几年前第一次去 Sarawak Cultural Village 的时候，老实说我以为就是那种「给游客看的文化村」... 结果走了半天，发现整片园区比想象中大太多，17 英亩的面积，我一整个下午都走不完。而且不是那种假假的展示，里面每一间传统屋子都是真的有人在里面做手工艺、煮传统食物、讲自己的故事。 来说说我觉得最值得看的几个点 [image: 1780726693527-resized_scv_bridge.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 第一个是 Orang Ulu 长屋，也是最出片的一间。进去就看到高高的天花板挂满 beadwork 和壁画，颜色超丰富。还有人在现场吹传统乐器，那个氛围是真的有 feel。 [image: 1780726694256-resized_scv_deck.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) Iban 长屋外面的竹制步道也很有意思，走在上面能拍到很多好看的角度。那个竹桥拍出来的照片几乎每张都可以当封面。 [image: 1780726694918-resized_scv_lamps.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 园区里的手工艺品也很有特色，各种竹编灯罩、珠串、木雕。做工很细致，也很适合买来做手信。 [image: 1780726696248-resized_scv_hall.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) Bidayuh 长屋外面的石头雕刻也很有特色，我在那边站了十几分钟看那些纹路。 [image: 1780726696630-resized_scv_carvings.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine (Wikimedia Commons) 必看的是每天两场的文化表演（11:30am 和 4pm），传统舞蹈 + 音乐 + 服装，现场看效果是手机拍不出来的震撼。 实用资讯 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 地址：Pantai Damai, Santubong, Kuching（距离市区约 35 分钟车程） 开放时间：9:00am - 5:00pm（最后入场 4:00pm） 门票： 大马公民 - 成人 RM95 / 小孩 RM65 非大马公民 - 成人 RM135 / 小孩 RM85 （官网买票更便宜，以上是 walk-in 价格） ️ 可以在园区买带午餐的票，RM138（大马成人） 看看真实的评价 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ "Very educational and interesting to learn about the different ethnic groups in Sarawak... the cultural dance performance is a must-watch!" — Azreen S. (Google Maps) "工作人员很友善，每间屋子都会介绍他们的传统文化。最惊喜的是竹桥那边的风景，真的很美。" — Wei Ling C. (Google Maps) "带外国朋友来超有面子的一条线，半天就能大概了解砂拉越主要的民族。唯一要注意的是记得带水，园区里走路挺多的。" — Kenji T. (TripAdvisor) 老实讲，RM95 对本地人来说不算便宜，但如果你有外地朋友来古晋，这里是那种「一生人一定要去一次」的地方。我自己去了三次，每一次都看到不一样的东西。 你们去过了吗？觉得值得吗？留言分享一下

On the Damai road, Sarawak Cultural Village is the point where I would choose between a quick beach stop and a half-day cultural detour. The village exists to make Sarawak's many living traditions legible to visitors who cannot travel upriver to meet every community, but its strength comes with a clear limit: this is a carefully staged introduction, not a substitute for a real longhouse visit. [image: 1780625516874-cv1-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) Opened in 1990 as a Sarawak Economic Development Corporation project, the 17-acre living museum arranges seven full-size traditional house forms around a walkable landscape. The Bidayuh headhouse, Iban longhouse, Orang Ulu house, Penan hut, Melanau tall house, Malay house and Chinese farmhouse are not random photo props; their different heights, materials and layouts show how climate, river life and social space shape architecture. [image: 1780625517126-cv2-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) I would slow down at the demonstrations rather than collect every building. Weaving, sape music, food and craft explanations give the replicas a human layer, while the twice-daily performance turns the route into a shared stage. That is the memorable part for families and first-time visitors; travellers wanting an unfiltered community encounter may feel the boundaries of a tourism presentation, and should pair this with respectful real-community travel elsewhere. [image: 1780625517458-melanau-resized.jpg] Source: Flickr / Tim Mansfield (CC BY) From central Kuching, allow about 45 minutes by car and keep a return plan; public transport is not the easy option. The current visitor guide lists 9:00am–5:00pm opening and shows at 11:30am and 4:00pm. Recent published rates list Malaysian adults at RM95 and non-Malaysian adults at RM135, with child prices lower, but tickets and packages can change. Arrive before the show, walk the houses, then leave time for Damai or Santubong rather than trying to force both performances into one rushed loop. [image: 1780625517908-bamboo_bridge.jpg] Source: Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) I would send overseas visitors here when they have one free morning and want a readable first encounter with Sarawak's cultures. I would warn anyone who dislikes heat, staged interpretation or walking between buildings that the ticket will not turn the visit into an intimate village stay. The value is in seeing how architecture, music and craft are presented together—and then knowing what the presentation cannot replace. [image: 1780625517978-village_overview-resized.jpg] Source: Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) That balance is why the village earns a place on a first Kuching route: useful, vivid and deliberately framed. Would you spend the extra time on the houses, the craft demonstrations or the afternoon show?

