While most of us will opt for photographs and video, a holiday or trip will be extra special if have something unique that ties up our experience. A souvenir; originated from a French word that translated as “a remembrance or memory”. It can be any object that can be collected along the way such as beach sands, shells to things that are sold to be brought back home; a postcard, mug or even tumbler.

Located on the north-western shore of Borneo, Sarawak is famous as the destination for authentic culture, natural landscape and exhilarating adventures. From modern amenities to traditional experiences, Sarawak is a place where two worlds collide.

So, if you are travelling to Sarawak and looking for gift ideas, here is the best souvenirs for you to bring home and where to find your ideal souvenirs for your family and friends.

#1. Pua Kumbu

Pua Kumbu is a traditional ceremonial cotton cloth that contains elaborate motifs and normally it is an integral part of the culture, folklore and even life of the Iban tribe in the state.

Besides being used for ceremonial purposes, Pua Kumbu is also used as a daily wear or as a fashion statement or a decorative pieces. 

If you are intended to get one as a souvenir, look for a shop called Fabriko that located at India Street.

#2. Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak Layered Cake)

The signature dessert of Sarawak, kek lapis is a delicious and sweet cake that baked layer by layer for several hours. Some of it will be stacked up and this will create fancy and unique patterns that only found in the layered cake of Sarawak.

The attention to detail of the pattern and motives will surely grab your attention.

As the most famous dessert, you may find the cake easily but the notable one would be Mira Cake House located in Kampung Boyan, and there are few others at Kuching Waterfront.

#3. Sape

Carved out of a single wood with at least two strings, sape is a traditional lute instrument of the Kenyah tribe of Sarawak. Known for its enchanting and melodious sounds and been used as a ceremonial purposes; Sape is now played on world stages either traditionally or infused into modern music arrangement.

Bringing home the sape might be challenging as it can be around 1 meter long and 40 cm wide but you can always buy a miniature sape, framed or maybe in other souvenir form such as keychain or fridge magnet.

#4. Pottery

If you are into pottery or looking something that can be used as decorative items, an earthenware will surely make a great souvenir and will remind you of the journey to Sarawak.

Produced by highly-skilled craftsmen and artisans, vases are made of different sizes, shapes and colour. Normally, it will have a unique design and hand-painted Sarawak motifs. It can be purchased directly from pottery factory or souvenir shop. Try to find it at the 5^th Mile Penrissen Road.

#5. Tribal Bags / Rattan Bag

As unique as the state, each Sarawak tribe will have their unique and distinctive design that represent their culture.

Combining beautiful tribal design and practicality, the Sarawak tribal bags or purses can be the perfect accompaniments to your daily look, just imagine adding a touch of tribal chic to you overall get-up.

Since the bag is quite popular souvenirs, it can easily found in most souvenir shop, one of it is at the Main Bazaar or Kuching Waterfront Bazaar.