I have come up with the top Instagram spots in Sarawak for the social media influencer or traveller, perfect for those wanting to capture the best iconic places here.
With Instagram and social media leading in digital tourism for the last few years, many have travelled worldwide based on top Instagram-worthy places.
Since I have travelled extensively around Sarawak, I have come up with this article that will share some of the places in Sarawak which are Instagram-worthy.
What Are the Top Instagram Spots in Sarawak?
As Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and is located on the island of Borneo, one must travel from south to north to visit some of the Instagrammable places in Sarawak.
In reality, you may need at least five or six days to see most of these places, but if you only go to one destination, this list will highlight the popular Instagram places.
I have also included the Google Map locations at each place, so you can click on them, leading you to the spot.
Some more remote places will not have Google Map locations, but you can roughly find them on Google or ask around when you are there.
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and is nicknamed Cat City as the name Kuching translates as a cat in Malay. This means you will find many cat statues around Kuching, making perfect Instagram locations.
The best Instagram spots in Kuching require walking to get to them, and if you start in the mornings, you can cover most of the locations just after lunch. This is probably one of the most accessible Instagram trails in Sarawak.
Kuching Cat Statue #1 - The easiest to find in the city of Kuching is this statue, located at the intersection of the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, where all the leading hotels are found. This is the most photographed and Instagrammed cat statue in Kuching. Famous Kuching Cat Statue Google Map.
Kuching Cat Statue #2 - This standalone giant cat statue at the end of Jalan Padungan in Kuching provides a great Instagram shot. Best to visit early in the mornings when no one is around too. Jalan Padungan Cat Statue Google Map.
Darul Hana Bridge - Opened in 2018, the most iconic landmark in Kuching, found in the Kuching Waterfront area. The curved bridge connects the Waterfront to the Sarawak Parliament Building, crossing the Sarawak River. This bridge can be Instagrammed from afar or on the bridge itself. Darul Hana Bridge Google Map.
Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building (DUN Building) - This beautiful building is the most prominent structure in Kuching City. Sitting across the Sarawak River, you can get a good Instagram shot from across. Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building Google Map.
Hong San Si Temple - Located at the end of Carpenter Street, this temple boasts beautiful colours and intricate carvings, perfect for that Instagram shot. A great time to capture your Insta photo is in the mornings and with clear blue skies. Hon San Si Temple Google Map.
Kuching City Mosque - This pink mosque is the place to take your shot for those wanting a unique yet traditional mosque in their Instagram photos. The contrast of pink and gold will complement anyone dressed in striking colours. Best to come in the morning on a nice hot day, with blue skies. Kuching City Mosque Google Map.
Fort Margherita - This old English fort from the White Raja era of the 1800s has also become a particular Instagram spot. The building is white, allowing the subject to stand out in various colours for the shot. Fort Margherita Google Map.
Fort Margherita - This old English fort from the White Raja era of the 1800s has also become a particular Instagram spot. The building is white, allowing the subject to stand out in various colours for the shot. Fort Margherita Google Map.
Street Art at Jalan Power - This location is in the old part of Kuching, along Jalan Power, where numerous street art is found. One of the famous is the Orang Utan mural, which will look fantastic in your Instagram photo. Jalan Power Google Map.
India Street Pedestrian Mall - This old street has a local bazaar and a modern open-air concept canopy rooftop. Finding the right angle can be fun, but my best location for this Instagram shot is from Jalan Barrack looking in. India Street Mall Google Map.
Singgahsana Lodge - This standalone building was given a beautiful mural on two sides of the facade, attracting many Instagrammers to photograph this place. However, getting a full shot can be tricky; hence, you must walk around the building to find the best Instagram spot. Singgahsana Lodge Google Map.
White Barouk - This unique ethnic building sits by the Sarawak River near the first cat statue along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. The Baruk is a traditional Bidayuh ceremonial house created here in Kuching for tourism purposes. White Barouk Google Map.
Borneo Cultures Museum or New Sarawak Museum - Recently completed, the all-new Sarawak Museum is one of the new Instagram-worthy places in Kuching. The museum's stunning architecture is unique; hence, it will be a great place to take your Instagram photos from the Merdeka Field or Padang Merdeka. New Sarawak Museum Google Map.
Santubong Instagram Spots
Santubong is where you can find the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing the many ethnic tribes of Sarawak, all in one place. Around Santubong, you can also find several beach resorts and, of course, Mount Santubong.
Sarawak Cultural Village - This living museum will provide many different Instagram-worthy shots as the place is vast and fascinating. To get here, it is a two-hour drive from Kuching City.
You must spend at least half a day here to explore the different traditional homes, complete with staff dressed in their respective attire.
