Rajang River
Stream Longest river in Sarawak, vital for transport
Flowing through Sarawak, the Rajang is Malaysia’s longest river, penetrating Borneo’s interior. River cruises reach Iban longhouses, jungle camps and small trading towns.
The Rajang River is a major river in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo and is the longest river in that state. It has been a primary inland artery for transport, commerce and settlement in central Sarawak.
Along its course the river passes towns and settlements that rely on river transport; boat travel and riverine villages are common features. The river corridor is used for passenger and cargo movement and provides access to remote interior communities.
The Rajang has long been central to the livelihoods of indigenous communities and later to colonial and post-colonial timber and trade operations, which made extensive use of the river as a transport route. It has shaped regional settlement patterns and local economies for centuries.
The river flows across central Sarawak from its upland headwaters toward the South China Sea, passing towns such as Sibu on its lower reaches. It drains a large interior basin and connects inland areas with coastal ports.
- Length and importance: At about 563 kilometres in length, it is the longest river in the Malaysian state of Sarawak and a major inland transport route.
- Major town on the river: The town of Sibu is the principal urban centre on the river and a regional commercial hub.
How to Get to Rajang River #
A common gateway to the Rajang River is the town of Sibu, which sits on the river and hosts the main river wharves. From Sibu wharves you can board express boats and river ferries to upriver settlements. Sibu is served by scheduled flights from Kuching and other regional hubs and by regional roads; boat services from Sibu are the usual means to reach communities along the Rajang.
Tips for Visiting Rajang River #
- Sibu is the usual gateway for upriver travel on the Rajang - book longboat trips or river cruises from Sibu and confirm schedules and travel times before you go.
- Arrange visits to upriver longhouses and settlements through reputable local guides or tour operators - guides handle boat logistics, local permissions and cultural arrangements.
- Plan trips outside the region's wetter months when river conditions can make travel slower or lead to cancellations; expect long travel times and overnight options for upriver journeys.
Best Time to Visit Rajang River #
Best visited in the drier months (May-September) when river levels are lower and boat travel is more reliable.
Weather & Climate near Rajang River #
Rajang River's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3203 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (437 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (325 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (289 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (218 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (239 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (400 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
