Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/562901
– 109 – www.paradises.com Covering nearly 125,000 square kilometres in the northwest of the island with a population of 2.4 million, Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo is the largest state in the country and unlike any other region in Malaysia, it is a lost paradise. Home to superb national parks overflowing with tropical plant and animal species, a number of diverse tribal cultures and one of the coolest cities in Asia, Kuching, Sarawak is a magical place and somewhere not to be missed. With a population of 658,562, Kuching, the largest city in the state, is the administrative capital of Sarawak and launch pad to the main attractions; wildlife and adventure. Boasting 27 ethnic groups, this is the land of colourful cultures. Combine this with the astonishing tropical bio-diversity and you're offered a unique experience the moment you step off the plane. On arrival, visitors are welcomed by the longhouse people offering them tuak (a local rice wine) performing traditional dances, cultural performances or creating traditional rattan mats and handicrafts for guest's observation and entertainment. Kuching or 'city of cats' as it's sometimes referred to, is full of history and charm and is a great place to discover by foot. It's small enough to walk across in one day, but intriguing enough to serve as your base whilst you go off on adventures. There are excellent places to dine with various types of cuisines, fun bars, and a mixture of vibrant cultures and stunning historical buildings. Tua Pek Kong Temple, Fort Margherita, The Astana, the Bazaars by the waterfront and Sarawak Museum are highlights of Kuching and interesting places to visit. From Kuching, it's possible to visit the Batang Rejangbto longhouses communities where you can even stay the night–should you so wish, take a trip to the ancient caves or explore the incredible national parks. People travel to Sarawak from all corners of the globe to learn about what lies under the rainforest canopy, and to see the diverse wildlife that lives in the jungle. Perfect for hiking trails and beaches, Bako National Park is home to a number of primates including Probiscis monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques and Silvered Langur monkeys, along with many other tropical animals such as the local Bornean Bearded Pig. The Orangutan rehabilitation Sanctuary in Semengok is also a highlight. Alternatively, if you're interested in f lora, head to Gunung Gadink for the chance to see the world's biggest f lowers, Raff lesia. To get your adrenaline pumping, spend the day river kayaking along pristine meandering rivers, scuba diving on the west coast or hiking the waterfall trail at Mount Santubong. Explore the beaches and estuary of Sarawak's pristine Similajau National Park where if you're lucky, you might see dolphins swimming by in small groups close to the shore. Green turtles frequently come ashore here to lay their eggs at Golden Beach or at the two Turtle Beaches nearer the park's head quarters. With such an astonishingly diverse environment, culturally enlightening communities, and incredibly unique wildlife–Sarawak has surely earned its place as one of the must-see paradises to visit in a lifetime. S A R A W A K — M a l a y s i a —