The Sarawak Cultural Village is situated at the foot of Mount Santubong, just outside of Kuching town. It is probably the best place to visit for any first time visitor to Sarawak.
This special themed attraction is the best way to learn about the many ethnic people of Sarawak in one place. Sprawled across 17 acres of land, this 'Living Museum' is absolutely one-of-a-kind in the world.
You will also find about 150 people living inside the cultural village, making this adventure truly one of a kind and here in Sarawak Borneo.
This special themed attraction is the best way to learn about the many ethnic people of Sarawak in one place. Sprawled across 17 acres of land, this 'Living Museum' is absolutely one-of-a-kind in the world.
You will also find about 150 people living inside the cultural village, making this adventure truly one of a kind and here in Sarawak Borneo.
Sarawak Cultural Village Review
Sarawak Cultural Village sculptures at the entranceThe beauty of the Sarawak Cultural Village is that you can experience and understand all the major native tribes of Sarawak in just one day, versus travelling all over Sarawak to see these cultures.
This cultural village was officially opened in 1990 and is also world-famous for the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, held annually in July or August.
One way of killing two birds with one stone is to attend the Rainforest Music Festival (RWMF) and see the cultural village. This way, you can experience both in one go.
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| View of the lake from Orang Ulu house |
This would ensure that you get all the chops from each of the ethnic tribe homes you visit. But, of course, this is also a hit with the children, and it also makes a wonderful souvenir.
Your adventure starts by seeing the Sculpture Park, and then the main path would lead you to the wooden walkways.
The entire village is built around a man-made lake, so you will make one full circle of the park and end back at the main entrance area.
Wooden walkways with lots of greenThe entire village is well manicured with an abundance of beautiful flora, and as you walk along the pathways, you will be guided to each of the individual tribe homes.
Entering and exiting a home would put you back on the main path, while you will find signages in English for each of the homes and describe them.
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| Sarawakian Rock Carvings |
Another interesting fact here is that you can also participate in some of the workshops held daily. For example, there are blowpipe demonstrations, weapon making and also musical instrument demonstrations.
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| Rainforest World Music Festival main area |
Towards the end of your walking tour, you will also come across a traditional Malay house and a Chinese house, which are equally interesting and a must-visit.
In each of the tribe homes, visitors will witness the lifestyle of the particular tribe and how they used to live, farm, craft, cook and more.
Actual people are in each of these homes showing their own skills; therefore, it is interesting to see them participating live, instead of just reading something and seeing pictures on a wall.
Signs showing where each of the houses is locatedSarawak Cultural Village has the main event, which is known as the Sarawak Cultural Show. It is held twice daily, and the show lasts for about 45 minutes.
Each of the main Sarawakian tribes will perform on stage inside an air-conditioned mini-theatre, and the seats are pretty comfortable, especially after walking around the village.
Trust me, I have seen the show many times, and every time I go there, it is simply fascinating and not to be missed.
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| Melanau lady dancing |
Each day, there are two cultural performances, one morning show at 11:30 am and the afternoon show at 4:00 pm. So don't forget to time your walks so you can catch the show.
For your added information, the theatre is located just next to the restaurant near the village's main entrance.
You would not want to be at the Orang Ulu house and then have to rush back to catch the show. The Orang Ulu house is halfway across the pond and takes about 10 minutes to walk back.
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| Malay ladies joget |
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| Ngajat Lesong dance |
This multi-cultural show would also showcase the beautiful costumes of all the tribes in Sarawak. Some of them, like the Orang Ulu or Iban warriors, would come in their war gear.
Dancing the traditional Ngajat dance with sword and shield. The entire show will be a myriad of colours from all the different tribe's attire.
Orang Ulu WarriorThe Sarawak Cultural Village has won numerous awards and, to be exact, 16 awards in total, and as of 2009. With such an amazing place like this, I would also offer an award to them only if possible.
My honest opinion is that they really go all out to provide an accurate experience of the many different ethnic groups of Sarawak in one place.
To date, there has been no other attraction like this found anywhere in Malaysia, and the cultural village has made it one of the must-visit attractions in entire Malaysia.
Bidayuh girl dancing
Melanau Bamboo dance stuntOne of the amazing stunts performed by the Melanau tribe would be the traditional Melanau Bamboo Dance.
The highlight would be seeing one of the Melanau boys climb up a single bamboo pole from a basic bamboo dance, resting his stomach on the tip and then getting spun around.
If you have a camera or smartphone ready, this would be a perfect photo moment, just waiting to be shared with your friends.
Melanau girls doing the bamboo danceWhen you are done visiting all the ethnic homes and watched the award-winning cultural show, you can relax and have some food at the only restaurant there called Restaurant Budaya.
This wood interior restaurant offers you various local food and drinks and even ice cream for the kids. I would highly recommend trying some of the local Sarawakian dishes here.
Malay Joget Dance Video in Sarawak Malaysia
Just before you exit, you should also pay a visit to the cultural village souvenir shop. I always make it a point to go there as some of the items seen in the ethnic homes are available for sale here.
Even ethnic music CDs are available at the cashier counter, so do look out for them. In addition, souvenirs like musical instruments, jewellery, wood carvings and books fill the shop.
Finally, I was also told by my guide that the SCV can arrange for you to be married in any of the traditional styles there. So you can inquire within if you are interested.
Remember, when you visit Kuching, you MUST visit the SCV; if not, your Sarawak holiday will not be complete.
The main tribes of Sarawak found at the Cultural Village:
How to Go to the Sarawak Cultural Village?
- There is no public transport to the Sarawak Cultural Village. However, a shuttle bus leaves the Holiday Inn Kuching at 9.00 am and 12.30 pm, returning at 1.45 pm and 5.30 pm.
- Alternatively, you could charter a taxi for the day or hire a car. If you choose to hire a taxi, make sure he waits until you are done.
- Another way would be to book this package from any of the travel agents from your hotel or in town as you can have a local guide for your trip. I would recommend the guide as he/she would explain everything to you when you are there.
- Now, you can rent a car and self-drive here or even take a ride-hailing service from Kuching.
- RM 60.00 (US$15.00) - Adult
RM 30.00 (US$7.50) - Child : 6-12 years old - Free for Children aged under 6 years old
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of Sarawak Cultural Village.
- You can also buy tickets online.
- You can also get it from the authorised local travel agents around Sarawak.
- Cultural Village opening hours are: 0900 - 1700 daily
They are two Cultural Shows per day;
- 11.30 AM to 12.15 PM
- 4.00 PM to 4.45 PM
Pantai Damai, Santubong,
P.O.Box 2632, 93752 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel: (6082) 846 411
Fax: (6082) 846 988
Website: Sarawak Cultural Village.
Conclusion
For those planning to visit Sarawak or Kuching, you should not miss this opportunity to visit this stunning living museum which is the only kind in the world.
Half a day here is more than enough to visit some of these tribes, and homes across Sarawak will probably take you a couple of days.
Therefore by having this beautiful place, you can see the Sarawak in just one place at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching.
Half a day here is more than enough to visit some of these tribes, and homes across Sarawak will probably take you a couple of days.
Therefore by having this beautiful place, you can see the Sarawak in just one place at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching.