The Spirit of Sarawak: Exploring Borneo’s Heritage, Culture, and Colonial Charm

Jun 16, 2026

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The Spirit of Sarawak: Exploring Borneo’s Heritage, Culture, and Colonial Charm

Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is one of Southeast Asia’s most culturally diverse and historically fascinating regions. Home to indigenous communities, colonial-era landmarks, ancient archaeological sites, and some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, Sarawak offers a remarkable window into the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Malaysian Borneo.

This six-day study tour explores the many layers of Sarawak’s history and culture. Discover the architectural legacy of the Brooke Dynasty, explore the collections of the Borneo Cultures Museum, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Niah National Park, home to some of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological discoveries, including prehistoric cave paintings and evidence of human occupation dating back tens of thousands of years.

The journey also highlights Sarawak’s living heritage and natural environment. Observe orangutans in their rainforest habitat at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, gain insight into indigenous traditions at a Bidayuh longhouse, and examine the role of the petroleum industry in shaping modern Sarawak.

The trip, taking place from 5 to 10 October 2026 and led by Associate Professor Dr Thanik Lertcharnrit, offers members and friends of The Siam Society a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and remarkable landscapes of Sarawak. Through visits to significant historical and cultural sites, participants will gain deeper insights into the history, traditions, and natural environment of one of the most distinctive and culturally diverse regions of Malaysian Borneo.

When

Monday, 5 to Saturday, 10 October 2026

Leader

with Associate Professor Dr Thanik Lertcharnrit

International Program in Architectural Heritage, Creative Industries, and Tourism Management,

Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Monday, 5 October: Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur – Kuching
08.00 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Malaysia Airlines check-in counter.
11.05 Depart Bangkok for Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines flight MH785. (flight duration 2h 10m)
14.15 Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, transfer to a domestic flight to Kuching by passing through the immigration and security checks.
15.25 Depart Kuala Lumpur for Kuching by Malaysia Airlines flight MH2544. (flight duration 1h 50m)
17.15 Arrive at Kuching International Airport, then transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.
   
Day 2: Tuesday, 6 October: Kuching (Architectural Layers)
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Visit the Borneo Cultures Museum, one of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia, a world-class architectural landmark. Spanning over 31,000 square metres, its distinctive golden diamond-shaped façade pays tribute to the traditional songket weaving and basketry patterns of Sarawak’s indigenous communities. The visit will focus on the Archaeological and Cultural Galleries, including the UNESCO-recognised archaeological discoveries from the Niah.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:

 

 Enjoy a guided heritage walk through the heart of old Kuching, exploring the legacy of the “White Rajahs” – the Brooke Dynasty, who ruled Sarawak from 1841 to 1946 as a private sovereign kingdom. Discover the unique blend of Victorian and Malay architectural influences, designed to suit the tropical climate through features such as deep verandas and high-pitched roofs. Highlights include the historic Old Courthouse and the charming Main Bazaar, lined with 19th-century Chinese shophouses featuring traditional five-foot ways and internal air wells, reflecting the ingenuity of early tropical urban design.
– Afterwards, board a river cruise for panoramic views of Kuching’s iconic riverside landmarks. Admire the elegant Astana, built in 1870 as a gift from Charles Brooke to Ranee Margaret, and the impressive Fort Margherita, a whitewashed fortress constructed in 1879 to safeguard the Sarawak River. Then see the Fort Margherita from the water, emphasising how the Sarawak River was the primary “highway” for defence and trade.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.
   
Day 3: Wednesday, 7 October: Kuching (Biology & Communalism)
– Breakfast at the hotel.
07.30: Proceed to visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, one of Sarawak’s most important wildlife rehabilitation centres. Observe the semi-wild orangutans during the morning feeding session and learn about the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these endangered primates within their natural rainforest habitat.

Note: The orangutan feeding session is scheduled at 09:00 am. As the orangutans are semi-wild and free-ranging, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse, one of the oldest and best-preserved traditional Bidayuh villages in Sarawak. Explore the unique communal longhouse and gain insight into the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Bidayuh community. This authentic cultural experience offers a deeper understanding of the indigenous heritage and social harmony that have been preserved for generations.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.
   
Day 4: Thursday, 8 October: Kuching – Miri (The Industrial Pivot)
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Transfer to Kuching International Airport.
11:35 Depart Kuching for Miri by AirAsia flight AK6192. (flight duration 1h)
12:35 Arrive at Miri Airport, transfer to the restaurant.
Noon: Late lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to visit Canada Hill and The Grand Old Lady, the site of Malaysia’s first commercial oil well, drilled in 1910. Explore the origins of Sarawak’s petroleum industry and gain insight into the industrial heritage that transformed Miri from a small coastal settlement into one of Malaysia’s most important energy hubs. The visit offers a fascinating perspective on the technological, economic, and social developments that shaped modern Sarawak throughout the 20th century.
– Dinner at a local restaurant.
– Overnight at Hotel Pullman Mari Waterfront, Miri.
   
Day 5: Friday, 9 October: Miri
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Depart for a full-day excursion to Niah National Park, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is renowned for its extensive limestone cave system and evidence of some of the earliest human settlements in the region.
– Upon arrival, embark on a guided trek through the rainforest and boardwalks leading to the impressive Great Cave. Explore the site where the famous “Deep Skull” was discovered, providing

evidence of human occupation dating back approximately 40,000 years. Learn about the archaeological findings that have contributed significantly to our understanding of prehistoric migration and human development in Southeast Asia.
– Continue to the remarkable Painted Cave, home to ancient red hematite rock paintings believed to be over a thousand years old. Observe the mysterious “Death Ships”—boat-shaped burial coffins associated with ancient funeral rituals and spiritual beliefs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of Sarawak’s early inhabitants.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
– Return to Miri.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at Hotel Pullman Mari Waterfront, Miri.
   
Day 6: Saturday, 10 October: Miri – Kuala Lumpur – Bangkok
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to Miri Airport.
12.10 Depart Miri for Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines flight MH2575. (flight duration 2h 20m)
14.30 Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, transfer for the international flight by passing through the immigration and security checks.
16.00 Depart Kuala Lumpur for Bangkok by Malaysia Airlines flight MH774. (flight duration 2h 20m)
17.20 Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
   

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 66,500 (THB 71,500 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 9,000. A deposit of THB 30,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Thursday, 6 August 2026). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand as per the itinerary.
  • Domestic air ticket from Kuching to Miri by AirAsia flight AK6192.

 

 

Exclusions:

  • International air tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Kuching and Miri – Bangkok). The approximate airfare for Malaysia Airlines, economy class, is THB 12,000, and business class is THB 29,000 (as of June 2026).
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Tourist Visa Policy for Malaysia:

Citizens from over 150 countries, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all European countries, can enter Malaysia without a visa for short-term tourist visits, with typical stay periods ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on the traveller’s nationality.

Cancellation charges:

76 days before the start of the trip (before Tue, 21 July 2026): Deposit forfeited
75 – 61 days before the start of the trip (Wed, 22 July to Wed, 5 August 2026): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 60 days or cancellation without notice (Thu, 6 August 2026 onwards): No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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