With the MCO coming to an end, but international travel still way too uncertain, it’s time to explore Malaysia and in particular, Sarawak. Sarawak is unique in so many ways; so much so that even if you’ve been there before, we’re confident our list of beyond-the-usual recommendations will encourage you to make another trip. Whatever you need, Sarawak has a unique way of giving it to you. Whether it’s the thrill of river kayaking in the vir...

The music of the Borneo rainforest is recreated using a combination of different instruments. The deep, hypnotic drumming of the beduk (long drum) represents the density of the jungle. While the whistles from the selingut (nose flute) and the chimes of the jatong utang (wooden xylophone) create a cacophony of birdsongs so common on a glorious morning. Listen a little closer, you might even hear the strumming of a sape (Bornean boat lute), Sara...

Many of Sarawak’s indigenous communities have called the state home for thousands of years. All these communities contribute to Sarawak’s unique culture and colour. With so many different communities, it is no surprise then that the state is home to a wide variety of cultural festivals. These festivals ensure the remembrance of their cultures and heritage stays alive amidst the relentless onset of modernisation. While Sarawakians generally wel...

Sarawakians and the jungles of Borneo have lived in harmony for centuries. And one way we stay healthy is by incorporating the medicinal plants found around us into our diets or using them as a cure when we are sick or injured. We’ve come to deeply respect and appreciate the delicate ecosystem of the jungle and all that live inside it. We believe that by taking care of nature, nature will take care of us! These medicinal plants hold val...

From the Zulu warriors in South Africa, to the ancient Egyptians of North Africa, to the pilgrims of the Middle East or South America, beads have a presence in many cultures but the one commonality is that they have always been more than an eye-catching accessory. The story of the beads of Borneo is no exception. For many cultures, they were a currency, or perhaps a sign of faith, a symbol of wealth or a family heirloom to be treasured for fut...

One of the most unique ethnic food festivals in Malaysia, the Bario Food and Cultural Festival. The 3-day festival celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlands (3,200ft ASL) - one of the last surviving intact traditionally farmed and forested highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Enjoy the delicious organic food cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands. There w...