Discover Sarawak

  Sarawak has made a powerful statement on the world stage at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, unveiling an ambitious suite of global tourism initiatives that position Malaysia’s largest state as a trailblazer in responsible tourism, cultural authenticity, and experiential travel.   WTM London 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Sarawak as it takes the lead in kick-starting Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, showcasing the state’s integral role in the national tourism strategy.   The unveiling of the new “Sarawak Welcomes You” introductory video underscores Sarawak’s readiness to welcome the world and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s tourism promotion efforts.   Sarawak’s presence at WTM London 2025 encompassed a dynamic programme of cultural, trade, and media engagements that enhanced the state’s international visibility, complemented by digital out-of-home (DOOH) displays across more than 645 strategic locations throughout London, inviting visitors to discover Sarawak.   The Sarawak Networking Cocktail on 4 November provided a purposeful platform to engage with international trade partners, media, and tourism stakeholders. The evening fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to building long-term relationships that advance shared tourism goals.   At WTM’s Trend Fest, Sarawak drew attention through an engaging cultural showcase that brought Borneo’s living heritage to the global stage. Visitors experienced daily cultural performances and live demonstrations of traditional weaving and beading, highlighting the state’s creative talent and community craftsmanship. The showcase underscored Sarawak’s reputation as an authentic, sustainable destination and generated strong interest among trade and media representatives.   At the official launching ceremony, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the region’s leadership in shaping the future of responsible travel. “Tourism is no longer just about where we go, it is about what we learn, whom we meet, and how we connect with the world around us,” said the Minister, addressing an audience of international tourism leaders, global media, and trade partners.   Under the theme of “Sarawak Welcomes You”, the Minister invited the world to rediscover Borneo through Sarawak’s culture, biodiversity, and community spirit — defining tourism not merely as an industry, but as a relationship between people, planet, and purpose.   The Minister emphasised that Sarawak’s approach to tourism development is guided by the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which champions sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation — core principles driving Malaysia’s tourism future.   Sarawak’s vision, he said, is not to pursue growth for growth’s sake, but to ensure that every visitor experience contributes to community empowerment, environmental protection, and cultural continuity.   This people-centred model of progress is anchored by Sarawak’s CANFF pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festival — reflecting the state’s belief that responsible tourism must uplift local custodians and preserve the natural world that defines Borneo.   At the ceremony, Sarawak introduced two major international initiatives that showcase its creative drive and regional leadership.   The first, the “Gateway to a Sarawak – Guinness World Record” campaign, will see Sarawak embark on a bold, record-setting journey designed to captivate global attention while celebrating the state’s distinctive heritage and innovation. Beyond setting records, the campaign aims to inspire curiosity and share Sarawak’s authenticity with the world.   The second announcement, the Borneo UNESCO Sites Packages, is a collaborative effort with Sabah Tourism Board, highlighting three extraordinary natural and cultural treasures:

• Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site-vast limestone caves, rich biodiversity, and the iconic Pinnacles.
• Niah National Park, recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one ofSoutheast Asia’s most important archaeological sites dating back over 65,000 years.
• The Sarawak Delta Geopark, recently granted Green Card status and moving towards UNESCO Global Geopark recognition, featuring 42 geological heritage sites that reflect the harmony between nature, heritage, and people.

  Together, these sites position Borneo as a living testament to the balance between conservation and discovery, a destination that unites the ancient and the modern, the wild and the welcoming.   The launch at WTM London also marks the beginning of Malaysia’s national countdown to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with Sarawak taking a leading role in shaping the country’s international tourism narrative.   The unveiling of the “Sarawak Welcomes You” video served as both a national preview and a global invitation — a celebration of Malaysia’s diversity, told through the unique lens of Sarawak’s landscapes and people.   Closing his address, the Minister reaffirmed Sarawak’s dedication to working with domestic, regional, and international partners to position Borneo as a world-class destination anchored in nature, heritage, and harmony. “Heritage is strongest when shared, and collaboration is the true path to conservation. From our heart to yours — from Borneo to London — Sarawak Welcomes You.”

