The 'Tua Pek Kong' Chinese Temple in Kuching

Chinese-Owned Businesses

Chinese-themed dinner at the Kuching Hilton

THE CHINESE IN BORNEO

Records  suggest a trading history of well over two thousand years between China and the island of Borneo. Over the centuries trade steadily intensified, as established by archaeological remains of pottery and other trading artifacts. Small trading outposts were established in various small settlements and by the time James Brooke who was to become the first White Rajah of Sarawak arrived in Kuching, there was already a small Chinese settlement. An earlier migration into Sambas, the Kalimantan portion of Borneo began at a much earlier date, attracted to the goldmines in the area.

Emigration of the Chinese into Sarawak began in earnest at the turn of the 20th century; Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, encouraged the Chinese to open up land for cultivation and commerce. Today in Sarawak, the Chinese make up about thirty per cent of the population and play an important part in the field of commerce and politics.

Throughout Borneo, the Chinese still dominate the urban centers. Today it is interesting to see how a culturally and racially different group of people have adapted in their land of adoption.

This trip gives a historical sweep of the Chinese in Borneo and allows the visitor to see how they relate integrally in this far flung corner of the earth. It will give fresh perspective on the social and commercial as well as political integration of this tenacious group of people, while taking in the highlights of this fabled land.

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Primary School at Melugu

EDUCATION IN BORNEO

Parts of Borneo have progressed rapidly from an agricultural based economy to a fully industrialized one in a very short time.  Key to this rapid progression is the education of the local population. See first hand how the present educational system has been effective in giving opportunity at all levels of society. Compare those schools in town areas with those deep in the rainforest. Meet the teachers, the policy makers and the students themselves.

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ORCHIDS AND NEPENTHES OF BORNEO

Borneo is known for its great bio-diversity and home to many rare and unique species of plants. One of the most fascinating plant species are the orchid family with its incredible blooms, the other being the carnivorous pitcher plants. These plants are to be found in abundance in Borneo and this  field and study trip takes you into the areas where these rare and unique species grow. Also, you will be guided by the experts on these plants. Along the way take in the highlights of this fabled island.

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An assortment of local fruits

CULINARY TOUR OF BORNEO

Borneo conjures up an image of esoteric jungle foods. However, many plants of the rainforest - which enjoys the greatest bio-diversity in the world - are widely known, especially the gingers. The local people have a long tradition of using various wild plants as basic food and as seasoning. Recent immigrants to the Malaysian Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak brought with them new cooking techniques and integrating these with local ingredients. Thus a new and distinct hybridized cuisine has developed. Here you will find all the major Asian schools of cooking: the various Indian and Chinese regional cuisines as well as the local indigenous cuisines are subtly flavored with the simple jungle ingredients. In this culinary tour, you will not only sample some of the best Malaysian cuisine - with Nonya, Chinese and Indian food - but will enjoy a completely different gastronomic experience as you discover some of the indigenous foods of Borneo while exploring the highlights of this fabled land.

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ENDANGERED SPECIES AND VANISHING CULTURES

Borneo, over tens of thousands of years, has become home to a number of species that are endemic only to this area.  As our environment and habitat changes, so does the future of these species come into question.  By the same measure some of the fascinating cultural traditions of the indigenous people changes as development proceed.  This tour gives an insight into the Borneo of old and an opportunity to appreciate this magnificent land.

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Ikat Weaving

TEXTILES OF BORNEO

The best-known textile from this part of the world is the amazing pua kumbu   (spiritual cloth) of the Iban people. Long associated with the headhunting ritual, and deriving its origin from Singalong Burong (the highest god in the Iban pantheon), the spiritual cloth of the Ibans confers status to the women who weave them. The art, the wit and spiritual power of the Iban people are contained within this simple ikat weaving. We unlock the secrets of the woven messages and learn  about the arcane rituals that surround the weaving of this most sacred expression of the Ibans. Gain fresh insight into the role of women in Iban society, past and present.

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