Things to Do in Sarawak

Choose from 24 Fun Things to Do in Sarawak

Square Tower

The history of the Kuching Square Tower dates back to 1879, when it was built along the Sarawak River as a means of protecting the city against marauders. Situated toward one end of the Kuching Esplanade, the Square Tower has worn many hats throughout its history "” it has served as a state prison, a dance hall and nowadays, a multimedia tourist information center, though it's not always open to the public.

The Square Tower's rooftop boasts panoramic views of Mounts Santubong and Serapi. Even when it's closed to visitors, the Square Tower makes for a striking photo op, especially with the Sarawak parliament building in the background.

Practical Info

The Square Tower can be visited in combination with the Kuching Esplanade and Chinese Museum.

Jalan Gambier, Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

From $ 32

Canada Hill

For the best views of Miri, head to Canada Hill (or Bukit Telaga Minyak), a limestone ridge where you'll find Malaysia's first ever oil well, a petroleum museum, plus sweeping views of the city and beyond.

Sitting atop Canada Hill, and affectionately referred to as The Grand Old Lady, the site of the country's earliest oil well is now a national monument and historic landmark. This 30-meter-tall monument was built by Shell and marks the origins of the petroleum industry in Malaysia and the subsequent modernization of Miri. The Petroleum Museum is located just next to the monument and traces the development of the industry since oil was first struck here back in 1910.

If you like walking, it's a pleasant two-kilometer trek up to the top of Canada Hill. Alternatively, join a half-day sightseeing tour of Miri "“ taking in the city's other sights as you go "“ and transport will be provided.

Insider's Tip: Due to its position above the city, one of the most scenic times to visit Canada Hill is at sunset.

Practical Info

The Petroleum Museum opens daily from 9am-4pm, except on Mondays and public holidays. If not walking or arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Canada Hill by hailing a taxi from Jalan Setia Raja.

Canada Hill, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Petroleum Museum: 9am-4pm (Closed on Mondays)

From $ 44

Cat Museum

A curious activity for a rainy day: if you have ever owned a cat or have been interested in the historical role cats have played in music, theater, advertising, mythology and ancient societies around the globe, then the Kuching Cat Museum might be of interest to you.

Located in the modern looking North City Hall building only ten minutes outside of the city center, you won't find a museum quite like the Kuching Cat Museum anywhere else in the world, an appropriate reality seeing as "kucing" is actually the Malay word for cat. With over 2,000 exhibits on display, artifacts range from a mummified cat from Egypt that is believed to be over 5,000 years old, to the world's only mounted specimen of the Bay Cat, a highly endangered wild cat that is endemic to the island of Borneo.

A separate exhibit is devoted to the five wild cats of Sarawak and Borneo, whereas other corners of the 1,035 square meter facility discuss various types of global cat food, the Broadway musical "Cats", and of course, a section devoted to "Hello Kitty" dolls.

Though entrance to the museum is free, all visitors still must pass through a doorway that, as you might have guessed, is through the mouth of an oversized cat. The Cat Museum is a hilarious place to visit for some, and completely lost on others.

Kuching, Malaysia

From $ 32

Batang Ai National Park

With the Sarawak region of Borneo sheltering several of the world's most endangered species, Batang Ai National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the region, providing more than 3,800 square miles (10,000 square km) of habitat to both orangutans and other rare and endangered species.

Five jungle trails ranging in length from one to five miles (1.8 to 8.2 km) take visitors through pristine primary forest interspersed with a few areas of old secondary forest. With one of the highest concentrations of orangutans in Central Borneo, sightings are relatively common. Visitors might also see (or hear) gibbons, hornbills, and langurs.

Practical Info

A park guide is required on all trails at all times.

Lubok Antu, Sarawak, Malaysia, Malaysia

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Closed Sat, Sun & Holidays

Varies

From $ 820