  After inspiring audiences in Kuala Lumpur and Osaka, Serumpun Sarawak returned to its birthplace, deep within the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest of Mulu, for an extraordinary convergence of nature, heritage, and hyperlocal flavour.   Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), this event marked another chapter in a global journey that has carried Sarawak’s stories across borders — now returning to the land and communities that inspired it.   Set against the lush backdrop of Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Serumpun Sarawak: Mulu Edition invited guests into an intimate rainforest experience themed “We Are Nature, Nature Is Us — Everything is Everything.”   The programme united Sarawak’s Indigenous communities, culinary artisans, and creative practitioners in a showcase that reaffirmed the state’s position as a global leader in sustainable cultural tourism and regenerative storytelling.   “Serumpun Sarawak’s return to Mulu is symbolic, it brings the world home to Sarawak’s living heritage,” said Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. “Through this initiative, we celebrate Sarawak not only as a destination of natural wonders but as a source of wisdom — where culture, cuisine, and conservation are inseparable. It is a reminder that sustainability begins with respect: for people, for place, and for purpose.”   Every detail of Serumpun Sarawak in Mulu embodied the principle of hyperlocalisation, reinforcing STB’s commitment to responsible tourism that uplifts communities while preserving the integrity of the environment. Ingredients were foraged from nearby rivers and forests, table décor sourced directly from nature, and culinary practices reflected traditional wisdom adapted to contemporary sustainability standards.   The programme featured leadership salons, cultural showcases, and immersive dining experiences, each curated to illustrate the harmony between Sarawak’s biodiversity and its multicultural heritage. At the heart of the experience was a 7-course gastronomic journey curated by Chef James Won, in collaboration with Sarawak’s Indigenous food custodians. Each dish represented a dialogue between modern culinary innovation and ancestral memory, inspired by the collective wisdom of Sarawak’s 34 ethnic communities.   Ingredients such as rainforest botanicals, freshwater produce, and traditional ferments were transformed into fine dining expressions of Sarawak’s terroir, rooted in sustainability and respect for the land.   The experience was narrated by Prof. Gerard Bodeker, whose reflections on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Sarawak’s native ingredients deepened the evening’s connection between wellness, ecology, and culture.   The Serumpun Salon: Conversations in the Rainforest explored how Sarawak’s Indigenous wisdom aligns with global sustainability frameworks such as ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). Panelists Joanne Flinn (Founder of the ESG Institute) and other thought leaders highlighted how Sarawak’s community-based practices, from traditional agriculture to food preservation, serve as models for responsible and regenerative tourism.   The showcase featured Sarawak’s most inspiring indigenous artisans and social enterprises, curated to highlight craftsmanship and storytelling as vehicles for cultural preservation. Among them were The Tuyang Initiative, CHASS represented by Datin Dona Drury Wee and Chef Laura Sim Bara, Earthlings Coffee, Dayak Lore, Penang Basket, Awing, Bera Adam Ba’kelalan, and Savo — each embodying Sarawak’s creativity and its evolving cultural economy.   A standout moment of the evening was the performance of Ilun Kuai, the official theme song of Serumpun Sarawak, performed by Adrian Jo Milang and co-created with Zee Avi, Raja Farouk, and the Atlas Collective team, a deeply moving reflection of Sarawak’s soul through rhythm, voice, and ancestral memory.   For STB, Serumpun Sarawak represents more than a cultural showcase, it is a living archive of Sarawak’s identity, proving that sustainability, culture, and creativity can coexist as drivers of inclusive growth.   By returning to Mulu, the journey reconnected its global audience to the rainforest that sustains Sarawak’s people and spirit. From the forests to the rivers, Serumpun Sarawak stands as a powerful testament to Sarawak’s vision of tourism that heals, honours, and inspires.

