Sarawak Cultural Village

"Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and has a population of 2.8 million, comprising of 26 different ethnic groups. The two biggest ethnic groups within the Dayak community are the Iban (formerly Sea Dayak) and the Bidayuh (formerly Land Dayak); others include Orang Ulu, Melanau, Murut, Kenyah, Kayan, Kedayan, Kelabit, Berawan, Penan and Bisayah. Sarawak’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity is one of the reasons that make the state such a fascinating destination to explore."

In order to enable visitors to learn more about the diverse cultures and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in the state, Sarawak Cultural Village was established in 1991. Spanning across a 17-acre land at the foot of Mount Santubong, this unique award-winning living museum is brimming with fascinating tales of Sarawak, featuring replicas of local houses and buildings, as well as portraying a comprehensive narration of various cultures and rituals of the Sarawakian tribes.

Sarawak Cultural Village features seven major ethnic groups in Sarawak – Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, and Penan. Visitors are able to immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of a typical daily life of the tribes at their respective houses, namely the Bidayuh longhouse, the Iban longhouse, the Penan hut, the Orang Ulu longhouse, the Melanau Rumah Tinggi, the Malay House, and the Chinese Farmhouse.

Promoted as one of the country’s best heritage experience spots, the village provides an incredibly thorough insight into the culture, lifestyle, and history of the diverse tribes in the region. Apart from the unique and interesting architecture that one can find there, traditional food, dances, musical instruments, and various types of weaponries are also exhibited throughout the area.

The Sarawak Cultural Village also offers visitors a chance to participate in crafting and agricultural activities, such as beadwork making and paddy pounding. Besides that, the living museum also has an award-winning dance troupe that will entertain visitors with multicultural performances twice a day at the Village Theatre.

How to get there

Sarawak Cultural Village is about 40 minutes’ drive away from the Kuching International Airport and a 50-minute drive from the Kuching Bus Terminal. You can either rent a car, take a taxi, or take their shuttle van from Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching.

Please visit Sarawak Cultural Village website for further details to plan your trip there.