Discover Sarawak @ WTM London 2022

The spotlight centres on the gracious Land of Hornbill, Sarawak and all of the curiosity that comes with it, as this year Sarawak will be participating in World Travel Market (WTM) London 2022! 

Alongside other tourism professionals and businesses from around the world, Sarawak will be part of WTM London 2022 (Booth No.: AS750) from 7th – 9th November 2022 at ExCel London. 

With so much to see and do, your time in Sarawak will be one to remember for a lifetime! You will always feel the warmth and sincerity of the people, as well as the beauty of nature, no matter how many times you visit. 

Let’s get to know the sweetheart of Borneo, Sarawak! Compared to the western part of Malaysia, Sarawak has developed its own distinctive culture. There are 31 different ethnic groups in Sarawak, and they each possess their own histories, ideologies, customs and cultures. As proof, this can be seen through the intriguing tribal customs, extensive Brooke Dynasty lineage, and, of course, Sarawak is well known for our festivals too, where everyone can join in the fun and festivities all year round! 

Sarawak is known for its pristine and biodiverse rainforest, rich history and culture. People flock to this state to experience the unspoilt natural beauty of the forests. And of course the majestic Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out among Sarawak’s attractions! This fascinating tropical rainforest is home to some of the world’s largest, longest, and most fascinating cave systems! The Mulu mountains conceal some of the world’s most impressive subterranean systems, shaped over millions of years. The four requirements for a UNESCO World Heritage Site are met by Gunung Mulu National Park. Fewer than twenty UNESCO World Heritage sites have achieved this feat, and here is what it means for tourism! Mountains of exceptional beauty, combined with massive river systems, a tropical rainforest and massive caves!

Sarawak has established ecological sites that are accessible to the public, and some of these sites have become popular attractions to the locals and tourists. This includes Niah National Park, where the oldest human remains in South East Asia were discovered here in Niah Cave with other archaeological significance. 

Let’s dive into Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park! The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is a coral reef conservation area in Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, off the coast of Borneo. Dive sites in Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs range from comfortable environments for new divers to deeper dives for those who prefer more untouched areas. There are some wreck dive sites as well. It is one of Malaysia’s most recently discovered diving locations, as well as the state of Sarawak’s largest offshore national park! And did you know that the reefs’ diversity and accessibility to the corals and other marine life are among the best in the region!

Pretty sure we all heard of this magnificent fella, Orangutans! The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre of the Semenggoh Nature Reserve is by far Sarawak’s largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here you can find not only Orangutans but habitat for rare flora and fauna including the giant squirrel, pygmy squirrel, gibbons and splendid variety of birds. The centre serves as a habitat for Orangutans as well as a learning centre for visitors interested in learning more about the endangered rare species. 

With Sarawak’s capital, Kuching City added as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy for its diversity in ethnicities and culture in 2021, it is only fitting that you sign up for a culinary adventure! Don’t miss out on culinary icons such as Sarawak Laksa, Manok Pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo) and Kolo Mee. Kuching City in Sarawak, is Malaysia’s first creative city to receive such recognition from the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN). It connects 49 cities worldwide! Kuching City is named Creative City of Gastronomy for its distinct gourmet legacy and for observing how traditional cuisine culture has evolved into a transnational type of creativity.       

Apart from the amazing cuisine, Kuching City was also awarded “World Craft Cities” status by the World Craft Council, joining the ranks of more than 20 other world craft cities including those in Indonesia, China, India, and Thailand. The city is also known as the hub and gateway to the crafts of Sarawak’s indigenous tribes and the rest of Borneo. Textiles, beadwork, bamboo and rattan basketry are examples of the richness and diversity of their traditions and cultures. 

In terms of culture and heritage, the ‘Keringkam’ is an asset to the Malay community as it is regarded as a priceless heirloom in Malay families and is typically reserved for special occasions such as weddings and formal gatherings. Keringkam is a luxurious head covering or veil made with gold thread embroidery and used to be a status symbol of wealth and class.

The Penan community is synonymous with the use of forest products for survival and have made great strides toward modernity as their indigenous weaving art has produced signature handicrafts by the Penan Women Project. The iconic hand-woven bags affectionately known as “Penan bags” have become enormously popular not just here in Sarawak but also internationally.

See you at WTM London 2022 (Booth No.: AS750) to connect and explore the hidden treasures nestled in Sarawak. 

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