Malaysia’s Largest State — Rivers, Rainforests & Rich Traditions
Sarawak, located in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, is the largest state in the country by land area. Known as the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak boasts an unparalleled mix of tribal cultures, untamed jungles, mighty rivers, and a strong sense of identity. It’s a land where nature, culture, and modern development coexist in harmony.
Historical Background
- Once an independent kingdom ruled by the White Rajahs (Brooke dynasty) (1841–1946)
- Became a British Crown Colony in 1946 and joined Malaysia in 1963
- Known for self-governance on immigration, religion, and land matters
- Preserves unique Sarawakian identity and autonomy within Malaysia
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Name | Sarawak |
| Capital City | Kuching |
| Official Religion | No official religion; religious freedom upheld |
| Main Ethnic Groups | Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, Orang Ulu, Penan |
| Area | Approx. 124,450 sq. km (largest in Malaysia) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Over 2.9 million |
| Time Zone | Malaysia Standard Time (UTC +8) |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
Government & Leadership (2025 est.)
| Position | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Yang di-Pertua Negeri | Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud | Ceremonial head of state (Governor) |
| Premier of Sarawak | Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg | Executive head, leads Sarawak government |
| Sarawak State Assembly | 82-member legislature | Mostly led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) |
| Autonomy | Controls immigration, land, religion | Unique compared to Peninsular Malaysian states |
Administrative Divisions
Sarawak is divided into 12 administrative divisions, each further subdivided into districts:
- Kuching Division
- Samarahan Division
- Serian Division
- Sri Aman Division
- Betong Division
- Sibu Division
- Mukah Division
- Bintulu Division
- Kapit Division
- Miri Division
- Limbang Division
- Sarikei Division
Geography & Nature Highlights
- Gunung Mulu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Caves, karst formations
- Bako National Park – Proboscis monkeys, beaches, mangroves
- Niah Caves – Prehistoric human settlement
- Rajang River – Malaysia’s longest river
- Rainforests & Highlands – Home to endangered flora and fauna
Economy
- Oil & Gas – Offshore platforms and downstream industries (Bintulu, Miri)
- Timber & Logging – Historically significant but now controlled
- Agriculture – Pepper, oil palm, rubber, paddy, sago
- Hydropower – Bakun & Murum dams contribute to Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)
- Tourism – Adventure, eco, and cultural tourism rapidly expanding
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu – Serve domestic and regional flights
- Rivers & Boats – Major transport in rural interior (e.g., Kapit, Belaga)
- Pan Borneo Highway – Under major upgrade across state
- Sea Ports – Kuching, Bintulu, Miri used for trade and cargo
Education & Healthcare
- UNIMAS (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak) – Main public university
- Swinburne University of Technology (Australia) – Kuching campus
- Regional colleges, teacher training, technical institutes
- Hospitals – General hospitals in all major cities, rural clinics
Culture & Festivals
- Unique tribal cultures (Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, etc.) with rich traditions
- Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival) – Major cultural event in June
- Rainforest World Music Festival – International tourism attraction
- Ngajat dance, beadwork, tattoo art, longhouse traditions
Cuisine Highlights
- Manok Pansoh – Chicken cooked in bamboo
- Umai – Raw marinated fish salad
- Laksa Sarawak, Mee Kolok, Kek Lapis Sarawak
- Tuak – Traditional rice wine
Summary
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest, greenest, and most culturally intricate state. From river journeys and rainforest treks to longhouse stays and indigenous celebrations, Sarawak offers a deeply authentic Malaysian Borneo experience—one that blends tradition, nature, and progress like no other.