The following places of outdoor adventure are within Sabah state, some compilation of my years of scouting, which is useful info for scouts and nature challenger to explore and have fun. Please be note that the contacts number. are old 7 digits number, call Telekom Malaysia at 103 to acquire updated numbers.

For scout troops who which to organize activities on any outdoor places, you are adviced to prepare your letter of district commissioner approval, police acknowledgement letter or school authority letter, to ensure your scouts will be safe and protected while enjoying the outdoor fun.

Yours in scouting (YIS),
ASM Alex Tan Wei Yen


Sarawak is also known as (a.k.a.) "Land of the Hornbills"

Geographical info:
Sarawak is the largest state according to area in Malaysia. It is situated in the northern part of the island of Borneo and shares its southern boundary with Indonesian Kalimantan. To the northwest, Sarawak adjoins Sabah and in the same direction Brunei forms a two-pronged enclave in the state.

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1. Astana
Set among the rolling lawns on the northern bank of the Sarawak river, the majestic palace was built in 1870 by Rajah Charles Brooke, the second white Rajah, as a bridal gift for his wife Ranee Margaret Brooke. It is now the official residence of Sarawak's Head of State and has served as the venue for numerous state functions throughout the years.

2. Cat Museum
Located at the government complex in North Kuching, you will be able to find everything you've wanted to know about cats. This dedicated cat museum most probably one of its kind in the world offers informative insights on cats and its family. There are also souvenirs cats, cat key chains, cat T-shirts, cat statues etc.

3. Fort Margherita
Built in 1878, the fort commands a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak river. Named after Ranee Margaret, it was completed the year after, just in time to defend Kuching against pirate attacks from the river. The fort has since been renovated and now serves as Police museum.

4. Heroes Graves & War Memorial
The war and Allied Memorial built on 27 July 1993., is dedicated to the memory of the Sarawak Constabulary. It is also to commemorate members of the armed forces and civilians of Malaysia and other Commonwealth countries who lost their lives in defence of Liberty from 1948-1966. The War Cemetery is dedicated to the thousands who have sacrificed their lives in protecting Sarawak.

5. The Kuching Waterfront
Another place where our guests and tourists can mingle with the local folks and have a glimpse of Sarawak's rich culture is at the Kuching Waterfront. Native culture is celebrated throughout the Waterfront; found in building's architecture, craft stores, local cuisine in restaurants and hawker carts, slated murals and sculptures, even on the bows of small malay boats (sampans) which ferry people across the historic Sarawak River.

6. The Pavilion
Situated opposite the General Post Office, the Pavilion was the first building in the town, and probably the state, to be exclusively constructed of reinforced concrete frames. Presently it houses the Government offices.

7. The Round Tower
This structure was built in 1886 but its origin is cloaked in mystery as to its purpose. It is believed that Rajah intended it to be another fort in town, though this has not been firmly established.

8. The Square Tower
Standing in the heart of the town, this tower lives up to its title, resembling the late Renaissance towers in England. It was originally built as a detention centre for prisoners. During the Brooke era however it also doubled as a fortress and, incredibly, a dance hall.

9. Tua Pek Kong Temple
Located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the century-old Chinese temple is the oldest of its kind in Kuching. It is particularly famous for its Wang Kang celebration to commemorate the spirit of the dead. The temple was supposed to have been built as early as 1843 but official records only recognized its existance in the community made various repairs and renovations to it.

10. Crocodile Farm
Located near the Kuala Baram Ferry Terminal, it is the first and the largest crocodile farm in the northern region of Sarawak. Come face to face with more than 1,000 salt and fresh water crocodiles in a 22 acres landscaped setting with natural breeding enclosures and man-made sanctuary ponds. Don't miss the feeding times on every Saturday and Sunday at 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.; and at 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Don't miss our daily show biz orchestrated to satisfy your utmost curiosity.

