Interactive Activities in Sarawak: Embracing Culture, Nature, and Adventure
Sarawak, located on Malaysian Borneo and famed for its vibrant cultural heritage, lush rainforests, offers a wide range of exciting and interactive activities that attract visitors from around the globe. From going on an adventure in nature, exploring indigenous traditions, to diving into local cuisine, Sarawak offers a variety of engaging experiences that allow travellers to connect deeply with the land and its people. These interactive activities provide opportunities to learn, create, and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Photo credit: Sarawak Cultural Village
1. Cultural Immersion at Sarawak Cultural Village
One of the best places to experience Sarawak’s rich diversity of indigenous cultures is at the Sarawak Cultural Village, located near Damai Beach, Kuching. This living museum offers visitors a chance to step inside traditional longhouses of Sarawak’s major ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Malay, among others. What makes the experience truly interactive is the hands-on participation. Visitors can try traditional crafts such as bead-making or basket weaving, practice the art of Iban tattooing, or even join in on traditional dances and music. Live cultural performances are a regular feature, allowing guests to see, hear, and feel the spirit of Sarawak’s tribes in an immersive environment.
Photo credit: klook https://www.klook.com/activity/35219-bako-national-park-tour-kuching/
2. Exploring Nature at Bako National Park
Bako National Park is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and offers plenty of interactive activities for those eager to explore Sarawak’s wilderness. The park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity, from tropical rainforests to mangrove swamps and pristine beaches. Guided jungle treks are an immersive way to discover the park’s vast array of flora and fauna. Nature walks allow visitors to learn about the indigenous plant species, rare wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, and the ecosystem of Borneo’s rainforests. Visitors can even try their hand at photography, capturing the breathtaking scenery and exotic animals during their hikes. Bird watching, guided by expert naturalists, provides an opportunity to observe Sarawak’s endemic bird species in their natural habitats.
Photo credit: Semadang Kayak
3. Kayaking and River Adventures
Sarawak is crisscrossed by rivers, and these waterways provide excitinga opportunities for interactive adventure. Kayaking along the Sarawak River is a popular activity, where you can paddle through scenic landscapes while gaining insight into the local way of life. River tours often include a stop at Kampung Boyan, a traditional Malay village, where visitors can interact with the villagers, learn about their daily lives, and sample local dishes. For a more thrilling experience, one can opt for river rafting in areas like the Batang Ai or the Lemanak River, where the rapids offer a rush of excitement combined with stunning natural surroundings.
Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board
4. Indigenous Culinary Experiences
Sarawak’s food culture is an integral part of its identity, and interactive culinary experiences give visitors the chance to dive into the region’s rich flavours. Several cooking classes and food tours are offered in Kuching, where visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as Laksa Sarawak or Ayam Pansuh, a dish prepared by cooking chicken in bamboo over an open flame. Participating in a cooking class not only teaches culinary skills but also provides opportunities to share stories behind the dishes, exploring how food plays a central role in Sarawak’s diverse cultures. In addition to cooking, street food tours allow visitors to interact with local food vendors, sample local delicacies, and engage in the vibrant food culture that Kuching is famous for.
Photo credit: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
5. Visiting the Orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
For wildlife lovers, Sarawak is home to one of the world’s most iconic creatures—the orangutan. At the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, visitors can participate in a highly interactive experience by observing the orangutans during their feeding times. This rehabilitation center focuses on caring for orangutans that were orphaned or rescued from captivity. While visitors cannot touch the orangutans, they have the chance to observe the animals in a semi-wild environment as they forage for food. Educational programs at the center provide opportunities for visitors to learn about orangutan conservation efforts and the importance of preserving Sarawak’s rainforests.
Photo credit: Mulu National Park
6. Caving Adventures in Mulu National Park
For those seeking a true adventure, Sarawak offers world-class caving experiences at Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its spectacular cave systems, including the world’s largest cave chamber, the Sarawak Chamber. One of the most interactive activities is the famous “Cave Explorations,” where experienced guides take visitors on exhilarating treks through limestone caves, pointing out hidden formations, fossils, and ancient rock art. For the more adventurous, the “Mulu Pinnacles Trek” offers the chance to climb a series of sharp limestone spires, providing panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
Photo credit: Gunung Gading National Park
7. Exploring the Rainforests with Tree-Top Walks
Sarawak’s rainforests are one of the world’s oldest, and the best way to explore these lush ecosystems is by walking among the trees. The Tree-Top Walk in Gunung Gading National Park offers a thrilling experience where visitors can walk along a series of suspended bridges high in the canopy. This walk gives a unique vantage point to observe the rainforest and its wildlife from above. The experience allows for an up-close view of the diverse plant life, while the guides offer interesting facts about the ecology of the region. It’s an unforgettable, interactive way to experience Borneo’s natural beauty.
