Santubong Peninsula to be an Archaeological Park
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak is working in collaboration with the Sarawak Museum Department to create an archaeological park along the Peninsula of Santubong, a historically, culturally and spiritually significant place an hour’s drive from Kuching city.
Santubong is the location of five archaeological sites that hold insight into the history of early life in Sarawak, with evidence of civilization being uncovered dating back to the 7th century and possibly to the arrival of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam to the island through trade.
The area holds a special significance in global history, as Alfred Russel Wallace carried out some of his most critical research, which led to the creation of ‘Sarawak Law’, which talks about the origin of species and is later included in the theory of evolution together with Darwin.
The location itself holds great spiritual significance to the local tribes, particularly the Iban, as their legends and myths revolve around Mount Santubong such as the story of Princess Santubong, the Cursed Crocodile Stone as well as the Batu Bergambar.
The Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has opinioned that the Peninsula needs to be preserved for its historical significance, and has proposed the creation of an information centre in the Santubong area, where information as well as groundbreaking updates on the five sites can be displayed.
“We want to improve the facilities in this area with friendly infrastructure which everyone can easily access,” he said, mentioning improved roads for ease of accessibility, so that the archaeological park may become a cultural and tourism attraction in addition to a scientific boon to Sarawak.
The project has been slowly taking shape and all new facilities estimated to be finished by 2019.
