A family holiday in Sarawak is an incredible experience, and here are the top 13 reasons you should make it your next big adventure with kids.
Sunset, Kuching Waterfront, family holiday in Sarawak
Kuching Waterfront: everything happens on the Sarawak River
The 1.5km long Kuching Waterfront is a must-do with kids, day or night.
It used to be the city’s trading port so you’ll see several architectural icons here, including the Darul Hana Bridge and the Astana Palace: both look spectacular lit up after dark. But go any time for street performers, craft stalls and food vendors, pretty walking paths and great views of the Sarawak River.
Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple, Carpenter Street, Kuching
Carpenter Street: immerse yourself in 19th century Kuching
Head to colourful Carpenter Street in Kuching to explore the city’s original Chinatown. Several of the traditional 19th century shophouses are still standing here, and in fact many of them are still lived in today. It’s also a great district to eat authentic Chinese and Sarawak cooking, at small and affordable local restaurants. Plus, if you come in autumn, you can catch the lively Mooncake Festival here too.
Don’t leave without visiting the Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple, one of the oldest buildings on Carpenter Street and still very much in use today.
Orang Ulu Longhouse, Sarawak Cultural Village
Sarawak Cultural Village: a living museum your kids will love
Sarawak Cultural Village is just a 45 minute drive from Kuching, but right in the heart of extravagant, unspoiled jungle. Kids will love the contrast between the city and the countryside, especially as it doesn’t involve a long journey, so this living museum could turn out to be one of the highlights of your family holiday in Sarawak.
Spread across 17 acres of land, the village is made up of traditional buildings in styles indigenous to Sarawak. Step inside each one and you can see local craftspeople at work, watch demonstrations and explore exhibits, all of which really bring Sarawak culture to life.
Instruments from around the world fill the Rainforest Music House; visit the Orang Ulu Longhouse to watch women creating intricate beadwork; discover the pirate tales that resulted in Melanau Tall Houses being built 40ft above the ground; play games in the gorgeous Malay House or – and teenagers will like this – try authentic blow pipe shooting in the Penan Hut.
As well as twice-daily performances of theatre, music and dance, there’s also plenty of space here for younger kids to run around. Plus, it’s a multi-lingual village and the atmosphere is so friendly, welcoming and fun, children will barely notice how much they’re learning.
The Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Cultural Village
Rainforest World Music Festival: one of the world’s great international music festivals
Every year in June, Sarawak Cultural Village plays host to one of the world’s most eclectic international music festivals, and it couldn’t be more family focused.
This year’s Rainforest World Music Festival line-up includes more than 180 performers from 20 different countries, and takes place over three days from 20 to 22 June 2025.
As well as the incredible music and a famously warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s also where you can explore the rich and varied cultures of Sarawak and beyond through family workshops and experiences. Plus, the food is amazing too, and it’s a unique opportunity to meet local people and introduce your kids to the fun of summer festivals in a safe and friendly environment.
Great White Cat sculpture, Chinatown, Kuching
Cat Museum: the cutest place in the City of Cats
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and the largest city in Borneo, but kids will probably like that it’s also known as ‘the city of cats’. There are lots of stories about how it earned that nickname, and plenty of cute cat street art too. Although the city’s quirky Cat Museum and its brilliant collection of over 4,000 artefacts is where you want to go to fully indulge in all things feline.
Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching
Borneo Cultures Museum: explore the richness of Sarawak, past and present
Sarawak is home to over 30 ethnic groups and indigenous culture is alive and well all over the region. But before you go exploring, think about spending a few hours at the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching.
Spread over five floors, the collection introduces you to the fascinating past and present of Sarawak and Borneo. Younger kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and older ones will be fascinated by the myths, legends, customs and stories of cultures that still thrive in Sarawak today.
Bengoh Dam, family holiday in Sarawak
Bengoh Dam: a true wilderness experience less than an hour from Kuching
We can’t think of many places which deliver true wilderness experiences like Bengoh Dam, less than an hour from the capital city, apart from Sarawak.
Bengoh Dam is famous for waterfalls like the Curtain, Pe’an, and Susung. It’s also every child’s jungle fantasy made real: not for nothing do visitors constantly reference Jurassic World when they’re describing their time here.
One of the best ways to experience Bengoh with kids is by boat and fortunately you don’t have to take the helm. Instead you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery on a guided boat ride across the reservoir to see the falls.
There’s a short jungle walk from the boat to the waterfalls, but it’s easy enough for children: just make sure they have sturdy shoes on for the day.
Inside the enchanting Fairy Cave, Sarawak
Fairy Cave: add enchantment to your family holiday in Sarawak
Even kids who’re too old to believe in fairies will be wowed by the Fairy Cave at Bau, less than an hour’s drive from Kuching.
The name is a well-deserved one for this immense limestone cavern where stalactites, stalagmites and impressive rock formations create a bewitching atmosphere. Openings in the walls allow the sun to stream in so, unlike a lot of underground experiences, this one is bright, as well as magical. It’s also very easy to explore thanks to several trails, well constructed staircases and good lighting.
Younger children won’t find the Twilight Trail too much of a challenge. Although adventurous older ones will probably be quite happy to go further on the Dark Trail which takes you right into the heart of the cave. And regardless of your kids’ ages, the best time to visit is always during Sarawak’s dry season, from June to September.