  Step off the beaten path and into the lush, untamed world of Sarawak, Malaysia’s best-kept secret adventure. Nestled on the island of Borneo, Sarawak, offers a unique blend of jungle thrills, cultural immersion, and unforgettable encounters - without the crowds. Known as the “Land of the Hornbills,” it dazzles with vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and a rainforest teeming with life. From venturing into Gunung Mulu National Park - home to some of the world’s biggest caves and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, step back 65,000 years in the ancient Niah Caves or trekking through the untouched jungles of Bako National Park to catch a glimpse of the elusive proboscis monkey.   Whether scaling limestone pinnacles, kayaking through winding rivers, or immersing yourself in longhouse communities of the indigenous people, Sarawak delivers experiences that connect travellers to both nature and tradition – making it a destination for every adventurer.   Gunung Mulu National Park   A UNESCO World Heritage Site is world-famous for its dramatic limestone karst formations and vast cave systems. It features the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber), the longest cave passage (Deer Cave), and stunning underground wonders. Above ground, adventurers can explore razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, rainforest trails, and canopy walks, making it a paradise for nature lovers, spelunkers, and explorers alike.   Bako National Park   Sarawak’s treasured gem, it’s oldest national park, packs incredible biodiversity into a small area. Just an hour from Kuching, it’s famous for its dramatic sea cliffs, mangrove swamps, and dense rainforest trails. The park is home to proboscis monkeys, wild boars, and over 150 bird species, alongside unique carnivorous plants. A mix of wildlife, jungle treks, and stunning coastal views.   Niah National Park   Niah National Park is home to Niah Caves in Sarawak, famed for their vast chambers, ancient cave paintings, and the discovery of a 65,000 - year-old human skull - making them both a breathtaking natural and archaeological wonder.   Semenggoh Wildlife Centre   Located just outside Kuching, is Sarawak’s famous orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary. Visitors can watch semi-wild orangutans swing through the trees during feeding sessions, a rare chance to see these endangered primates up close in their natural rainforest habitat. The centre also rehabilitates other protected wildlife, making it both an unforgettable experience and an important conservation effort - an ethical opportunity to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural environment. For a deeper experience, trek into the wilds of Batang Ai to spot these great apes in their untouched habitat.   Authentic Cultural Encounters   Join traditional Iban and Bidayuh communities in longhouses and learn about centuries-old customs, music, and cuisine.   Ecotourism at Its Best   Offering eco-conscious travellers, the chance to support conservation efforts and community-based tourism. Programmes like guided jungle treks, homestays, and conservation volunteering provide meaningful ways to give back while experiencing the extraordinary. Among the latest responsible travel packages, the Borneo Green Bike Tour offers travellers a low-impact way to experience Sarawak’s natural beauty, promoting responsible exploration and environmental awareness.   "Sarawak is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel alive," said Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board. “It offers the kind of off-the-beaten-path adventure that today’s traveller is craving—authentic, raw, and unforgettable.”   Demonstrating its commitment to promoting Sarawak’s cultural heritage globally, Sarawak Tourism Board recently successfully took part in CelebrASIA 2025, held from 5th – 7th September at London’s Battersea Power Station. The three-day festival transformed the iconic venue into a vibrant celebration of Southeast Asian food, culture, and community. Visitors experienced Sarawak through hands-on craft workshops, live performances, and an information booth highlighting the state’s eco-tourism, outdoor adventures, and unique travel experiences. The Sarawak Craft Council also showcased and sold traditional crafts, including intricate beadwork and handwoven basketry.   To Book: Best at Travel is offering an Authentic Sarawak 8 day / 7 nights tour. Priced at £2,199 per person, based on a family of four (two adults and two children under 12), including international flights (from London Heathrow, UK with Malaysian Airlines) and transfers. Website: www.bestattravel.co.uk or call 0203 993 4543

  Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is pleased to celebrate a successful showcase of the Malaysian state of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage at CelebrASIA 2025, held from 5th – 7th September at London’s Battersea Power Station.   The three-day festival transformed one of London’s most iconic venues into a vibrant celebration of Southeast Asian food, culture, and community. This year’s programme included a riverside Feasting Tent, a curated artisan market of over 30 Southeast Asian brands, and interactive arts and craft sessions for visitors.   STB offered attendees an immersive experience of Sarawak through a series of hands-on craft workshops, live performances, and an information booth highlighting the state’s eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and unique travel experiences.   The Sarawak Craft Council also showcased and sold traditional crafts, including beautiful intricate beadwork and exquisite handwoven basketry.   Visitors were able to engage in two highly popular workshops, organised by STB. The first, Iban necklace beadwork led by Marek Empang of Pungu Borneo, allowed participants to craft their own necklaces while learning about their cultural significance. The second, rattan coaster weaving guided by artisans from Kunang Studio, introduced traditional weaving techniques using natural rattan and bemban fibres.   A real highlight of the event was the series of vibrant performances by a talented troupe from the Sarawak Arts Council, who showcased traditional dances throughout the weekend and brought the sights and sounds of Sarawak vividly to life.   Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, said: “Our participation at CelebrASIA 2025 was a wonderful opportunity to share Sarawak’s vibrant culture and heritage with a UK audience. The enthusiasm and engagement from festival visitors, from the workshops to the performances, demonstrates the growing interest in authentic Southeast Asian experiences and reinforces our commitment to promoting Sarawak as a destination that celebrates creativity, diversity, and cultural richness.”   STB’s presence at CelebrASIA 2025 provided UK audiences with a taster of Sarawak’s arts, crafts, and cultural traditions, inspiring visitors to explore the Malaysian state in person and discover its richness, creativity, and natural beauty firsthand.   Looking ahead, STB will continue to strengthen its international presence with participation at World Travel Market (WTM) London in November, further showcasing Sarawak as a distinctive destination for culture, adventure, and eco-tourism to global industry partners and travellers.

 

• The UK is a key European market, making up over 34% of long-haul visitors from January to September 2024
• Sarawak Pioneers New Pathways in Responsible Tourism with Fresh Initiatives to Inspire Global Travellers

  Today, at the esteemed World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) introduced its transformative "Gateway to Borneo" campaign, inviting global travellers to explore the unique cultures, pristine landscapes, and boundless adventures that Sarawak has to offer. This campaign marks Sarawak’s refreshed brand as a rising star in sustainable tourism and Gateway to Borneo’s natural wonders and diverse heritage.   During WTM held from 5th to 7th November, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, shared Sarawak’s story with industry stakeholders and partners, extending a warm invitation to discover the “Gateway to Borneo.”   “Sarawak’s ‘Gateway to Borneo’ is more than an entry point — it’s a journey into a land where rich traditions, majestic landscapes, and responsible tourism set a new benchmark for world travellers. As we step boldly into the future, our mission is to preserve and share this unique heritage while pioneering eco-friendly tourism experiences that honour both our environment and our communities,” said the Minister.   The UK remains a pivotal market for Sarawak, making up over 34% in the long-haul visitors’ arrival with the numbers rising encouragingly, supported by strong partnerships and a growing demand for Sarawak's unique sustainable travel experiences. From January to September 2024, Sarawak welcomed a 7.73% increase in visitors from the UK, underscoring its global appeal and contributing to the 4 million arrivals target for the year.   STB's presence at WTM London underscores Sarawak's commitment to showcasing its distinct offerings and building strategic partnerships. Highlighted at this year’s WTM are four innovative initiatives that capture Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable tourism and diverse travel experiences:  

1. Audra’s Eat, Roam, and Relish – This culinary series celebrates Sarawak’s recognition as Malaysia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offering an immersive journey through the region’s authentic flavours and unique ingredients. Hosted by renowned chef Audra Morrice, this six-episode series showcases Sarawak’s rich culinary landscape, with her Sarawakian roots. Audra explores the flavours and traditions of her mother’s homeland, highlighting Sarawak as a premier food tourism destination and a place where food connects people through shared stories and heritage.
2. Borneo Green Bike Tour – In partnership with our stakeholder, this eco-friendly tour allows visitors to explore Kuching’s iconic sites on electric bikes, promoting low-carbon travel while supporting Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
3. XTERRA Sarawak Borneo Trail Run – This off-road trail run in rural Pueh Village organised with Sarawak Adventure Challenge, brings adrenaline and adventure to the forefront, positioning Sarawak as a prime sports tourism destination in the region.
4. Clicktripz – In partnership with Clicktripz, Sarawak is also leading digital innovation with Asia Pacific's first AI-powered marketing approach to amplify its global reach, directly engaging travellers in a meaningful way that highlights Sarawak’s rich heritage, adventure, and responsible tourism.

