BBC One’s new celebrity adventure race begins in Kuching, Sarawak, tonight
London, October 2026 - Tourism Malaysia welcomes the prime-time spotlight on Sarawak as Celebrity Race Across the World launches this evening at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The new series begins in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, as four celebrity pairs begin a 7,500km race to Melbourne. Travelling through Borneo’s ancient jungles and heartlands before crossing three countries and two continents, the route puts one of Malaysia’s most distinctive regions at the centre of a major new travel adventure.
For viewers, the opening episode is an invitation to look beyond the familiar. Sarawak combines exceptional biodiversity with rich, living cultures, while Kuching offers an engaging first encounter with the state: a relaxed riverside city of markets, museums, cafés and memorable food, set against the Sarawak River.
The boat jetty and reservoir at Bengoh Dam Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
“Born and raised in Sarawak, it is incredibly special to see Kuching take its place at the starting line of Celebrity Race Across the World. The programme offers viewers a wonderful first impression, but Sarawak rewards those who stay longer - with extraordinary food, time on its rivers and trails, and the warmth and generosity of its people.”
Mr Sulaiman Suip, Director, Tourism Malaysia UK & Ireland
A gateway to Borneo and beyond
Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak’s nature and cultural experiences. From the city, visitors can explore Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park, where rainforest trails, mangroves, striking coastal rock formations and wildlife including proboscis monkeys create a vivid introduction to Borneo. Across the state, locally hosted experiences offer meaningful ways to learn about the traditions of Sarawak’s many communities.
The programme’s opening also highlights the breadth of a holiday in Malaysia. Travellers can pair Sarawak’s rainforest and river landscapes with Kuala Lumpur’s contemporary energy, vibrant street food, heritage cities and island escapes. The exposure comes as Visit Malaysia 2026 continues to invite international visitors to discover the country’s culture, nature and hospitality.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
* Celebrity Race Across the World begins on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer – Official Tailer here
* The series starts in Kuching, Sarawak, and follows four celebrity pairs on a 7,500km race towards Melbourne.
About Tourism Malaysia:
Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a major player within the international tourism landscape.
Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million international visitors in 2025, up from 38.0 million in 2024, reflecting the continued strength and recovery of the country’s tourism sector. This momentum continues as Malaysia celebrates Visit Malaysia 2026-2027, a major national tourism campaign showcasing the country’s diverse culture, heritage, nature, gastronomy and experiences to travellers from around the world.
For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia
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