Ajungle river in Sarawak

With some of the most spectacular geography anywhere in the world, the eastern Malaysian state on the island of Borneo offers challenges to the eco-traveller at all levels.

With a network of rivers ranging from the lazily meandering to heart-stopping rapids, with mountains and cliffs so rugged some have never been climbed and with the world's most extensive cave system, Sarawak can quench the thirst for adventure.

Adventure can mean anything from rock climbing on a limestone crag to a day's walk up a mountain trail and back in time for dinner at the hotel.

You can take a morning's stroll through a national park close to a major town or spend several days trekking along a jungle trail, sleeping each night in a different longhouse.

You can swim from golden deserted beaches or scuba dive off islands and reefs and watch the giant sea turtles. Increasingly popular are live-aboard scuba holidays where you have offshore reefs entirely to yourself.

Mountains in the backdrop

The most popular river journeys are along the Skrang, Lemanak, Batang Ai, and Rejang rivers. The longhouses along the Skrang, Lemanak, and Batang Ai rivers are accessible from capital city of Kuching by road and then by boat.

The highlight of a longhouse visit is usually an evening entertainment of traditional dances and music, and the serving of tuak (rice wine).

The Skrang River Safari is an exciting adventure for visitors who get to see and experience life in a longhouse, once the home of the notorious pirates and head-hunters.

Skrang is about 232 kilometers from Kuching. It takes about 5 hours by road and followed by a 1 1/2 hours of motor-propelled longboat journey along the Skrang river.

You get to spend the night at a longhouse to experience the traditions and customs of the indigenous Dayak and Ibans.

The highlight of the Skrang River Safari is an evening entertainment by the longhouse residents, featuring traditional dances and music. Tuak, a specially brewed rice wine is served during the evening entertainment.

The Lemanak River is a tributary of the main Batang Lupar River. Many traditional longhouses can be found situated along the river. Like Skrang, the Lemanak River is another exciting destination within easy reach from Kuching.

About 220 kilometers away from Kuching, Lemanak can be accessed by road. The journey passes through the scenic countryside, rubber and pepper plantations, padi fields, sago palms and followed by an hour long motorised-longboat ride on a meandering river that penetrates the world's oldest tropical rainforest.

A jungle trek rounds out the Lemanak River Safari.

Another popular river adventure is the Santubong River cruise. This tour takes you around the rivers of the Santubong Peninsular, offering you the chance of seeing some of Sarawak's fascinating wildlife.

The cruise starts at Sarawak Boat Club. From there your boat cruises to the mouth of the Santubong River, where Irrawaddy dolphins are often spotted. Your boat then roams the mangrove-lined rivers looking for wildlife. As the light starts to fade, the adventurous go in search of the rare proboscis monkey, fireflies and crocodiles.

Crocodiles are often seen on the mud banks of the Santubong and brightly shining crocodile eyes can be spotted when a torch light is passed over the river.

A trail of adventure

The opportunities for an adventure in Sarawak are as numerous as they are diverse.

bq. Most tour operators offer trips from half a day to up to two weeks which can take in jungle trekking, mountain climbing, caving, mountain biking or river safaris.

bq. Jungle trekking is available in most of the national parks, offering a close-up view of the amazing flora and fauna of Borneo. Treks are graded according to fitness level required and accommodation could be in a tent, chalet, hostel or longhouse.

Beaches

Sarawak's premier beach resort area is at Damai Beach on Santubong Peninsula, 35 km from Kuching. Facing the South China Sea and backed by the verdant slopes of Mount Santubong, Damai Lagoon Resort, Santubong Kuching Resort and the Holiday Inn Resort are three excellent stays at Damai Beach. Water sports aside, one can also trek the jungle trails located behind the hotels on the lower slopes of Mount Santubong. There is also the challenging Mount Santubong Summit Trek, recommended only for those who are fit and agile.

Northern Sarawak

Miri, near the border with Brunei, is the gateway to the north of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park, about a 45 minute flight from Miri is one of Sarawak's greatest attractions. The limestone caves here include the world's largest cave passage, and natural rock chamber in the world, and the longest cave system in Southeast Asia. Niah Great Cave, meanwhile, is the site of the oldest human remains found in SE Asia. You can walk through this cave via a raised plankwalk through lowland forests teeming with birds and butterflies.

Central Sarawak

Sarawak's extensive river system makes a trip to the central region a fascinating venture. Sibu, built on the banks of the Rajang River, is the main gateway to the centre and a good starting point for river cruises to the inland towns. Longhouses, villages and small towns dot the riverbanks; organised visits to these more remote longhouses can be arranged through a guide in the nearest town. North of Sibu, about 30 minutes drive from Bintulu, is a tourist's dream--Similajau National Park with perfect emerald water, rainforest and beaches.

For more information on Malaysia contact Tourism Malaysia at 1-888-689-6872