沿着 Damai 路往山都望走时，我会把砂拉越文化村当成一个需要留半天的选择，而不是海边顺手拍照点。它的存在，是让无法逐一走进上游长屋的游客，先看见砂拉越多种生活传统；但它也有边界——这是经过设计的文化入口，不是原住民社区日常的替代品。 [image: 1780625516874-cv1-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) 文化村在 1990 年由砂拉越经济发展局项目建立，占地 17 英亩，把七种传统民居放在同一片可步行的园区里。比达友头屋、伊班长屋、乌鲁屋、本南小屋、马兰诺高脚屋、马来屋和华人农舍的高度、材料与空间都不同，背后对应的是气候、河流和社区生活方式，不只是七个拍照背景。 [image: 1780625517126-cv2-resized.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons (Nada El Houri / CC BY) 我会把时间留给屋内示范，而不是急着集齐建筑。织布、sape 音乐、食物和手工讲解，让复制建筑多了一层人的温度；每日两场表演则把路线收束成共同观看的舞台。带家人或第一次认识砂拉越文化的人会比较容易进入情境，但想要未经编排的社区体验的人，可能会感到它的旅游展示边界，之后应另安排真实社区访问。 [image: 1780625517458-melanau-resized.jpg] 来源：Flickr / Tim Mansfield (CC BY) 从古晋市中心自驾约 45 分钟，最好先想好回程，别把公共交通当成最省事的方案。当前游客资料列出开放时间为 9:00am–5:00pm，表演在 11:30am 和 4:00pm；近期公开票价列出马来西亚成人 RM95、非马来西亚成人 RM135，儿童票较低，但票价和配套会变。早到先看民居和示范，再决定要不要留下看表演，之后还可接 Damai 或山都望路线。 [image: 1780625517908-bamboo_bridge.jpg] 来源：Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) 如果带外国朋友第一次认识砂拉越，我会选这里，因为它在有限时间内把建筑、音乐和手艺放到同一条路线里。怕热、不喜欢被安排好的展示，或期待直接住进长屋的人，可能觉得票价不完全符合想象；文化村的价值，是让你看见入口，也知道入口之外还有更大的地方。 [image: 1780625517978-village_overview-resized.jpg] 来源：Flickr / Thom Quine (CC BY) 所以我会把它放在第一次古晋行程里，但不会用“看完就懂砂拉越”来形容。你最想把时间留给长屋、手艺示范，还是下午表演？

Just weeks after opening, Sarawak's RM848 million landmark bridge is already covered in rubbish — and netizens are calling it out. Batang Lupar Bridge 1, the RM848.7 million, 4.844km bridge that opened on May 21, was meant to be a source of pride for Sarawak. Instead, photos of rubbish scattered along the bridge have gone viral. Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shared images of the mess, comparing it to Brunei's much longer sea bridges that remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he wrote. [image: 1780622070152-batang-lupar-litter-resized.jpeg] Source: Ef Suhaimi / DayakDaily JKR Sarawak responded by urging the public to take responsibility: "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak." The bridge replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service, cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, and is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network development programme. Location: Batang Lupar, Sarawak Details: Littering on Sarawak's new landmark bridge sparks public debate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should there be stricter penalties for littering?

