Visiting Asia is always a wonder and you’ll never know what the region has in store for you until you make a visit. Unknown to most people, Sarawak has some hidden gems that will definitely make your social media stand out among the rest with its amazing picturesque locales.
For those who want a taste of the side of Asia that’s mostly obscured from the public and those who seek authentic tradition away from the typical tourist-trap cliche, Sarawak is definitely the place to be from the amazing mountain views to the small villages, to even the most common temples.
5 Picturesque Places In Sarawak You Don’t Wanna Miss
There are not many places in the world that can show you a taste of Asian culture like Sarawak can so let’s walk through some of the most picturesque places East Malaysia can offer so that you can create that Insta-perfect image to bling up your social media.
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1. Bako National Park
Looking for a place to experience the entirety of Asia’s wildlife all in one place but have no idea if that place even exists? Bako National Park is one of the oldest but also most well-known national parks in Sarawak even though it’s also considered to be one of the smallest.
It showcases the Borneo rainforest and replicates the actual forests with a striking resemblance. Not only does it contain a variety of terrains and thick vegetation only found in the wild, but it also houses animals unique species of animals such as the long-nosed proboscis monkey.
It’s not too far off from Kuching, about 23 miles away, and it also contains some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Sarawak too. Talk about versatility when taking all your photos in one place.
2. Kuching Esplanade
If you’re looking for a place for an amazing picture, look no further than the Kuching Esplanade located near the southern part of the Sarawakian River. This 900-meter long Esplanade is a work of art stretching from the Riverbanks suits to beyond the Gambier Market.
Even if you aren’t a photography enthusiast, the beauty of the structure alone will mesmerize you and leave a lasting impression in your mind. Stroll around and absorb the beauty of the place that has been a popular location since 1993.
For an even better experience, try taking a boat trip around the area or just come during the weekends to join the market for a little picnic.
3. The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita
When we talk about the most picturesque thing you can find in Asia, who can miss out on the majesty of a castle especially one in the middle of Asia. Rich with the history of the island itself, the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita holds significance to the land by its beauty and value.
Not only is the castle an amazing place to take wonderful pictures, but the gallery also tells of the time when the Sarawak and the White Rajahs once inhabited these lands. It tells of the history of an English writer who helped the inhabitants build what is known as Sarawak today.
If it exterior of the castle is not enough to satisfy your creativity, the interior is also a sight to see and you’ll have no issues translating it into a square frame.
4. Tua Pek Kong
You may think that this is just another Chinese temple, but you’ll be surprised at how stunning this one looks compared to the rest. This Tua Pek Kong isn’t just another temple but it’s also one of the oldest Chinese temples around dating back to the 1850s.
It sits in the middle of Kuching right next to the Sarawak River and it’s usually flooded during the festive seasons as people crowd around to make their prayers. The temple isn’t the only landmark here as it also houses a 7-story pagoda containing a statue of Tua Pek Kong inside.
5. Orchid Garden at the Astana
Nothing creates a better photo than nature itself and the orchid garden right next to the Astana will certainly put some color into the photos you take with its arrangement of flora. This garden houses at least 75,000 orchid plants in total with 65 different species of it plant around.
Not only that, but it also contains the national state flower of Sarawak itself, the Normah Orchid, which puts your macro camera skills to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it likely to rain in Sarawak? Should I be prepared for it?
It highly depends on which month you decide to visit Sarawak. During the middle of the year, around April to September, the state is typically very dry without much rain. When it comes to December to January though, it is almost guaranteed to rain. Inland areas of Sarawak also experience a higher level of rainfall with a slight drip between June and August.
2. Are there any taboos that should be known when visiting Sarawak?
Sarawak is a very diverse state with every ethnicity being very relatively open with each other and lenient. With that said, it’s important to respect the culture there especially when visiting areas of religion such as temples and mosques to not cause trouble.
3. Is it easy to travel around Sarawak?
There is a number of public transportation available in Sarawak including public busses, taxies, and even boats in the river areas. We suggest renting a motorcycle to ride around the state to truly enjoy everything to the fullest.
Conclusion
Sarawak is usually thought of as a very rural area to most people but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t picturesque areas that can spice up your profile. From the majestic castles to the landmarks and gardens, the places where you can take a great photo are just as diverse as the culture there.
Do take note that it’s important to be respectful of the religion there especially when trying to take photos in certain areas. Other than that, capture Asia altogether within Sarawak and share it with the world.
