Sarawak Country and Travel Information
Practical Information || Where Adventure Begins || Map of Sarawak (65 K)
Known Also As"The Land of Hornbill", "The Land of Many Rivers", and, in the past as "The Land of the Head Hunters", Sarawak is an exotic paradise. Largely covered by tropical rainforests teeming with thousands of species of exotic flora and fauna, crisscrossed by rain swollen rivers, Sarawak is home to an extremely hospitable population, whose colorful past is filled wiht heroic deeds from the long gone days of head hunting.
SARAWAK, one of the two eastern states of Malaysia, occupies the north-western portion of the island of Borneo. The pulse of life is intricately bound to some of the world's oldest, most luxuriant rainforests. In Sarawak, these forests and the rivers are still an intimate and inseparable part to the people's lives. These natural waterways meander for hundreds of kilometres before draining into the South China Sea. Around these rivers, lush rainforests cover 75 percent of Sarawak's total land area. The range of landscape and geological features in Sarawak gives rise to at least ten major types of forest of different structures and species. This marriage of diverse forest types has created more than 8000 species of plants and more than 20,000 species of animals. One should explore the wealth and diversity of Sarawak's flora and fauna and to apprecitae the beauty and grandeur of the rainforests.
MULU NATIONAL PARK, the bggest of Sarawak's national parks is certainly a spectacular area. Limestone hills and mountains are a natural landmark in parts of Sarawak. Formed under the sea millions of years ago, tthis limestone has been in existence as hills and mountains for a least five million years. MOUNT API in Mulu National Park peaks at 1,646 metres and is the highest in the region. Soil collects in cracks, holes and depressions to suport a rich variety of plant life. Vertical cliffs of a few hundred metres are common feature of limestone formations. Limestone caves are fast becoming a tourist attraction in Sarawak. Mulu houses the WORLD'S LARGEST CAVE CHAMBERS and passages. The razor-sharp PINNACLES of Mount Api provide a challenge to anyone who dares to ascend the 1,200 metres mountain slope to the top. The forest may be peaceful but the silence is often broken by the distant calls of the gibbons, the singing and screeching of the birds and the cicadas. When darkness falls, you can enjoy nature's unique symphony of jungle music, performed by numerous insects and frogs. It is an unforgettable experiences.
Area : 124,450 Km2, about 70% under tree cover.
Population : 1.83 million (EST.), 15 persons/km2, 24 ethnic groups, including IBAN (29.5%), Chinese(28.9%), Malays (20.8%), Bidayuh (8.4%), other indigenour and others.
Capital : Kuching City (Pop : 330,000).
Language :Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism circles. Other languages include Chinese dialects, Iban and several indigenous and dialects.
Religion : Malaysia's official religion is Sunni Islam, but freedom of worship is respected. In Sarawak, major religions are Christianity (29%), Islam (26%) and Buddism-Taoism (17%).
Government : Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique system of rotation of Kings, chosen every 5 years among nine state hereditary rulers (Sultans). Parliament is elected every 5 years by universal suffrage and is headed by the Prime Minister. Sarawak, as every other state, has an elected parliament headed by a Chief Minister.
Climate : Typical Equatorial Climate, daily temperatures range between 23 c and 32 c throughout the year in ;the lowlands. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, the wettest months (Landas season) being from November to February. Depending on the areas, rainfall averages between 2600 mm. and 4000 mm./year.
Flora & Fauna : About half of all living species are found in south-east Asia's jungles, the Planet's oldest. Sarawak is still largely covered by primary jungles, many under National Park Status. Famous species include the Rafflesia Flower, Pitcher Plants, the Hornbill bird, the Orang Utan Ape and the Proboscis monkey, all protected.
Economy : commodity based economy, Sarawak being a major exporter of LNG, petroleum, timber and agricultural products. Manufacturing is rapidly increasing, the emphasis being on processing of commodities and , for the future, electronics, information technology and bio-technology.
Currency : Malaysian Ringgit (RM), very stable and fully convertible, no restrictions on import or export. Best ot exchange at licensed money changers or banks, traveler cheques and major credit cards widely accepted. USD 1.00 = RM 2.50 (Approx.)
Working Hours : Government : 08:00 a.m. to 04:15 p.m., Private Sector : 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, Saturday half day. All shops would be open between 10:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but many open earlier and close later and are open on Sunday. Shopping complexes close at 09:00 p.m.
Entry Regulations : Visa free entry for holiday purposes (14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities. Best to check with Malaysian Diplomatic Missions for current situation. Passports must have 6 months validity.
Health Regulations : No vaccinations required, unless coming form Africa or South America (Yellow Fever). Most Tropical diseases eradicated, anti-malaria treatment not indispensable, malaria cases very rare in Sarawak (most occur in logging camps and very remote areas).
Water : Safe to drink from the tap in towns. Hotels and restaurants provide boiled water. Bottled mineral water widely available.
Electric Current : 220 V/50 cycles , in areas not connected to the grid, generators are often used. Three pin plugs (not American plugs).
Dress Code & Clothing : Casual dress is the norm, light cotton clothing is recommended.
Shopping : Items such as films, batteries, torchlights, raincoats, slippers, etc. are available in all towns. Indigenour handicrafts and textiles, potteries, antiques, etc. are good bargains.
Safety : Sarawak is probably one of the safest places on earth, crime rate is low, there are few dangerous animals in the jungles, general health si good, there are no earthquakes, volcanoes or cyclones and there is political stability, racial harmony and tolerance, no terrorism and no internal strife.