Sarawak has all the ingredients of an unforgettable travel experience – from its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich diverse cultures to its vibrant towns, scenic coastlines and authentic heritage attractions.
Whether you are seeking a cultural deep dive into traditional Melanau life, a culinary adventure through bustling night markets, or simply a peaceful river cruise at sunset, Sarawak offers a journey woven with a splendid tapestry of arts, heritage, and gastronomy.
The Bruneian, along with local travel agents, content creators, and media representatives, recently embarked on a memorable five-day Familiarisation Trip across Miri and the less-explored destinations of Bintulu, Mukah and Sibu. The experience was supported by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Tourism Malaysia.
The journey revealed the true spirit of Sarawak, not only through its stunning sights and flavours but also through the genuine warmth and heartfelt hospitality of its people.
Kicking off our two-part Borneo series, we journey through Miri and Bintulu, two coastal gems rich in culture, charm and character.
Miri – Sarawak’s Northern Star
On the first day, our familiarisation journey began in Miri, affectionately known as the northern gateway to Sarawak and the starting point of our Bornean adventure.
The delegation was welcomed with lunch at Peanuts Anchovies Restaurant, where we indulged in a delightful spread of traditional Malay cuisine, featuring their signature dishes such as nasi lemak with sambal and crispy signature fried chicken — a culinary introduction to Sarawak’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Our home away from home for the evening was provided at the Mercure Miri City Centre, a contemporary landmark that complements sleek and modern design with an expansive view of the city skyline.
In the afternoon, participants gathered for the “Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo” Business Networking Seminar and High Tea, an insightful event held within the hotel’s elegant function space.
The forum served as a strategic platform for meaningful engagement between tourism stakeholders from Brunei and Sarawak, fostering dialogue on partnership opportunities, regional synergies, and shared promotional efforts.
The seminar also featured a series of impactful presentations, including knowledge-sharing sessions by the Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, and Brunei Tourism, each offering valuable perspectives on tourism development and cross-border collaboration ahead of the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Both parties aim to strengthen cooperation and align efforts in support of Sarawak’s target of five million visitors in 2025. Notably, Brunei ranked as the fifth-largest source of tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024, recording over 1.14 million visitors, a 40 per cent increase from the previous year.
The day concluded on a high note with a welcome dinner hosted by the Miri City Council.
The evening was marked by an exchange of tokens of appreciation, and expressions of commitment to strengthening bilateral tourism ties and promoting sustainable growth within the region.
Exploring the heart of Bintulu
Bintulu, Sarawak is a marvelous blend of past and present. Once a quiet fishing village, it has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades, emerging as one of Malaysia’s leading industrial powerhouses.
Fueled by abundant natural resources and strategic development, Bintulu now plays a pivotal role in the nation’s energy and petrochemical sectors, while still retaining traces of its rich cultural heritage.
Day 2 of our journey began with a scenic two-hour drive along the coastal highway from Miri to Bintulu, a route framed by lush rainforests and glimpses of Sarawak’s tranquil hinterlands.
On the way to Bintulu, we stopped at the Datuk Kong Floating Temple, also known as the Na Tu Kong Temple. The temple is located on the banks of the Kemena River in Sebauh, Bintulu.
The temple is unique for its location built on stilts directly over the water, it appears to float on the river, giving it an ethereal and mystical presence.
Despite the heavy rain during our visit, we were warmly welcomed by the local community leaders who shared the temple’s rich history and its role in promoting unity and interethnic harmony.
Accessible only by boat, the temple stands as a powerful symbol of cultural and spiritual fusion. It blends Chinese ancestral traditions with Malay spiritual beliefs, particularly the reverence of Datuk Keramat, guardian spirits deeply rooted in nature and local folklore.
When we arrived in Bintulu, we checked into the New World Suites Hotel, an award-winning business hotel conveniently located at the doorstep of ParkCity Mall abd right in the heart of the town.
Further into our tour, we explored the coastal gem of Tanjung Batu Beach, a popular spot among locals for its scenic views and relaxing ambiance.
As the sun began to set, we witnessed a breathtaking display over the South China Sea where the golden hues stretched across the sky, offering a peaceful moment of reflection.
Bargains, brands and belacan in Bintulu
In the evening, we had the chance to explore the heart of Bintulu. The night came alive with a visit to the bustling Pasar Malam Bintulu, also known as the Bintulu Night Market.
A haven for bargain hunters and food lovers alike, the night market offers an array of affordable treasures. Stalls feature everything from mouth watering street food to unique handicrafts and charming trinkets, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
We also indulged in local favourites such as grilled seafood, satay, and traditional Malay desserts, all while enjoying live music in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Our next stop was The Spring Mall, a modern shopping destination that blends sleek, contemporary design with a well-curated mix of local and international brands. The mall truly offers something for everyone.
From stylish fashion boutiques and lifestyle stores to cozy bookshops, trendy cafes, and cutting-edge tech outlets, The Spring Mall showcases the dynamic evolution of Bintulu’s retail landscape. Popular global names like Uniqlo and H&M sit comfortably alongside local favourites, creating a vibrant and inclusive shopping experience.
On Day 3, we took time to explore Bintulu Central Market (Pasar Utama Bintulu), one of the town’s largest and most vibrant traditional markets.
The stalls were filled with fresh produce, seafood, aromatic spices, household essentials, as well as locally made garments and artisanal goods.
A standout local specialty is the belacan, a fermented shrimp paste, an essential ingredient in Sarawakian cuisine and a must-try for visitors seeking authentic local flavours.
During our visit, we had the chance to meet the “Queen of Belacan,” Rabayah Yahya, a well-known figure at the market
Renowned for her Bintulu-style belacan (fermented shrimp paste), she has been producing and selling it for more than 30 years. Her belacan business is a family-run operation, now shared with her daughter, Dyg Rozalina.
Tua Pek Kong Temple: A historic and cultural landmark of Bintulu
During our trip to Bintulu, we visited the Tua Pek Kong Temple, located along Main Bazaar Road. The temple is widely known as one of the most beautiful and historically significant Buddhist temples in Sarawak.
Believed to have been built in the 1890s, the temple is dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, a deity revered by the Chinese community as a guardian of prosperity and protection.
It stands as one of the oldest religious structures in Bintulu, surviving numerous challenges over the decades, including urban development and natural disasters. Despite these changes, the temple has been carefully preserved and remains a central spiritual and cultural hub for the local Chinese community.
We were in awe of the intricate details throughout the temple. Its architecture architecture features classic Chinese design elements, including ornate carvings, vibrant murals, and a striking pagoda roof, reflecting the heritage and craftsmanship of early Chinese settlers in Sarawak.
Regular ceremonies, festivals, and offerings are still held here, especially during major Chinese celebrations such as the Lunar New Year and the Hungry Ghost Festival, keeping centuries-old traditions alive
Looking back, Bintulu offers a warm and enriching experience, where culture, community, and heritage come together beautifully. Its welcoming atmosphere and deep-rooted traditions made for a memorable journey.
Whether you’re exploring vibrant markets, visiting historic landmarks, or savouring authentic Sarawakian cuisine, Bintulu invites you to discover its unique cultural charm in every moment.
Sponsored by
THE BRUNEIAN | SARAWAK
