A 16-cabin river vessel is set to begin sailing from 29 March 2027, taking guests up Sarawak’s Rajang River.
The privately developed Borneo River Cruise will offer two expedition programmes: an eight-day, seven-night round trip and a five-day, four-night one-way journey, departing from Sibu and taking guests to Kapit, Song and beyond.
“As Malaysia's longest river, the Rajang has long served as an important lifeline for the communities living along its banks,” said Janice Wong, general manager, Borneo River Cruise. Despite its cultural significance and extraordinary landscapes, much of the Rajang River remains relatively unexplored by international leisure travellers.”
Designed for just 32 guests, the boutique river expedition vessel features cabins with river-facing windows, an indoor dining hall, a lounge and a sun deck.
The longer expedition begins and ends in Sibu. Guests will visit Iban longhouses and river communities, trek through rainforests, discover traditional crafts, explore local markets and board smaller boats to navigate waterways and look for wildlife. For those seeking a shorter alternative, the one-way itinerary covers the journey’s essential highlights.
Traditional mat weaving offers a glimpse of the local crafts guests can discover on Borneo River Cruise’s journeys through Sarawak. Photo Credit: Borneo River Cruise
A lens into Bornean culture
The cruise is part of a broader effort to encourage exploration of Sarawak’s interior.
Sarawak Tourism Board plans to work with tour operators to develop extension packages from Kapit into Baleh, incorporating additional cultural and adventure experiences. The Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari and Bukit Mabong Expedition have been identified as potential additions for visitors looking to venture further upriver.
“The Borneo River Cruise offers visitors a different perspective of Sarawak, bringing them closer to local communities, traditions and natural landscapes,” said Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. “We believe it will encourage visitors to venture beyond the usual tourism hotspots, extend their stays and create opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism growth.”