Kuching, Sibu, Miri: Three stops on a journey through Sarawak
Sarawak is back at ITB Asia this year to present its five key pillars of tourism: Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF). Together, these offer travellers a destination rich in variety, with experiences including city breaks, cultural journeys, natural getaways, festival packages and longer itineraries.
At the heart of Borneo, Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state covering 124,450 square kilometres. For many visitors, the journey begins in Kuching, Sarawak’s capital and cultural heart. The Borneo Cultures Museum introduces the state’s diverse heritage, while Brooke-era landmarks and the Kuching Waterfront bring its history to life. Travellers can discover local food favourites such as Sarawak laksa, kolo mee and kek lapis, while Sarawak Cultural Village offers an immersive look at living traditions and hosts the annual Rainforest World Music Festival. Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and a World Craft City further strengthens its appeal for food, culture and creativity.
From Kuching, travellers can continue into central Sarawak. Set along the Rajang River, Sibu offers Iban longhouse stays, community-based tourism and the lively Sibu Central Market, where local produce and regional ingredients provide a glimpse into everyday life and culinary traditions.
Further north, Miri opens the door to some of Sarawak’s most exceptional nature, heritage and adventure experiences. Sarawak is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gunung Mulu National Park and the Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex. Mulu is renowned for its vast cave systems, limestone landscapes and iconic Pinnacles, while Niah preserves archaeological evidence tracing human history in the area back some 65,000 years.
Miri provides opportunities for marine exploration in northern Sarawak. The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park offers coral reefs and wreck-diving opportunities off the coast, while beaches and highland escapes broaden the experience. From 4 to 5 December 2026, the city will host Borneo Jazz 2026 at Pullman Miri Waterfront, adding music, culture and leisure to Miri’s tourism offer.
Across the state, trekking, kayaking, cycling and wildlife observation bring visitors closer to Sarawak’s biodiversity and landscapes. This nature offering has been further strengthened this year with the UNESCO Global Geopark recognition of the Sarawak Delta.
Whether developing cultural escapes, nature-led journeys or festival itineraries, visitors to ITB Asia can discover how Sarawak can add something distinctive to a trip to Borneo.
The gateway to Borneo just got closer
AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned airline, is helping to strengthen regional connectivity and improve access to the state. With seven direct flights a week between Singapore and Kuching, this convenient daily connectivity is giving travel partners greater flexibility to develop itineraries that encourage deeper exploration and longer stays in Sarawak.
