Nature in Sarawak Part 3

Fort Margherita

Constructed in 1878, it was recently renovated and converted into a palace museum. It is a building of love, named after the wife of the second White Rajah. The fort commands a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak River. Its location was deliberately chosen to overlook the long straight stretch of river approaching Kuching. Now a palace museum, it houses a rare collection of Royal Regalia and historical paraphernalia.

Luconia

The South Luconia Shoals is one of the finest locations to dive. It is as good as the most pristine areas of the Great Barrier Reef. It is suitable for both the novice diver and the veteran with large areas of shallow flat reef, as well as drop-offs that have healthy corals to well below 120 feet. It also lies in the center of biodiversity for coral reefs, and as such contains hundreds of different tropical fishes and corals.

The Kuching Mosque

The Kuching Mosque is one of the city's most important landmarks, with its idyllic riverside location and its multiple gilded cupolas. Although a relatively modern building (1968), its design is faithful to traditional Islamic architecture. It is set in an ancient Muslim cemetery on the site of an old wooden mosque. The mosque and its grounds are open to visitors, but they are asked to dress respectfully and to not enter the mosque during prayer times. The Kuching Mosque previously functioned as the State Mosque but this role has now been taken over by the splendid new State Mosque across the river at Petra Jaya, which has an unusual modern single cupola design. Another interesting mosque can be found in Gambier Street. It is completely hidden away by rows of shophouses. This mosque originally served the Indian Muslim community in Kuching and is the oldest in the city.

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Nature in Sarawak Part 2

River Safari

Skrang River Safari : Skrang is about 232km from Kuching. It is an exciting destination for visitors who wish to see and experience life in a longhouse, once the homes of notorious pirates and head hunters. Visitors would be able to experience the traditions and customs of the Dayak Ibans by spending a night in a longhouse. Traditional dances and music are the highlights of the evening entertainment. During this evening entertainment, you will be served with "tuak", a specially brewed rice wine. The journey into Skrang takes about 5 hours by road, followed by 1 1/2 hour of motor-propelled longboat journey along the Skrang River.

Lemanak river Safari : Lemanak is a tributary of the main Batang Lupar River. Being 220km from Kuching, it can be reached by a 5 hour road journey. The journey passes through scenic countryside, rubber and pepper plantations, padi fields, and sago palms. This is followed by a an hour of a motorized longboat ride penetrating the tropical rainforest through meandering streams. An overnight stay here, like that of the Skrang River Safari, gives you a glimpse of life in a longhouse and its people. Cockfighting and jungle trekking are among the highlights of this trip.

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Unlike in a zoo, the Orang Utan (wild man of Borneo) at Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre are set free in a 740 hectare forest reserve. Here, the Orang Utans and other native animals are nurtured to readapt themselves to the jungle life and to once again live in the wild. A half-hour leisurely stroll on the specially built plank-walks from the entrance of the Rehabilitation Centre gives you a golden opportunity to observe these orang utans, as well as view various species of trees and tropical fruit trees from the rainforest. It is sheer delight to watch these charming and entertaining Orang Utans during feeding time as well as their childlike antics.

Sarawak Cultural Village

On a 17 acre site at the foothill of Mount Santubong, fronting the South China Sea is the Sarawak Cultural Village, which exudes the typical warmth and hospitality of the state. Here, you have the opportunity to share the arts and crafts, games, food, and music of the seven major cultures of Sarawak. At a modern theater, the visitor can see performances of multicultural dances and lots of bamboo (bamboo musical instruments, bamboo carvings and even a bamboo bridge). You are taken into the world of "longhouses", drums, and gongs. You are taught to use the blowpipe (the weapon of the jungle nomads) and you get the opportunity to see the women work on their intricate beadwork.

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Nature in Sarawak

Affectionately dubbed as the "Land of Natural Wonders and Friendly Hornbills", Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia spanning 124,000 sq. km. A land of many rivers, rolling terrain, and majestic mountains, Sarawak has also been described as a "Land of Superlatives". It has the country's longest river, the world's largest flower (the Rafflesia), the world's largest cave passage and natural chamber, and evidence of the earliest known existence of man in Southeast Asia. Complemented by the rich cultural heritage of the diverse ethnic communities of Sarawak as well as the many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, this state offers an unfailing appeal and challenge to those seeking thrill and adventure amidst nature!

Sarawak's history is one of heroic adventure and romance, piracy and rebellion. It is a story of brave tribal warriors intensely protective of their respective territories, engaging in fierce battles to protect their domains. It is the story of a young British, James Brooke, who had set off for the Far East in search of adventure. And as fate would have it, he ended up establishing a despotic, though benevolent rule over Sarawak for more than a century, and was known fondly by locals as the "White Raja". It is a story of a nation that saw itself make a sudden leap from being a small British colony for a brief period to being one of the more dynamic, progressive, and bustling business and tourist destinations in Asia Pacific.

Yet despite all the changes that it had undergone through the centuries, it has retained the qualities that never fail to charm and enchant those who chance a visit here. Its charming rustic riverine towns, historical sites and buildings speaks of its colorful and enchanted past while its charming people, who may have adopted modern lifestyles in the midst of modern amenities and conveniences, retain the much cherished qualities of warmth, hospitality and friendliness.

Getting There and Moving Around

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 : 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 : 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.