Orangutan at Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Photo credit: Tan Teck Kee)
Land of the Hornbills
These protected birds we must not kill
Land of the headhunters
But that was in the days of our long-gone ancestors
Sarawak is the largest state of Malaysia
The country that prides itself as truly Asia
Situated on the island of Borneo
Sarawak possesses charm and incredible allure.
Famed for its cultural diversity
Natural wonders and amazing biodiversity
Pristine rainforests with unique fauna and flora
A land filled with an exotic aura.
With a diverse ethnic mix
Total major ethnic groups number six
Iban Chinese Malay Bidayuh Melanau and Orang Ulu
The ethnic diversity is really cool.
Gawai Dayak is Iban’s biggest festival
The free flow of tuak makes it difficult to remain sober
When you make a Gawai visit to a longhouse
You’ll be caught in an enthusiasm that is difficult to douse.
When Chinese New Year comes around
Lion dances and firecrackers abound
Red packets and lots of delicacies
Life seems so carefree and easy.
Malay’s biggest festival is Hari Raya
When celebrations move into high gear
Feast on rendang curry and satay
A bloated stomach is a small price to pay.
Sarawak’s capital Kuching is fondly known as the City of Cats
But I wonder if the city really has few rats
In terms of being peaceful and laid-back
Among Malaysian cities Kuching leads the pack.
Miri is the hub of Sarawak’s oil industry
A resort city full of greenery and trees
Miri’s Grand Old Lady sits on top of Canada Hill
Famed as the first oil well that was ever drilled.
Sibu is the gateway to the hinterland of the Rejang River
A town that used to be the hub for the logging of timber
A town whose inhabitants are predominantly Foochow
These are Chinese known for their perseverance and business know-how.
If you wish to see the obscene-nosed proboscis monkey
Bako National Park holds the key
But if orangutans are what you want to see
A visit to Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre will be your cup of tea.
The cool environs of Kelabit Highlands and Bario
Where trekking and serene Orang Ulu villages lure
Loagan Bunut is home to Sarawak’s largest freshwater lake
Don’t pollute it for the Berawan people’s sake.
Try to spot a Rafflesia at the national park in Gunung Gading
Visit Mount Murud if mountain scaling is your thing
Tanjung Datu National Park though the smallest is one of the most beautiful
Talang-Satang National Park is where marine turtles are plentiful.
If you are looking for tranquility and beautiful waterfall
Bukit Lambir National Park has it all
Bakun Dam has its share of controversy
But water spilling from its spillways is a must-see.
A visit to Mulu Caves is a must
Its cave systems leave competitors in the dust
Niah Caves deserve a visit
It is where the earliest known human settlement in Sarawak sits.
Abundant in natural resources
With income from natural gas petroleum timber and agricultural sources
But its development lags far behind its counterparts in the Peninsula
It’s little wonder that Sarawakians blame Putrajaya.
Sarawak my fair land
We hug you in our arms and hands
Long may Sarawakians live in peace and harmony
We will never cease to honour thee.
