Menyusuri Jejak Budaya 7 Suku Besar di Sarawak Cultural Village

Thecuy.com, Kuching – Sarawak Cultural Village, also called Kampung Budaya Sarawak, serves as a leading attraction that highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak, Malaysia. Nestled at the foot of Mount Santubong and roughly an hour from Kuching city centre, the site presents the seven principal ethnic groups of Sarawak: Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Penan, Malay, and Chinese.

Visitors are invited to walk among traditional dwellings shaded by lush trees, explore indigenous architecture, and enjoy dance performances and cultural showcases. The location was part of a guided tour organized by the Sarawak Tourism Board on Saturday (14/11/2026).

Haji Ibrahim Abdullah, head of Marketing and Public Relations at Sarawak Cultural Village, explained that the area was created to give guests insight into the many tribal cultures found in Sarawak. He pointed out that Sarawak is home to approximately 400 ethnic groups, each containing a variety of sub‑ethnic clusters.

“What makes this place special is that it displays the seven largest tribes of Sarawak. After all, we have about 400 tribes here in Sarawak,” Ibrahim remarked during a meeting at the site on Saturday (14/11).

He cited the Bidayuh community as an example, noting that it comprises roughly 30‑40 sub‑groups. The Iban are described as the biggest group in Sarawak and are mainly found along major rivers, while the Orang Ulu live in central Borneo and have about 48‑50 sub‑ethnic groups. The Melanau, Malay, and Chinese also each have their own sub‑groups.

“Overall, Sarawak has roughly 400 tribes and about 400 languages. Our official languages are Malay and English,” he added.

While wandering through the grounds, visitors can see a range of traditional tools and structures, including a bamboo bridge that was once used in daily life. The experience is rounded out by cultural performances that feature various dances characteristic of Sarawak’s ethnic groups.

One of the dances presented is the Ngajat, a performance traditionally linked to the Iban and Orang Ulu. Male dancers demonstrate bold and powerful moves while carrying shields, accompanied by gongs and other traditional instruments. In contrast, the Orang Ulu dance features more graceful movements that mimic the flight of the hornbill.

There is also a Bidayuh dance that illustrates the community’s culture, with its traditional long house. The show becomes livelier with a Bamboo Dance, where dancers coordinate their steps with rhythmically moving bamboo poles. A Malay dance such as Joget is also performed, showcasing cheerful music and energetic choreography.

In addition to dancing, the program includes bamboo pole‑climbing and archery contests where balloons serve as targets. Performers use bows and arrows to hit the targets, demonstrating skills that are part of the local tradition.

The Sarawak Cultural Village is open every day from 09.00 to 17.00 local time, including weekends, public holidays, and religious festivals. Ibrahim noted that he has been working at the site for 37 years and confirmed that visitors can still come during holidays such as Eid, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.

Admission fees vary according to nationality. Malaysian adults are charged RM 100, while children pay RM 70. Foreign visitors, including those from Indonesia, are charged RM 155 for adults and RM 95 for children.

Ibrahim expressed hope that AirBorneo’s direct flight from Jakarta to Kuching would attract more Indonesian tourists. He stated that in 2026 about 500 visitors came from Indonesia, while the total number of foreign visitors reached roughly 35,000.

“This is where we can learn about the tribes of Sarawak, their traditional houses, and the many languages spoken by the people. The linguistic diversity of Sarawak is remarkable,” he said.

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