Kapit

Kapit is a town and the administrative capital of Kapit Division in Sarawak, Malaysia. Situated on the Rajang River in central Sarawak, it acts as a regional hub for upriver communities and serves as a gateway to the interior of Borneo.

Geography and administration: Kapit lies on the Rajang River, within a landscape of tropical rainforest. It is the seat of Kapit District, which is part of Kapit Division that also covers other inland districts along the Rajang watershed. The town’s population is ethnically diverse, with Iban and other Orang Ulu groups forming the majority in many nearby settlements, reflecting the region’s longhouse culture.

Economy and transport: The local economy traditionally centers on forestry, timber-related activities, fishing, and agriculture, with river trade continuing to play a key role. Access to Kapit is primarily by river; air transport is available via a local airport, and road connections to more distant towns are limited, with ongoing discussions about improving regional road links and bridging gaps in the road network.

Culture and features: The area is known for traditional longhouses lining the Rajang River and a mix of cultures and languages in daily life. Kapit serves as a base for exploring upriver communities, biodiversity, and rural Sarawak, offering insight into the region’s indigenous heritage and river-based livelihoods.