While on their quest for the Gold Medal in Kuching, Sarawak, the team from the Notre Dame Nature Study Club stepped into the Sarawak Cultural Village, alongside participants from far-off countries—where winding paths, ancient houses, and the quiet hum of distant drums seemed to whisper stories older than memory itself.
The journey into the depths of Sarawak’s ancient history began with a vibrant cultural performance by the tribal communities. They welcomed us with songs, dances, and theatrical displays, each carrying its own distinct charm. There was a uniqueness in their movements and melodies that spoke of traditions carefully preserved. Later, all the participants joined the stage—dancing, laughing, and cheering together—turning the evening into a shared celebration of culture and friendship.
Later, as we explored the village, we came across the massive beams of belian, or ironwood, that formed the longhouses. The wood was dark, dense, and smooth to the touch, known for its incredible strength and durability. It felt almost alive, as if it had witnessed generations of stories unfold within the village walls. The sheer weight and age of the ironwood left us quietly amazed, a tangible connection to Sarawak’s past. We listened to stories of local myths, their deep-rooted belief in ghosts, and the respect they hold for their own people. The king, though warm and approachable, never smiled in front of us . It was said that it would break his persona and his quiet dignity added a subtle, almost haunting presence to the moment, leaving us both curious and reflective. At the end of our visit, we wandered through the souvenir shop before stepping onto the stretch of the South China Sea that lies quietly within the village. The blend of rolling hills, longhouses built from ancient ironwood, deep-rooted beliefs, vibrant culture, and the melodious hum of the surroundings made the experience truly spectacular.
