Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Sarawak, Malaysia
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state on Borneo Island.
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Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state on Borneo Island.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island (after Greenland and New Guinea), featuring over 15,000 plant species thriving in its ancient 130-million-year-old rainforests. The island is home to a variety of mammals, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys, which flourish in the dense jungles, alongside countless tropical islands, expansive beaches, and Malaysia’s highest mountain.
One of the world’s most prominent peaks, Mount Kinabalu soars up from sea level to 4095m, making Borneo the planet’s third highest island (after Hawaii and New Guinea) and a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike.
The Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan host one of the most vibrant ecosystems in Borneo. With a chance to observe awe-inspiring marine life such as giant mantas, whale sharks, dolphins, and endangered sea turtles, this destination is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Although reaching the islands requires time and effort, visitors will find rewards well worth the wait.
While Kuching’s city mascot is the cat, Miri claimed the seahorse — famous for its gentle gracefulness. Despite a handful of high-rise hotels dotted around the city, Miri still retains the charm of a small town; the culturally-diverse people in Miri are very warm and friendly to visitors.
With their ability to learn sign language and even to make tools, orangutans are considered one of the world’s smartest primates. Moreover, orangutans in Borneo even begin to craft umbrellas from leaves when they know rain is coming!
The Malaysian Borneo of today is significantly different from its past; during the 70s to 90s, vast rainforest areas were dramatically reduced due to logging activities. Thankfully, there are now conservation efforts in place to protect this unique environment.
My lungs are burning as I gasp for breath in the thin mountain air of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. I have been climbing for two hours in the darkness and I ask myself repeatedly, why am I doing this?
As I look out the window of the small twin-engine airplane that is taking me to my destination, I am overwhelmed with the vastness of the jungle of Malaysian Borneo.