 | The RIVER S OF SARAWAK have played a very important part in the development of the state, be it economic, social or political, and they still continue to be of great importance to Sarawak. | |
| In the days of old, rivers in Sarawak is the only means of transport (other than on foot), thus providing a lifeline to the State. Even after the advent of road and air transport, the rivers continue to play an important role in this aspect. The economic development of the State relies very much on its riverine system. |  | |
 
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| The growth of towns, villages and longhouses is also along these rivers, on the banks of these rivers and streams. These are also the sites of development for commercial centres like Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei and Kapit. Traders from countries like China came to Sarawak in the earlier centuries through the Santubong Rivers - archeological finds in Santubong are evident of this fact. | ||
| In the field of politics, battles between the Rajah and the locals were fought on the rivers like the Sarawak, Batang Rejang, Batang Lupar and Baram. This is why many "forts" are found in locations like Kuching, Kapit, Sri Aman and Marudi - in the old days, ethnic tribes fought each other, and in many cases, "head hunt". Peace was achieved only through competitions on the rivers via the regatta, one good example is the Baram Regatta. | ||
  
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| In
the present day, rivers combine with other factors to play important roles in
our daily lives. We obtain drinking water from the rivers and streams, but they
still continue to be a major transport system. They also provide a means for recreational
interaction, e.g. swimming, jet skiing, adventures like shooting the rapids and
caving (the caves are usually the sources of rivers) involve rivers. Along the
rivers are numerous agricultural activities like drainage and irrigation systems,
fish and prawn cultures, which include huge areas of coconut, cocoa, padi, banana
plantations. There are various flora, fauna along these rivers and streams. There are exotic butterflies along the bank of these rivers, birds looking for fish, and even hornbills on the branches of the surrounding trees, and due to the rough of the hinterland, enormous and magnificent waterfalls beckon all. | ||
 
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| In
the effort to promote a lover and appreciation of the rivers, the Sarawak Government
has embarked a "Love our Rivers"
campaign. Various programs have been implemented, e.g. expeditions to the Baram
River and Balleh River up to as far as Long Singut. The State Tourism's focus
is on nature adventure and culture. The Rivers of Sarawak offer all the essence
to this focus. The rivers will provide all the elements to satisfy the visitors
looking for an experience in the pristine condition of nature, and a lot of adventure
along the rivers. The rivers of Sarawak, as along most of the Settlements, longhouses,
cities and towns along these rivers, they also embrace the multi-cultures of Sarawak. | ||
Request form for a Talk on "Love Our Rivers" | ||
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