Sarawak Cultural Village | Kuching

The Sarawak Cultural Village is an open-air museum located in Santubong, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia. The village is a living showcase of the diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural heritage of Sarawak. It provides visitors with the opportunity to explore traditional homes, participate in cultural activities, and learn about the customs, rituals, and lifestyles of the indigenous communities in the region.

Overview

• Location: The Sarawak Cultural Village is situated at the foot of Mount Santubong, a scenic mountain that adds to the beauty of the surroundings. The village is easily accessible from Kuching by car, taking about 40 minutes to reach.
• Purpose: The village was established to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Sarawak's indigenous peoples. It serves as a center for cultural exchange and education, where visitors can experience authentic traditions firsthand.

Key Features

Ethnic Houses:

• The Sarawak Cultural Village showcases seven ethnic houses that represent the diverse indigenous groups of Sarawak. Each house is an authentic replica of the traditional architecture of the various ethnic groups and offers insight into their daily lives, customs, and practices. The ethnic groups featured in the village are:
  • Iban: Known for their longhouses, the Iban are one of the largest indigenous groups in Sarawak. The Iban longhouse at the village is built using traditional materials and design, reflecting their communal lifestyle.
  • Bidayuh: The Bidayuh are known for their unique houses, which are typically built on stilts. Their house at the village reflects their architecture, which is influenced by the lush forest environment they inhabit.
  • Orang Ulu: The Orang Ulu people live in longhouses that are famous for their intricate carvings. The Orang Ulu house at the village showcases the art of carving and their distinctive cultural practices.
  • Melanau: The Melanau people are known for their tall, stilted houses. The Melanau house in the village reflects the traditional architecture, which is designed to protect them from floods and provide ventilation.
  • Chinese: The Chinese community in Sarawak has a long history, and their house at the village showcases the influence of Chinese culture and architecture in the region.
  • Malay: The Malay house at the village represents the traditional Malay architecture found in coastal regions, with distinct wooden design features and open verandas.
  • Penan: The Penan are one of the most nomadic indigenous groups in Borneo. Their house at the village demonstrates their simple, portable shelters made of bamboo and palm leaves.

Cultural Performances and Shows:

• The Sarawak Cultural Village hosts daily cultural performances that allow visitors to experience the traditional dances, music, and rituals of Sarawak’s indigenous groups. Performances include:
  • Traditional Dances: Visitors can watch mesmerizing dances from different ethnic groups, such as the Iban ngajat dance, the Bidayuh dulang dance, and the Orang Ulu kancet dance.
  • Music: The performances also feature traditional instruments like the Iban sape (a type of stringed instrument), the Orang Ulu sape, and other indigenous instruments.
  • Cultural Rituals: Visitors can witness cultural ceremonies such as traditional weddings, blessings, and harvest celebrations, allowing them to learn about the customs and rituals of the different communities.
  • Themed Shows: Occasionally, the village hosts special themed shows during festive seasons, such as the Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival) and Chinese New Year, which showcase specific ethnic performances.

Traditional Crafts and Art:

• Visitors can see and even try their hand at traditional crafts and arts that are still practiced by the indigenous communities of Sarawak. These include:
  • Weaving: Learn about the art of weaving traditional fabrics, such as the Iban pua kumbu, a hand-woven cloth used for ceremonial purposes.
  • Pottery Making: The Bidayuh people are known for their pottery, and visitors can observe the process of making traditional clay pots.
  • Basket Weaving: The Sarawak Cultural Village offers opportunities to see the intricate basket weaving techniques of the indigenous groups, especially the Orang Ulu.
  • Wood Carving: Traditional wood carving, an important art form for the Orang Ulu and other ethnic groups, is demonstrated, showcasing intricate designs used in ritual objects and house decoration.

Interactive Cultural Activities:

• The village encourages visitors to engage in hands-on activities, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultural practices of Sarawak. These activities may include:
  • Traditional Cooking: Participate in cooking sessions where visitors can learn how to prepare traditional Sarawakian dishes using native ingredients and methods.
  • Canoeing: Visitors can try their hand at traditional canoeing, a common practice among many of Sarawak's riverine communities.
  • Traditional Games: The village offers traditional games that visitors can play, such as the Iban Sepak Raga (a game using a rattan ball), which is a fun and interactive way to learn about the local culture.

Cultural Village Museum:

• The village also features a museum that houses artifacts, clothing, tools, and other items related to the indigenous cultures of Sarawak. The museum provides additional context to the exhibits and performances at the village, deepening visitors' understanding of Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage.

Nature and Scenic Views:

• The Sarawak Cultural Village is set in a lush tropical environment, providing visitors with opportunities to explore nature trails and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and the South China Sea. The area around the village is ideal for outdoor walks and exploration, with tropical plants and wildlife adding to the natural beauty.

Dining and Souvenirs:

• The village has a restaurant that serves a variety of local and traditional dishes, offering visitors a chance to taste Sarawakian cuisine. Local favorites include Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, and Manok Pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo).
• There are also gift shops where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, such as woven items, wooden carvings, batik, and jewelry made by local artisans.

Festivals and Events:

• The Sarawak Cultural Village plays an important role in the Rainforest World Music Festival, an annual event that takes place nearby at Damai. The festival is a celebration of world music, and the cultural village often hosts performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges related to the festival.
• Other events such as Gawai Dayak (the Harvest Festival) and Christmas celebrations are also celebrated at the village, allowing visitors to witness and participate in these cultural events.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Sarawak Cultural Village is during the dry season, which generally runs from March to October. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, exploring the village, and attending cultural performances.
• During special events like the Rainforest World Music Festival (usually held in July), the village can be more crowded, but it’s an excellent time to experience unique cultural performances and music.
• If you're interested in learning about specific festivals like Gawai Dayak, visiting during the Harvest Festival (usually held in May or June) is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in traditional celebrations.

How to Get There

• By car: The Sarawak Cultural Village is about a 40-minute drive from Kuching, and the road is well-marked. Visitors can easily reach the village via Santubong Road (Route 1) in a private car or taxi.
• By public transport: Public buses run to the general area, but taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Grab may be more convenient.
• By tour: Many tour operators in Kuching offer guided tours to the Sarawak Cultural Village, which often include transportation, tickets, and a guide.

Conclusion

The Sarawak Cultural Village is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning about the diverse and rich cultures of Sarawak. Through its collection of traditional houses, cultural performances, crafts, and interactive activities, the village offers a comprehensive and engaging experience that brings the traditions and customs of Sarawak's indigenous peoples to life. Whether you're a cultural enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking to explore the heritage of Borneo, the Sarawak Cultural Village is an unforgettable destination that provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Sarawak.