Kampung Budaya Sarawak — Attraction in Borneo

I remembered when I came here the first time as a student many, many moons ago and this place was definitely magical! It was truly a living museum. Over the years, improvements has been made and as much as these improvements are, the magic has left the place. Let me list the good and the bad…

The good: There’s more options for packages which includes a stay at one of the houses of your choice at different rates. The restaurant comes with a package in your ticket if you want it - giving you the option of the ethnic cuisines. The performance at the main stage (lagenda hall) is as good as it was before.

The bad: Most of the houses are run down - needing a lot of refurbishment. Some of the homestays are not available. There are barely any staff at each of the houses interwxting with the visitors. There’s one very nice lady at the Melanau house who still talks to us about the house history but the rest are either mute or busy playing with their phones, sleeping or just loitering around. That “welcome” isn’t there anymore. Only the Malay house (or rather the gazebo) still welcome visitors with performances. I asked the dressed performer at the Melanau house and they answered “come to the leganda hall, you’ll see us dance there”. Years ago, each house would perform all day but those times are gone. Only the Orang Ulu house still makes kuih. In the old days, every house would be making trinkets or cooking something to sell or let the visitors try and make the traditional kuih or food or jewellery. That is also now gone.

The management need to pay close attention to reviving the glory of the old days of the museum if it wishes to sustain. We recommend the use of voice over prompter with sensors that tells visitors the information of the the traditonal houses, its history and features. Staffs should always be available to greet, welcome and interact with visitors; not just sit around and loiter. Most of all, the condition of the houses needing restoration is paramount in maintaining the museum itself.

Looking forward to a new Sarawak...

About a 50min drive away from Kuching city, Sarawak Cultural Village is definitely something one should not miss out on. You can go on a tour, but I'd rather prefer to just go free and easy, and I was so glad I did.

The village showcases the different houses of each tribe found in Sarawak. And do bring along cash, since each house sells some tidbits/snacks that is popular to that tribe. As for me, by the third house, I was stuffed. They can, and only was this realised later, that they can give you one or two pieces for cheaper price, so you can still try all the snacks fresh from cooking.

Additionally, some of the houses will have performances to welcome the guests to that tribe's house. Take.a seat and enjoy, or better yet, partake in their activities as well.

Another not miss, and I cannot stress how this is a not to miss or you would regret it situation, is the 2x daily performance. After walking in the hot sun, take a seat in the aircon theatre. (Please note, no food and drinks allowed, or more like no visible water bottles or food allowed. Keep it in your bag). Anywho, back to to the performance. It displays all the dance native to each tribe, and quick hint. The 2 performances I enjoyed the most had to do with poles. Watch it and you will know. (And I' not talking about pole dancing, mind you. This is a family friendly establishment.)

After the performance, audience members are invited to get up on stage and dance as well. This really cements the learning experience and cultural experience one could have at the village.

If you opted for the meals that comes after the performance, then go ahead. I understand it features local Sarawak food, but I did not try it out, since we already had it in the prior days.

I cannot stress this is a not to be missed place when you...

Sarawak Cultural Village is a 17 acre site of learning, understanding, exploring local ethnic groups via longhouse replicas, museum, programs & an awesome cultural performances to wrap up the tour of all the replicas. A place where it will take you back to the future of the once upon a time of the local ethnic groups way of life. The entrance fee is RM60 for adult and RM30 for children and warga emas status. The entrance fee is well worth every single cents you paid...... an awesome place & experience, and I bet you won’t be disappointment on a good weather day. Make it a must visit as after the visit you will understand Sarawak in depth.

To make it a more fun and to organizing your walk to each replica, not to miss any out, a “passport “is issued to you after you have purchased the entrance ticket, for stamping at each replica station of the traditional houses. There is a restaurant at the outside of the theatre to get refreshment and food. Friendly staff ever willing to assist you and help you take photo.

The highlight here is the 20 minutes or so, cultural performance show. Really enjoyable show, where public is also encourage to join in. The music, the stage lightings and their costumes are really beautiful and reflect Sarawak’s ethnic group so vividly. Of course, with the theatre being air-conditioned and comfortable seat is the way to conclude our walk & to put up our feet for a good rest after walking 17 acre compound to enjoy a spectacular...