 Sarawak,
the largest state in Malaysia, is located on the south-western
corner of Borneo. It is a land vast primeval rainforest,
majestic mountains, caves, unique flora and fauna and
diverse ethnic communities. Sarawak's history is one of
heroic adventure and romance, piracy and rebellion. The
state came under the rule of the White Rajahs when the
Sultan of Brunei made James Brooke, an English Adventurer,
the ruler of Sarawak in 1841 for his help in quelling
a rebellion.
Administratively, Sarawak is divided into nine divisions.
Kuching, the state capital which incidentally is also
located in Kuching division sits on the banks of the Sarawak
River, 32km from the sea. The influence of the British
is reflected in the architecture of some of its public
buildings. A fine example is the Sarawak Museum, one of
Asia's best, housing a fascinating collection of Borneo
ethnological and archaeological artifacts. The Cat Museum,
Islamic Museum,  Chinese
Museum, Timber Museum and police museum also offer interesting
insights into Sarawak. Other notable attractions in the
city include the Fort Margherita, named after the wife
of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah and the Astana,
presently, the residence of the Governor of Sarawak. The
Sunday Market, where local produce is sold, is the best
place to mingle with the local folk. The Sarawak Cultural
Village at the foothills of the legendary Mt. Santubong
35km from Kuching, is a major tourist attraction. Popularly
known as the living Museum, the village is a showcase
of the state's rich cultural diversity. Sarawak's magnificent
caves are truly one of nature's greatest gifts. The Niah
National Park is an area of major archeological significance
as the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia, dating
back 40,000 years, were found in its world renowned Niah
Caves. The caves is home to millions of bats and swiftlets
and witnessing the collection of guano for use as fertilizer
and the hazardous task of harvesting birds' nests can
be an absorbing experience. |