11. Loagan Bunut
The incredible shrinking lake is the centrepiece of this park. Loagan Bunut is Sarawak's largest natural lake, covering 650 hectares. But in dry months, usually February and May or June, the lakeshrinks to nothing and you can walk on great expanses of dry mud flats. Over the centuries, the Berawans have developed their traditional "Semlambau" method of Fishing in which they literally scoop up the migrating fish as the water level changes. No matter what the water level is, the lake and its surroundings provide fascinating scenery and are vibrant with forest life. The park is an ideal spot for bird watchers. The lake and surrounding peat forests abound with large birds such as darters, egrets, herons, bitterns, hornbills, and kites as well as a host of smaller birds.

12. Kapit and Belaga
Kapit and Belaga are the two main towns of the Upper Rajang River, the longest and most extensive river system in Malaysia. The region is still relatively untouched by development, with unexplored tropical rainforests, ravines and rugged mountain ranges, clean rivers, waterfalls, and clear-water rapids. The Upper Rajang is home to a sizeable number of indigenous ethnic groups, mostly living in longhouses. These include the Kayan, kenyah, Kajang, Lahanan, Sekapan, Bukitan, Ukit and Punan, all of whom are known collectively as Orang Ulu or upriver people, as well as the nomadic Penan, many of whom are still hunter-gatherers.
The journey to the Upper Rajang is an adventure in itself. Express boats leave Sibu for Kapit nine times daily, and there is a daily Sibu - Belaga service provided the water level is high enough. As far as Kapit, the river is sedate, but above Kapit the boat passes throught the notorious Pelagus Rapids and a number of smaller sets of rapids before reaching Belaga. Above Belaga the Rajang and its tributaries become even wilder as they pass through narrow gorges and fierce rapids. The usual mode of transport upriver is via outboard - powered dugout canoe. Foreign visitors who wish to travel to and beyond Belaga are requested to obtain a permit from the Resident's Office (Pejabat Residen) and the Police Station in Kapit.
The whole Upper Rajang has great potential for specialist adventure tourism and eco-tourism activites. The completion of phase 1 of The Pelagus Rapids Resort will provided an ideal location for tourists wishing to explore the area. The resort offers longhouse-style accommodation overlooking the Pelagus Rapids, and serves as a base for jungle trekking, bird watching and other nature-friendly activities.

13. Mukah
Mukah is an ancient trading and fishing port, situated at the mouth of the Mukah River adjacent to the South China Sea. Historically, the town was an important outpost of the Sultanate of Brunei, and is nowadays famous as the centre of Melanau culture and as a major sago producing area.
In recent years Mukah has become a popular destination for local tourists, because of its tree lined beaches, fresh and affordable seafood, and the friendly Melanau people. The "kaul" festival, celebrated by the local fishermen in April to appease the spirits of the sea, is one of the major events of the Melanau calendar.
Mukah is set to become a town of considerable importance due to a number of government initiated development projects in the area, and is beginning to attract significant private sector investment. Mukah is linked with a number of other major towns by air and road.

14. Sarikei and Bintangor
Located in the Sarikei Division, these 2 riverine towns are essentially agriculture towns. This region is the biggest producer of Sarawak Pepper. Sarikei is famous for her large sweet pineapples, whereas Bintangor is well-known for her aromatic, sweet and sour oranges known locally as "Bintangor Orange". Not to be missed are the smoked fish and large dried prawns from the neighbouring coastal town of Belawai.
These two towns are poised for further growth with the setting up of Tanjung Manis Timber Processing Zone (down stream timber products) and a proposed national college. The processing zone is about half an hour by boat from Sarikei and the proposed national college is to be sited on the outskirts of Bintagor town.
And located some 20km from the town of Sarikei is the Sebangkoi Country Park. The park, set amidst the mountainous part of the Sarikei District, is well planned and laid out thus making it an idyllic weekend getaway.
Both Sarikei and Bintangor are accessible by road and river from Sibu.

