Travel Guide Kuching

This tourist icon of Sarawak is a collection of traditional abodes of 7 major distinct ethnic groups of Sarawak, namely the Bidayuh, Iban, Penan, Orang Ulu (a grouping of several closely related tribes), Melanau, Malay and the Chinese. Each ethnic group has its own unique house set with the magnificent Mount Santubong as the backdrop. They are sited along the circular plank walk so visitors would not miss out any house. There is an air-con performing theatre where visitors can watch spectacular cultural dances of the different tribes. There are two shows daily at 11.00am and 4.00pm.

Located only 45 minutes drive away from Kuching city centre, on the Damai peninsula and fronting the sea, the village is made spectacular by the backdrop of the majestic Mount Santubong, an attraction by itself. There are at least three international class hotels nearby and the Permai Rainforest Resort with its unique treehouses lodgings.  Recently this tourist enclave added another attraction – the Damai Sentral,  right across the road of the Village, a complex with food court, restaurants, shops and changing facilities for swimmers at the beach.  Its popularity is evidenced by the large crowd on weekends and holidays where locals and foreigners mingle in gaiety.

A member of the Melanau troupe performing some spectacular dance.

Pretty Kenyah maidens performing the traditional dance of the Orang Ulu, with ornamental fans made from feathers of the hornbills.

This is the longhouse of the Orang Ulu, a term used to cover the minor tribes living in the interior of Sarawak.

This is the abode of the Penan, a nomadic tribe that wander in the deep jungle of Sarawak. Many of them have settled down to fixed abode, and only a small number still wander.

A visit to Damai Sentral is the perfect way to round up the trip to Sarawak Cultural Village.