Sarawak Nature, Malaysia

Skrang River Safari

When in Sarawak, a visit to a longhouse is highly recommended to complete the experience. There is a longhouse safari, which begins with a four-wheel drive to the banks of the Skrang River.

From there, the safari continues down the shallow Skrang River, occasionally "shooting the rapids".

A thrilling journey along this scenic river brings you to a series of Iban longhouses made of ironwood shingles.

The longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open onto a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving.

Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make. The Iban are a hospitable people. Comfortable guesthouses are available for visitors.

Santubong Fishing Village

This picturesque fishing village is 32 km from Kuching and can be reached by express boat or taxi from downtown Kuching. It has good beaches and is the site of several archaeological discoveries. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist rock carvings have been found around the Santubong River delta.

During the Tang and Sung dynasties from the 9th till the 13th centuries, Santubong was an important trading centre.

Accommodation in government chalets is available, but booking in advance is advisable through the District Office in Kuching.

Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Located about 32 km south of Kuching, the sanctuary is a rehabilitation centre for Orang Utans which have been injured or captured. The centre also rehabilitates other wildlife including monkeys, honey bears and hornbills which have been orphaned or kept illegally.

Best times to visit are when the animals are fed from 8.30 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 3.15 pm. It is open daily from 8 am to 12.45 pm and 2 pm to 4.15 pm.

Pepper Plantation

Sarawak is the largest exporter of pepper in the country and the pepper plantations can be seen along the Kuching-Serian Road. Sarawak pepper is noted for taste and quality.

Matang Wildlife Centre

The Matang Wildlife Centre is about 35 km from Kuching. Located in Kubah National Park, it houses endangered wildlife in large enclosed areas of rainforest and cages.

There is an Orang Utan training programme here that teaches Orang Utans, who were orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild.

Visitors will be able to see lots of Orang Utans here, especially during feeding time. Besides Orang Utans, there are also Sun Bears, Sambar Deer, Civets as well as three large aviaries that house Sea Eagles, Hornbills and other birds in Sarawak.

Jungle trekking is also possible as there are four jungle trails here, i.e. Pitcher Trail (takes 2 about hours), the Sungai Rayu Trail (takes about 3-4hours), the Sungai Senduk trail (about 1 hour) and Sungai Buluh trail (about 2 hours). Picnic spots, information centre, accommodation facilities, a car park and a small canteen are available.