So much to see and so little time. With a past rich in tradition and cultural influences from both the East and West, you’ll want to make the most of your trip to learn about what makes this part of Borneo just so special. Here are some of the essential sites to experience and learn about the history and culture of Sarawak state.
CANADA HILL
Set atop a limestone ridge just outside of Miri proper, Canada Hill is a great spot to take in a bird’s eye view of the city and learn a bit about the importance of oil and gas to the city’s development and progress. As the first spot where oil was discovered in 1910, the landmark area now houses a Petroleum Museum and the city’s first oil well, affectionately called the ‘Grand Old Lady’.
Find them: Jabatan Muzium Sarawak, Canada Hill, Jln Oil Well No.1, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
CARPENTER STREET
Step back into history at Carpenter Street, where you’ll find a stunning area of heritage buildings that give you a true idea of what life was like back then! Chinese-centric, this beloved street filled with old school shops and coffee shops, is also home to Lau Ya Keng food court; a former opera house transformed, and home to some of the best food carts in all of Sarawak. Seriously, you might never want Kolo Mee anywhere else after dining here.
SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
Immerse yourself in the heart of Sarawakian culture at the award-winning ‘Living Museum’ that spans across seventeen acres of land; you’ll be able to explore replica buildings representing every major ethnic group in Sarawak which are mainly the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay and Chinese. Interactive workshops mean you’ll get to learn traditional art and crafts from members of the local tribes too!
Find them: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia | www.scv.com.my
CAT MONUMENT
Meow! The folklore behind Kuching city’s name is still debated but what’s certain is how cute this landmark statue of a cat family is! While it’s not the only cat statue to take pictures at in Kuching, this monument is definitely considered one of the most iconic sports where the busy streets of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Abell meet.
MULU SKY WALK
Test your fears on the world’s longest tree based canopy walk (480 meters long and 20 meters above ground!) in Miri, Sarawak! With towering limestone cliffs in view and the rushing river below, this will be a highlight of any trip to Sarawak and one for the photo album. While a guide is present with you for the walk across, please check for any restrictions before booking.
Find them: Mulu National Park, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
BROOKE GALLERY AT FORT MARGHERITA
If you’re looking for history, the newly reopened gallery contains artifacts and the personal possessions from the Brooke Family’s collection and tells the story of the White Rajahs and their rule over a kingdom that is considered Sarawak today. The gallery is housed inside a preserved fort built in 1879 used to guard Kuching’s river approaches from pirates, and you’ll even be able to climb on top of the fort and check out the landscape!
Find them: Fort Margherita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
OLD COURTHOUSE
This former administrative centre for the Sarawak Government was architecturally preserved and converted into the Sarawak Tourism Complex, where you’ll find a gorgeous cafe, bar and event space, The venue often houses festivals, many of which are free to the public.
Find them: 7, Jalan Barrack, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
MALAYSIA-CHINA FRIENDSHIP PARK
Just 30 minutes away from the waterfront, you’ll find the Malaysia-China Friendship Park. Built in 2005 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries; the park is a good spot to stroll through and meet locals going about their day. Take photos at the intriguing Sarawak Fountain, with its seven arms overhanging, or relax at the Tea Pavilion with a view of the lake.
