Things To Do
in Lawas

Freshly grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf and seasoned with local spices and sambal — widely available at riverside stalls and seafood restaurants.

Must-Try!

Rice with a selection of small dishes such as curried vegetables, fried fish and sambal — good value and found at morning stalls and kopitiams.

A Sarawak coastal specialty of raw fish marinated in lime and spices — available from seafood stalls when fresh catch is in season.

Local sweet snacks (kuih) served with strong local coffee at kopitiams for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Morning market selling fresh fish, vegetables, spices and ready-to-eat hawker stalls; great for breakfast, sampling local snacks and seeing local ingredients.

Informal stalls near the waterfront offering grilled seafood, noodles and fried snacks — best in the evening when fishermen bring in fresh catches.

Lawas is conservative compared with major cities — dress modestly in public, especially in Malay areas and when visiting religious or rural community sites.

Be mindful during Muslim prayer times, remove shoes when entering homes or certain buildings, and ask before photographing people, especially in longhouses.

A simple 'Selamat pagi' or handshake (if offered) is a polite way to greet locals; use your right hand for giving or receiving items where possible.

Longhouses are communal homes — always arrange visits through local hosts or community leaders and follow their guidance regarding photography and behaviour.

Tipping is not compulsory in Malaysia; small tips are appreciated for good service but not expected in local kopitiams or markets. In tourist-facing services (guided tours, nicer restaurants), a 5–10% tip or rounding up is appreciated.

Cash (Malaysian Ringgit, RM) is the primary method for markets, small restaurants and boat hires. Credit/debit cards are accepted at some larger establishments, but availability can be limited — bring cash. ATMs exist in town but may have limited operating hours; notify your bank before travel.

Coastal Malay communities and Bruneian-influenced groups form a significant part of the population, contributing to the Muslim cultural landscape and coastal livelihoods.

Indigenous groups in the Lawas area with distinct languages, longhouse traditions and cultural practices; often Christian or adhering to local beliefs.

Small Chinese (often Hakka) merchant communities involved in trade, shops and kopitiams, adding to the town's culinary and commercial variety.

Includes Murut and other Bornean ethnicities in the hinterland and longhouse communities, contributing to cultural diversity.

A traditional Southeast Asian sport popular in towns across Borneo — fast-paced and often played in local community courts.

Widely played and watched at local fields and school grounds; community matches are common on weekends.

A popular recreational and competitive sport in Malaysia, often played indoors and socially across age groups.

Both a livelihood and pastime: river, estuary and coastal fishing are important activities for locals and visitors.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; ask for vegetable curries, fried rice or noodle dishes and clarify no fish sauce or shrimp paste. Kopitiams can usually prepare simple veggie meals if you explain requirements in Malay or English.

Vegan dining requires clear communication — coconut-based dishes and vegetable sides are possible, but double-check that dishes are not cooked with shrimp paste, fish sauce or lard.

Rice-based meals are generally safe, but soy sauce and certain condiments contain gluten. Request no soy sauce and stick to plain grilled fish, rice and fresh vegetables.

Many eateries serve halal food (Muslim Malay and Bruneian-style), but some seafood stalls and Chinese kitchens may not be certified — when in doubt, look for Muslim-owned restaurants or ask.