[image: 1780552949479-energy-link.jpg] Sarawak is set to become Borneo's energy powerhouse — with an undersea cable project capable of supplying electricity to four countries including Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the federal government and the Sarawak government are jointly pursuing a major cross-border energy initiative. Speaking at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) in Kuala Lumpur, he said the plan involves laying undersea cables to transmit Sarawak's surplus energy to regional markets. "This joint proposal with the Sarawak government utilises a very large energy capacity and provides an undersea route to meet energy needs in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, as well as Sabah up to the Philippines and Indonesia," said Anwar. Sarawak currently operates three hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 GW — enough to power about three million households daily. A fourth plant is under construction as part of the state's target to hit 10 GW generation capacity by 2030. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari had previously revealed the undersea cable linking Sarawak to Singapore would span roughly 720km, mostly through Indonesian waters, and is expected to be commercially operational by 2031. Location: Kuching / Kuala Lumpur Details: Cross-border undersea cable energy initiative covering Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

If I had to design a Kuching day for a visitor who keeps asking, “Where do we actually meet Sarawak?”, I would drive towards Santubong before the heat builds and use Sarawak Cultural Village as the day's cultural spine. It compresses a huge geography into one walk, but the details are worth more than the slogan. [image: 1780538578622-scv_main.jpg] SCV entrance The village was created as a living-museum project in 1990, and its seven house types explain why “Sarawak culture” is plural. A raised Iban longhouse, a Bidayuh headhouse, an Orang Ulu house, a Melanau tall house and the smaller Penan, Malay and Chinese structures make climate and community visible in wood, height and shared space. That is the first story a traveller can physically read before hearing a performance. [image: 1780538589481-scv_panoramio-resized.jpg] Panoramic view of the village The second story is what changed when a living tradition became a visitor route. Guides and craft demonstrations keep the place from being empty scenery, while the lake, paths and scheduled stage show make the experience easy to follow. It is excellent for a first orientation, children and visitors with limited time; it is less satisfying for anyone who wants to observe ordinary village life without a timetable. [image: 1780538589985-scv_village11.jpg] Traditional architecture inside the village I would arrive around opening, spend the first stretch inside the houses, and choose one show rather than designing the day around both. The site is about 35 km from Kuching and current visitor information lists 9:00am–5:00pm, with shows at 11:30am and 4:00pm. Allow at least three hours, wear shoes for uneven paths and keep water handy. Ticket prices, lunch packages and show arrangements can change, so confirm the live booking page before paying. [image: 1780538590304-scv_cultural2-resized.jpg] Cultural dance performance For international visitors, the practical trade-off is simple: one paid, organised stop gives a broad cultural frame, but it cannot replace a community-led trip into the interior. Pair it with Damai beach or a Santubong viewpoint if you want a full day; if your interest is only a stage performance, arrive for the show and spend the rest of the day elsewhere. [image: 1780538590861-scv_cultural1-resized.jpg] Traditional handicrafts on display I like this version of the stop because it makes a complicated region approachable without pretending the shortcut is the whole journey. What would make you stay longer: a house explanation, a craft session or the music?

