Sarawak Road Trip

Sarawak Road Trip:
Self Drive Travel Guide

The “Sarawak Road Trip: Self Drive Travel Guide” Kuching Launching Ceremony will be flagged off by YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister For Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak on 3rd December, 2022, at the Kuching Waterfront. The main objective of the “Sarawak Road Trip” is to encourage Sarawakians to explore their “own backyard” by road, with the long term aim of enhancing inbound tourism by offering more travel options for both domestic and international visitors..

Sarawak, the Land of Hornbills, is a beautiful destination with unique culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals.

There is so much to explore in this part of Borneo stretching from Lundu in the South to Lawas in the North. The completion of the Pan Borneo Highway by early 2023, will further facilitate travel by road across Sarawak. Not only will the road improve connectivity, it will also enhance businesses and domestic tourism. The completion of Pan Borneo Highway will further encourage Sarawakians to go on domestic holidays using their own vehicles, traveling at their own pace.

The “Sarawak Road Trip: Self Drive Travel Guide”, in English, Malay as well as Chinese versions, features 20 road trips in the three regions of Sarawak. Kuching, Sibu and Miri, are the major cities in Sarawak serving as hubs from which to explore some less well-known places. The Travel Guide provides the basic routes and suggestions for accommodation, restaurants and attractions for the selected trips.

QR code

For each trip, a QR code can be scanned from the Travel Guide to download the Google Map route with all the stops into your smartphone for easy navigation.

The Travel Guide highlights road trips that can be done as a daytrip, 2 days 1 night weekend trip, and the longest one of up to 4 days 3 nights.

Apart from the Travel Guide Book & Map, the project also delivers promotional videos for the Sarawak Road Trip including three Video Travelogues featuring one selected trip in each of the 3 regions of Sarawak, i.e. the Southern, Central and Northern Regions.

This project is undertaken by the Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak. The project started on 21st February 2021, and has taken more than 9 months to complete. ASIA (the Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies) is the organiser of this project with the support of many of its members throughout Sarawak.

ASIA is an association of inbound tour operators in the business of managing the travel and tour arrangements for visitors to Sarawak. Founded in 2004, ASIA has its headquarters in Kuching and represents the majority of inbound tour operators in Sarawak, including Miri and Sibu.

ASIA and STB will be jointly promoting the Sarawak Road Trip initiative on their websites & social media platforms. The ASIA website will host the main content of Sarawak Road Trip @ https://asia.org.my/sarawak-road-trip/

Launching of Sarawak Road Trip on 3 December 2022 at Square Tower, Kuching Waterfront

THANK YOU

ASIA Sarawak Road Trip:
Thank you MTCP YB Karim, YB S. Ting, PS Hii,
and MTCP Tourism and Event team for
supporting this meaningful project,
and STB for the upcoming promotion of this initiative.

Sarawak Road Trip project information: https://asia.org.my/sarawak-road-trip/
Sarawak Road Trip Videos: https://youtube.com/@asiaSarawakInboundAgents

Download Sarawak Road Trip Travel Guide (PDF)
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Southern Sarawak
Central Sarawak
Northern Sarawak
Long Distance Trip
Full Version eBook
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Southern Sarawak 砂拉越南区 (KUCHING 古晋)

Central Sarawak – SIBU (砂拉越中区 – 诗巫)

SIBU WEST BANK

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SIBU – SARIKEI

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SIBU – KAPIT

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SIBU – MUKAH

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SIBU – JULAU

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SIBU – MUKAH – BALINGIAN

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SIBU – BELAWAI

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Download eBook – Central Sarawak

Northern Sarawak – MIRI (砂拉越北区 – 美里)

MIRI – BATU NIAH

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MIRI – PIASAU

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MIRI – LOAGAN BUNUT
NATIONAL PARK

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MIRI – MARUDI

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MIRI CROSS-BORDER

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Download eBook – Northern Sarawak

LONG-DISTANCE
ROAD TRIP
NORTHERN SARAWAK

Northern Sarawak 砂拉越北区 (MIRI 美里)
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LONG-DISTANCE
ROAD TRIP
SOUTHERN SARAWAK

Southern Sarawak 砂拉越南区 (KUCHING 古晋) View Map

Download Full eBook of The Sarawak Road Trip Guide

Download – FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Self-drive in Sarawak

Is it safe to drive in Sarawak?

It’s considered safe to drive in Sarawak for anyone with driving experience. Just keep in mind that cars drive on the left side of the road throughout Malaysia. Most roads are tar-sealed while Pan-Borneo Highway will connect you to any big cities throughout the state. However, in many locations, the government is still working on upgrading the roads, so please be sure to drive slowly on these construction sites.

