Sarawak, Administrative division in Malaysia
Sarawak is a state in East Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo between the South China Sea and mountainous inland terrain. The territory borders Brunei, Sabah and the Indonesian province of Kalimantan, covering a coastal strip with lowlands, hills and dense rainforest in the interior.
The region was governed in the 19th century by the Brooke family, known as the White Rajahs, who established an independent kingdom. After World War II, it became a British Crown Colony and joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
The region is home to 28 ethnic groups, including Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Chinese communities, each maintaining their own languages and traditional practices. This diversity shows in the longhouses along the rivers, the markets filled with local crafts, and the festivals celebrated throughout the year.
The capital city Kuching is connected to major Asian destinations through its international airport and serves as the main entry point for visitors. The climate remains warm and humid throughout the year, with more frequent rain showers between November and February.
The Rajang flows through the region for 563 kilometers (350 miles), making it the longest river in Malaysia. Many communities in the interior can only be reached by this waterway, as no roads extend to the remote settlements.
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