To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia - a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Chinese Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very warm and friendly.
Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. 11 states and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.
One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs. Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
Being the largest of 13 states in Malaysia, Sarawak covers 124,450 sq km (slightly smaller than Greece or Mississippi), and stretches over 750km of the northeast Borneo. It makes up 37.5% of land area in the country.
Sarawak is unique in that there are significant differences in culture, administration and lifestyle from those in Peninsular Malaysia. Roughly 28 ethnic groups make up Sarawak’s population of 2.4 million people; each with its own language, traditions and way of life. The largest of these groups is the Iban people, who make up 31% of the population, followed by ethnic Chinese (28%), Malay (20%), Bidayuh (8%), Melanau (6%), Orang Ulu (5%), Indian, Eurasian and smaller indigenous groups (total of 2%).
The Southwest Adventure is the gateway to northern Borneo and is the usual first stop for visitors to Sarawak. This region is the historic administrative centre of Sarawak and hence is the most developed part of the State. Here, a vast range of convention facilities, visitor activities and unique experiences are available to groups of all sizes.
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and was the historic city of the White Rajahs. There are over 23 international class hotels (3-5 star rating), and over 50 boutique and smaller hotels in town. Forty minutes’ drive away, on the famed Santubong Peninsula, another 900 or so rooms are spread over three beachfront resorts at Damai Beach. R&R for delegates range from our lush golfing haven, Borneo Highlands Resort, to the Batang Ai Hilton and the resorts at the Santubong Peninsula.
Nature lovers will find their heaven in Kuching’s numerous national parks, wildlife centres, mountains and caves where the world’s most endangered wildlife still roam. Nestled at the foothills of mystical Mount Santubong is the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing traditional lifestyles – perfect for the delegate with time constraints.
Eating, shopping and a night out Kuching-style are things to be explored first hand. There’s nothing like immersing oneself in the local mojo with the gazillion eateries, local craft shops, upscale shopping centres and cosy night-out coffee places and pubs.
To explore more about Sarawak, please visit the Official Website of Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism Sarawak , and Sarawak Tourism Board.