Photo credit: Richard James Taylor https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-the-craftspeople-of-sarawak
8. Art and Craft Workshops
Sarawak is home to many talented artisans, and visitors can engage in interactive art and craft workshops to learn traditional techniques passed down through generations. Workshops focusing on batik painting, pottery, and wood carving offer opportunities to create your own piece of art using authentic methods. In Kuching, the Kuching Handicraft Centre and other craft villages offer visitors the chance to engage with local artisans and even try their hand at making their own souvenirs.
Sarawak’s blend of natural wonders, rich cultural diversity, and adventurous spirit makes it an ideal destination for interactive activities. Come explore the vibrant rainforests, engage with indigenous communities, participate in culinary classes, or simply embrace the thrill of adventure. These experiences offer not just a chance to see Sarawak but to connect with its people, culture, and environment on a much deeper level, making any trip to Sarawak truly unforgettable.
Photo credit: Edmund Dehan https://myweekendplan.asia/top-best-things-to-do-in-betong/
Fort Lily (Betong)
Betong town’s historical landmark was built in 1885 to commemorate the surrender of Sultan Brunei and handing over of Betong to the second Rajah, Charles Brooke. Later, it was used as a defence fortress against potential attacks from the Iban headhunters from Sadok. The Malays who resided at Kampung Muara Padeh needed the fortress as a form of protection from enemies. Fort Lily was also a government office for many years.
Fort Lily was officially gazetted under The Antiquity Ordinance in 1971. Currently, Fort Lily is undergoing a facelift to transform it into a mini museum for the Betong community, which is a project undertaken by the Sarawak Museum Department.
Fort Lio Mato (Marudi)
Originally built by Douglas and Adams in 1911, this fort was later on rebuilt using much of the original material. The process was initiated by Hudden and completed by O.C White. Besides serving as the administrative office for Lio Mato area in Marudi, the fort also doubles as a lodging home for government officers, travellers and visitors to the region. Fort Lio Mato was officially gazetted in 2008 under Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.
Fort Arundell (Lubok Antu)
Established in 1912, Fort Arundell was named after then resident of Simanggang Division (now Sri Aman), Gilbert Roger Harris Arundell, in honour of his just governance and kindness towards the Iban people. Sadly, the well-liked resident was killed in Ulu Ai in 1942 when the Japanese attacked Sarawak during World War II. Officially gazetted in 2008 under Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993, Fort Arundell is currently an administrative centre that houses various government agencies.
Fort Charles (Kabong)
The original fort built by one of the Brooke’s officers, Maxwell collapsed in 1878 due to the beachfront’s soil erosion in 1893. Two years later, the fort was rebuilt further inland to replace the original one. Similar to many other forts in Sarawak, Fort Charles also acts as an administration centre that houses various government departments. Fort Charles was officially gazetted in 2008 under Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.
Fort Brooke (Julau)
Built on top of a hill at Nangga Meluan, Fort Brooke has belian walls so thick that some believe it is bulletproof. Before the building materials were replaced to belian in 1940 by the Brooke’s government, the fort was originally built from bamboo with wooden roofing. Fort Brooke is similar in terms of design and dimensions with other forts in Sarawak such as Fort Lily, Fort Sylvia and Fort Emma.
Constructed in 1935 and officially gazetted in 2008 under Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993, this fort originally housed the Rajah’s police, troops and officials that were sent to safeguard government activities and ensure security against raids led by the former penghulu (community leader) from Entabai, Asun Paing and his followers. Between 1954 and 1981, the fort was used as the Julau District Council Office and Julau Education Department whereby some of the rooms were used as classrooms during that time.
Note: Sarawak Museum department is currently refurbishing Fort Brooke, turning it into a mini museum.
Fort Long Akah (Marudi)
The third Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke built this fort in 1929 as an administrative headquarters. Situated on top of Kuala Baram and the Akah river, Fort Long Akah was built in a semi-forest area inhabited by the Kenyah and Penan communities. Fort Long Akah was gazetted in 2008 under Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.
A symbol of authority and power to the Kenyah community, Fort Long Akah once acted as a defence post during the Japanese Occupation. During its time, the fort has also served as a court for magistrates and village chiefs for adjudicating local disputes while the ground floor functioned as a prison to detain offenders.