THE RAJANG RIVER · SARAWAK, MALAYSIAN BORNEO
THE RIVER THAT
SHAPED BORNEO
Beyond the familiar landscapes of Borneo lies a river that has connected communities, cultures and generations for centuries.
01 · THE HEART OF SARAWAK
MORE THAN A RIVER.
A WAY OF LIFE
Stretching from Sarawak’s interior towards the South China Sea, the Rajang is Malaysia’s longest river.
For generations, its waters have connected settlements, carried goods and linked communities across a vast and varied landscape. Here, the river is not simply scenery. It is part of daily life — a route of travel, a source of food, a place of work and a connection between past and present.
563 km
Approximate length
Malaysia's
Longest river
Sarawak
Malaysian Borneo
02 · THE LANDSCAPE
EVERY BEND REVEALS
A DIFFERENT BORNEO
The Rajang’s character changes along its course. Broad stretches of water give way to smaller channels, riverside settlements and increasingly dramatic inland scenery.
Some moments are expansive: the river opening beneath a wide tropical sky. Others are intimate: reflections beneath overhanging branches, the sound of insects or a quiet passage through a sheltered waterway.
03 · PEOPLE OF THE RAJANG
MANY COMMUNITIES.
MANY STORIES.
ONE RIVER.
The Rajang basin is home to communities with distinct languages, histories, beliefs and cultural traditions. Among them are Iban, Melanau, Malay, Chinese and several upriver indigenous communities.
Their connections to the river are varied — from fishing and farming to trading, craftsmanship, settlement and family life.
To travel the Rajang is to encounter not one single story of Borneo, but many.
04 · TOWNS SHAPED BY THE WATER
WHERE HISTORY STILL
MEETS THE RIVER
SIBU — THE GATEWAY
A lively river town where markets, food traditions and trading heritage reflect generations of cultural exchange. For BRC guests, Sibu marks the beginning of the journey into Central Sarawak.
SONG — LIFE ALONG THE WATER
A riverside town connected to the Rajang and Katibas waterways, Song reflects the continuing importance of river travel and regional trade.
KAPIT — A GATEWAY TO THE INTERIOR
Kapit’s riverside markets and Fort Sylvia reveal different chapters of Sarawak’s history, from indigenous trade and settlement to the Brooke administration.
05 · HIDDEN WATERWAYS
BEYOND THE MAIN CURRENT
The Rajang is part of a wider world of waterways. Smaller rivers and sheltered channels lead into landscapes that feel far removed from the broad main river.
Travelling aboard a smaller expedition vessel allows guests to explore selected waterways more closely — moving at a gentler pace, observing the riverbanks and discovering places that larger vessels cannot enter.
06 · KNOWLEDGE PASSED THROUGH GENERATIONS
TRADITIONS ARE NOT ONLY
REMEMBERED.
THEY ARE LIVED.
Craftsmanship
Weaving, basketry and practical skills shaped by local materials and knowledge.
Textiles & Patterns
Designs and techniques that carry cultural meaning and personal histories.
Everyday Knowledge
The skills, stories and customs that continue to connect generations.
BRC’s cultural encounters are intended to create opportunities to listen, observe and learn from the people who practise these traditions.
07 · FOOD & THE RIVER
THE FLAVOURS
OF THE RAJANG
Food tells another story of the river. Freshwater prawns, local vegetables, seasonal fruits, herbs and ingredients from nearby farms and markets offer a taste of the landscapes and communities through which the journey passes.
On Borneo River Cruise, these flavours become part of the experience — through selected tastings, onboard meals, market encounters and opportunities to discover how local ingredients are prepared.
08 · AFTER SUNSET
WHEN THE RIVER
CHANGES ITS VOICE
As daylight fades, the river takes on another character. Sounds carry across the water, the forest grows darker and nocturnal life begins to emerge.
On selected expeditions, guided nighttime exploration offers an opportunity to observe the river after dark, including the possibility of spotting crocodiles and other nocturnal wildlife.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
09 · A DIFFERENT WAY TO EXPLORE
THE JOURNEY IS PART
OF THE DISCOVERY
Travelling by river changes the pace of discovery. Rather than moving between destinations by road and returning to a different hotel each night, guests travel with the landscape, watching it unfold from the comfort of their floating home.
Days bring new places and encounters. Evenings offer time to reflect, dine and relax onboard.
Expedition by day.
Comfort by night.
10 · FIND YOUR JOURNEY
THREE WAYS TO
FOLLOW THE RAJANG
8D7N · INTO DEEP BORNEO
SIBU → UPPER RAJANG → SIBU
Our flagship expedition and most comprehensive Rajang experience.
5D4N · RAJANG JOURNEY UPRIVER
SIBU → KAPIT
A shorter journey moving towards Sarawak’s interior.
5D4N · RAJANG JOURNEY DOWNRIVER
KAPIT → SIBU
An expedition following the river back towards Sibu.
THE RAJANG IS WAITING
FOLLOW THE RIVER.
DISCOVER ITS WORLD.
Explore Borneo’s living landscapes, communities and cultures through a journey shaped by the river itself