如果要替第一次来古晋、一路问“到底在哪里认识砂拉越”的游客排一天，我会趁天气还没太热开往山都望，把砂拉越文化村放成这天的文化主线。它把很大的地理范围压缩在一条步道里，但真正值得看的不是那句口号，而是眼前每一座屋子为何长成这样。 [image: 1780538578622-scv_main.jpg] SCV 入口外观 文化村在 1990 年作为活博物馆项目出现，七种民居说明“砂拉越文化”从来不是单数。伊班高脚长屋、比达友头屋、乌鲁屋、马兰诺高脚屋，以及本南、马来和华人建筑，在高度、木料和共享空间上各有不同；游客不用先读一大段历史，就能从建筑看见气候、河流和社区关系。 [image: 1780538589481-scv_panoramio-resized.jpg] 园区全景 第二层故事，是传统进入旅游路线后发生了什么。屋内讲解和手工示范让园区不至于只剩空景，湖边步道与固定表演则把复杂内容变得容易跟上。带孩子、时间有限或想先建立文化地图的人会觉得清楚；若期待没有时间表的村落日常，就会发现这里是经过编排的学习入口。 [image: 1780538589985-scv_village11.jpg] 园区内传统建筑 我会开门后先走一轮民居，再选择看一场表演，不会为了两场表演把整天切得太碎。地点距离古晋约 35 公里，当前资料列出 9:00am–5:00pm，表演为 11:30am 和 4:00pm；预留至少三小时，穿适合不平步道的鞋并带水。票价、午餐配套和演出安排可能调整，付款前要确认最新订票页面。 [image: 1780538590304-scv_cultural2-resized.jpg] 传统舞蹈表演 对外国游客来说，取舍很直接：一次有组织的付费行程，能在半天内建立砂拉越文化的宽度，却不能取代社区带领的内陆旅程。想排完整一天，可接 Damai 海滩或山都望观景点；如果只对表演有兴趣，选一场看完就走，不必勉强逛到闭园。 [image: 1780538590861-scv_cultural1-resized.jpg] 传统手工艺品 我喜欢文化村的地方，是它让一个复杂地区有了入口，同时没有必要假装入口就是全部。你会因为哪一项多留一小时：长屋讲解、手艺示范，还是音乐表演？

Sarawak is just one step away from bringing China's prestigious Fudan University to Sibu — only final approval from Beijing remains. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian announced he will travel to Beijing next week to secure the green light from Chinese authorities. The proposal has already been approved by the Shanghai government, the Sarawak government, and the Malaysian government. The planned campus will include a medical school — a critical move to address Sarawak's shortage of around 2,000 doctors. Dr Sim made the announcement at a dinner in Sibu hosted by the United Chinese Association (UCA) for Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Ouyang Yujing. “Talent development and education remain key priorities for the Sarawak government in our efforts to strengthen human capital and drive long-term development,” Dr Sim said. If approved, this would be Fudan University's first overseas campus — a significant milestone for Sarawak's education landscape. [image: 1780536754195-fudan-sibu.jpg] Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian heading to Beijing next week; only China govt approval pending; medical school planned to address doctor shortage Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

An 80-year-old Kuching man lost RM103,850 after falling for an online investment scam promising big profits. The victim was contacted on WhatsApp by a woman claiming to run a business in Pattaya, Thailand. She offered him a partnership in a "Wholesale International Business Online" scheme through a website she managed. From September 2025 to February 2026, the man made eight bank transfers totalling RM103,850 to six different accounts. He was promised that both capital and returns would be deposited back into his account. Reality hit when he could no longer reach the suspect to ask for his money back. "The victim was directed to carry out a series of payment transactions as part of an alleged investment scheme, with assurances that the capital and returns would be deposited into the victim's account," said Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. [image: 80yo-scam-rm103850.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: RM103,850 lost to online investment scam, 8 transactions to 6 bank accounts, victim aged 80 Source: DayakDaily Reminder: If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before transferring money. What do you think?

[image: 1780102952038-nkia-airfares.jpg] Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels. First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport. "Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement. The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA. Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework: Kuching–Sibu Kuching–Bintulu Kuching–Miri This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft. Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative. Location: Putrajaya / Kuching Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26 Source: DayakDaily Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?

A massive fire tore through a 21-door longhouse in Bekenu in the early hours of this morning, leaving 136 residents without a home. The Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 1:17am. Firefighters from Batu Niah and Miri Central stations rushed to Rumah Nelson Ningkan, Jalan Sungai Saeh, Kampung Labau Bekenu to battle the blaze. The longhouse — a non-permanent wooden structure with individual homes measuring 16×100 square feet — was completely destroyed. It took crews seven hours to contain the fire. Firefighters used four water streams to tackle flames from the front, back, and sides of the building. The operation wrapped up at 8:18am. No injuries or deaths were reported, but all 136 residents have been displaced. Location: Kampung Labau Bekenu, near Miri Details: Non-permanent 21-door longhouse razed; 7-hour firefighting operation; no casualties [image: download] Source: Bomba Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

