Shilpi Madan
17-Feb-2026
Home to Borneo’s indigenous cultures, stunning rainforest biodiversity, and the silky laksa, Sarawak serenades through its nature-led corridors in Malaysia.
Sarawak is the lush secret tucked away in the heart of Malaysia. Far from the maddening crowds. If you’re done with the touristy locales in Kuala Lumpur including the mandatory click against the skyscraper Petronas, slow down and slip into the rhythm of the jungle in the largest state of Malaysia: Sarawak.
Lining the north west coast of Borneo, the destination unfurls in a delightful revelation of rainforest canopies, UNESCO World Heritage listed national parks, limestone caves, and tribal odysseys.
In conversation with the Honourable Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) at the recently organised OTM in Mumbai.
Excerpts from a conversation:
Few have heard of Sarawak. Do you intend to keep it as Malaysia’s best kept secret?
We are changing this, and bringing Sarawak to the travel-curious, nature enthusiasts and nature-seekers. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the northern part – Sabah and Sarawak – are a part of Malaysia. Sarawak brings CANF to the world – that is, culture, adventure, nature, and festivals.
The state brings in a wealth of nature – with ancient caves, misty-eyed rivers, mammoth mountains, wildlife, national parks, rainforests and even a music festival.
Sarawak is a global stage for connections. This year will be the 29th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in June. When we started out there were only 300 attendees. Last year we hosted over 20,000 attendees at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) for the festival. This year, the numbers are escalating rapidly.
Share with us the ethnic diversity of Sarawak.
With over 34 ethnic groups forming 50 per cent of the population, we are a culturally rich state. We want to showcase the voice of Sarawak to the world.
With over tourism an issue gaining momentum, how are you looking at preserving the essence of Sarawak over the years?
At present we have a population of 2.81 million. Sustainability is a very important part of our tourism strategy. For every entry into the rainforests, part of the money from the ticket issued will be used to plant a tree to protect and nourish the eco-diversity.
How important is India as a market for Sarawak?
Last year we had over 45000 Indians visiting Sarawak, primarily reaching location via Kuching (the capital of Sarawak) from Kuala Lumpur, and Brunei.
Indian forms a vital market for us owing to the sheer proximity of Sarawak to the Indian sub-continent, and the growing love of the Indians for nature, adventure and experimental eating. Sarawak cuisine brings in a large latitude of local, seasonal vegetarian specials as well. We have river safaris and cruises, adventure sports…There are commonalities with India we share, like the spicy specials in local cuisines, indigenous herbs, the hornbills….
As a jewelled slice of nature, how is Sarawak looking at conserving resources?
Sarawak’s proximity to the equator brings in an expansive amount of solar energy. We are harnessing solar, and hydro electric power in addition to wind energy to power our resources. Sarawak is at the forefront of green energy.
What is your target for 2026?
Over five million tourists. Last year we reached only 4.971 million. Sarawak offers an undiscovered, self-contained ecosystem.
