Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak


This living museum centres on seven traditional dwellings, including three tribal longhouses, a Penan hut, a Malay town house, a Melanau tall house and a Chinese farmhouse. At 11.30am and 4pm daily, a cultural show presents traditional music and dance. The lively Melanau entry involves whirling women and clacking bamboo poles, while the Orang Ulu dance features a blowpipe hunter.

It may sound contrived, but the SCV is highly esteemed by locals for its role in keeping their cultures and traditions alive. The dwellings are (supposed to be) staffed by members of the ethnic group they represent. Signage, however, is poor, so if you don’t ask questions of the ‘locals’ – who demonstrate crafts – the subtle differences in architecture, cuisine, dress and music between the various groups may not be apparent. At the Penan hut you can try a blowpipe, while the Malay house offers top spinning.

It may be possible to book workshops in handicrafts (eg bead making), music and dance – contact the SCV in advance. If you’re planning to get married, you can choose to tie the knot here with a colourful Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu or Malay ceremony.

Hotels and tour agencies in Kuching offer packages (RM220 per person including lunch, minimum two people), but it’s easy enough to get here by shuttle bus or private taxi. The SCV is located at Damai junction.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sarawak attractions

1. Damai Central Beach

0.18 MILES

A beach with showers, lockers and places to eat. Situated across the parking lot from Sarawak Cultural Village.

2. Permai Rainforest Resort

0.25 MILES

The day rate at this bungalow complex is a real bargain. In addition to a safe, fine-sand beach with changing facilities, the resort offers a variety of…

3. Kuching Wetlands National Park

2.34 MILES

The only way to see the majestic mangroves of 66-sq-km Kuching Wetlands National Park is by boat. About 15km northwest of Kuching, the park has no office,…

4. Teluk Assam Beach

9.14 MILES

Park authorities actively discourage swimming here because of the presence of crocodiles. In the distance (to the west) you can see the wild east coast of…

5. Interpretation Centre

9.18 MILES

Offers an old-fashioned introduction to the park’s seven distinct ecosystems and an exposition on the codependent relationship between nepenthes (pitcher…

6. Bako National Park

9.19 MILES

Bako National Park is one of the best places in Sarawak to see rainforest animals in their native habitats. It's notable for its incredible biodiversity,…

7. Talang-Satang National Park

10.74 MILES

Sarawak’s first marine park, established in 1999 to protect four species of endangered turtle, consists of the coastline and waters around four islands:…

8. Cat Museum

11.3 MILES

This homage to the city’s namesake, located 8km north of the centre, features hundreds of entertaining, surprising and bizarre kucing (cat) figurines –…