Sarawak holidays

You’re unlikely to see endangered orangutans swinging through the rainforest on our Sarawak holidays, so the best place to see these long-limbed, flame-haired apes is Semenggoh Wildlife Centre just outside Kuching. The sanctuary is home to over 20 semi-wild orangutans, many of which have been orphaned or injured, or rescued from captivity and are now free to roam this protected reserve. Your visit contributes vital funds towards conservation efforts. Travellers can also volunteer with orangutans and other wildlife such as sun bears and macaques, at places such as Matang Wildlife Centre. Daily tasks are quite demanding, and range from enrichment to cleaning, and preparing food.

Our Sarawak tours focus on culture just as much as nature, and a highlight of many trips is spending time with an Indigenous community. You might trek the famous ‘Head hunter’s’ Trail’ into the jungle to reach them, or go by longtail boat. On some of our Sarawak holidays you will have the opportunity to stay overnight, sleeping beneath a mosquito net in a traditional longhouse alongside local families. Waking up with the village cockerel, you can experience daily life helping out with communal activities like farming, cooking and food gathering. Your stay supports and empowers the community, and offers the chance to learn directly from their traditions, stories and way of life.

If you want to combine rainforest and city with time on the beach on your Sarawak holiday, you’ve got plenty of great options. The rainforest-clad beach at Damai is a convenient 30 minutes’ drive from Kuching. Here, you can unwind by the sea, explore coastal trails in nearby national parks, or visit the Sarawak Cultural Village to experience the traditions of the state’s diverse Indigenous communities, all just a short journey from the city.

Further afield, Sematan on the western coast offers a quieter escape, with wide sandy beaches and access to nearby islands for snorkelling and turtle-watching. For something more off the beaten path, Tanjung Datu National Park near the Indonesian border rewards intrepid travellers with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush jungle trails. It is a true hidden gem for nature lovers.

Sarawak is a thrilling destination for adventurous families, with activities to captivate kids of all age. Young eyes will goggle at the sight of long-limbed orangutans swinging through the trees, and river cruises present further opportunities to spot wildlife including fireflies, monkeys, even crocodiles. Rainforest treks are rewarded with refreshing swims under waterfalls, while Sarawak also offer countless cultural experiences, from the street food stalls and intriguing cat museum of Kuching, to overnight stays in Indigenous villages. There’s also the award-winning cultural village near Sarawak, where through cooking demonstrations, tribal dances and crafting you can learn about Sarawak’s many ethnic groups.