Central and Northern Sarawak: Sibu, Mukah, Miri, Niah and Mulu

{"latlng":"3.392790869678844,112.98889160156251","zoom":"7","position":null,"icon":false,"markers":[{"title":"Ulu Sarikei - Longhouse","latlng":"1.9210493017669457, 111.49782679813687","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E \u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3407\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse.jpg\" alt=\"a traditional building with two long rows of wooden columns and tables along the corridor\" width=\"100%\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse.jpg 760w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse-700x447.jpg 700w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse-500x319.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/inside-longhouse-350x223.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EExperience authentic Iban hospitality at Ulu Sarikei, a century-old longhouse deep in Borneo\u2019s interior. It became a popular attraction when it was still known as Rumah Nyuka. In the time honoured tradition of the Iban culture, a change of a longhouse headman means that this belian-clad longhouse is now called Rumah Sibar.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWitness rubber tapping and pepper processing, hike through local farms to a hidden waterfall, and share stories over a traditional dinner. With simple yet heartfelt hospitality, enjoy a truly immersive cultural stay, sleeping on a mattress under a mosquito net as part of the longhouse community.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERumah Sibar is accessible by road from Sibu.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis longhouse experience is often packaged in a multi-day itinerary in the central region of Sarawak.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more in Day 2 of this tour: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/eleven-day-sarawak-coastal-interior-explorer\/\"\u003E11-Day Sarawak Coastal and Interior Explorer\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n"},{"title":"Sibu","latlng":"2.2899832783103586, 111.82902819183546","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9151\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Visitors visiting alleyways of Chinese shops in Sibu Old town\" width=\"100%\" height=\"1180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-300x138.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-1024x472.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-768x354.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-1536x708.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-2048x944.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-1450x668.jpg 1450w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-1150x530.jpg 1150w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-1000x461.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-850x392.jpg 850w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-700x323.jpg 700w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-500x230.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-alleys-of-old-sibu-town-350x161.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESibu, the vibrant heart of Central Sarawak, offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and history. Home to the industrious Foochow Chinese, indigenous Ibans, and Malays, the town thrives on its riverine heritage along the mighty Rajang River. Food lovers can indulge in local delights like \u003Cem\u003Ekampua\u003C\/em\u003E noodles and \u003Cem\u003Ekongpia\u003C\/em\u003E buns, while culture seekers can explore the bustling Sibu Market, the historic Old Town, and the majestic Seven-Storey Pagoda.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs the gateway to the interior, Sibu connects travelers to remote longhouses, river journeys to riverine and coastal towns. For an authentic Sarawak experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESibu is well-connected from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Miri.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more in Day 3 of this tour: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/eleven-day-sarawak-coastal-interior-explorer\/\"\u003E11-Day Sarawak Coastal and Interior Explorer\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n"},{"title":"Mukah - The Melanau Heartland","latlng":"2.8926814521065167, 112.08150083031818","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E \u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9057 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Melanau-heartland-05.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Melanau-heartland-05.jpg 613w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Melanau-heartland-05-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Melanau-heartland-05-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Melanau-heartland-05-350x232.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMukah, the cultural heartland of the Melanau people, captivates foreign visitors with its unique coastal charm and deep-rooted traditions. Explore the bustling fish markets and witness \u003Cem\u003Esago\u003C\/em\u003E processing, a staple of Melanau cuisine. Visit traditional \u003Cem\u003Etall Melanau houses\u003C\/em\u003E, once built to withstand floods and pirate attacks, and experience a taste of \u003Cem\u003EUmai\u003C\/em\u003E, a fresh raw fish delicacy.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDiscover the scenic coastline, serene fishing villages, and the Kaul Festival (if visiting in April), a centuries-old Melanau celebration of nature and spirits. With its blend of history, culture, and seaside allure, Mukah offers an off-the-beaten-path experience in Sarawak.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMukah is connected by road and river from Sibu. And connected by air from Kuching and Miri.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more about the tour here: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/3-day-melanau-heartland-mukah-discovery\/\"\u003E3-Day Melanau Heartland Mukah Discovery\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n"},{"title":"Miri","latlng":"4.399382, 113.991664","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9241\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-850x565.jpg 850w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/miri-seahorse-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe city built on oil and gas. The first oil well in Malaysia was dug here. Today it is the second largest city in Sarawak. It borders the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. Miri is the gateway to Niah National Park, Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park and the World Heritage Site of Mulu. It connects to the highlands of Bario and Ba’kelalan.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMiri, Sarawak\u2019s vibrant resort city, is a gateway to some of Borneo\u2019s most stunning natural and cultural treasures. Within the city, visitors can explore the Grand Old Lady, Malaysia\u2019s first oil well, and enjoy sunset views from Canada Hill. Miri\u2019s lively night markets, seafood restaurants, and beachside bars offer a taste of its cosmopolitan charm.