When I have one hot Kuching afternoon to spend indoors, I would start beside Padang Merdeka and let the Borneo Cultures Museum set the pace. The useful question is not whether the building is big; it is whether five floors can help a first-time visitor understand Sarawak without turning the visit into a checklist. [image: 1780020366019-01-front-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons The museum opened in March 2022 as Sarawak's flagship cultural institution, taking over the central-city role once associated with the older State Museum. That change matters: the galleries are designed as a journey through living relationships rather than a row of detached antiques. The river gallery gives children a starting point, while the nature, time-change and material-culture floors connect landscape, history and everyday choices. [image: 1780020366976-02-garden-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons I would move upward slowly. The upper floors make the building's modern craft-inspired design feel like part of the story, and the collection's 1,600-plus objects give the broad themes something tangible to hold on to. A visitor interested in rivers, textiles, foodways or how communities adapt to forests will get more than a photo stop; someone expecting a small room of royal relics may find the multimedia approach less intimate. [image: 1780020367935-03-museum-2024-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons Plan two to four hours, especially if travelling with children or using the interactive displays properly. It sits next to Padang Merdeka, so walking from the old-town museums is simple; driving or a short ride-hail is easier in the heat. The current public listing gives weekday hours of 9:00am–4:45pm and weekend/public-holiday hours of 9:30am–4:30pm, with last admission at 4:00pm. Holiday closures, exhibitions and fees can change, so check before setting off. [image: 1780020368791-04-backyard-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons For an international visitor, this is one of the strongest rainy-day anchors in Kuching because it gives context before a trip to a longhouse, national park or cultural village. I would not rush through it in an hour just to claim it was done; the better route is museum first, Padang Merdeka and old town after, with enough quiet time for one gallery to stay in your head. [image: 1780020369707-05-tugu-view-resized.jpg] Source: Wikimedia Commons — View from Tugu Pahlawan The museum works when you treat it as a map of Sarawak, not a giant building to conquer. Which floor would you give the most time to on your first visit?

Sarawak GOF seizes RM17.5 million in assets, busts massive diesel smuggling ring KUCHING (May 28) — The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on a large-scale diesel smuggling syndicate, seizing over 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth approximately RM1.8 million. [image: gof-diesel-bust.jpg] GOF commander SAC Lim Bak Phai The operation, code-named Op Tiris, ran from March 16 to Tuesday across 11 districts including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas, Bau, Serian and Lundu. Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said 820 inspections were conducted, resulting in 58 cases and 69 arrests. Breakdown of seizures: 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel — worth ~RM1.8 million Tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks valued at nearly RM17.5 million Over 5 tonnes of subsidised cooking oil (~RM40,000) More than 7 tonnes of coarse sugar (~RM31,000) One major find: a tugboat in Bintulu used to illegally store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit. All cases have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Location: Multiple districts across Sarawak Details: 820 inspections, 69 arrests, RM20.3M total seizures Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/sarawak-gof-busts-diesel-ring-seizes-rm17-5-mln-in-assets-342000-litres-of-fuel/ What do you think?

Miri's iconic crocodile farm at Kuala Baram is getting a fresh identity — and a bigger family-friendly focus. Starting June 1, the Miri Crocodile Farm Wildlife Park cum Mini Zoo will officially be renamed Miri Animal Wonderland, with new interactive experiences and educational features. [image: download] The 22-acre park, located about 30 minutes from Miri city centre along the coastal highway, houses over 1,000 crocodiles including Saltwater Crocodiles and the rare Malayan Gharial. It's the first and largest crocodile farm in northern Sarawak. Beyond the crocs, the mini zoo features sun bears, southern cassowaries, Javan deer, reticulated pythons, pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, owls, eagles, civets, and binturong. Visitors can feed selected animals (goats, snakes, even crocodiles), enjoy pony rides, and watch daily crocodile and snake feeding sessions at 11am, 11.30am, 3pm and 3.30pm. Prices: RM30 Malaysian adults, RM15 children (under 11) | Foreign: RM45 adults, RM25 children Hours: 9am–5pm daily (ticket sales close 4pm) Guided info is available in English, BM, and Mandarin. Location: Kuala Baram, Miri (30-min drive from city) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/miri-animal-wonderland-promises-close-encounters-with-exotic-wildlife/ What do you think — would you take the family for a visit?