  With a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and innovation, Sarawak is capturing the attention of travellers worldwide as a model of sustainable tourism. Through the "Gateway to Borneo" campaign, Sarawak invites global travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Borneo — where every path leads to discovery, every landscape tells a story, and every visit contributes to preserving a truly remarkable destination for generations to come.

  1. EAT LAKSA SARAWAK & KOLO MEE   THE two favourite signature breakfast meals of Kuching are without a doubt Laksa Sarawak and Kolok Mee.  A visitor to Sarawak cannot leave without having a taste of these two iconic dishes.   Ranked the No. 1 Food in Asia by TasteAtlas and dubbed as ‘The Breakfast of the Gods’ by the late Anthony Bourdain, Sarawak Laksa consists of vermicelli rice noodles soaked in a spicy-sour shrimp-based broth made from over 30 different herbs and spices, thickened with coconut milk, topped with crunchy beansprouts, boiled prawns, shredded chicken, thin slices of omelette, a sprinkling of fresh coriander, served with spicy sambal made from pounded chillies and belacan (shrimp paste) and a freshly cut calamansi (golden lime).   Kolok Mee is a bowl of fresh noodles cooked perfectly al-dente, swirled vigourously in lard and vinegar until each strand is evenly coated, topped with slices of char siew (barbequed pork) and minced pork, dressed with chopped spring onions and sliced chillies. Kolok Mee can also be enriched with fishballs, wontons and vegetables such as choy sum. Halal versions of Kolok Mee can be found at Muslim outlets.   2. FEED THE ORANGUTANS AT SEMENGGOH   Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, located 20 kilometers south of Kuching, is a renowned sanctuary for the conservation of the orangutans in their natural habitat. For over 20 years, the wardens at Semenggoh Nature Reserve have been training young orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild.  They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the Centre for a free meal. During feeding time, visitors will gain the golden opportunity to interact with the orangutans as they will swing down from trees for a free hand out of fruits.   3. KAYAKING AT SEMADANG RIVER   Adrenaline junkies will love the wide variety of all-inclusive day-trip adventure tours along Semadang River, ranging from river kayaking, bamboo-rafting, caving and jungle trekking. The Semadang Kayaking experience includes all kayaking, rafting and caving activities. Also, after a massive workout from kayaking, visitor can further enrich their local culinary experience with some traditional, home-cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients by the river.   4. EAT GULA APONG ICE CREAM   Good news for dessert lovers – you will love Sarawak’s Gula Apong Ice-cream. Gula Apong is a type of palm sugar made from nipah palm, which grows abundantly in the coastal lowlands in Sarawak.  It has a subtly different, nuttier flavour compated to the gula melaka in West Malaysia.  Vanilla ice-cream really tastes best when gula apong syrup is drizelled over it, or you can also enjoy gula apong flavoured ice cream.   5. EXPLORE MULU NATIONAL PARK   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip to Mulu National Park is a must when you are in Sarawak. Located in Miri, Mulu is well known for its rich biodiversity and its karst features. The varied topography of Gunung Mulu National Park includes swampy lowland rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, and lofty sandstone mountains – these provide a great diversity of habitats and are one of the reasons behind the astounding biodiversity of this reserve.  Mulu’s most remarkable feature is the world’s finest karst collapse and the 50metre-tall razor-sharp limestone Pinnacles on the northern end of Gunung Api.   6. DEEP SEA DIVING AT MIRI-SIBUTI CORAL REEFS NATIONAL PARK   The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is a protected area, and the thriving marine life is a testament to this. There are over 40 dive sites throughout the park with something suitable for divers of all levels. Among the popular dive spots in the national park include Belais Reef, Anemone Garden and the exciting Barracuda Point where a school of the large predator can be seen swirling in a never-ending circle.   7. TREKKING AT GUNUNG GADING NATIONAL PARK    To all hikers, nature, wildlife and jungle enthusiasts – are you looking for a challenging jungle trekking adventure in a tranquil, lush, natural and timeless environment? Then Gunung Gading National Park is the place to be. Gunung Gading is home to the rare Rafflesia, which is also known as the corpse flower because of the stench it gives off while it is blooming. There are a number of treks at the park and not all of them will feature the Rafflesia, so be sure to tell your guide beforehand if you want to see it in all its glory and he will take you where you will be able to spot it. Some of the jungle trails here will also lead you to scenic waterfalls and jungle streams. Have a refreshing swim at these ice-cool waters before you leave.   8. MORNING BIRDWATCHING AT KUBAH NATIONAL PARK   Kubah National Park is situated on a sandstone plateau, mostly covered by mixed dipterocarp forest which interspersed with patches of scrub and unusually rich area of Kerangas forest, is the home of mammals, birds & many species of reptiles and amphibians. Upon arrival, bird watchers can aim to spot some endemic species like Blue-banded pitta, Bornean blue-flycatcher, Yellow-rumped flowerpecker, Bornean Black-magpie, Chestnut-crested yuhina, Dusky munia & etc.   9. EXPERIENCE THE SERENITY OF BARIO   Lying at an altitude of about 3,500 feet above sea level in the north-eastern corner of Sarawak is the famous Bario Highlands, a Kelabit territory, one of the minority Orang Ulu tribes of Sarawak.  Bario means ‘Wind’ in Kelabit language. It is the gateway to the Kelabit highlands with about thirteen villages are located in & around Bario area, with Kampung Bario Asal being the first.  This is a must-visit longhouse where one can see the ancient timbers of the unique kitchen darkened by the constant smoke of generations of cooking fires.  Bario’s most enchanting attraction is its’ the calmness, the serenity and the natural splendour of its surroundings against a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of paddy fields at the base of mist-covered hills standing tall as far as the eye.   10. VISIT SIBU’S TUA PEK KONG   The Eng Ann Tua Peng Kong was founded more than a 100 years ago, making it the oldest and best-preserved Chinese Temple in Sibu. From the original wooden structure, it was rebuilt in 1897 with an adjacent 7-storey Goddes of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Pagoda, considered as one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside of Mainland China. Tourists not only visit the temple for religious purposes but also to climb its steps to enjoy the magnificent sunset view overlooking the Rajang Rivers and the Sibu Waterfront.  