15. Sarawak Argricultural Park
A 50 hectare park located adjacent to the Sibiew River about 15 minute drive from Bintulu Town. Here you can ogle over 20 types of wild plants, an array of orchids, 77 species of fruits, and flocks of sheep, just an experience to remember by. Snug yourself comfortably in the rustic charm of an all belian (ironwood) amphitheatre and experience walking along the hanging pedestrian bridge within a preserved and enriched tropical jungle. Other recreational features include playgrounds, boating in man made lakes, fishing and horse riding.

16. Taman Tumbina
A zooligal and bontanical park gives a glimpse of the flora and fauna. Situated on a 12 hectare site at the Tanjung Batu Coastal Reserve about four kilometers from town centre, the park is no doubt a source of living heritage with educational and recreational values. Its setting on a hill top overlooking the South China Sea and the Bintulu Town is surely a sight to behold and definitely not to be missed. Feast your eyes with a first hand view of the State's official bird, the Horbill; the fearless eagles; the orang utans' the flamingoes'; the only tigers and lions in Borneo' crocodiles; pythons and many more. And stroll through the matured gardens and walk-in aviary along the way. Feel the freshness and cleanliness of the environment.

17. Bukit Aup Jubilee Park
The park was opened in March 1993. Bukit Aup Jubilee Park is located less than 12 KM from Sibu town. The road to Bukit Aup Jubilee Park is tar sealed. The total undulating land for development is more than 200 acres. Currently 2 phases have been completed comprising an observation tower, suspension bridge, sky steps, a pavillion, an amphitheatre, a children's playground, a lagoon, a canteen and other buildings. Accommodation will be available in the 3rd phase. This is a special place for Sibu people to relax and keep away from the hectic town life. From the photo you'll notice the beautiful scenery and unique building structures. Sibu people used to come here for picnics and family outing. Barbeque stands are available for visitors to cook their delicious meal. It is a clean place. Visitors are advised to up keep the cleanliness of the park.

18. Forestry Recreation Park
The Forestry Recreation Park covers 200 hectares of land at 18.5 km Ulu Oya Road. Managed by the Forestry Department, the park serves as the centre for carrying out research into soil and plants, particularly the mixed dipterocarp species such as Belian, Engkabang, Alan and Bintangor. A section of the park is open to the public. The park's facilities includie a camping site, a 30-metre watch tower, a cattle and deer farm, and a huge fish pond. A major attraction to be included soon is a butterfly farm.

19. Iban Longhouse
A trip to the Sibu area is incomplete without taking the opportunity to visit an Iban longhouse. Although the Ibans in the Sibu area are modern people who have fully embraced the 20th century, they still practise many traditional customs and retain their 'adat' or traditional law. The Ibans are a warm and hospitable people, and this hospitality, coupled with their rich and colourful customs and traditions, can be a memorable experience.

20. KTM Edible Mushroom (S) Culture Farm
The first large scale mushroom farm in Sarawak has generated much interest among locals and foreign visitors alike. Set up with the expertise of a grower from China, the farm produces some 8 to 9 varieties of edible mushroom for local consumption and propagation. The main varieties produced here are the Lingzi (chinese medicinal applications), Oyster and Abalone mushrooms (culinary usage). Seedlings are available for sale to add to your private vegetable garden. An interesting specie found here is the Bamboo mushroom. Although it requires 60 days of germination, it only takes half an hour to bloom before it is ready for harvesting, failing which rot will set in. Large size abalone mushrooms make delicious "steak" a la black pepper. Come 1996, the farm will be re-located to a bigger premise at Km 18, jalan Ulu Oya. In the meantime the farm welcomes visitors at its Jalan Umpi Rantai location, Off Upper Lanang Road. However, one is advised to pre-arange for a view of one man's fascination affair with fungus.

