BACKGROUND
Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, covers an area of 124,450 sq km and is divided into 9 divisions.

With two-thirds of its land area covered with tropical rainforests, Sarawak is well known for its natural and cultural wonders. The hornbill, a protected bird, is the state symbol.

HISTORY
The Brunei kingdom controlled most of Borneo from the 10th to 15th centuries. However, from the 16th century onward, Brunei's influence declined.

When James Brooke, a wealthy English adventurer, arrived in the settlement of Kuching in 1839, he found the locals rebelling against Brunei. He helped put down the rebellion and as a reward, he was appointed Rajah of Sarawak in 1841.

He was succeeded by his nephew Charles Brooke in 1868, who expanded his area of control until it reached Sarawak's present borders. Charles was in turn succeeded by his son Charles Vyner Brooke in 1917. After World War II, Charles Vyner Brooke ceded Sarawak to the British Crown.

Sarawak gained its independence in 1963 and joined the newly formed Malaysia.

GETTING THERE
Malaysia Airlines offers regular air links from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu to Kuching and Miri.

The national carrier also flies direct from Kuching to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and Pontianak.

Express boats are the main means of travel between coastal towns.