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJust beyond the city, adventure awaits\u2014dive into the biodiverse waters of Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs, hike through the magnificent caves of Mulu World Heritage Site or the archaelogical heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex. A day trip to the Lambir Hills National Park for waterfall pool dips and jungle trekking is only 32-km away. Or fly to the remote highlands of Bario for an authentic Kelabit experience. In Ba’kelalan for the Lun Bawang cultural experience. Whether for relaxation or exploration, Miri is an ideal base for discovering Northern Sarawak.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMiri is well-connected from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. And Brunei Darussalam is a day trip excursion away.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more in Day 7 of this tour: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/thirteen-day-borneo-overland-tour-sarawak-sabah-brunei\/\"\u003E13-Day Borneo Overland Tour: Sarawak, Sabah, & Brunei\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E \u003C\/p\u003E\n"},{"title":"Mulu World Heritage Site","latlng":"4.09206, 114.8958","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9244\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-1450x967.jpg 1450w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-1150x767.jpg 1150w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-850x567.jpg 850w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/deer-cave-mulu-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Eshow caves\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0and\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ebat exodus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0are what most visitors do for a 3-day 2-night experience. But there are other interesting things to do. For these, you need to know what guided and unguided tours are at the national park are.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 id=\"title-for-unguided-tours\"\u003EUnguided Tours\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWatching the spectacular\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ebat exodus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0(in the millions) is a must-do experience. The to-do list includes varying distances of hiking trails. The main walkways have well-distributed\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Einformation boards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0that narrate how life in the tropical rainforest evolves. And what species of plants there are. At the canopy level, the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003E30-m tree top tower\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0is a good vantage point to spot birdlife. The\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EDiscovery Center\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0illustrates why Mulu is one of the world\u2019s biodiversity hotspots.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 id=\"title-for-guided-tours\"\u003EGuided Tours\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGuided tours fall within the ambit of safety and security. Also, for the purpose of carrying capacity management. The\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Efour show caves,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ealtitude climbing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0and\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Eadventure caving\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0are such. Others include\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Enight walks, canopy walk and overnight camping\u003C\/strong\u003E. An interesting thing to do is the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EPenan longhouse visit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0combined with a\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ewaterfall dip\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMulu World Heritage Site is part of the illustrious 10% of UNESCO heritage sites that meet 4 or more of the 10 selection criteria.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Mulu airport serves visitors travelling from Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu. The intrepid travellers can travel by boat from Miri and fly out after.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more here: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/3-day-mulu-caves-explorer\/\"\u003E3-Day Mulu Caves Explorer\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E \u003C\/p\u003E\n"},{"title":"The Archaelogical Heritage of Niah National Park's Caves Complex","latlng":"3.8037893427277782, 113.78511750451271","position":"center","icon":"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/yellow-pin.svg","description":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8685 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1.jpg\" alt=\"The mouth of the Great Cave, Niah National Park, against the backdrop of the jungle.\" width=\"100%\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1.jpg 760w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1-700x447.jpg 700w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1-500x319.jpg 500w, https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Niah-cave-1-350x223.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe archaeological heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex has global significance . The Caves Complex is a treasure trove filled with evidence of\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ehuman history\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2018\/10\/22\/new-pre-history-timeline-discovered-for-borneo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003Eover 65,000 years old!\u003C\/a\u003E This includes prehistoric cave paintings still visible today.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAltogether, there are four caves to explore. You will arrive at the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003ETrader\u2019s Cave\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0enroute to the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EGreat Cave\u003C\/strong\u003E. From here, it leads to the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EMoon Cave\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0and then the\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EPainted Cave\u003C\/strong\u003E. The\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003ENiah Archaeology Museum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0complements the cave experience. While in the Great Cave, you may see brave birds nest collectors in action. Be amazed at how they climb a single pole to harvest birds nest in the roof of the Great Cave.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003Ehiking trail\u003C\/strong\u003E\u00a0is the default experience when visiting the caves. There are two trails that form this route. Along the off-the-beaten path, there are two others if you want more challenge. A fifth trail forked off the main trail leading to an\u00a0\u003Cstrong\u003EIban longhouse homestay\u003C\/strong\u003E. (more in our travel info section). The homestay adds a cultural dimension to the archaeological heritage experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you have a guide presence, he or she will be able to identify for you the flora and fauna found in this area. Some are endemic to the area.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more in Day 9 of this tour: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/paradesaborneo.com\/tour\/19d-18-epic-borneo-overland-tour\/\"\u003E19D 18N Epic Borneo Overland Tour\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n"}],"legend":false}