Introduction

INTRO DUCTION

Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak is rich in history and heritage. It is also known as Land of The Hornbills. The population comprises of local ethnic groups namely Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau and other minor tribes plus the Malays, Chinese and Indians living together in harmony for more than a century.

Being the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak covers a vast area of 124,000 sq-km of land along the northwest coast of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Sarawak offers you a journey of relentless discovery as you travel from city to city and from village to village where you will find, remnants of colonial architectures and in a rich heritage.

Tucked away at the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong, 35 km from Kuching is Sarawak's fascinating cultural showcase, the award winning "Sarawak Cultural Village" which is also the venue for the World Harvest Festival and the Rainforest World Music Festival, an internationally renowned festival. This award-winning living museum showcases Sarawak's unique and diverse cultures in an accessible, visitor-friendly setting just 35 - 45 minutes drive from Kuching.

The Sarawak Cultural Village portrays the multi-faceted cultures and customs of ethnic groups . The village consists of authentic traditional buildings each displaying artifacts made by individual dwellers. Demonstration of arts and crafts like beadworks, wood and bamboo carvings, pua weaving and straw weaving can be seen while touring Village.

This living museum is wholly owned by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays their respective lifestyle amidst 14 acres of tropical vegetation.

The seven authentic traditional buildings are populated by members of Sarawak's many ethnic groups, going about everyday activities. These include wood and bamboo carving, bead work, weaving, sago-making, sugar-cane crushing, pepper-growing and the preparation of bird's nests. Visitors can learn how to throw a Malay spinning top, shoot a Penan blowpipe or pick out a tune on an Orang Ulu sape.

The tour concludes with a colourful multi-ethnic cultural performance in the village's air-conditioned mini-theater. The 45-minute cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment is something you will not want to miss during your visit to Sarawak.