My car breaks down during the trip, what do I do?

If your rental car breaks down, please call the company’s emergency number to ask for assistance. Additionally, if you’re stranded in a village, the locals are generally keen to help out.

What is the best time to go on a Self-Drive trip in Sarawak?

The weather is great in Sarawak throughout the year. Sarawak does have a monsoon season which means more-than-average rainfall between November and March. During these months, you may expect additional rainfall. During monsoon, it generally rains more in the early mornings and late afternoons. The best time to go on a Self-Drive trip through Sarawak is between April and September.

What kind of license do I need to drive in Sarawak?

To be able to drive in Sarawak, you will need to have a valid Malaysia Car Driving license, or an International Driving License if you’re a foreigner. You can obtain an international driver’s license from your country. The international driving license is an official translation of your current driving
license.

How are the road conditions in Sarawak?

Generally, the road conditions in Sarawak range from moderate to good. Even for those driving in the city, you will occasionally encounter a pothole so always remember to drive carefully. Also, there is generally a lot of road construction going on, so make sure to drive safely and follow the road signs.

Is it convenient to find gas station along the road?

You’ll be able to find gas station everywhere, especially in the city. There are two major oil & gas companies you can find here in Sarawak, namely Petronas and Shell. PETROS is a new state-owned brand. However, if you’re planning to drive long distances between stops, make sure to fill up your tank before leaving the city; once you’re on the highway, roadside gas stations are either hard to find or they close at night.

What should I do when I run out of gas in a remote area?

It’s best to ask local people or villagers living nearby for help. They will share some gas enough to get you to the next gas station. At some remote villages, you can purchase bottles of gas in case of emergency. Always make sure to check type of gas (RON95, RON 97 or Diesel) goes into your vehicle before purchasing any.

Can I buy food, snacks and drinks along the way when driving in Sarawak?

There are many villages scattered throughout Sarawak with many little shops that sell snacks and food. Most people speak basic English, so feel free to start a conversation with the locals!

What are the speed limits for driving in Sarawak?

The speed limit in rural area is 90km/h while 60km/h is within city limits, 35km/h if you drive pass any school. Do keep in mind that speed limits will be adjusted at certain area, just observe the traffic signs and driving instructions along the roads.

What cars are available for a self-drive trip in Sarawak?

There are various types of cars available for a self-drive trip in Sarawak. There are two popular and budget-friendly local car brands in Malaysia, namely Proton and Perodua. However, there are also imported cars for rent such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. Please contact a local travel agent or car rental company for more information.

Is there phone reception with internet coverage throughout Sarawak?

There is phone reception coverage across 90% of Sarawak. Most areas in Sarawak also receive cellular telecommunications coverage via the various service providers such as Celcom, Digi, Maxis and Tune Talk. Some locations have satellite broadband installed, including longhouses. Only certain rural areas fell outside of the network range, but there are limited.

Who do I call in case of an emergency?

Always call 999. The operator will connect you to the Police, Fire Department and Ambulance, depends on your needs and situations.

How’s the road conditions in Sarawak? Are there highways?

Sarawak has a variety of road conditions, from highways, rural roads, village roads and everything in between. The speed limit it 90km/h on highways and 60km/h in town areas. Always make sure to observe the speed limits shown on the road signs.

On which side of the road does one drive in Sarawak?

In Sarawak, all drivers drive on the left side of the road. On some roads, there is bike route for motorcyclists to ride on the left side of the road. You may also expect motorcyclists to lane-split, this means they will pass cars either from your left or right side.

Is seat belt compulsory? What are the general vehicle safety rules and regulations?

Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the vehicle. A fine of MYR 300 can be imposed by the local authorities if you’re caught driving without any seatbelt.

What is the alcohol drinking limit in Sarawak for drivers?

Currently, the alcohol content levels for drink and drive stands at 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Hence, you’re strongly advised not to drink and drive in Sarawak. And if you do get stopped by the police and are asked to take an alcohol breath test or drug test, do cooperate so you don’t face penalties. If you refuse to comply to police instructions, you could lose your licence, face fines of up RM30,000 and up to 5 years of jail time.

What is the law around using mobile phone in a car in Sarawak?

Mobile phone usage is not allowed while driving. However, you’re advised to use a hands-free device in your vehicle, as long as you do not hold your phone in your hand while driving.

Will I encounter wildlife crossing the road?

It’s possible to encounter wildlife while driving in Sarawak. It’s not uncommon to see a monkey or a wild boar crossing a road. Always make sure to keep an eye out. You might also encounter snake or lizard crossing the road. In case you hit an animal, find a safe place to park and assess the damage. Call your rental car company in case you have any questions regarding the damage.

Sarawak Road Trip