Things to do in Sarawak, Malaysia: The Best Cultural Tours

December 26, 2021 Alice Mieles

Sarawak (/səˈrɑːwɒk/; Malay: [saˈrawaʔ]) is a state of Malaysia. Being the largest among 13 other states with the size almost equal to West Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, Sarawak is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sabah to the northeast, Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, to the south, and the independent country of Brunei in the north. The capital city, Kuching, is the economic centre of the state and seat of the Sarawak state government. Other cities and towns in Sarawak include Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu. As of the 2015 census, the population of Sarawak was 2,636,000. Sarawak has an equatorial climate with tropical rainforests and abundant animal and plant species. It has several prominent cave systems at Gunung Mulu National Park. Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia; Bakun Dam, one of the largest dams in Southeast Asia, is located on one of its tributaries, the Balui River. Mount Murud is the highest point in Sarawak.
Restaurants in Sarawak

1. Sarawak Sunset River Cruise Tour

Kuching, Kuching, Sarawak Asni Tours & Travels
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Sarawak River Cruise provides a unique and different experience for your event. Embrace the change! Sarawak River Cruise is the best way to enjoy a breathtaking 360’ panoramic view of the Kuching skyline and the historical landmarks that dot the riverbank. - Experience a Borneo sunset aboard a Sarawak River cruise - Soak up the sights of Kuching, historic and modern, by twilight - Nibble on light refreshments as the cooling breeze drifts by - Take it easy with door-to-door round-trip transfers

Inclusions: 90 Minutes Sunset River Cruise, Hotel pickup & drop-off (selected hotels only)., English Speaking Driver, Air-conditioned vehicle, Surcharge 30% to be applied during super peak / festive season & must be paid on the day of travel

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Additional USD 40 surcharge for hotel pickup outside 1km radius from the city center is applicable.

Reviewed By FionPoh

Very fun ride. We got the 2 rides pass and it was a thrilling experience. We'll love to come back to do more rides.........

2. Sarawak Cultural Village Tour from Kuching

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Asni Tours & Travels
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Get a special perspective on Malaysia's local peoples and traditions with a visit to Sarawak Cultural Village. This living museum showcases the region's unique and diverse cultures in an accessible, visitor-friendly setting, just a 35-minute drive from Kuching. - Remarkable living museum showcasing Sarawak's cultures - A walk through beautiful & authentic traditional buildings - Members of the local community partaking in daily activities - Rare chance to learn how to throw a Malay spinning top - Flurry of colors in a stunning multi-ethnic performance

Inclusions: Pick-up and drop-off (Kuching City Center 1km radius), Air-conditioned vehicle, English Speaking Driver, Entrance Ticket to Sarawak Cultural Village, Surcharge 30% to be applied during super peak / festive season & must be paid on the day of travel

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Additional USD 40 surcharge for hotel pickup outside 1km radius from the city center is applicable.

Reviewed By FionPoh

Very fun ride. We got the 2 rides pass and it was a thrilling experience. We'll love to come back to do more rides.........

3. 2-Day Cultural Experience at Nanga Ukom Longhouse from Kuching

Tour & Incentive Travel
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4.3 based on 3 reviews

Immerse yourself in the traditional Sarawak lifestyle on this 2-day private cultural tour from Kuching to the village of Batang Ai. With a private guide, visit a Ukom longhouse (a typical Malaysian house built on stilts and shared by families) and meet native Iban people, original inhabitants of the island of Borneo. See another side of Malaysia as you discover their indigenous way of life. Learn about how they reconcile native customs with modern-day conveniences, like electricity and the internet, and spend the night in a village guesthouse!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Professional English-speaking driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach, depending on group size, Longboat ride to Ukom Longhouse, Overnight accommodation at Longhouse , Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Pick up surcharge imposed from Damai area, Tourism Tax of RM 10.00 per room per night (payable directly to the hotel upon check-in)

Reviewed By Dyldan

Do not go before end March ,April no orangutan have not been seen since November because there is plenty of food in the forest for them so don't need to go to centre .

4. 3D2N Sibu & Mukah Trip

Top Peak Travel
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Experience Borneo to the fullest when you visit Sibu and Mukah. Witness Sarawak cultures and heritage when you holiday to Sibu and Mukah. Before reaching Sibu, pass through Sarikei town and get a taste of local fruits, such as Durian, Dabai, pineapple and more. Sibu is the third largest town, after Kuching and Miri. This "Swan City" is the major gateway to Rajang River. It has grown rich from trading activity since James Brooke era. Activities that you can do in Sibu are going for a city tour, to Sibu Heritage Centre, and a visit to the largest indoor market in Malaysia. Mukah used to be an ancient trading and fishing port. Now, it became the main sago producing area of Sarawak Borneo. It is also home to one of the indigenous group in Sarawak, the Melanau tribe. The Melanaus are known for their gentle, loving nature and seafaring skills. Get ready to be fascinated on the Melanau villages and the locals' daily activities.

Inclusions: Activities as stated in itinerary, Meals as stated in itinerary, Local guide ( English Speaking Guide), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Twin/ Double or Triple room (minimum of 2 persons), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: Domestic & International Flights., Any service surcharges., Recommended or Optional Excursion(s), Food & Beverages not stated in the itinerary., Travel Insurance., Guide & Driver tipping & portage charges., Incidental expenses (such as room service, minibar, telephone calls, laundry), Personal expenses., Tourist Tax, which will be collected locally.

