Orang Ulu traditional house at SCV
Melanau traditional house at SCV
Bidayuh Hut at SCV
Visitor trying out a blowpipe at Penan Hut at SCV
Welcome dance at Borneo NightPhotos courtesy of and Copyright to Achong Tanjong and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd
By Achong Tanjong, Kuching
Sarawak is a destination unique for its natural and cultural attractions.
If you happen to visit Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) is a must-see attraction, which is often called a "Living Museum" located at the foothills of Mount Santubong.
The SCV is a perfect place to witness and experience the diversity of the multi-racial community of the "Land of the Hornbills". Seven major ethnic groups are represented in the cultural village, namely, Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese.
Visitors have the chance to see native crafts such as woodcarving, beadwork, sago-making, traditional coconut processing, basket- weaving, 'Pua Kumbu" weaving as well as the making of traditional biscuits such as 'Kueh Jala'. All these products are for sale.
The SCV showcases the beauty of the traditional houses and architecture incorporating various cultural aspects of the ethnic groups of Sarawak that can be appreciated by all generations as well as visitors to the Malaysian state.
Huts used for daily activities and feasts as well as for rituals are also on display in the cultural village.
The houses reflect the traditional skills of the local people in utilising building materials available in their environment. They are decorated with artefacts to recreate a true village atmosphere.
The SCV is also the venue for the World Rainforest Music Festival as well as World Harvest Festival.
A visit to the SVC usually ends with cultural performances at the centre stage.
The journey to SVC takes about one hour from Kuching City. On the way, visitors can soak up beautiful views of villages and the legendary Mount Santubong.
According to local legend, there were once two sisters - Princess Santubong and Princess Si Jinjang - who fought one another because they both loved the same prince. They both died at the mountain. Seen from far away, Mount Santubong is said to resemble a person lying down (resting).
Our guide, Mr Wilson told us that Mount Santubong got its name from Chinese merchants who traded in Sarawak in the old days. They called the place "San Tu Bong" which means the island of many animals. When they returned to China, they told their families and friends that they had just come back from "San Tu Bong".
Another theory is that Europeans who visited Sarawak in the old days called Santubong the "Sun To Be Born".
To know more about Sarawak, tourists should visit the Sarawak Museum - the state museum is one of the oldest museums in Southeast Asia.
The museum houses some of the most precious relics from past civilisations which were found from excavation sites in various parts of the state.
Situated on the first floor of the gallery, the display comprises mainly items discovered and recovered since 1948 such as ceramic items and pieces from the 11th to 13th Century AD. The majority of them originated from China with some from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Europe.
There are numerous other exhibits at the museum such as the impressive collections of animals and insects.
No cameras are allowed inside the museum.
Another attraction in Kuching is the Sarawak River Cruise along the Sarawak River, which offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sights in various parts of the city. The cruise brings visitors past the Waterfront, Brooke Dockyard, the 100-year-old Malay Kampung, Fort Magherita, Astana, Square Tower and the Industrial Estate.
If you plan to go abroad this coming first-term school holiday, why not a visit to Kuching.
Bruneians now can fly to Kuching with MASwings using an ATR72-500 aircraft that has 68 seats in total.
The writer was among the first delegates onboard the MASwings aircraft on its inaugural flight from Brunei to Kuching recently.
MASwings is now offering promotions on the new routes, ex Malaysia, ex Brunei and ex Indonesia.
In Brunei, MASwings is represented by the Malaysia Airlines Office located at Bangunan Haji Ahmad Laksamana Othman in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Sarawak is a destination unique for its natural and cultural attractions.
If you happen to visit Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) is a must-see attraction, which is often called a "Living Museum" located at the foothills of Mount Santubong.
The SCV is a perfect place to witness and experience the diversity of the multi-racial community of the "Land of the Hornbills". Seven major ethnic groups are represented in the cultural village, namely, Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese.
Visitors have the chance to see native crafts such as woodcarving, beadwork, sago-making, traditional coconut processing, basket- weaving, 'Pua Kumbu" weaving as well as the making of traditional biscuits such as 'Kueh Jala'. All these products are for sale.
The SCV showcases the beauty of the traditional houses and architecture incorporating various cultural aspects of the ethnic groups of Sarawak that can be appreciated by all generations as well as visitors to the Malaysian state.
Huts used for daily activities and feasts as well as for rituals are also on display in the cultural village.
The houses reflect the traditional skills of the local people in utilising building materials available in their environment. They are decorated with artefacts to recreate a true village atmosphere.
The SCV is also the venue for the World Rainforest Music Festival as well as World Harvest Festival.
A visit to the SVC usually ends with cultural performances at the centre stage.
The journey to SVC takes about one hour from Kuching City. On the way, visitors can soak up beautiful views of villages and the legendary Mount Santubong.
According to local legend, there were once two sisters - Princess Santubong and Princess Si Jinjang - who fought one another because they both loved the same prince. They both died at the mountain. Seen from far away, Mount Santubong is said to resemble a person lying down (resting).
Our guide, Mr Wilson told us that Mount Santubong got its name from Chinese merchants who traded in Sarawak in the old days. They called the place "San Tu Bong" which means the island of many animals. When they returned to China, they told their families and friends that they had just come back from "San Tu Bong".
Another theory is that Europeans who visited Sarawak in the old days called Santubong the "Sun To Be Born".
To know more about Sarawak, tourists should visit the Sarawak Museum - the state museum is one of the oldest museums in Southeast Asia.
The museum houses some of the most precious relics from past civilisations which were found from excavation sites in various parts of the state.
Situated on the first floor of the gallery, the display comprises mainly items discovered and recovered since 1948 such as ceramic items and pieces from the 11th to 13th Century AD. The majority of them originated from China with some from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Europe.
There are numerous other exhibits at the museum such as the impressive collections of animals and insects.
No cameras are allowed inside the museum.
Another attraction in Kuching is the Sarawak River Cruise along the Sarawak River, which offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sights in various parts of the city. The cruise brings visitors past the Waterfront, Brooke Dockyard, the 100-year-old Malay Kampung, Fort Magherita, Astana, Square Tower and the Industrial Estate.
If you plan to go abroad this coming first-term school holiday, why not a visit to Kuching.
Bruneians now can fly to Kuching with MASwings using an ATR72-500 aircraft that has 68 seats in total.
The writer was among the first delegates onboard the MASwings aircraft on its inaugural flight from Brunei to Kuching recently.
MASwings is now offering promotions on the new routes, ex Malaysia, ex Brunei and ex Indonesia.
In Brunei, MASwings is represented by the Malaysia Airlines Office located at Bangunan Haji Ahmad Laksamana Othman in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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