Notable locations at the Sarawak Cultural Village for your Instagram shot include the Melanau Tall House, Orang Ulu House and the Iban Longhouse. Each of them can be photographed from the inside or outside. Sarawak Cultural Village Google Map.
Damai Central Hornbill Statue - Across the Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai Central, where you can find a local food centre and some souvenir shops.
There is a giant modern contemporary hornbill bird statue facing the sea, which is also Instagram-worthy. Mornings and sunset are the best times for photography here. Damai Central Google Map.
Bako National Park Instagram Spots
Located two hours from Kuching is the Bako National Park, possibly one of Sarawak's most beautiful parks. There are a couple of Insta-worthy locations, and they are;
Cobra Sea Stack at Bako National Park - This beautiful structure in the waters of Bako National Park is also one of the Instagram-worthy photos. However, the trick here is to get your shot while on the boat, as there is no way for you to stand and pose here.
Bako National Park Bay - This requires you to trek up one of the trails at the park, and when you reach a vantage point, you can capture a beautiful shot of the bay, complete with the curved beach and rainforest. A tip is to go early in the morning to get this shot. Bako National Park Google Map.
Miri Instagram Spots
Miri is a Resort City located in the northern part of Sarawak, which borders the country of Brunei. Relatively laid back, Miri is also a gateway to some national parks and the Mulu National Park. For anyone staying in Miri, some notable places are worthy of Instagramming.
Tusan Horse Cliff Rock - Update: The Horse Rock at Tusan collapsed at the end of February 2020, which is sad news. This very local place has got some Instagram attention in the last few years. Many photographers come here to capture the sunrise photos, and now, more locals are heading here to get that Instagram photo of Horse Rock. Tusan is a 40-minute drive from Miri. Tusan Horse Cliff Rock Google Map.
Niah Caves - One of the largest caves in Sarawak and only about two hours from Miri City. The traders' cave here is recommended for your Instagram photo as it is massive and full of character. You can either self-drive or engage in a tour guide service to get here. Niah Caves Google Map.
Bario Instagram Spots
Bario is located in the highlands of northeast Sarawak and is one of the best rural tourism locations, which is unspoiled and as original as it can be. This is one of the #SarawakMoreToDiscover locations that I would easily recommend.
For anyone wanting to see a more unique side of Sarawak, Bario is the place to visit. It is purely community-driven, with no modern infrastructure and is 1000 meters above sea level. There are a few places to get some Instagram photos if you are here.
Prayer Hill Wooden Church - One of the smaller hills in Bario that many trekkers and hikers visit is Prayer Hill, and a 30-minute trek will lead you to a beautiful wooden church at the halfway point. This can work in your favour for a unique Instagram photo.
Prayer Hill Cross - From the wooden church, a slightly tricky trail leads up to the hill's peak, where the reward is a stunning massive cross perched at the top. You can also get an incredible view of the entire village of Bario, making this another Instagram-worthy spot for Sarawak.
Pa Lungan Village is one of the most challenging places to access from Bario, as one can trek five or six hours just to get here. A relatively small village, the picturesque scenery is surreal on a nice day, with reflections of the clouds on the fishing ponds providing a very natural Instagram photo.
Bukit Korea Hill is one of the much easier treks, where Bukit Korea is located just behind the town centre. A 10-minute trek will lead you to a beautiful viewpoint and a field of 'Lalang'.
Bario Rice Paddy Fields - During the harvest period from December to February, the paddy fields here turn from green to golden, providing a beautiful highland landscape worth that Instagram photo.
Mulu National Park Instagram Spots
Known as one of Malaysia's most beautiful national parks, Mulu has several Instagram-worthy places. And the best part is you need to travel to each of them. However, if you are there, check out;
Mulu Pinnacles - Requiring a three-day and two-night journey, the result will be worth your trek here. However, it is best to do it during the dry season for a great shot.
Deer Cave - The largest of the caves in the national park, many come here to see this gigantic cave's sheer size and often take photos here.
The best spot to take your Instagram photo is from inside the cave facing out. You need a tripod and some lighting for this.
Clearwater Cave - This cave is another popular location, but the best part of taking your Instagram photo would be deep down inside the cave, where you can find an underground river and a bridge. This location requires a tripod or steady hands and makes an amazing Instagram shot.
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| That's me posing with a Komodo Dragon. |
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of top Instagram places in Sarawak, and if you think other areas need to be featured, please let me know in the comment form below.
The Visit Sarawak Campaign was launched in 2019, and the official hashtag to use is #VisitSarawak #SarawakMoreToDiscover #SiaSitokSarawak when posting on social media. It will go on through until 2022 or 2023.
When you post your best Instagram photo of Sarawak, please use the above hashtag, and hopefully, more people will know about the best Instagram spots in Sarawak.