  In an effort to cultivate a culture of Responsible Tourism amongst personnel from Sarawak Divisional Offices, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) recently organised a virtual workshop for their Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) in Sarawak, with the objective of inspiring them to adopt a sustainability mindset.   The workshop, entitled Design Thinking for Responsible Tourism, was managed by Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) and gathered 20 participants from DTTGs in Kuching and Southern Sarawak region.   Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board in her welcoming remarks during the workshop said Sarawak Tourism Board is determined to make Responsible Tourism an integral part of all tourism practices, and to cultivate a forward-thinking culture to be a step ahead in line with   “Sarawak is blessed with bountiful green treasures waiting to be explored and it is indeed our duty to continue to protect and conserve its diverse Sarawak’s Post Covid Development Strategy 2030.ecosystem, so we are able to preserve it for future generations to come,” Sharzede said.   “This workshop will not only empower us to face future concerns, but also help to embrace an experimental attitude so we are able to quickly identify what is needed to develop effective strategies and innovations that will benefit the entire ecosystem,” she added.   The workshop, helmed by advisor for Center for Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Dr Valdew Singh, is designed to embed Responsible Tourism as a collective effort and shared responsibility among the various key stakeholders, such as, government ministries & agencies, tourism-related companies and the local communities in transforming Sarawak into an eco-tourism destination.   “By embracing useful and viable design-thinking methods to address problems in tourism practices with a user-centric mindset, it will help build an environment that will help accelerate Sarawak to become a preferred leading eco-tourism destination,” he said.   At the end of the workshop, the participants are divided into groups to complete and present a project on exploring and identifying problems of tourism products in their division, define the “how we might help” solutions and present their proposal in a sharing session.   STB’s Director of Product & Corporate Relations (PCR) Division Maurice Balang said from the deliverables by the participants, STB is looking forward to future collaborations with the DTTG members to pursue their RT initiatives in their respective divisions.   “With such collaborations, we hope that all divisional offices in Sarawak are fully on-board with STB’s RT agenda which is in alignment with the state’s Post Covid Development Strategy 2030.   One of the workshop participants, Louis Andria Barieng from Samarahan Resident Office, said he appreciates STB’s collective effort in placing sustainability value at its forefront.   “The workshop has enabled my team to identify, define and resolve challenges in the Responsible Tourism space and allow us to consider the concerns from the perspective of others, which facilitates a better understanding of Responsible Tourism. It has also taught us on how to apply the design thinking concept finding solutions to overcome those challenges with sustainability as a foundation,” he said.   The next Design Thinking for Responsible Tourism workshops will also be organised for the DTTGs in Miri (northern region) and Sibu (central region) respectively.