Sibu is just RM3 million away from becoming Sarawak’s next city — its council reserves have more than doubled since 2019. Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting announced today that the town’s financial reserves have grown to RM47 million, up sharply from RM19 million when he took office in 2019. The threshold for city status is RM50 million. [image: 1779861795348-sibu-city-status.jpg] SMC chairman Clarence Ting speaking at a press conference after launching the WAK Sibu Festival 2026 calendar at Wisma Sanyan on May 26. The second requirement — a population of 300,000 — is also being gradually met as Sibu sees demographic shifts and steady growth. “When I became chairman in 2019, people often asked why Miri could be upgraded to a city but not Sibu. After reviewing the criteria, we were only short of two main requirements,” Ting said. Sibu, long seen as a predominantly Chinese-majority town, is now becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing Iban population and broader ethnic representation. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Reserves: RM47M (up from RM19M in 2019) Target: RM50M reserves + 300,000 population Source: DayakDaily What do you think — will Sibu finally get city status this year?

Most people I know in Kuching had the same reaction when I said I was finally going to Sarawak Cultural Village: "Oh, that place?" — half curious, half skeptical. A 17-acre living museum at the foot of Mount Santubong, about 35 km north of town, opened in 1990 as a wholly-owned project of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation. And yes, it looks like a tourist attraction from the car park. [image: 1779847477822-scv1.jpg] Source: TripAdvisor - Aerial view of Sarawak Cultural Village But walking through the gates changes the picture. Seven full-size traditional dwellings sit around a small lake — Bidayuh longhouse with its round headhouse, an Iban longhouse raised on tall stilts, the Penan forest hut, an Orang Ulu longhouse with its ornate painted facade, the towering Melanau tall-house, a Malay town house, and a Chinese farmhouse. Each one has a community member inside, wearing traditional dress, doing something real: weaving pua kumbu cloth, scraping sago, playing the sape, demonstrating blowpipe darts. They are not actors reading a script. They live in these communities and rotate through shifts. [image: 1779847478114-scv2.jpg] Source: Travel+Leisure Asia The twice-daily cultural show at 11:30 am and 4 pm is the main draw. It runs about 45 minutes and rotates through Iban ngajat dance, Orang Ulu sape music, Malay and Chinese performances, with moments of genuine humour and crowd participation. One performer balances a 20-kg block with his teeth; another pulls audience members up to learn a dance. The sape — often called the Borneo guitar — carries the music in a way that feels older than the village itself. What surprised me most was the Rainforest World Music Festival connection. The village grounds host this international event every June — 2026 dates were 26–28 June — and during the festival the longhouses become workshop spaces. If you come during RWMF the experience is completely different: you are inside a global music event while standing in a replica Iban longhouse. [image: 1779847478319-scv3.jpg] Source: TripAdvisor - Inside the village grounds The honest trade-off: this is a curated representation, not a real longhouse upriver where families actually sleep. If you have three spare days and can arrange a trip to a genuine Bidayuh or Iban community, skip the village. But most visitors do not have that time. For a half-day primer on Sarawak's ethnic diversity — with the convenience of paved paths, shade, air-conditioned spots and a lake view — the village does its job well. RM135 for non-Malaysian adults and RM95 for Malaysians is not cheap by Kuching standards. A full breakfast at a kopitiam costs under RM10 and Bako National Park entry is RM20. You are paying resort-attraction prices. Booking online through scvticket.com.my saves RM10. The admission-plus-lunch package (RM168 international, RM138 Malaysian) adds a buffet that is decent but not the reason to come. Getting there: about 45 minutes by car or Grab from central Kuching. No public bus goes door to door. Parking is free and ample. The Santubong Damai shuttle may work if you are staying in the resort area. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours to walk the loop and catch one show. Midday heat is real — bring water and sunscreen. The village closes at 5 pm and the last entry is before 4 pm so you can catch the afternoon show. [image: 1779847478600-scv4.jpg] Source: Travel+Leisure Asia - Chinese farmhouse replica If you would rather have an uncut, uncurated cultural experience, aim for a real longhouse visit or the Sarawak Cultural Village during RWMF. If you have a free morning and want context before you explore the rest of Sarawak, this is the stop. What would you choose — the curated version or the real thing? Drop a comment.

