Sarawak Cultural Village’s Long Due Recognition

Sarawak, Malaysia - Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) nestled at the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong, about 40 minutes' drive from Kuching, has evolved into a compelling landmark for Sarawak's tourism industry.

Long before the 1Malaysia concept became a catchword among Malaysians this `living museum' set up in 1990 by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has been portraying Sarawak's ethnic and religious diversity and their harmonious way of life.

The Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu longhouses, Melanau tall house, Malay house, Chinese farm house and Penan hut and the traditional activities of the respective occupants at the sprawling 6.2-hectare site depict the rich heritage of Sarawakians.

The skills of its people is also showcased here including in weaving the Iban traditional textile (pua Kumbu), the Bidayuh basket (tambok), the Sarawak songket (Malay cloth with gold inlay), the Melanau sun hat (terendak), as well as the making of Iban machete (parang), Orang Ulu wood carving and Chinese ceramics.

SCV General Manager Jane Lian Labang said SCV was much honoured and privileged to receive the latest recognition, the "Excellent Award for Best Cultural or Heritage Experience" which was voted by 1,500 readers of Lifestyle Expatriate magazine.

The achievement under the Best Malaysia Travel Awards 2010 category conferred by Lifestyle Expatriate Kuala Lumpur serves to boost SCV's commitment in continuing the good work and remain as the key player in the state's tourism industry, she said when met at the recent award celebration here.

Statistics Tell the Real Picture

State Tourism and Heritage Assistant Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip noted that winning an award was nothing new for SCV but the latest one was very special because SCV was appraised by expatriates and high-end travelers.

"Every visitor did the audit on you from their heart based on their experience and you passed with flying colours," said Talib, who is also SEDC chairman in commending on the dedication and commitment of the SCV team.

With support from its partners in the travel, hospitality and tourism industry as well as national and state tourism authorities, SCV recorded visitor arrivals of 67,966, including 17,057 foreigners from January-August 2010.

In 2009, a total of 119,471 visitors including 25,396 foreigners came to see and experience this unique cultural showcase of Sarawak compared with 104,941 in 2008.

Overall the first eight months of 2010 saw Sarawak receiving 1,072,885 visitors, which generated about RM2.4 billion in tourism receipts.

Cultural Paradise

While SCV has made its mark in the international arena as the annual venue for the internationally renowned Rainforest World Music Festival, several new attractions will be available next year.

Jane said this includes the Rainforest World Music Gallery to be hosted by its world champion musical band, "Tuku Kame," Arts Learning Centre (Persada Ilmu), Tea Garden (Persada Alam), new Bidayuh longhouse, new panggah or round house and Damai Bay Bazaar.

The 3.5 hectare Damai Bay Bazaar which stretches along a natural scenic bay facing the South China Sea next to the Damai Beach Resort, Damai Puri Resort and Spa and SCV is expected to transform the seafront into an oasis of leisure by early next year, she said.

In making Damai a more vibrant commercial hub, the centre piece will be a cluster of shops at a public square landscaped with gardens and fountains.

At the SCV's waterfall area the Persada Alam will serve the guests with some interactive performances by SCV artistes including fashion shows, folk songs, jamming sessions while visitors enjoying their day with varieties of local tea on sale, she said.

A Place to Shop Too

Apart from attending music workshops and watching short "live" performance by the Tuku Kame musicians at the gallery, where collections of musical instruments from all over the world can be found, music lovers can also purchase merchandise such as VCDs.

The Persada Ilmu will be functioning as an art learning centre, comprising of a dance studio, library, information centre, costume gallery, lecture hall and creativity room.

Among SCV's numerous accolades are the Malaysia Tourism Gold Award (1990), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cultural Gold Award (1991), Aseanta Classics Award (1991), National Dance Festival (1996), Tourism Malaysia Award for Best Tourism Attraction-Best Incentive Theme Venue (2000), Golden Web Award (2001-2002) and Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Appreciation Award for Tourism Website Information Portal (2006).

In summing up SCV's winning formula, Jane said its blueprint for sustainability and transformation plans has incorporated creativity, innovation and human capacity building, which also includes training the second generation management to ensure smooth succession.

Source: http://www.bernama.com

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