GEOPARK COMMUNITY & CULTURAL HERITAGE
Celebrating Unity and Diversity
Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) preserves a rich cultural heritage shaped by diverse indigenous communities, traditional crafts, historical landmarks, and vibrant festivals. Local communities continue to safeguard and celebrate these traditions through education, cultural programmes, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Batu Gambar Sungai Jaong & Shrine Bongkissam
Discovered in the 1950s, Sungai Jaong and Bongkissam at Sarawak (Malaysia) contain the remains, rare for this period in South East Asia, of an iron-reduction industry dating back approximately one thousand years, and perhaps the oldest Hindu-Buddhist monument in Sarawak.
Ethnic & Tradition (Instrument, Music & Dance)
The diversity in the traditional dances of Sarawak is a result of having people from so many different cultural backgrounds living harmoniously.
- Ngajat: Celebrated signature custom of the Iban folk.
- Hornbill Dance: The historical, graceful dance of the Kenyah tribe.
- Eagle Dance: The powerful traditional routine of the Bidayuh community.
- Alu Alu: The traditional Melanau dance performance.
Historical Places
Fort Margherita
Built in 1879, it was named after Ranee Margaret, wife of Charles Brooke. Long ago, a nightly cannon shot here marked the end of the work day.
Old Court House
A beautifully preserved colonial building reflecting Sarawak's history. Built in 1871, it served as the seat of government until 1973. Today, it stands as a vibrant cultural and art hub.
General Post Office
Built in 1931, the neo-classical style General Post Office with its Corinthian columns is a prominent landmark in Sarawak's capital city.
Indian Mosque
Masjid Bandar Kuching or Masjid India, the oldest mosque in the State, was constructed in 1837 by Indian Muslims. Accessible via Indian Mosque Lane from Gambier Street.
The Astana
A stately palace built in 1870 by Charles Brooke as a bridal gift for his wife, Ranee Margaret. Today, it serves as the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak.
The Square Tower
Built in 1879 along the Kuching Waterfront, this fortress-like structure originally served as a prison and fortress, later converting into a popular landmark restaurant.
Central Police Station
Constructed in 1931, this striking building features distinctive open-air loggias and functional architectural styles characteristic of early 20th-century government buildings.
The Education Department
Formerly administrative quarters during the Rajah Brooke era, this historic site now represents key municipal administrative history along the heritage trail.
Sarawak Museum
Opened in 1891, it is one of the oldest and finest museums in Southeast Asia, housed in a magnificent Queen Anne style building designed after a Normandy townhouse.
Geopark Gastronomy & Cultural Culture
Kuching - The UNESCO City of Gastronomy
The first city in Malaysia to receive such an accolade, in any of the creative fields under the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN). It joins 49 cities across the world, from Brazil to Australia. A city where traditional street food and kopitiam culture blend with fine-dining and festivals. It is all of Malaysia and yet completely unique.
A Taste of Sarawak’s Living Heritage
Sarawak’s culinary heritage is a story of people, place, and generations of tradition. From the iconic Manok Pansoh, officially recognised as National Heritage on 14 February 2009, to the colourful Kek Lapis Sarawak, recognised on 11 August 2015, these treasured foods reflect the diverse cultures, knowledge, and traditions that make Sarawak unique.
Alongside beloved dishes such as Laksa Sarawak and Mi Kolok, they form part of Sarawak’s rich living culinary heritage—where recipes, techniques, local ingredients, and stories are passed from one generation to the next.
Where Earth, Culture & Craftsmanship Come Together
On 15 March 2019, Kuching was officially recognised as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council, becoming the first city in Malaysia to receive this prestigious recognition.
From weaving and beadwork to traditional woodcraft, these living traditions reflect how communities have used local resources, adapted to their environment, and preserved their cultural identity over time.
In the Geopark, heritage is not only found in the landscape—it lives in the skills, stories, and traditions of its people.
Festivals
&
Celebrations
Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark is a place where diverse cultures come together in celebration. Throughout the year, festivals bring communities to life through traditional dances, music, food, crafts, river activities and age-old customs.
From the vibrant Gawai Dayak and Chinese New Year celebrations to the excitement of the Sarawak Regatta, these occasions reflect the rich cultural diversity and strong community spirit of the Sarawak Delta.
Every celebration tells a story—of people, traditions, and their connection to the landscape they call home.