在古晋住了那么久，每次有人提起砂拉越文化村（Sarawak Cultural Village），大家的反应都是同一个表情："哦，那个地方啊？" 一半好奇，一半怀疑。 这地方就在山都望山脚下，距离古晋市区大概 35 公里，开车约 45 分钟。1990 年由砂拉越经济发展局（SEDC）全资打造，占地 17 英亩，号称活的博物馆。老实说，从停车场望过去，确实就是一个旅游景点的样子。 [image: 1779847477822-scv1.jpg] 来源：TripAdvisor - Sarawak Cultural Village 全景 但走进去之后，感觉完全不一样。七间传统民居围着小湖排开：比达友的长屋带着圆形头房、伊班的高脚长屋、本南族的森林小屋、乌鲁人的彩绘长屋、马兰诺的高脚屋、马来 Kampung 屋，还有一间华人农舍。每间屋里都有一位来自该族群的讲解员，穿着传统服饰，正在做真正的手艺活——不是摆拍，是真的在织布、削西米、弹 sape、示范吹管。 [image: 1779847478114-scv2.jpg] 来源：Travel+Lease Asia 一天两场的文化表演（上午 11 点半和下午 4 点）是重头戏，全长大约 45 分钟。伊班族的 ngajat 战舞、乌鲁人的 sape 弹奏、马来舞和华人舞轮番上场，中间还穿插互动环节。有一位表演者用牙齿咬着 20 公斤的木块，另一个环节会拉观众上台学跳民族舞。Sape 的声音特别动人，被称作婆罗洲吉他一点不为过。 [image: 1779847478319-scv3.jpg] 来源：TripAdvisor - 园区内部 还有一个很多人不知道的事：这里也是热带雨林世界音乐节（RWMF）的主场地。每年六月，文化村变成国际音乐节的舞台，长屋变身工作坊。2026 年的 RWMF 在 6 月 26 至 28 日举行，如果你那段时间来，体验完全不同——在仿真的伊班长屋里听世界音乐，这个组合很特别。 门票方面，外国成人 RM135、马来西亚成人 RM95，以古晋的标准来说不算便宜。网上提前买可以省 RM10。如果要加自助午餐，国际旅客 RM168、本地 RM138。午餐水准还可以，但不用为了吃而来。 这个文化村的本质是一个精心策划的文化展示，不是真正的上游长屋。如果你有三天时间，能安排去真正的比达友或伊班社区，那才是原汁原味的体验。但大多数游客没有这个余裕。对于想用半天了解砂拉越多元族群的人来说，这里有树荫、有步道、有冷气角落，还有湖景——很够了。 交通方面，从古晋市区开车或叫 Grab 大约 45 分钟，没有直达公交。停车场很大、免费。建议预留 2.5 到 3 小时，走一圈再赶上一场表演。中午很晒，记得带水和防晒。园区下午 5 点关闭，最晚入场时间约 4 点。 [image: 1779847478600-scv4.jpg] 来源：Travel+Lease Asia - 华人农舍 你会选文化村的精装版体验，还是花时间找真正的长屋？留言分享一下你的看法。