Reviewed By dbm10

Great experience with Top Peak over two days. We did rafting/zip line one day and a private Mt Kinabalu/Poring Hot Springs day. Charles was our guide both days. He was fantastic - knowledgeable, customer oriented, friendly and professional. All communication and logistics with William and Fahmy were outstanding. Because of the good experience we will come back to Borneo to do more touring with Top Peak.

5. Traditional Bidayuh Village Bamboo Longhouse Tour from Kuching

Tour & Incentive Travel
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3.3 based on 6 reviews

Learn about the traditional bamboo longhouses of Sarawak on this cultural three-hour tour from Kuching. Anah Rais is considered one of the largest Bidayuh longhouses and therefore one of the most popular. Previously known as the Land Dayak during the British colonial rule, this well preserved bamboo longhouse is home to many families.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off (selected city hotels in Kuching), English speaking driver and guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Dyldan

Do not go before end March ,April no orangutan have not been seen since November because there is plenty of food in the forest for them so don't need to go to centre .

6. Sarawak Cultural Village from Kuching City

Magunatip Holidays

Tucked away in the foothills of Mt. Santubong at Damai Beach, Sarawak Cutural Village is also known as the 'Living Museum.' On this 4-hour tour from Kuching, visit the village, where you can see houses built by the different people of Sarawak—Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, Iban, and Melanau—as well as Chinese and Malay houses. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver and guide, Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Johnsupport1969

This was part of an organised trip. If you can only park near the gate it is a 1.5km walk. The rangers call the orangatan after 9 so you can see them feeding at 10. We where very lucky to see one, however it is pot luck. Also if they spot one you need to move to the place quickly. It is not for the infirm or probables with walking. I would also recommend mosquito replant and long trousers with trainers. They are leeches and ticks in certain areas. It is worth the trip.

7. Half-Day Sarawak Bidayuh Longhouse Experience from Kuching City

Magunatip Holidays

Join this half-day tour and experience the local lifestyle of the Bidayuhs in Sarawak. Anah Rais is a large Bidayuh village and is one of the many longhouses that dot the Sarawak landscape. You will get to enjoy a warm hospitality of the friendly natives. The tour will be led by a professional local guide. There are two departure options: the morning departure at 9am and afternoon tour at 2pm. The vehicle will stops at the main hotel's lobby to pick you up.

Inclusions: 1 Bottled water, Professional guide and driver, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Johnsupport1969

This was part of an organised trip. If you can only park near the gate it is a 1.5km walk. The rangers call the orangatan after 9 so you can see them feeding at 10. We where very lucky to see one, however it is pot luck. Also if they spot one you need to move to the place quickly. It is not for the infirm or probables with walking. I would also recommend mosquito replant and long trousers with trainers. They are leeches and ticks in certain areas. It is worth the trip.

8. Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Spring Tour

Magunatip Holidays

Annah Rais is a Bidayuh longhouse ( Land Dayak ) about 45 minutes from Kuching. Explore the well preserved traditional bamboo longhouse. Visitors are given the opportunity to study the unique architectural and cultural features of the longhouse as well as the traditional farming lifestyle. The journey to Kampong Annah rais will pass through the beautiful limestone formation scenic view , as well as the countryside view, mountain range, palm oil estate, paddy field. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Ethnic Lunch, Professional guide and driver, HotSpring, Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Johnsupport1969

This was part of an organised trip. If you can only park near the gate it is a 1.5km walk. The rangers call the orangatan after 9 so you can see them feeding at 10. We where very lucky to see one, however it is pot luck. Also if they spot one you need to move to the place quickly. It is not for the infirm or probables with walking. I would also recommend mosquito replant and long trousers with trainers. They are leeches and ticks in certain areas. It is worth the trip.

9. Kuching Day Tour + Ford Margerita

Magunatip Holidays

Kuching City is full of Historical Sites and amazing city landmarks awaits those who’s seek many attractions with exciting buzz the city has to offer. Cruise on by the many attractions this historical city has to offer, which includes the gigantic cat statue which symbolized the mascot of Kuching City.  The narrow, bustling streets near the river are crammed with ornate temples, markets, historic buildings and traditional Chinese shop houses selling local handicrafts.

Inclusions: English Speaking Tour Guide, Transport by Air-conditioned Mini Van/ Coach, Bottle Water, Return Hotel Transfer

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Johnsupport1969

This was part of an organised trip. If you can only park near the gate it is a 1.5km walk. The rangers call the orangatan after 9 so you can see them feeding at 10. We where very lucky to see one, however it is pot luck. Also if they spot one you need to move to the place quickly. It is not for the infirm or probables with walking. I would also recommend mosquito replant and long trousers with trainers. They are leeches and ticks in certain areas. It is worth the trip.

10. Kuching Half Day City Tour

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Be won over by Kuching’s natural charms on this 3-hour tour of Sarawak’s cultural capital, including hotel pick-up. Lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of Old Kuching, practice your haggling skills at the bustling Central Markets and pay a visit to the fascinating Sarawak Museum. This comprehensive tour also includes many of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Cat Statue, Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, the State Mosque and the Astana.

Inclusions: English Speaking Driver, Hotel pickup and drop off (Kuching City Hotels), Air-conditioned vehicle, Surcharge 30% to be applied during super peak / festive season & must be paid on the day of travel

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Additional USD 40 surcharge for hotel pickup outside 1km radius from the city center is applicable.

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