Travel to Sarawak with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Sarawak with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Sarawak

Sarawak is approximately 240kms east of peninsular Malaysia, across the South China Sea, on the island of Borneo. It is one of the two states that make up East Malaysia, along with Sabah, and it’s the largest state in Malaysia. Tropical rainforest accounts for more than 70 percent of Sarawaks total land mass, providing homes not only for exotic species of plants and animal, but for a variety of diverse ethnic groups indigenous to the area.

Getting there

The major airports in Sarawak are in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, with Kuching Airport, in the state capital, being the largest. There are regular daily flights to Kuching International Airport, as well as to Miri from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu and Brunei Darussalam.

Key Attractions

Kuching, the capital city, has a population of approximately 400,000. Its museums, cultural exhibits and historical attractions are a good starting point for gaining an overview of Sarawak’s history and people. Kuching is situated at the mouth of the Kuching River, which serves as a popular route for trips inland. The Square Tower is a favoured starting place for a stroll along the riverside and is also where youll find out about performances and exhibitions that are being held on the waterfront.

Out and about

Sarawak is a region of endless fascination, with a curious network of caves, dense jungles, tropical flora and fauna, white-sand beaches and remote islands. Along the rivers of Sarawak lie some well preserved traditional native communities where people live in structures called longhouses – entire villages housed under a single long roof. Most visitors come with one of the local tour operators on trips that last from an overnight excursion to a weeklong adventure.

Leisure options

With more than 10 national parks, four wildlife preserves, and a network of rivers, the island is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventure. Trekking into caves and jungles, and scuba diving in the tropical seas endowed with the worlds largest single cave chamber and the longest cave passage in Southeast Asia, make Sarawak one of the most interesting and memorable islands to visit in the region.

Safety

Sarawak is one of the safest islands in the region, with one of the world’s lowest crime rates. Driving and adventurous activities do, however, increase the level of risk, as does travel itself, and we therefore strongly urge you to take out travel insurance before leaving home.

Weather

With a tropical, equatorial climate, Sarawak’s weather is divided between a very warm and very wet season. Humidity is around 80%, so at times it can feel quite close. Afternoons can bring short sharp showers bringing a welcome respite. The rainy and monsoon season (from November – February) can affect trekkers in the area, as some trails and national parks can become inaccessible.

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