The magnificient colonial-era mansion along Tabuan Road is perhaps one of the very few remaining buildings of its kind in Kuching.  Formerly a private residential house, it is now delightfully restored to its former glory and houses the Sarawak Art & Craft Heritage Centre, which not only exhibits the unique handicrafts and art of Sarawak’s natives, but also an extensive workshop where live demonstration of making traditional fabrics such as kain songket and pua kumbu are held.

Visitors are treated to a fascinating array of Sarawak natives’ handicrafts, art and fabric ranging from beadworks, wooden carvings, rattan products to the exquisite pua kumbu, a fabric synonymous with the Iban’s culture and tradition.

Set in a neatly manicured garden beside the busy Tabuan Road, this mansion evokes a colonial nostalgia the moment one steps into its compound.

The understated elegance of this building is evident upon stepping on to this front porch.  If  only Somerset Maugham were to sit here, a gush of inspiration for more stories would definitely gush forth!

Touch and feel. A wide selection of beautifully handmade items on display.  This is a shopaholic’s husband’s nightmare!

All the items are tastefully displayed for the visitors to experience and feel.  Very few visitors leave the centre empty handed!

The workshop is this centre’s specialty. This is a  pua kumbu loom with the unfinished pua. During demo time, a lady weaver would be patiently sitting and painstakingly working on the fabric, and visitors are allowed to approach and watch at close range. There are about four looms here, including one that makes the kain songket, a beautiful Malay fashion fabrics with a rich tradition and heritage.

There is even a collection of locally produced liquor, bottled and labelled like fine Australian wine! The tuak is the fermented rice wine of the local natives and is particularly enjoyed with much gusto on occasions like Gawai, the annual harvest festival and even on Christmas and New Year.

At the rear of the house, there is a canteen  built on a low wooden platform.  Shaded with bamboo screens,  it creates just the right ambiance for a mid morning cup of coffee for the visitors who want to linger for a while, or waiting for their mates who are still shopping.

The signage that says it all.  Practically all of Sarawak natives’ art and craft heritage are housed here. 

Quick facts

Location: Along Tabuan Raod, Kuching.

Open Daily: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

Live demo time: 8.30 am - 12.00 noon,  2.00 pm - 4.30 pm

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