Beach, Bako National Park
Bako National Park: discover the homeland of proboscis monkeys
Bako is the oldest of Sarawak’s 47 National Parks, and one of the closest to Kuching. Again it delivers that wonderful experience of wild, untamed natural beauty within easy reach of the city, which you’re probably coming to realise is something of a family holiday in Sarawak signature.
If you’re in any doubt about packing comfortable walking shoes, the treks and trails around Bako National Park should convince you. Not only are there a total of 16, they’re all colour-coded so you know in advance which ones are suitable for the ages of your kids. Walks range from under a kilometre to longer, more strenuous overnight treks, best organised with local guides.
One of the most exciting things about Bako is its long standing as a protected wildlife habitat, which means many of the creatures that live here are not shy around people, so you’ve a good chance of spotting the likes of proboscis monkeys and bearded pigs, as well as over 190 bird species. Follow the short Telok Delima trail and you’ll find yourself walking through prime proboscis territory.
But Bako isn’t all jungle and rainforest, it’s a wonderful park for beaches too and several of the easier treks open out to the coast.
The most popular trek for families, Telok Pandan Kecil, is just over a kilometre long and brings you to a beautiful beach with a high chance of wildlife too. Just don’t leave bags unattended when you go swimming because monkeys might make off with them.
Rescued orangutan, Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: meet the iconic orangutans
Now you know where to find proboscis monkeys in the wild, you might be wondering how to see Borneo’s other famous resident, the orangutan. In fact, one of the best places to do just that is only a short drive to the south of Kuching, at Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
A sanctuary and conservation icon for almost 50 years, Semenggoh is dedicated to protecting orangutans in their natural habitat, and to teaching young orphaned or rescued orangutans how to live in the wild. So don’t go expecting a zoo, most of the time the centre’s wildest residents are out and about in the forest enjoying their freedom.
However, they often appear on the promise of food. So, during feeding time, you’ve a good chance of a meeting or, even better, a close up encounter if you just happen to have some fruit to hand.
Kayaking, Semadang River
Semadang River Kayaking: an eco-adventure that’s made for families
Sarawak is famous for eco-adventures, designed to let you experience the region in new and exciting ways, without impacting on its well-protected natural environment.
Guided kayaking tours on the Semadang River are a perfect example, and some of the most popular family activities in the entire region.
Again, just a short drive away from Kuching, you’ll find tours suitable for both beginners and more experienced kayakers. Either way, you’ll never forget the experience of paddling along the Semadang past waterfront villages, soaring cliffs and bamboo forests; spotting wildlife on the riverbank and in the air; stopping off for a picnic and just watching your kids be amazed on a minute-by-minute basis.
Mulu Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park: land of the Pinnacles and mighty caves
One of Sarawak’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gunung Mulu National Park is in the north, and a one-of-a-kind adventure for older kids.
The park is famous for spectacular phenomena, like Deer Cave, which has one of the world’s longest cave passages and is home to over 3 million bats, and Clearwater Cave that can be explored on guided boat tours.
The dramatically jagged limestone Mulu Pinnacles are another wonder, although one involving a fairly strenuous trek. Or you can take it a little easier and still be astounded on the Canopy Skywalk above the 60 million year old rainforest: it’s one of world’s longest treetop walks.
Niah Great Cave, Niah National Park
Niah National Park: step into 65 millennia of history
Just over an hour’s drive south of Miri in northern Sarawak, Niah National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this time designated for its archaeological significance: the oldest human remains in southeast Asia were discovered here.
Visit the Niah Great Cave to see evidence of human habitation dating back 65 millennia, as well as prehistoric paintings on the cave walls, and ancient burial artefacts. Keep a look out for birds too, as the cave is also home to swiftlets whose edible nests are collected by local Penan tribesmen and sold as a gourmet delicacy.
Diving, Miri Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park
Miri Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park: mesmerising diving adventures
Miri Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is one of the most exciting places to dive in Sarawak. There are over 40 sites here, some as little as 10 minutes from shore, and the depth range between seven and 30 metres, makes it accessible to all levels of divers.
As well as the incredible coral reefs, a number of wreck sites also attract scuba enthusiasts from around the world, and several dive schools operate from Miri, some offering certification as well as guided dives.
If you’re an experienced diver, the most popular sites at Miri Sibuti are the Belais Reef, Anenome Garden and Barracuda Point: where you can see these mighty fish swimming and feeding.
Kuching City, family holiday in Sarawak
A few more things to know about Sarawak before you go…
As Malaysia’s largest state, you might expect Sarawak to be overrun with visitors. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Despite having lively cities, a wide range of accommodation and some of the most exciting natural attractions on earth, Sarawak is known for its lack of commercialisation, unspoiled landscapes, thriving indigenous groups, and proven commitment to sustainable tourism.
It’s also a safe destination to visit with children, and you can tailor your experiences to different age groups very easily: Kuching and the surrounding area is well suited to younger children; Miri and the spectacular National Parks in the north are ideal for adventurous teenagers. Although, Sarawak is also easy to travel around, so it’s perfectly possible to see both the north and south on a holiday with kids.
Now find out how to plan your next big family adventure in Sarawak