  The natural resources of the rainforests are a source of livelihood for the natives of   Sarawak, and people back in the old days came up with various cooking methods and jungle food which are still put to practice to this day. Sarawakian ethnic tribes would utilize any resources found in their surroundings and nature to use as cooking tools and food sources.   The jungle can literally be their kitchen. By using mother nature’s earthly elements and resources, Sarawakians can pull off all sorts of dishes that are deemed meals made for the gods.   Sarawak cuisine and its long traditional cooking methods have been passed down from one generation to the next. Traditional cuisine is still being served to this day at home, food stalls and restaurants in Sarawak due to its simple recipe and exquisite taste.   Wild ingredients you can find   In Sarawakian traditional cuisine, the freshness of the ingredients plays an important part in the jungle kitchen.   Other than the common ingredients that are easily found elsewhere like salt, ginger, and pepper, Sarawak has many indigenous ingredients to offer which can only be found in the jungle like tepus, asam paya, nibong, daun jampang and terung asam (local eggplant) to name a few. Aside from the famous wild vegetable midin, buah dabai is also exclusively grown here on the island of Borneo. Buah dabai (Canarium Odontophyllum from the family of Burseraceae) is a native fruit and considered a local olive. Locals would usually eat this with sugar and soy sauce.   These ingredients are available all year round and can be found in local stores.   Anything is possible in the jungle   Now that you know what ingredients and resources are used to make these traditional jungle food, what about the kitchenware? What sort of equipment did the natives use to concoct these dishes back in the old days? With the resources of the jungle, one can get creative.   First off, bamboo is gathered in the wild and used as a pot to cook. Bamboo is also used to store and carry the ingredients around in the jungle. The versatility of the bamboo stalk does not stop there – it also acts as a cup. And then there are the isip leaves which are used as a plate like the banana leaves platter in local mamak cafes. Not only that, the isip leaves are also used to wrap rice so that the rice packs can be carried around and consumed anywhere.   Besides isip leaves, the sago tree barks are used as bowls to serve dishes in larger portions, and these choices of natural tableware are environmental-friendly.   Innovate with Mother Nature   As for traditional cooking methods in Sarawak, the methods commonly practiced are fermentation, boiling and smoked cooking.   Take ayam pansuh for example, chicken is stuffed in a bamboo stalk and cooked over an open fire. The bamboo is continuously rotated to avoid burning. Another example is umai, a traditional delicacy made of thinly sliced raw fish fermented with asam paya (swamp fruit), lime juice, onions, chilies, and a pinch of salt. The lime juice acid works into the raw fish naturally curing the fish. Be sure to use a fish of good grade for better quality.   As for smoked cooking, locals prefer this method to cooking over the fire as it requires less wood, and the fire itself is controlled to avoid any unwanted fire hazards in the jungle.   The Sarawak rainforest is more than just a jungle – it is also the biggest kitchen in the world   Despite the technological advancement made in kitchen, traditional cooking in Borneo is very much alive and is still in practice to this day. Cooking traditional Sarawak food requires a delicate touch, patience and innovative thinking using the natural elements from the surrounding. With Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, there are also various types of produce found in the jungle that have health benefits.   If you are keen to learn more about Traditional Sarawak jungle food, be sure to check out this article; https://sarawaktourism.com/story/sarawak-is-more-than-just-kolo-mee/ listing out the traditional cuisine that you can find in Sarawak.