Malaysia‘s largest state stretches across the north-west corner of the multifaceted island of Borneo, sharing borders with the tiny Muslim kingdom of Brunei, its Malaysian relation Sabah (in the east) and Indonesian-owned Kalimantan in the south.

This vast jungle is home to a variety of flora and fauna not seen anywhere else in the world: hornbills, the proboscis monkey, the rafflesia — the world‘s largest (and smelliest) flower — and the endangered “man of the forest,” the orang-utan.

These beloved creatures are only found in the wild in Borneo and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Sarawak has the largest population.

No itinerary is complete without a visit to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve‘s wildlife centre 20 kilometres from the green, clean capital Kuching. The centre provides care and rehabilitation for orang-utans that have been orphaned or freed from captivity.

There are 21 semi-wild orang-utans roaming the protected Semenggoh forest and visitors have an opportunity to see them up close during feeding times, which are at 9am and 3pm daily.

For the adventurous traveller looking for a holiday destination that‘s exotic, inexpensive and offers a choice of first-class beach resorts (without the crowds), adventure, a diverse ethnic culture, clean air and abundant nature, Sarawak is hard to beat.

If it‘s a seaside escape you‘re after, a 40-minute drive north from Kuching will lead you to Damai. Sprawling world-class resorts, such as the Holiday Inn on Damai Beach, offer colourful cocktails by the pool, all manner of water sports, a scenic golf course at the foot of Mount Santubong, fishing and dolphin-watching cruises.

Those worried about missing a cultural experience while sunning themselves here for a week can get a taste of the former at the Sarawak Cultural Centre just a few minutes walk from the lobby of the hotel.

Sarawak‘s 2 million-plus population features 27 ethnic groups including the Iban the once-feared headhunters, the Bidayuh, the Melanau, the nomadic Penan and the artistic Orang Ulu people. Many of their tribal traditions are represented here on the seven-hectare site. The centre also plays host to the Rainforest World Music Festival each year.

Another resort growing in popularity is Miri, an hour‘s flight from Kuching. While the small community has flourished because of its offshore oil deposits, the warm waters of the South China Sea still have many natural riches, including colourful and pristine reefs. Home to 300 species of fish, they are fast becoming a diver‘s shangri-la.

Miri is also the gateway to other adventures: in Gunung Mulu National Park you can lose yourself underground (literally, if you don‘t take a guide) in the extensive system of limestone caves, some of the largest in the world. Challenging mountain treks, rock climbing and river cruises are also popular in this sublime wilderness.

Another highlight is a boat ride along the Melinau River to Clearwater Cave, the longest cave system in Southeast Asia, and the chance to meet the semi-nomadic Penan people at a traditional longhouse.

Major airlines flying to Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airlines provide connections to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

For details see: sarawaktourism.com

For more information contact Tourism Malaysia at 1-888-669-6872 or go to www.malaysiatourism.ca