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Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. It covers an area of 124,000 square kilometres and has a coastline of some 800km facing the South China Sea. Lying on the northwest coast of Borneo the third largest island in the world Sarawak shares its boundaries with Kalimantan (Indonesia Bomeo) in the south Brunei and Sabah in the north. Sarawak is also known as 'The land of many rivers'. The rivers provide natural means of transportation and communication. The 590km long Sungai Rejang is the longest river in the country. The rivers together with the wide spread trunk roads and well connected domestic air links make traveling to interior destinations easily accessible. Once ruled by the three White Rajahs for about 100 years from 1841-1941 there are many a romantic past told about the wars and glimpses of the bygone era of the Brookes. The battles between the pirates and the Brooke forces the rebellions by Dayaks Malays and Chinese gold miners had filled Sarawak past with mystery and excitement. The famous Sarawak Museum with its huge collection of native heritage and artefacts also houses the best collection of its rich history. Today despite her rapid urbanisation many historical remains of the Brookes can still be found at Kuching and other parts of Sarawak.