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Kuching Cultural Village, Wildlife & Bidayuh Longhouse Sarawak
Ex-Kuching Day 1 - Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, meet and proceed for Kuching City Tour. The perfect introduction to Sarawak’s historic capital, this tour includes Kuching’s Chinatown, the Cat Statue (Kuching means “Cat” in Malay), the colourful Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, the Civic Centre Viewing Platform and the world famous Sarawak Museum. Return via the golden-domed City Mosque and passing through Old Kuching, crammed with spice dealers and textile shops. Pass by the heritage buildings of the White Rajah era, the Pavilion, the Square Tower, the Court House, the Charles Brooke Monument and the Post Office. We will view the Astana, the former residence of the White Rajahs from across the river at the Kuching Waterfront (B)
Day 2 - Breakfast, transfer to Sarawak Cultural Village. This award-winning living museum showcases Sarawak’s unique and diverse cultures in an accessible, visitor-friendly setting just 35 minutes from Kuching. The seven authentic traditional buildings are set amidst a scenic 17 acre site and are populated by members of Sarawak’s many ethnic groups, going about everyday activities. These include wood and bamboo carving, beadwork, weaving, sago-making, sugar-cane crushing, pepper-growing and the preparation of bird’s nests. Visitors can learn how to throw a Malay spinning top, shoot a Penan blowpipe or pick out a tune on an Orang Ulu sape. The tour concludes with a colourful multi-ethnic cultural performance in the village’s air-conditioned mini-theatre. (B)
Day 3 - Breakfast at the hotel, depart for Semenggok Forest Reserve, the best place in Sarawak to view semi-wild orang utans, who have been rescued from captivity and trained to survive in the surrounding forest reserve. The rehabilitated animals roam freely in the rain forest, and often return to the centre at feeding time. Thanks to the successful breeding programme at Semonggok there is a good possibility of experiencing one of the most heart-warming sights in Borneo - an orang utan mother with a young baby. The centre is 30 mins drive from Kuching and another 20 mins on foot. Along the way visitors pass by the ethno-botanical gardens, with their unique collection of rain-forest plants. Semengok also has a number of short collection of rain-forest plants. Semengok also has a number of short jungle trails and optional forest walks can be incorporated into the tour. (Note : As the orang utan in Semengok are semi-wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed.) Continue the journey to Anah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse. Anah Rais is a large Bidayuh (Land Dayak). The focal point of the village is a large and well-preserved traditional bamboo longhouse which is home to dozens of families. This guided tour introduces visitors to the unique architectural and cultural features of the longhouse and the traditional farming lifestyle of the Bidayuh people. (B)
Day 4 - Breakfast, Free at leisure until transfer to Kuching International Airport for your departure flight (B)
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