Sarawak Delta Geopark gets recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage

Sarawak’s bid to join UNESCO’s elite network of Global Geoparks has reached its final stage, positioning the Malaysian state for a major tourism boost ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

The Sarawak Delta Geopark has effectively cleared all technical and scientific evaluations and received approval from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council in September. It is now awaiting final endorsement by the UNESCO Executive Board in May 2026. But it will only be a formality to officially elevate it into the prestigious global community.

The milestone caps more than 15 years of groundwork. Initial conservation and documentation efforts began in 2009, gaining real momentum from 2019 onward as Sarawak intensified its push for international recognition. Once endorsed, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will become the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Sarawak and only the third in Malaysia, after Langkawi and Kinabalu.

Covering more than 3,100 square kilometers across the Kuching, Bau, and Padawan districts, the Sarawak Delta Geopark is defined by a rare convergence of geological, biological, and cultural heritage. Limestone formations, river systems, mangrove forests, and coastal mudflats form the physical backbone of the Geopark, while indigenous communities and centuries of trade history add human depth to the landscape.

Capitalizing on the new UNESCO attraction

Sarawak is already moving to capitalize on the anticipated designation. In November, tourism authorities unveiled the Sarawak Delta Geopark Packages Vol 2, a new collection of 42 themed itineraries developed by 13 local tour operators. The packages are designed to showcase the geopark’s geological heritage, biodiversity, cultural traditions, and adventure offerings, while reinforcing sustainability and community-based tourism.

Connectivity is another pillar of the strategy. Sarawak plans to launch its own airline, AirBorneo, which will take over operations from MASWings. The carrier is expected to begin with turboprop services before upgrading to jet aircraft by July 2026.

At the same time, the state government is exploring new international routes, including a proposed direct link to Jeju Island in South Korea—also a UNESCO Global Geopark—creating a symbolic and strategic bridge between two globally recognized geological destinations.

These initiatives could not come at a best time. It coincides in fact with the national Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The expected UNESCO endorsement, combined with a Sarawak-branded airline and a comprehensive suite of new tourism products, is intended to raise Sarawak’s international profile and position Borneo as a leading destination for sustainable and experiential travel.

Packages

The new tourism packages are organized around three core themes:

– Geological and adventure itineraries spotlight ancient rock formations, fossil-rich zones, and cave systems such as Wind Cave and Fairy Cave, alongside river-based activities including kayaking and rafting.

– Culture and community-focused experiences offer longhouse stays, visits to living museums like the Sarawak Cultural Village, heritage tours of Kuching’s White Rajah-era landmarks, and immersive local food experiences.

– Biodiversity and ecotourism packages highlight orangutan encounters at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, birdwatching along the Selabat Mudflats, and mangrove cruises known for firefly sightings.

Together, the Sarawak Delta Geopark Packages Vol 2 present a deeper, more immersive way to explore the region. It emerges as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s ambition to be a benchmark in Malaysia for a world-class, responsible tourism destination.

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