Sarawak!
1) Fairy Caves Kuching
Have your kids ever built a tiny fairy cave in a bonsai display? Well, the fairy caves Kuching are a little bigger than that! In fact, they’re enormous!
The Fairy Caves are located outside the city of Bau. Public transportation will not get you all the way to the Fairy Caves, so a rental car is a must (be ready to drive on the left side of the road).
In order to reach and explore the caves, you must be able to walk and climb flights of stairs, as well as ladder-like stairs.
Once inside, it really does look like a giant fairy cave! Additional stairs and pathways lead you to different parts of the cave system.
Headlamps will come in handy for the darker passages. (Make sure to download our FREE Ultimate Packing List, so you don’t miss anything on your trip.)
2) Dayak People Groups
When you’re deciding on things to do in east Malaysia, make sure to include learning about the Dayak people groups (you can start at the Sarawak Cultural Village). They have a long history on the island of Borneo. Along with ethnic Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, the Dayak people of Borneo contribute greatly to Sarawakian culture.
Three of the largest Dayak people groups are:
- Iban
- Bidayuh
- Orang Ulu
3) Bidayuh Village Day Trip with Saloma Villagestay
Learn more about the Bidayuh people and their part in Sarawak culture, with Saloma Villagestay. While a day trip with Saloma Villagestay is somewhat pricey, it is completely all-inclusive.
Your Bidayuh village day trip with Saloma’s Villagestay will include visiting a Bidayuh longhouse, jungle trekking, and lots of amazing food and interaction.
Read more about our time at Saloma Villagestay, and see how you can learn more about Bidayuh culture when you’re deciding on things to do in Sarawak.
And, talk about going beyond Kuching! Saloma Villagestay is almost to the Borneo border of Indonesia. You can’t get much more outside Kuching than that and still be in Sarawak!
4) Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Our visit to Semenggoh was included in our Saloma Villagestay day trip, but you can make a visit on your own as well.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a great place to see wild & semi-wild orangutans (including baby orangutans!), as well as some amazing plant life, like the pitcher plant.
5) Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung Gading National Park is THE place to go to find the giant and elusive Rafflesia flower.
Besides searching for the Rafflesia, Gunung Gading also offers jungle trekking trails, waterfalls, streams, mountain peaks, and rainforest galore.
A few lodging options are available (lodge, hostel, campsite), but space is very limited. There is no food service there, so plan accordingly regarding snacks and water.
Gunung Gading National Park is about 2 hours outside of Kuching.
6) Bako National Park
The main attraction at Bako is the proboscis monkey, with its large nose and pot belly. You can also, however, find macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, flying lemurs, and bearded pigs!
Bako has chalet, lodge, hostel, and camping accommodations, as well as a cafeteria.
While Bako National Park is not located on an island, it can only be reached by boat. The boat jetty is less than an hour outside of Kuching. A 20-minute boat ride then takes you to the entrance to Bako National Park.
7) Adidas Kampung
I’m sure you’ve heard of the brand adidas. But, have you heard of adidas kampung? It’s a thing in Sarawak!
Adidas kampung are 100% rubber shoes that have a few stripes down the side (hence the adidas reference). Given that they are made of rubber, they are perfectly waterproof. This makes them perfect for jungle trekking in, say, Borneo!
My husband purchased a pair of adidas kampung for approximately $2.25 USD, jungle trekked around Sarawak, and now uses them as yard work shoes!
Best Bug Spray
While you’re exploring these top Sarawak attractions, you’ll need a bug spray that actually works. And, those of us with sensitive skin also need a bug spray that won’t cause our epidermis to freak out.
We used this picaridin product every single day in Malaysia and Singapore, and to this day, it’s scent takes me back to Kuching.
I kid you not. Me, who has had 3-inch diameter mosquito bite welts before (TMI…I know, I know), came away virtually unscathed on our entire trip. This was the only insect repellent we used.
When you’re ready to start packing, here’s a list of many of the useful items we took with us: Items to Pack for SE Asia
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Have you ever been to Sarawak, Malaysia? Please share in the comments below!
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Inspired stuff guys! That temp/humidity spread sounds like SE Asia LOL. We have been there on and off some 4 years of our 7 year around the world trip. I love the place and its genuinely tropical feel. Drink plenty of water and do stuff off peak hours, when it is cool….and visit caves 🙂
Ryan