Unique Sarawak Bucket List: 8 Coolest Activities You Must Experience At Least Once!

Sarawak, tucked away on the island of Borneo, is one of Malaysia‘s most captivating destinations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, culture lover, or adventure seeker, Sarawak offers something extraordinary for everyone. Having visited myself, I can say that it’s a place you’ll want to return to time and time again.

Also read: Picture Perfect Borneo: 10 Top Sights in Sarawak That’ll Blow Up Your Insta Feed!

Want to visit Sarawak but not sure where to start? Fret not, we’ve curated a list of the coolest activities in Sarawak that should be on your bucket list, making your journey to the Land of the Hornbill an experience of a lifetime!

Cool things to do in Sarawak

1. Say hello to the orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Image credit: Pat Whelen | Unsplash, James Lo | Unsplash

Getting up close with orangutans is a must for your Sarawak itinerary! One of the best places to meet these incredible creatures is the Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Siburan, just an hour’s drive from Kuching city centre. As one of the world’s most renowned orangutan rehabilitation centres, it’s where you can watch these gentle beings swing, eat, and interact in their natural habitat.

In addition to orangutans, the reserve is home to a variety of other wildlife, including gibbons and squirrels. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it offers a serene green oasis, perfect for taking pictures and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: KM 20, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 93250 Siburan, Sarawak
Opening hours: 8am to 10am, 2pm to 4pm daily

2. Explore the new UNESCO World Heritage Site, Niah National Park

Image credit: Niah National Park | Official Website

When it comes to cool things to do in Sarawak, visiting Niah National Park should be high on your list. Recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Niah National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich archaeological history, and deep cultural heritage. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak, it offers a unique draw for travellers interested in exploring ancient artefacts, majestic limestone caves, and adventurous mountain treks.

Image credit: Niah National Park | Official Website

The Niah Caves are the most popular attractions in the park, largely due to their archaeological significance as the site where the “Deep Skull,” a 40,000-year-old human skull, was discovered—marking it as one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. What’s more, you’ll also find ancient cave paintings, and adorable swiftlets who build bird’s nest in this place they call home.

Entrance fees to Niah National Park range from RM10 (~S$3) to RM20 (~S$6) per adult, depending on your nationality. And if one day isn’t enough for you to fully explore the park, consider staying overnight in the forest lodges or campsites here. The park is open daily until 3pm for day visitors and until 5pm for those staying overnight.

Address: Niah National Park, 98200 Niah, Sarawak
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily

3. Go on a river cruise in Sibu

Image credit: Sibu River Cruise | Official Facebook Page

Does watching sunsets over the river sound like a great plan? While Sibu is mostly known for its delicious Foochow delicacies like kampua mee and kompia, there are still fun activities to do here after you’ve filled your tummy. With the Sibu River Cruise, you get to experience the enchanting sunset during an hour-long river cruise, all with just a cost from RM15 (~S$4.47) to RM25 (~S$7.45) per person.

The cruise takes you along the Rajang River, allowing you to relax as the sky transforms into stunning shades of orange, pink, and purple. Another cruise package includes access to SMI Park, a riverside park where you can enjoy activities like pickleball and go-karting, or even interact with adorable animals!

Address: Pulau Babi Wharf, Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Opening hours: 5.15pm to 7.30pm, every Friday, weekends, and holidays

4. Visit the stunning blue lake in Bau

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

Have you heard of the blue lake in Bau? Known as the Tasik Biru Bau, this hidden gem is a stunning turquoise lake that visitors can go to for free. Aside from relishing the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, you can also pay around RM10 (~S$2.98) per person for a drink and a ticket to cross the inflatable bridge spanning the lake, which leads to a peaceful Chinese temple!

Address: Jln Tasik Biru By-Pass, 94000 Bau, Sarawak

5. Go trekking at Bako National Park

Image credit: Antoni Figueras via CanvaPro

Bako National Park is another must-visit destination when you’re in Sarawak. To get here, you have to drive about 30 minutes from Kuching city centre to reach the jetty, then take a 20-minute boat ride. It is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in Sarawak, attracting nature enthusiasts and animal lovers from all over the world. 

The park is famous for its wildlife, particularly the lovely proboscis monkeys with their distinctive long noses. Spotting them can be a rare treat, so consider arriving early in the morning to maximise your chances. Start your day by hiking the jungle trails and let the adventure unfold as you explore and discover the park’s natural wonders!

Address: Carpark and boat jetty, 93010 Kuching, Sarawak

6. Be mesmerised by the sights of Mulu National Park

Image credit: Juhku via CanvaPro

Although many travellers head to Kuching, Sarawak’s capital, for their first visit, Mulu is an often-overlooked gem that definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Visiting the Mulu National Park is one of the cool things to do — not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also boasts the world’s largest underground chamber.

For thrill-seekers, we recommend heading to Sarawak Chamber, or Ruang Sarawak, the largest known cave chamber in the world by area. Spanning 600 metres in length, 415 metres in width, and 80 metres in height, reaching it involves following a river upstream from the cave entrance, and some swimming may be required along the way.

Additionally, don’t miss Deer Cave, or Gua Rusa, the second-largest cave passage in the world, where you can witness a spectacular bat exodus. Another breathtaking sight in Mulu National Park is undoubtedly the Pinnacles of Mulu. These are a group of striking, sharp limestone spires that rise dramatically from the jungle floor and will take your breath away. Even better? Mulu National Park offers a three-day, two-night tour that includes a guide, boat rides, and camping fees, allowing you to fully explore the Pinnacles! 

Address: Gunung Mulu National Park, No 11, Mulu National Park, Pekan Mulu, 98070, Miri

7. Immerse in local culture at Sarawak Cultural Village

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

Like the food and landscapes, Sarawak’s indigenous cultures are equally impressive. To dive into the rich heritage of the Sarawakian people, make sure to visit the Sarawak Cultural Village. An adult ticket to Sarawak Cultural Village costs RM85 (~S$24.80). 

This living museum features eleven different houses representing various Sarawakian communities, such as the Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Iban, Melanau, and Penan. Inside, members of these ethnic tribes demonstrate traditional cooking, crafts, and weaving techniques, offering an immersive experience of Sarawak’s rich culture.

On top of that, your visit to Sarawak Cultural Village also includes an exciting cultural performance by the native communities. This vibrant show features traditional dances, music, and rituals, providing a dynamic and immersive glimpse into Sarawak’s rich heritage.

Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily

8. Indulge in delicious local flavours only found in Sarawak

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

While it may not be the ‘coolest’ or most adventurous activity in Sarawak, it’s an absolute must-do that will elevate your trip tenfold! And yes, we’re talking about food. From the refreshing Kolo Mee to the flavourful midin, Sarawakian cuisine will surely steal your heart and appetite! When in Kuching, be sure to try Kolo Mee: dry noodles in a light or red sauce, topped with minced pork, char siu, spring onions, and crispy shallots.

Another must-try is the aforementioned Kampua Mee, a staple in Sibu. Kampua Mee is similar to Kolo Mee, but it’s more savoury and uses thicker noodles. And don’t forget dessert! Treat yourself to Kek Lapis, an iconic layered cake that comes in vibrant colours, held together by sweet jam, or try Kek Jala, also known as “kuih sarang semut,” a fried sweet snack made from rice flour, sugar, and water.

Also read: Beyond Borneo: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Sarawak You Didn’t Know Existed

Now that you have this list of cool things to do in Sarawak, it’s time to plan for a trip! Nevertheless, Sarawak has so much more delicious food and fun activities to offer beyond the list. Go visit the state and experience it for yourself!

Brought to you by Sarawak Tourism Board.