21. Malay Kampongs
The local Malay Kampongs are accessible via a short river cruise along the Igan River between Rajang Port Authority and Sungai Antu Industrial Estate, they consist of several hundred traditional Malay wooden houses built on stilts. The river bank is always a hive of activities, with children bathing and men fishing and boat building. At nearby kampong Datu there is a stately mosque.

22. Pepper Marketing Board Malaysia
The state of Sarawak produces 95% of Malaysian pepper hence the trade name, Sarawak Pepper. Over 90% of the 25,000 tonnes produced annually is exported to some 40 countries around the world. Traditionally, 80% of the crop is processed into black pepper with the remainder being turned into white pepper. At the moment Malaysia ranks 4th as a pepper producing nation. Today, pepper production has taken a different approach with the introudction of Specialty Pepper (creamy pepper, naturally clean black pepper and extra bold black pepper), Sarawak Green Pepper products (pepper sauce and pickle) and processed pepper products (sweets and perfume). The Rajang riverine towns of Sarikei and Bintangor accounts for 40% of the State's total production. The Pepper Marketing Board - Sibu Branch located at Jalan Then Kung Suk at Upper Lanang Light Industrial Estate welcomes visitors and is open during office hours. At a pre-arranged time, visitors will be taken on a guided tour of how Sarawak pepper is processed and packed for export. There are processed pepper products available for sale.

23. Seven-Storey Pagoda
The seven-storey pagoda is said to be more beautiful than its counterparts in South-East Asia, and even Taiwan. The pagoda offers panoramic views of Sibu town. It is situated next to the centurey-old Tua Pek Kong Temple.

24. Santubong
Situated 32 km from Kuching is Santubong, the picturesque fishing village with lovely beaches, an important trading centre in the 9th and 13th centuries, is also the site of several archeological discoveries and it can easily be reached by road or the river. Other popular beaches include suar Beach, a scenic location filled with crystal clear bays and inlets, as well as beautiful rock formations. Two hours from Siar Beach is the fine stretch of white sand known as Sematan Beach, a favourite haunt for weekend gateways. About 4 km north of Santubong are Pantai Penyok and Pantai Bandong, two wonderful stretches of beach and wave, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and other water-sport.

25. Sarawak Cultural Village "The Living Museum"
set within the 14 acres of natural tropical forest on the foothill of the famous Santubong mountain. The "Living Museum" houses the various ethnic groups of the state, aiming to combine the diverse cultures of Sarawak into one harmonious potpourri of cultures.

Pantai Damai, Santubong,
P.O. Box 2632, 93752 Kuching,
Tel : 082-84 6411
Fax : 082-84 6988
Email: info@sarawakculturalvillage.com

26. Bako National Parks
This park of primary forest is about 37 Km from Kuching. Visitors here can see various types of flora and wildlife unique to this part of the world long tailed macaque, monitor lizards, wild boars and proboscis monkeys are just a few of the animals which can be found in their natural habitat here. A well-marked trail system takes visitors through various vegetations types in the park.

27. Gunung Mulu National Park
The Gunung Mulu Park covers an area of 200 square miles of primary alluvial, peat swamp mixed dipterocarp, limestone and mountain forests. It contains some of the most fascinating caves in the world among them the Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave, Wind Cave Wonder Cave and Sarawak Chamber. The picturesque limestone pinnacles make beautiful photographs but are not very accessible, being on the summit of 1,600m high limestone hill. It can be reached by half a day climbing from Melinou Gorge.

28. Lambir Hills National Park
This national park boasts a number of waterfalls and bathing pools that attract weekend picnicker. A climb up Bukit Lambir makes an invigorating challenge. The park contains some of the richest tropical rain forest in Sarawak.

