Things You Never Knew About Sarawak

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Saving enough money to buy a house is not easy, especially for young working adults. Thus, more people are renting a place, such as Flora Damansara while saving enough money to buy a house. We all know saving is not easy and can get a little bit stressful at times. Therefore, it is essential to give yourself a break sometimes. You can pamper yourself by giving yourself a short getaway. Instead of going overseas, you can choose to visit East Malaysia. Sarawak is a land blessed with its unique biodiversity and ecosystem. Sarawak is a bit of a hidden gem in Malaysia as it is not as popular as other states in Malaysia, such as Penang, Melaka or Sabah. Not many travelers would choose Sarawak as a traveling destination as well. Contrary to the belief that Sarawak is an ‘ulu’ place, Sarawak actually has more than what you can ever imagined it to be. This article will show you the things you never knew about Sarawak.



1. Longest river in Malaysia
The longest river in Malaysia is the Rajang River located in Borneo and flows approximately 563KM into Kapit, and then to South China Sea. Thus, making it the longest river in Malaysia.


2. Monster crocodile
The tale of Bujang Senang comes from Sarawak. Bujang Senang is a crocodile that once terrorized Batang Lupar River back in the 1940s. It is rumored that Bujang Senang is as big as a bus and that it can eat up a grown human being in just one bite. Some Ibans in Sarawak believed that Bujang Senang was a human who was cursed to become a crocodile. Legend has it that Bujang Senang was an Iban warrior with the name of Simalungun. Whether or not it is a myth, it is still unknown.

Those who are interested in crocodiles can make a visit to Jong’s crocodile farm. Make a day trip to the farm and be amazed by these reptiles. Catch their feeding show too to see them snatching bits of meats.

Jong Crocodile Farm
Jalan Kuching - Serian, 94200 Siburan, Sarawak
9am – 5pm


3. Largest cave in Malaysia
Gua Nasib Bagus, also known as the Good Luck Caves, is located in Gunung Mulu National Park, in Miri Sarawak. The cave measures approximately 600 metres long, 435 metres wide and a maximum of 115 metres high. Gunung Mulu National Park is also a national park in Miri and is classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Definitely one of the beautiful caves that you must visit in Malaysia.


4. Hornbills
Sarawak is also known as the land of hornbills, or Bumi Kenyalang in Bahasa Melayu. The hornbill is a state symbol to Sarawak. 8 out of the world’s 54 species of hornbills can be found in Sarawak. Hornbills are rare and are not easily found. It is also one of the largest birds that one can ever see in the rainforest.

According to the Dayak, one of the indigenous in Sarawak, hornbills represent the spirit of God. It is considered good luck to the local community if the hornbill flies over the house.

In 1998, hornbill is given a protected status where hunting of hornbills is prohibited and strict punishment will be given to those who hunt hornbills or keep hornbills as pet.

Those who are interested to see hornbills can visit the Kubah National Park.


5. Many ethnic groups
There are over 40 sub-ethnic groups in Sarawak. The 6 major ethnic groups in Sarawak are the Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Iban, Melanau and Orang Ulu, followed by other ethnic groups, such as the Indian, Kelabit, Murut, Kedayan, and many more. Each ethnic group is unique in their own ways, with their own distinct culture, language, lifestyle and so on. The uniqueness of each ethnic group is what makes Sarawak special and different. If there is only one word that can be used to describe Sarawak, it would most definitely be – diverse.


Fun facts:

1. Big roundabouts
The roundabouts in Kuching are very big as compared to roundabouts in other cities.


2. Homegrown fast food chain
Famous fast food chain such as McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut can be easily found in Malaysia, but definitely not the local homegrown fast food chain – Sugarbun. Sugarbun is established in 1979 in Sarawak from an ice cream parlour into a Food and Beverage Franchise Restaurant Brand.


3. Yearly Rainforest World Music Festival
The Rainforest World Music Festival is held yearly at the Sarawak Cultural Village, where it brings world-renowned musicians together. Unlike other festival, the Rainforest World Music Festival lasts for 3 days, with lots of music, dancing, craft workshops during the day and music performance at night.


4. Month long Kuching Food Festival
Kuchingnites love their food. Therefore, the city council organizes an annual Kuching Food Festival every year for the people to enjoy their food. The Kuching Food Festival typically lasts from 3 weeks to 1 month. The food festival gets bigger as years go by, with more than 200 food stalls for patrons to choose from. Definitely spoilt for choice. But there are no complaints for food lovers, isn’t it?

5. Sago worms
Sago worms are eaten and considered a delicious delicacy among Sarawakians. Typically deep fried and is said to taste like chicken. Do try it out if you are up for the challenge.


In conclusion, Sarawak is definitely a state worth visiting. Sarawak might not have the biggest mall in Malaysia, but it does offer lots of experiences that you cannot find elsewhere.



xoxo,

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