Exploring Malaysia 
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Sarawak, known as Land of the Hornbills (Bumi kenyalang), one of the two Malaysian states on the Island of Borneo is endowed with one of the richest and diverse ecosystems in the world. The largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak boasts of magnificent ancient rainforests, colourful marine life, rich cultural heritage and wild landscapes to ultra modern cityscapes. Even its history overflows with interesting facts and a rich heritage. The breathtaking blend of experiences which awaits makes Sarawak an exciting destination sought after by many.
Geography
Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is is bounded on the north and north west by the South China Sea, the north-east by Sabah and the Sultanate of Brunei, and towards the south by Kalimantan, Indonesia. Covering an area of 124,449 sq km, Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia. Sarawak's highest point is Gunung Murut (2,434 metres). Sarawak also has the longest river in Malaysia, the Batang Rajang.
Tropical rainforest accounts for more than 70% of Sarawak's total land mass, providing homes for not only exotic species of plants and animals, but for the myriad ethnic groups indigenous to the area. Overflowing with natural treasures no longer seen anywhere else in the world it is home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, dating back to the Stone Age.
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is located on the banks of the Sarawak River. Sibu, Sarawak’s second largest town located along the banks of Rejang River is a bustling trading spot. The town is also the main staging point for upriver safaris to the longhouses of the Kayan and Kenyah. Bintulu is a quiet and serene town about 30 minutes from Sibu. Miri another major town in Sarawak is also known as the ‘Oil Town’ because there are some 624 oil wells around. Some of the most popular national parks are in Miri. The remarkable Gunung Mulu National Park, the famous Niah Caves National Park and one of the world’s most diverse rainforest, the Lambir National Park, are located here.
History
Sarawak had orininally been a loosely governed territory under the control of the Brunei Sultanate in the early 19th century. James Brooke became governor of Sarawak in 1841 and was appointed Rajah by the Sultan of Brunei in 1842, when the territory comprised only the western corner of what later became the state of Sarawak, around Kuching. The Brooke dynasty or the “White Rajahs” ruled Sarawak for a hundred years and during that time, greatly expanded the territory.
The Japanese invaded and occupied the island of Borneo in 1941, cocupying Miri and Kuching for the duration of the War until liberation by Australian forces in 1945. Sarawak became a British colony on July 1, 1946 when the Rajah formally ceded sovereignty. Sarawak became an autonomous state of Malaysia in 1963.
Today Sarawak is home to 28 ethnic groups; each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The Ibans form the major ethnic group on this land, the Chinese, are the second largest ethnic group while the Malays, also form a large portion of the population. Other significant groups include the Bidayuh, Melanau and other native tribes of Sarawak. While a large percentage of Sarawakians live in cities and towns a significant proportion still live in traditional longhouses and in rural areas of the state. Sarawakians practice a variety of religions, including Islam Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Animism.