29. Niah National Park
Established in 1974, the Hiah National Park encompasses 3,102 hectares of limestone and forest. The park can only be reached through a succession of flight, road journey and boat ride. The journey is a good way of seeing rural Sarawak.
The Niah Cave at the park is one of the major attractions in this part of the world. Evidence exists of Homo sapiens who lived in these caves more than 40,000 years ago, with their unique culture and beliefs. Artefacts such as stone, bone and iron tools were discovered at this site and primitive drawings can still be seen in certain parts of the caves. The world's best bird's nests, a culinary delight, is still being harvested from the ceiling of the caves by men climbing up bamboo poles.

30. Similajau National Park
Take a 20 minute drive along the coastal road from Bintulu Town and enter the Similajau National Park, once a remote and unknown place is now transformed into a tourist attraction in this energy town. Covering an area of more than 7,000 hectares, the park offers you one of the most beautiful and unspoiled golden beaches in the country and home to over 850 species of birds and 24 varieties of mammals. For overnighters, basic facilities such as chalets and hostels are available. A Forest Department's information centre is there too to assist visitors.

31. Hawaii Beach
Hawaii Beach at Kampong Bakam, is one of the pristine, palm-fringed beach about 20 minutes drive from the town centre. This popular picnic spot is a hit with weekend visitors. There are also chalet-type accommodations for overnight stays.

32. Tanjung Batu Beach
As the name implies, is your perfect retreat for sun, sea, sandy beaches and fun. For additional comfort of your outing, changing and wash rooms are available. For a break in home cooking, you can visit the food and drink stalls nearby. Barbeque pits are available for use by picnickers and campers. It's indeed an ideal spot for family gathering. Or else, enjoy the sunset and sea breeze in the evening while you jog.

Institute of the Malay World and Civilization

Established 28 years ago, the Institute of the Malay World and Civilization, or known by its Malay acronym ATMA, is the only full-fledged academic research institute in Malaysia that concentrates solely on the study of the 'Malay World', the vast maritime-riverine complex of Southeast Asia, thus forming a major component of Southeast Asian Studies. The research activities are conducted through an application of the three major universal academic orientations, namely 'disciplinary' (sociology, economics, history, etc.), 'thematic' (development studies, communications studies, gender studies, etc.), and 'area studies' (Malay Studies, Chinese Studies, European Studies, etc.).

Administratively, ATMA is divided into three divisions, namely 'Research and Postgraduate', 'Documentation & Publication', and 'Skill Development' (Malay language and Information Technology), each conducting its own activities but always complementing one another. ATMA both offers fellowships and welcomes funded-fellows to spend time at the Institute, which provides a host of supporting secretarial and technical facilities, both for fellows and postgraduate students. It has its own research library and its special collections, complemented by the main library's Southeast Asia Collection and other holdings.

Research and Related Activities

Research is the Institute's core activity around which other activities are built and generated. The five major areas of interest related to the Malay world that is of concern to the Institute are as follows: 1. theory constructions; 2. language; 3. literature; 4. culture; 5. education. For each area, a senior scholar is designated as the 'lead scholar'-cum-co-ordinator for all research and related activities, including senior research funds.

ATMA also runs short and extended Malay language courses both for beginners and advanced learners, especially for post-graduate students intending to do research and fieldwork in the Malay world. The Institute also publishes books and journals in the traditional printed form as well as electronic digital form. It organizes seminars and conferences regularly both of which are for academics as well as the general public.

In the website, you can access to the following items:
1. Adat Perpatih
2. Borneo Homeland
3. Karya Jawi (Jawi Works)
4. N.A Halim's Special Collection
5. Malay World Database (PADAT)
6. Malay Dictionary of End Syllables
7. Malay Dictionaries by Non-Malays
8. Online SARI Journal
9. Peribahasa (Malay Proverbs)
10. Pantun Baba (Baba's Pantun)
11. 1 Juta Pantun Melayu
12. Tenas Effendy's Special Collection
13. Za'ba's Collection
14. Koleksi Khas Yang Quee Yee
15. The Theory of Language Koineization

The Institute of the Malay World and Civilization
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: (603) 8921-5254
Email: pghatma@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my