The White Cat statue in Padungan is now wearing a printed songket-inspired red and green vest — a vibrant symbol of Gawai Dayak and Sarawak's cultural harmony. [image: N7CZ25RmCjRDHts] The special attire was unveiled during a lighting ceremony at the iconic statue on May 26, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the annual lighting tradition reflects Sarawak's inclusive spirit and the harmony among its people. "I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai," Dr Sim said. As people are travelling back for Gawai, Dr Sim reminded motorists to drive carefully. "Road conditions are improving, but please drive safely. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink." Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that a printed songket-inspired material was chosen instead of Pua Kumbu textile out of respect for Dayak cultural sensitivities. "When dressing the statue, it is important for us to consult and respect the cultures of others," he said. The mayor also drew a parallel between the open-door tradition of longhouse culture and Sarawak's unity: "If you have been to a longhouse, all the pintu are 'buka' (open). This openness is the heartbeat of our Sarawak unity." Location: Padungan, Kuching Details: White Cat statue in songket-inspired Gawai Dayak vest; lighting ceremony officiated by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian and MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

"How can a ticket to go back to my hometown for Gawai cost up to RM1,000? Isn't Borneo also part of Malaysia?" Sarawakian singer and influencer Miss Alvy took to Threads today to call out what she describes as "unreasonable" flight prices ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration. She highlighted that a return ticket from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo can cost up to RM1,000 — enough, she said, to travel overseas. Many netizens from Sabah and Sarawak chimed in, sharing their own horror stories of festive season airfares, with some saying return tickets can hit RM1,900. According to Miss Alvy, many East Malaysians have been forced to delay returning home for years because of the high ticket prices. Some families can only reunite during major holidays, while others simply cannot afford it at all. The post has reignited the long-standing debate about the high cost of air connectivity between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, especially during festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya. Location: Kuching / Sarawak When: May 26, 2026 [image: 1779775360441-miss-alvy-airfare.jpg] Miss Alvy. Photo credit: Facebook / DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Semenggoh works best when the day has one clear purpose: leave Kuching early, arrive before a feeding session, and allow the forest to decide how much of the story you get. It is a rehabilitation centre, not a zoo with animals waiting beside a glass panel. The orangutans may come close, stay in the trees or remain out of sight, and that uncertainty is part of why the visit matters. [image: 1779765072509-orangutan_at_semenggoh_nature_reserve-resized.jpg] 来源：KelvinToh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 For a first Kuching wildlife outing, I would choose the morning session when possible and arrive with enough time for registration, the walk and ranger instructions. Commonly published feeding windows are around 9:00–10:00am and 3:00–4:00pm, but the timetable and viewing arrangements can change. Rain, natural food in the forest, animal welfare decisions and maintenance can all mean fewer sightings. Anyone who needs a guaranteed close-up, loud entertainment or a quick indoor attraction may leave disappointed; patient families, photographers and travellers who care about conservation are the better match. [image: 1779765065001-orangutan-semenggoh.jpg] 来源：DIONYSIUS IVANDER / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 The centre is on Jalan Puncak Borneo, roughly 30 minutes from central Kuching by car in normal traffic. Parking is the simple option; e-hailing is possible for the outbound ride, but I would not depend on finding a return car immediately in a forest setting. Give the visit about two to three hours, then pair it with a nearby lunch or a slow drive towards Padawan rather than trying to stack several distant attractions around a fixed feeding time. [image: 1779765138009-a_swinging_orangutan_-26039522614.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 Entry prices, visitor rules and session details are subject to the current Sarawak Forestry Corporation notice; older guides quote Malaysian adult/child tickets around RM10/RM5 and foreign adult/child tickets around RM20/RM10. Check the latest notice before setting out, and treat “open daily” listings as a starting point rather than proof that every viewing area or session is operating that day. Do not bring food to feed the animals, keep your distance, avoid flash, wear shoes with grip and bring mosquito repellent. If the centre posts a closure, repair or changed-session notice, let that update change the itinerary. [image: 1779765138298-orangutan_on_double_ropes_-26515290302.jpg] 来源：Thomas Quine / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 I would choose Semenggoh over a rushed checklist when the goal is to understand why a semi-wild sanctuary feels different from a zoo. It is a strong half-day plan from Kuching, but not a promise of a perfect animal photograph. Arrive quietly, listen to the rangers, and leave the forest a little more important than the picture you hoped to take.