I went to the Sarawak Cultural Village about 26 years ago. It is a living museum of Sarawak’s tribal cultures. With Jo visiting, I thought it was good to go and show her what makes Sarawak special.
The traditional dwellings were interesting for her and we tried the sago pancake, tumpik which turned out to be delicious. We passed on the tebaloi which is available more commonly in shops. I loved the Orang Ulu mural in their dwelling but like the first time, the cultural performance was entertaining.
Bidayuh watch-house near to their longhouse.
Tumpik, a pancake made from sago flour and grated coconut. Very yummy.
The best parts of the performance for me was the Melanau one where a man climbed up to the top of a bamboo pole and spun himself around with the pole in his belly. Wow! Of course, I enjoyed the blowpipe shooting and the dances too.
Top: Orang Ulu (Highland Tribes) dance with hornbill feathers (fake ones in this day and age). Bottom: Mix of tribal costumes with Iban at the front. They have distinctive silver headgear and silver coin waist-wrap. Traditionally toplessness was common.
The Melanau performance is pretty impressive with a man climbing to the top of a pole and spinning around with the pole on his belly.
Iban youth holding a wooden-block mortar in his teeth. Must have strong jaw and neck. Picked it up, held it while prancing around and finally tossed it away, dropping with a big thump.
Orang Ulu (Highland Tribes) mural.