Sarawak Cultural Village is a living museum at the foot of Mount Santubong, on the coast north of Kuching. Set around a small lake, it brings together full-size traditional houses of Sarawak’s main communities, each staffed by people who demonstrate crafts, cooking, music and daily skills. For a first trip to Borneo, a morning at Sarawak Cultural Village is a clear, enjoyable introduction to a state with dozens of ethnic groups.
What to see at Sarawak Cultural Village
A loop path leads past the houses in turn. The Iban longhouse shows how extended families shared a single raised building with a long communal gallery. The Bidayuh house includes a round headhouse, while the Orang Ulu longhouse is decorated with bold painted motifs. The Melanau tall house stands high on stilts, and there are also Malay and Chinese homes and a Penan forest shelter.
Each house is built with the materials and layout its community traditionally used: hardwood posts, bamboo floors, bark or palm-leaf walls and notched-log ladders. Look out for the way the Iban gallery doubles as a workspace and meeting hall, and for the round Bidayuh headhouse, which was traditionally the centre of village ceremonies and a meeting place for young men.
Inside, you can try a blowpipe, watch beadwork and weaving, hear the sape (a boat-shaped lute) and sample snacks such as sago treats and local cakes. The pace is gentle and there is shade between houses, which makes it manageable with children.
The cultural show
The resident dance troupe performs twice a day in the village theatre. The show moves through dances from different communities, including the Iban warrior dance and graceful Orang Ulu performances. Plan your loop around a showtime; ask for the day’s schedule when you buy tickets.
Opening hours and tickets
The village opens daily from 9am to 5pm. Ticket prices change from time to time and online discounts are sometimes offered, so check the latest rates on the official Sarawak Cultural Village website before you go.
Getting there
The village is at Pantai Damai in Santubong, under an hour’s drive from central Kuching. Grab and taxis are the easiest options; book a return ride in advance, as cars can be scarce at Santubong in the late afternoon. Some hotels run shuttles to the Damai area.
Best time to visit
Arrive in the morning to tour the houses before the midday heat, then catch the show. The village also hosts the Rainforest World Music Festival each year, when crowds are far bigger and the grounds take on a festival atmosphere.
How it fits into a Kuching trip
Combine a morning here with an afternoon at Damai beach or a dusk river cruise, or use it as a cultural counterpoint to wildlife days at Semenggoh and Bako. It features in our Kuching itinerary, and our Sarawak guide explains more about the state’s peoples.
Tips for visiting Sarawak Cultural Village
- Check the day’s showtimes on arrival and plan your loop of the houses around one.
- Go in the morning, when it is cooler and the houses are quieter.
- Try the blowpipe and ask staff about the crafts; they are happy to explain.
- Bring a hat, water and comfortable shoes, as the loop is mostly outdoors.
- Book a return Grab or taxi in advance from Santubong.
Sarawak Cultural Village: frequently asked questions
Is Sarawak Cultural Village worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a first visit to Borneo. It gives a clear overview of Sarawak's main communities in one place, with full-size traditional houses and a daily dance show. Allow three to four hours.
What are the opening hours of Sarawak Cultural Village?
The village opens daily from 9am to 5pm. The cultural show runs twice a day, so ask for showtimes at the ticket counter and plan your visit around one.
How do I get to Sarawak Cultural Village from Kuching?
The village is at Pantai Damai in Santubong, under an hour by road from Kuching. Grab or a taxi is easiest, and it is wise to arrange your return trip in advance as rides can be hard to find later in the day.
Which houses are at Sarawak Cultural Village?
The village includes Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu longhouses, a Melanau tall house, Malay and Chinese houses and a Penan forest shelter. Each has staff demonstrating crafts, music or cooking.
Where is the Rainforest World Music Festival held?
The Rainforest World Music Festival takes place at Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong. It is held once a year and draws large crowds, so book transport and accommodation early if your dates coincide.
