SARAWAK - A Land Colorful Cultures boasting 27 ethnic groups, making up a population of 1.8 million. The majority of the populations live in a few large towns and cities, but a significant percentage still live in longhouses and villages in the remote areas. The Ibans or famously none as the legendary headhunters of Borneo constitute the biggest ethnic group (29.6 %) in Sarawak. They are originally from Kalimantan, and so their culture and traditions are very similar to the Dayaks in Kalimantan. Be charmed and mesmerized by their cultural festivals and celebrations. Let the romance of Sarawak's rich cultural diversity set the stage for your perfect holiday!

HISTORY

Sarawak has a very ancient history, the burial grounds at Niah Caves National Park are evidence of the oldest modern human settlement in Southeast Asia, and the cave area has been continuously inhabited for 40,000 years, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Sarawak has been an important source of precious stones, birds' nests and jungle produce from as early as the 5th Century CE, according to ancient Chinese trading records. Although ruled by foreign "White Rajahs", Sarawak was still an independent country until 1946, when in a much-disputed Act of Cession it became one of Great Britain's last colonies. Sarawak regained independence with the Formation of Malaysia on 16th September 1963.

CULTURE

Sarawak's official bird is the Rhinoceros Hornbill, and the state is officially known as Bumi Kenyalang, Land of the Hornbills. In earlier times, the Ibans of Sarawak believed that the Rhinoceros Hornbill acted as a messenger between humans and their gods. Sarawak's many ethnic groups all celebrate their festivals with "open house", offering visitors traditional hospitality. The major "open house" festivals are Hari Raya Idul Fitri (Malays and other Muslims), Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali (Hindu) and Gawai Dayak (the Iban and Bidayuh harvest festival). Sarawakians are always concerned for the well being of visitors, and it is unforgivable for a guest to go hungry. Instead if greeting people with "apa khabar" (how are you?) like other Malaysians, they often prefer to use "sudah makan?" (have you eaten?).